Mangaluru: In a vibrant gathering at the World Konkani Centre in Shaktinagar, the 25th All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan kicked off on Saturday, November 4. The event, spanning two days, emphasized the crucial need to pass on the rich legacy of Konkani to the younger generation.
Addressing the audience, Hema Naik, who presided over the conference, highlighted the influence of corporate interests on governments today. She stressed the importance of the Konkani community stepping in to make a difference. Naik underscored the global nature of our society and the necessity for Konkani literature to find a place on the national and international stage. She advocated translating Konkani literature into other languages as a powerful way to showcase its linguistic richness. Naik also emphasized the unity within the Konkani community, dismissing past disputes over script and dialect. She called upon the younger generation to harness modern technology and innovative ideas to explore literature, preserving their linguistic heritage.
The event’s chief guest, renowned Hindi poet and critic Udayan Vajpeyi, spoke passionately about the challenges faced by writers today. He lamented the suppression of truth and the pressure writers face to conform to powerful interests. Vajpeyi praised the role of writers and artists as saviors of the oppressed and exploited, emphasizing that literature and art reflect the true essence of life, encompassing individual experiences, societal dynamics, and nature.
The Sammelan witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 600 delegates, writers, students, and Konkani speakers from various regions, including Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, and all corners of India. The event brought together a diverse group of individuals, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Prominent figures such as Micahael D’Souza, President of the reception committee, Nandagopal Shenoy, Vice President, Arun Ubhaikar, President of AIKP, Melvyn Rodrigues, Vice President of All India Konkani Parishad, and HM Pernal, Working President of the reception committee, were among the esteemed guests, contributing to the event’s success.
The Sammelan served as a testament to the vibrant spirit of Konkani culture, emphasizing the importance of unity, literary exploration, and embracing modern advancements to preserve and promote this rich heritage for generations to come.
