Konkani Manyata Divas Marked With Pride at Mogarnad

Konkani Manyata Divas was celebrated with cultural fervour at Mother of God Church, Mogarnad, in collaboration with the Christopher Association, ahead of the day marking Konkani's inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

The programme opened with a prayer service, the hoisting of the Konkani flag, and a rendition of the Konkani anthem. Tributes were paid to the late Eric Ozario and Henry D'Souza for their contributions to Konkani music and culture, with the audience joining in the popular song *Ye Ye Kathrina*.

In his presidential address, Fr Anil Canute D'Mello stressed that Konkani "must be spoken at home in daily conversation," warning that a language survives not just in books but in kitchens and prayers. He urged parents to teach children Konkani prayers, songs, and reading habits.

The event also featured felicitations, traditional *voviyo* singing, poetry readings by writer Salomi Mogarnad, and a screening of the Konkani film *Fondacho Mister*, concluding with a renewed pledge to pass on the language to future generations.