Mumbai: A mega get-together “Konkani Ekvott 2017” by the union of all Konkani Associations in Mumbai along with Ashawadi Prakashan was organised on Sunday the February 26 at 6 pm at Atma Darshan, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East here.

Rev Fr. Melwin D’Cunha, parish priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Mira Road presided over the function Well known businessman from Konkani Community V P Lobo was the chief guest of the event where five new Konkani books-Bondh (Collection of short stories by Valley Quadras), Apovitr Sombandh (Collection of short stories by Walter Lasrado), Sorgavoili Mai (Collection of short stories by Ronald Olivera), Bazaar (Collection of poetry by Valley Quadras), Mugdonaatlim Githam (Collection of poetry analysis by Valley Quadras) published by Ashawadi Prakashan were released in this event. Also the special issue of “Poinnari.com” was released by Fr. Melwin D’Cunha.

Welcome song was composed and sung by John Mascarenhas and his team from Konkan Taram (Jerimeri). Well-known actor Francis Olivera Padukonne was the master of ceremony. He welcomed the guests to the stage who were escorted by Richard D’Souza (Chief Convenor of Konkani Ekvott 2017) and Glenda Almeida (Convenor of Konkani Ekvott 2017). Rev Fr. Joaquim Fernandes inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and in his speech, he congratulated all the participants for witnessing such a memorable Konkani Event in Mumbai.

Richard D’Souza in his welcome speech highlighted the need to work collectively for the upliftment of Konkani in Mumbai. He also said, its the first step towards the mission would be a literary step. The next step would be a cultural step and more associations are likely to join the mission, he informed.

Hillary DSilva, the co-editor of Poinnari.com gave a detailed introduction of the work of Ashawadi Prakashan in the last 15 years. Anant Ammembal, a well known Marathi/Hindi stage and music personality gave a brief introduction of the five books and Cyril Castelino introduced the authors. Charles D’Mello Pangala, Andrew Mendonca, Janet D’Souza, Philomena Sanfransisco and Geo D’Silva Agrar released the five books respectively. Post releasing of the books, Philomena spoke on the poems of Valley Quadras, highlighting his sensitivity in the poems and his thinking on today’s commercial/business mindset in every field of our day to day living.

Geo D’Silva Agrar highlighted the continuous efforts of Valley Quadras in progressing from stage to stage through his literature and study on literature. He also said the poetry study book would not only benefit literary lovers but also poets to broaden their views on specific topics.

Post releasing of Poinnari.com special issue, Editor Valley Quadras thanked all the writers, supporters, sponsors for making the dream come true and assured that the better work would follow soon, that would help Konkani Literary world and society. He also highlighted the need to do social service through literature, offering 50 percent of the book sale amount to Ronald Pereira, an ailing writer who is in desperate need of money for his medical expenses.

Konkan Taram team presented lovely songs and dance to conclude the first part of the event.

In the second part, Valley Quadras remembered Konkani writers who passed away recently; Late Victor Consessao and Late Gibba Kulshekar and requested all to observe a minute’s silence. He highlighted the need to honour those who had remarkably contributed to Konkani in various fields and called upon three veterans for “Lifetime Achievement”-Harryboy, Henry D’Souza and Lawrence Saldanha. Manpotr, mementos and a set of all the were books were presented to each of them. On behalf of Harryboy, Boniface (President of Barkur Association) received the honour. This was followed by a felicitation of eight achievers in various fields- Walter Lasrado (Translation), V D’Silva (Literature), Francis Fernandes (Drama), Henry D’Paula (Journalism), Lawrence Coelho (Journalism), Harry Fernandes Barkur (Film direction), Joy Paladka (Drama Direction), Francis Olivera Padukonne (Stage/Theatre) by the presidents of the respective associations in Mumbai-Felix Malwani (Malwani), Christopher D’Souza (Thane), Joseph (Borivali), John Mascarenhas (Konkan Taram Jerimeri), Valerian Pais (Konkani Association Kandivali), Cyril Castelino (Orlem, Malad), Reginald Santhumayer Miyar (Vasai), Ivon Rebello (Naigaon) who presented Manpotr, mementos and a set of all the six books.

Later Richard D’Souza and Glenda Almeida felicitated the association presidents/representatives with mementos and a set of six books. Fr. Melwin D’Cunha honoured Richard D’Souza and Glenda Almeida with mementos and a set of six books.

After the felicitation, Henry D’Souza thanked everybody and said he had never experienced such a unique concept in Konkani, where a union of all associations came together and worked for Konkani. He highlighted the difficulties of conducting such a unique programme in Mumbai and appreciated Ashawadi Prakashan for taking such an exceptional step to promote Konkani spirit in Mumbai. President/Representatives of all associations present at the programme were given a copy of Poinnari.com special issue.

In chief guest’s speech, V P Lobo said that inorder to promote any language, a magazine has to be strong enough to sustain. He highlighted the need for the community to realise the same and step forward to help those who were doing the noble work for the promotion of Konkani. President of the programme, Rev Fr. Melvin D’Cunha lauded everyone who worked for the event and also suggested that everyone continued serving their mother tongue in every possible manner.

Glenda Almeida proposed a vote of thanks.