Tag: Cultural Heritage

National

CM Sawant Meets Newly Appointed Konkani Interpreters for the Lok Sabha

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark development for the Konkani language, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has appointed three Konkani Consultant Interpreters, enabling complete live interpretation of parliamentary proceedings in Konkani for the first time in history. This significant step was championed by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, whose steadfast commitment to the promotion and preservation of Konkani has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.

Under Dr. Sawant’s visionary leadership, arrangements were made to ensure that the Konkani-speaking community, both within Goa and across the globe, could access the workings of the nation’s highest legislative body in their mother tongue. The interpreters—Evita D’Souza, Gauri Mavlinkar, and Samiksha Velip—have undergone rigorous training under the guidance of renowned expert Sharat Krishna Raikar, ensuring that they are fully prepared to deliver accurate and nuanced interpretations.

From Monday, 18 August 2025, the entire Lok Sabha proceedings will be broadcast live with complete Konkani interpretation. This historic broadcast marks a proud milestone not only for Goa but also for India’s rich tapestry of linguistic diversity, highlighting the increasing recognition of regional languages in national discourse.

The initiative reflects Dr. Pramod Sawant’s broader agenda to uplift Konkani culture, language, and identity on both national and international stages, setting a precedent for further inclusion of India’s many linguistic communities in parliamentary affairs.

This milestone is celebrated widely as a cultural victory, signifying a renewed respect and platform for Konkani within India’s democratic framework.

Events in Goa

Celebrate the Spirit of Goa at Malar Bonderam on 16th August 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

St. Mathias, Malar – The much-loved Malar Bonderam festival, hosted by the St. Mathias Sports Club, returns with a vibrant and inclusive celebration of Goan culture on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Founded in 1967, the St. Mathias Sports Club has consistently been at the heart of community life in Malar, and this year’s Bonderam is set to bring generations together in a day-long celebration of identity, unity, and tradition.

At a recent press conference in Panjim, Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas opened the event by introducing key figures behind the scenes. Former Club President Ivo Azavedo gave insights into the origins of Bonderam and its evolving cultural significance. Remy De Almeida, Vice President, emphasized engaging the youth, while Sports Secretary and former footballer Remes Gomes outlined robust safety measures.

Award-winning actress Anisha Menezes, representing the youth wing, shared that rehearsals began two months ago, and the younger generation is buzzing with excitement. Veteran journalist Prakash Kamat praised festakar Marius Fernandes for leading with inclusivity, and confirmed the venue would be fully accessible.

The event will be hosted by beloved compere RJ Joed Almeida, who highlighted the importance of celebrating heritage from fresh perspectives and passing it forward to younger generations.

Event Highlights Include:

  • 🕯️ Lighting of the Lamp at 11:00 AM
  • 🌿 Backyard Gardening session by Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar
  • 🎵 Konkani Kantaram and workshops with Dr. Glenis Mendonca
  • 🍛 Authentic Goan food stalls
  • 💃 Cultural dance performances
  • 🎸 Youth band showcase
  • 🎁 …and surprise activities throughout the day!

Free Entry | All Are Welcome

This year’s Malar Bonderam focuses on inclusivity, accessibility, and participation — calling on everyone from students to seniors, locals to visitors, to immerse themselves in Goan hospitality and togetherness.

🗓️ Date: 16th August 2025
📍 Location: St. Mathias, Malar
⏰ Time: 11 AM – 10 PM
🎟️ Entry: FREE

Come for the music, stay for the memories. Let’s celebrate a Goa that’s rich in history, rooted in community, and open to all.

Books & Literature

Publications Division Launches Chhota Bheem Comic Series to Promote Indian Storytelling

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark initiative to promote Indian narratives and boost content creation, the Publications Division under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting today launched a brand-new Chhota Bheem comic series. The unveiling took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of key stakeholders from the media and animation industries.

The comic series has been developed in collaboration with Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd., creators of the iconic Indian animated series, Chhota Bheem. The launch marks a significant step in India’s cultural content strategy and aligns with the government’s vision to promote indigenous storytelling traditions in children’s literature.

Speaking at the event, Principal Director General, Bhupendra Kainthola, said:

“The stories we tell, especially to our children, should have an Indian connection. In a land like ours where our grandparents told bedside stories with Indian characters, Publications Division cannot but look at those storytelling traditions. The more we talk about them in the mother tongue, the more rooted would be the growth story of our new generation. As Indian stories leave a message of values and courage, they ought to reach all corners.”

Chhota Bheem, the protagonist of the series, is a symbol of strength, integrity, and kindness. Set in the fictional kingdom of Dholakpur, the comics follow Bheem and his friends as they navigate exciting adventures filled with life lessons inspired by Indian folklore and values.

Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation, emphasized the government’s role in nurturing India’s animation and creative sectors:

“The Government of India has been actively promoting Indian content creation in animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics through initiatives such as WAVES 2025. With this continued support, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in these sectors.”

The comic series also aligns with the outcomes of the recent WAVES Summit held in Mumbai, where thought leaders highlighted the need for culturally resonant content to strengthen India’s creative economy. As the country rises as a key player in AVGC-XR sectors, such efforts represent the government’s commitment to not only preserving but evolving Indian storytelling for the digital age.

With its universal themes of friendship, teamwork, courage, and moral values, the Chhota Bheem comic series is designed to inspire children while reinforcing a sense of cultural identity. It aims to engage readers across India through relatable characters and storylines rooted in Indian tradition.

This initiative is a celebration of homegrown content, encouraging young readers to discover Indian heroes and values through an entertaining and educational medium.

International

North America’s Tallest Lord Ram Idol Unveiled in Mississauga, Canada

Tanisha Cardozo

A towering 51-foot idol of Lord Ram, the tallest in North America, was unveiled on Sunday at the Hindu Heritage Center (HHC) in Mississauga, marking a historic spiritual and cultural milestone for the Indian diaspora in Canada.

The idol, which was fabricated in Delhi and assembled by artisans in Canada, now stands as a beacon of devotion and heritage in the Greater Toronto Area. Positioned on a 7-foot pedestal, and with plans for a future chattri (umbrella) addition, the fiberglass statue is designed to endure over 100 years and withstand wind speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Inspired by Ayodhya and Community Spirit

Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri, the temple’s founder and head priest, shared that the concept had been in development for nearly three years, inspired by the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration in January 2024.

“This is a reflection of our devotion, identity, and cultural heritage. Lord Ram’s blessings are now visibly present here in Canada,” he said.

Ceremony with Dignitaries and Devotees

The unveiling featured a religious procession, rituals, and participation from federal and provincial Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Mississauga’s Mayor. Thousands of devotees and community members attended the historic event.

Kushagr Sharma, the event’s principal organizer, confirmed that all city permissions were secured and that the event was conducted with full cooperation from law enforcement, considering recent trends of anti-immigrant sentiment.

Symbolism Meets Visibility

One of the most striking features is the idol’s visibility from the sky. With Toronto Pearson International Airport nearby, the statue is now among the first sights for passengers flying into the city — a symbol of the growing presence and pride of the Indian community in Canada.

Security Measures Amid Cultural Tensions

In light of previous incidents — such as backlash over a 55-foot Hanuman idol in Brampton in 2024 — this event was conducted under heightened security to ensure a safe and inclusive atmosphere. Organizers emphasized that the event was about unity, pride, and peace.

The unveiling of the tallest Lord Ram idol in North America is a landmark event — not just for the temple, but for the entire South Asian diaspora across the continent. It stands as a reminder of resilience, culture, and the enduring faith that transcends borders.

National

Keeladi Unearthed: The Ancient Tamil Urban Settlement Reshaping India’s Civilisational Narrative

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Hidden beneath the tranquil coconut groves of Keeladi village in Tamil Nadu lies a discovery that could rewrite Indian history. A series of archaeological excavations have unearthed artefacts and structures dating back to 580 BCE, revealing a sophisticated, literate, and urbanized civilization in South India—one that challenges long-standing assumptions about the origins and spread of ancient Indian culture.

Led by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, these digs have recovered more than 15,000 artefacts, including burial urns, coins, beads, terracotta pipes, and intricate brick constructions—all from just four acres of the 100-acre site. Central to the findings is the early use of Tamil Brahmi script, which some experts now argue predates the Ashokan Brahmi, previously believed to be the subcontinent’s earliest form of written communication.

Ajay Kumar, who heads the excavation team, describes Keeladi as a “literate, urban society” with evidence of planned habitation, industrial activity, and water systems. “This changes everything we thought we knew about urbanisation in southern India,” he asserts.

Yet Keeladi’s importance extends beyond archaeology. It has become a cultural and political flashpoint in the ongoing discourse around India’s historical identity. Traditionally, the Indus Valley and later Vedic civilizations—both rooted in northern and central India—have dominated the narrative. Keeladi upends this by suggesting a parallel trajectory of civilization in the south.

The implications are vast. Some believe Keeladi could be linked to the Indus Valley through shared graffiti symbols, hinting at a broader, interconnected civilizational past. Others, like Professor Ajit Kumar from Nalanda University, remain skeptical, arguing that such migration and cultural transfer were unlikely due to ancient travel limitations.

The political undertones intensified in 2017 when ASI archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishnan, who initiated the Keeladi digs, was suddenly transferred. The Tamil Nadu government accused the federal administration of undermining Tamil heritage. Subsequent delays in publishing his excavation report further fueled suspicions of cultural suppression.

Today, Keeladi stands at the crossroads of science, identity, and politics. It represents both a rediscovery of a proud Tamil past and a challenge to long-standing narratives dominated by the north. The open-air museum under construction will soon let visitors walk through trenches that could redefine Indian history.

As journalist and author Sowmiya Ashok puts it, “Keeladi reminds us that our past is not one-dimensional. It’s layered, shared, and more connected than we’ve been led to believe.”