Margao, Jul 19: Appreciating efforts of Mandd Sobhann, which is organizing the first World Konkani Cultural Convention, Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat said that state government will fully support this event to make it big success, which is very important to take Konkani to greater heights.

He was speaking on the occasion of “Vovllik” (curtain raiser) programme held at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao here on Sunday July 18. The convention will help in future as it will send the message of Konkani worldwide. It is also government’s responsibility to spread the awareness of Konkani, he added and appreciated the work of Kalaangann and Mandd Sobhann, Mangalore to promote Konkani language.

Member of parliament Francisco Sardinha, Fatorda, BJP MLA Damodar Naik and former minister Luizinho Faleiro were present as the guests of honor. Mandd Sobhann president Louie J Pinto and gurkar Eric Ozario were also present.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Damodar Naik said that we are entering the 50th year of Goa and it’s now time to analyze where the Konkani movement is reaching. Such a convention is really good to gather Konkani people living across the world, he added.

MP Francisco Sardinha said that to preserve Konkani culture, the awareness on language should be passed on to the new generation. He hoped that the convention will integrate all Konkani lovers together and also help create love about folk music among younger generation hooked to western music, he said and appealed all Goans and Konkani lovers to support this event and support Konkani by contributing through their art and various other means.

Former minister Luizinho Faleiro termed Mangalore city as “Temple of Konkani’. If there is any temple of Konkani language in the world then it is in Mangalore.   Mangaloreans are really doing a very good work to resurrect the Konkani culture and propel the language.

Mandd Sobhann gurkar Eric Ozario, in his welcome speech highlighted the importance of the convention and said Konkani is a rich language and it’s preservation should be of top priority.

Mother Teresa Brass Band from Honnavar welcomed the guests through their unique style of music. Kharvi Kala Mandd, Bhatkal presented the gumttam nach and tonnyam nach,  “Naach Sobhann” troupe performed various dances for Konkani songs. Eric Ozario enthralled the audience by singing the Konkani song “voda ponda”.

All the 28 individuals/groups from Goa who would be performing in the convention were honoured by extending Vovllik (invitation). Chief Minister Digamber Kamat also accepted the traditional Vovllik of Mand Sobhann on behalf of Goans.

Noted Tiatrist Tomazinho Cardozo proposed the vote of thanks. Former Miss Daijiworld Melita Pinto from Mangalore and Navanath Khandeparkar from Goa compered the programme.