Mangaluru: The Konkani Sangha on the occasion of celebrating its 20 years organised a National Level Cultural Fest, ‘Sangath Suvalo’ at the Eric Mathias Hall on December 3. Rev Fr Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary Diocese and Chairman CBCI and CCDI Youth Commission inaugurated the program; Roy Castelino, the President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy was the Guest of Honour. Rev Fr Swebert D’Silva SJ, the Principal of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) presided over the inaugural function. The inaugural took place in a very traditional manner where the dignitaries were to sow palm leaves and flowers in a basket of rice.
Roy Castelino in his address urged the gathering to save Konkani Language and to remain undivided. Bishop Henry D’Souza in his address said that we need to be proud of Konkani culture its language and history. He exclaimed that the youth should prepare themselves today to be the leaders of tomorrow. Rev Fr. Swebert D’Silva facilitated Bishop Henry D’Souza during the inaugural.
With an aim to promote Konkani language and culture six cultural competitions were held, namely Dance, Singing, Quiz, Painting, Poetry Writing and Mad-Ad. As many as 17 Colleges under PU and Degree Category actively participated in this cultural fest. The overalls were bagged by Padua College of Commerce and Management and Fr. Agnel College of Commerce and Arts, were the runners up under the Degree category. In the PU Category, Padua College of Commerce and Management won the overalls, and St. Aloysius PU College won the Runners up.
The program concluded with the valedictory ceremony at 3:45 pm led by the chief guest Dr. Alwyn D’Sa, Vice Principal of Admin Block, St Aloysius College (Autonomous); and was presided over by Rev Fr Dionysius Vas SJ, Rector, St Aloysius College (Autonomous). Renita Menezes, Coordinator, Roshan Lobo also graced the occasion with their presence.
