Tag: Indian languages

Events in Goa

“My Nation, My Garden”: A Bloom of Young Voices at Bal Kavi Sammelan 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a heartwarming celebration leading up to India’s 78th Independence Day, Konkani Shanti Publications (KSP) hosted the Bal Kavi Sammelan on August 13, 2025, at the prestigious Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, Goa. The event invited student poets from schools across the state to recite original works under the evocative theme “My Nation, My Garden.”

The program opened with a stirring address from KSP President Mr. Samiullah Belwadi, who passionately emphasized the beauty of India’s linguistic and cultural plurality. “Just as a garden thrives with a variety of flowers, our nation flourishes with a diversity of languages and traditions,” he said. His message of unity in diversity resonated throughout the evening.

Chief Guest N. Shivdas, a celebrated writer and social activist, encouraged young minds to find poetry through introspection and observation. “True poetry is not written—it is felt,” he shared, urging students to remain open to the world around them.

The competition drew an impressive range of multilingual entries, judged by a distinguished panel of literary figures including Chitra Kshirsagar, Ramesh Ghadi, Sheetal Salgaokar, Purnima Desai, and Sharmin Deshmukh. The judges praised the originality and heartfelt emotion conveyed by the young poets, and commended KSP for nurturing literary culture among children.

Notable winners included:

  • Aafiya Shaikh – Deepvihar Primary School
  • Saijat Anjul Fall Dessai – Tiny Tots Primary School
  • Adhvaiya Kunkolikar – Popular Prathamik Vidhyalay
  • Aisafa Begum Khan, Zaida Mehboob Shaikh, Ayesha Baig – Crescent School
  • Aabed Farhan Onti – Maarif Modest Education
  • Asad Shaikh – Loyola High School
  • Zainab Khanam Soudagar – Keshav Smruti Bal Vikas School

Adding musical cheer, students from Popular English High School, Goa Velha, presented a special patriotic song, stirring national pride among the audience.

Afrah Sayyed, who served as convenor, ensured the event ran smoothly, reflecting KSP’s ongoing commitment to cultural education and harmony.

In his closing note, Mr. Asif Hussain spoke about the power of young voices in shaping the nation’s future. “Their hope and clarity reflect the vision of our founding fathers,” he said. “They are our brightest bloom in the garden of India.”

From poignant verses to unfiltered dreams, Bal Kavi Sammelan 2025 was not just a competition—it was a celebration of language, unity, and a shared national spirit.

Books & Literature

Konkani Language Takes Centre Stage at Foundation Day of Akhil Bharatiya Konkani Parishad in Pune

allycaralgoa

Pune, July 13, 2025: The spirit of unity and linguistic pride echoed through Nigdi, Chinchwad, as the Akhil Bharatiya Konkani Parishad celebrated its Foundation Day with a grand cultural and intellectual gathering. The event brought together language lovers, cultural leaders, and students from various parts of India under one common banner: the celebration and promotion of the Konkani language.

Delivering a powerful keynote address, chief guest Dr. Purnanand Chari questioned the deeper societal divides that persist. “If brothers from rival political parties can unite over the cause of language, then when will we be free from the chains of caste, region, religion, and script?” he asked. Dr. Chari also reminded the audience that Konkani is a language forged in the crucible of struggle and must continue to be nurtured wherever Konkani speakers reside.

Chairing the event, Melvyn Rodrigues, convenor of the Konkani Board at the Sahitya Akademi, highlighted the importance of individual responsibility in linguistic preservation. “If each person does their duty toward their language, no force can prevent its progress,” he said.

The ceremony included a heartfelt tribute to Late Rocky Miranda, who was posthumously conferred the Madhav Manjunath Shanbhag Lifetime Achievement Award. Accepting the award in the Miranda family’s absence, H. M. Pernal received it from Rodrigues on their behalf.

Prominent personalities such as Vijayanand Gaitonde, Dr. Vaman Naik, Isidore Dantas, Alfi Monteiro, and Dr. Ashwini Kulkarni were honoured with Kunbi shawls and mementoes for their contributions to various fields within the Konkani cultural sphere.

The event included a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Unity of Konkani People in India”, featuring speakers Titus Noronha, Anant Agni, and Remson Vaz, moderated by Ganadhish Prabhudesai.

The program was beautifully interspersed with cultural performances. Konkani songs were rendered by Gayatri Patil, Laxman Naik, and Rishabh Sathe, with musical support from Manohar Tamankar. The event was anchored by Govind Mopkar, Saisha Desai, and Anish Agni, while Sneha Sabnis, secretary of the Parishad, delivered the vote of thanks.

Co-organiser and Director of City Pride School, Dr. Deepali Sawai, expressed deep gratitude for hosting the event and reaffirmed her school’s support for future Konkani-related programs.

The Foundation Day served not only as a moment of celebration but also as a call to action — to preserve and elevate the Konkani language and community across states and generations.

Books & Literature

All India Konkani Parishad to Mark Foundation Day in Pune with Tribute to Late Rocky Miranda

allycaralgoa

Pune, July 13, 2025 – The All India Konkani Parishad will celebrate its Foundation Day with a vibrant cultural gathering in Pune, Maharashtra, spotlighting the enduring spirit of the Konkani community across India. Organized in association with City Pride School, Nigdi, Chinchwad, and supported by the Directorate of Official Language, Government of Goa, the event promises a mix of honours, dialogue, and musical celebration.

This year, the prestigious Madhav Manjunath Shanbhag Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented posthumously to Late Rocky Miranda, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Konkani language and cultural identity. His family will receive the award at the inaugural ceremony.

Goa Konkani Akademi President Dr. Purnanand Chari will grace the event as the chief guest, while Melvyn Rodrigues, Sahitya Akademi’s Konkani Advisory Board Convenor, will preside over the function.

Several other dignitaries will also be felicitated for their work in advancing Konkani language and culture, especially in Maharashtra. The honorees include:

  • Lexicographer Isidor Dantas
  • Researcher Vaman Naik
  • Educationist Dr. Ashwini Kulkarni
  • Writer Vijayanand Gaitonde
  • Konkani activist Alfi Monteiro

A special session titled “Unity Among Indian Konkani Communities” will bring together voices from Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra to reflect on shared identity and cooperation. The event will culminate in a Konkani musical programme, celebrating the region’s rich musical heritage.

According to Sneha Sabnis, Secretary of the Parishad, the event expects around 300 delegates and aims to deepen cultural bonds and linguistic pride among Konkani speakers nationwide.