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Konkani Association, SMS College Brahmmavar, organized the release of its biannual news magazine ‘Laran ani Taran’, on 18th September, 2018 in the College auditorium.

The programme was commenced with prayer song followed with welcome from Miss. Sucharita Pai, the Secretary of the forum.
In his formal introductory speech, Convener of the forum Lecturer Mr. Alfred Furtado, Dept. of English, briefed the activities conducted during the last six months and informed that this year the Association has enrolled 93 Konkani speaking students as members. ‘Unity in diversity’ is the unique feature of Indian society and in a place like Brahmmavar, there are people knowing, using, dealing and conversing in more than one language, since Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, English and Hindi are extensively used in the region…..

Miss. Roshni Crasta presented brief and crispy introduction of the resource person, a well-known thinker and speaker Mr. Archibald Furtado and Chief Guest of the function retired Principal Dr. Y. Ravindranath Rao, renowned sociologist who has done extensive research work and studied Konkani to equip himself to reach out to this community.

In his key note address, Mr. Archibald Furtado, a columnist, known MC and writer in English and Konkani, who recently edited and published an exhaustive book on common man’s catholic priest Fr. Alfred Roche, Barkur, shared his rich experiences with the students. ‘All communicative devices are only a means to an end not an end itself, as Google, mobile, internet etc. can provide only information, not knowledge…..Learn from people around you, love nature and be practical….Todays small families are in a way a cause for concern, parents are scared, at times teachers are hesitating for obvious reasons, to correct youngsters……hence, it’s the duty of matured college students to live up to the expectations of family and society and mould themselves as responsible citizens of tomorrow. It’s not only what is taught over here but what is experienced during these years, will be remembered for life time….’.He gave live examples from his life and how at this age, youth get attracted towards parallel artificial world….instead as the youth have lot of energy, channelize them in different constructive forums provided in the College. ‘SMS Konkani Association’ just one such platform…..involve and engage yourselves to learn from each other……..’

Chief Guest of the function Dr. Y. Ravindranath Rao, retired Principal, formally released the Forums newsletter, ‘Laran ani Taran’, and congratulated the budding writers and shared various tips how a small beginning can lead to a rewarding career….Today almost 25 lakhs speak Konkani, in different regions, is not confined to a religion, familiar in coastal Karnataka, Kerala and  it is official language in the State of Goa and recognized and enlisted in the 8th Schedule….He expressed his satisfaction, though it was during his term as Principal this Association was started, in 2015, year after year its making praiseworthy progress…..He added, that, ‘Language and culture go hand in hand and complimentary to each other………..’

Principal Prof. Sreepada was eloquent and appreciated the activities of the association, participation of students and untiring efforts of both conveners viz. Mr. Alfred Furtado and Mrs. Twiny Rodrigues in his brief Presidential address. Literary contributions from the students in the Book need to be increased both in quality and quantity and best in them will deservedly find place in the College magazines, Konkani periodicals, websites etc. he assured. Meanwhile he thanked and presented mementos to the Chief Guest and Resource person of the day.
Mr. Giridhar Pai proposed vote of thanks and light refreshments were served to all participants.

Miss. Edna Lewis & Miss. Roshni Crasta jointly compered the whole programme to its perfection was well attended, not only by Konkani speaking members but also others in large numbers with vice Principal, Prof. Robert Rodrigues, other faculty, HOD and staff fraternity.