'Vovllik' programme by Mandd Sobhann in Mumbai

The"Vovllik" (curtain raiser) programme to extend Invitation to various cultural troupes performing during the first ever World Konkani Cultural Convention, a 25 days' world-level Konkani Cultural Fest being organized in Mangalore as a 25-day festivity to mark the Silver Jubilee of the premier Konkani Cultural Institution, Mandd Sobhann, was held at Rang Sharda Auditorium, Bandra West, Mumbai at 11am on Sunday the 29^th August, 2010.

Shri Albert W. D'Souza, MD., Printania Offset Pvt Ltd., Chairman of Model Co-operative bank Ltd.,  and  Managing Trustee of Aldel Education Trust,  in his welcome speech highlighted the significance of the First World Konkani Cultural Convention and requested all those present stand behind Mandd Sobhann in making the convention a grand one.

Mandd Sobhann Gurkar enlightened the jam packed audience about the  World Konkani Cultural Convention being held at Kalangan from November 25 to December 19, 2010.  This event will comprise of programmes from over 60 groups/troupes from all over the world involving over 1,000 artistes with singing, music, folk, theatre and dance performances.

Ronald Colaco, Chairman, Reception Committee, gave a list of achievements of Mandd Sobhann and said that Mandd Sobhann has made all Konkani speaking people proud by putting the language on the world map by organizing 'Nirantari', a record breaking performance by singing 40-hour long non-stop mutli-singer music programme which resulted in Guinness Book record.

The "Vovllik" programme began with the traditional offering of 'paan-pod' (Betel leaves and areca nuts), rice, kunkum with turmeric and jasmine flowers with a bowl of water (chembu) on a plate to the Chief Guest Shri Ashok Chavan, who accepted the traditional "Vovllik" on behalf of the Konkani speaking people of Maharashtra, who in turn offered the same to the audience as an invitation to the Silver Jubilee programme.

Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and CWG Member Shri Oscar Fernandes was the Guest of honour present as the guests of honour. Smt Blossom Fernandes was present on the dais.  Shri

Shri Suresh H. Shetty, Minister Govt. of Maharashtra was overwhelmed by the response of the audience and assured his support to the Convention. He also urged the Chief Guest, the CM to consider favourably the long standing aspirations of the Konkani speaking people of having a Konkani Bhavan in Mumbai and a Konkani Academy.

Shri Allen C. A. Pereira thanked the organizers and assured of his support to the Mandd Sobhann.

Madam Grace Pinto, Managing Director Ryan International Group of Educational Institutes was also one of the Guests of honour , She urged the state administration to reserve at least two seats in the state legislature for the Konkani speaking community, as there is a sizeable number of people of Konkan origin in the state on this ccasion.

"Konkani is very much similar to Marathi and I can understand it but I cannot speak in Konkani" said the Chief Minister Ashok Chavan.  Responding to the suggestion made by Shri Suresh H Shetty he assured the audience of a Konkani Centre in Mumbai soon which was met with a thunderous applause from the audience.  He also said that under the able Leadership of Mrs Sonia Gandhi, every need of the minorities will be taken care of and he also promised to attend the First World Konkani Cultural Convention to be held in Mangalore.  Earlier he was felicitated with "Urmal' the traditional head gear of the Konkani people.

Mandd Sobhann president Louie J Pinto was present on the dais.

Shri Laurence D'Souza-Kamani, Gen. Secretary of Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra, proposed the vote of thanks.  Shri Arun Raj Rodrigues compered the programme.

The Goan troupe, 'Kepechim Kirnnam' of world fame mesmerized the audience by their melodious singing, Mando, Deknni and Meddley dances.