Seminar on Konkani Associations and Clubs in Mumbai
MUMBAI: A Konkani Seminar on 'how to bring together all Konkani speaking people of Mumbai, The Konkani Associations of Mumbai and their activities and how to protect the Goan clubs and put them to good use' was held on 1st of November 2009 at the meeting Room of St Sebastian Goan High school, Dabul, Mumbai at 4.00 pm under the aegis of GRAF (Goan Review Art Foundation) a cultural body of The Goan Review. This was followed by a condolence meeting to pay tributes to H. Britton. In his introductory talk Fausto V. da Costa, president of GRAF, recollected the seminars held in the recent past of the activities carried out to save the Goan (others as well) Clubs in Mumbai. He said he has now invited the renowned Management Consultant and Banker Mr John D'Silva to share his ideas on how to put the clubs into effective use.
Speaking of the Konkani Associations in Mumbai he said that there are many Konkani associations in Mumbai but very little is being done to promote Konkani language and Konkani Culture. He pointed out that the functioning of these associations is far from satisfactory. He said it is high time we forget the differences and come together as a Federation of associations before we lose our identity. In conclusion he stated that we should not forget that Konkani as a language will not die because if not the Goans someone else will keep it alive but Goans will go into oblivion.
Felix Dias, President of the Federation of Clubs apprised those present of the status of the clubs. In spite of all efforts not many clubs besides those which had already registered have come forward. About 20 clubs applications are under processing. He emphasized the need of registering the clubs as soon as possible and all help to implement this will be provided. He also mentioned that the initial fee is about Rs 3000/- for registration however in case any club cannot afford it he can provide a sponsor. He further stated that the Federation will assist the members in all respect including assistance against harassment from landlords, BMC, Police and MADHA. The Federation will also guide members when their building come up for redevelopment by MADHA or the landlord or developer. Dias highlighted the fact that it is important to be a member of the federation because the federation can always take up the case of the clubs whenever called for.
Mr. John D'Silva briefly spoke on the origin of the Clubs. At that time the concept of the clubs was relevant and important. But now it has lost its importance as far as the effective use of the clubs is concerned. He pointed out the fact that the total property value of the clubs will run into crores of rupees. Most of the clubs now are lying vacant with just a handful members staying . He suggested that members from different clubs should stay in one such club and make effective use of the club and the vacant clubs can be put into alternate use. Thus the money generated can be used for providing medical and educational help to the poor and deserving persons.
Lawrence D'Souza, Kamani spoke on how to get all Konkani speaking people under one umbrella. He said in Mumbai itself there are 12 lakh Konkani speaking people including Hindus Muslims and Christians. As of now Konkani is written in 5 scripts and there are a number of Konkani associations. In our parishes itself there are 4 or 5 associations and sometimes the same people are members and office-bearers of a couple of them. How can one do justice to the association under such circumstances? He wondered.
He pointed out the fact that the Shettys and Pujaris have their own Bhavans with all the facilites under one roof. This helps the association in a very big way effectively. We Konknis should also have one Bhavan whereby we could strengthen our solidarity and therby Konkani language and the Konkani culture.
Way back in 1942 some visionaries like Prof. Armand Menezes, Rev. (Dr.) H.O. Mascarenhas, Xennoy Goembab, Dr Menino D'Souza and others formed the Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Mumbai and today it is trying to get all Konkani associations together. It has members of all creeds and has now thrown open its membership to all association for a nominal fee of Rs 260/- for life and also to individuals. In case someone finds it difficult to pay , it will be sponsored. KBMM is now moving the Maharastra govt. to help it to set up a Konkani Bhavan of it own in Mumbai so that Konkani language and culture can be promoted in a big way. A delegation of the senior members have met the CM and the Home minister who have assured them of help.
Afflicto Luis speaking on the work being done by the Konkani Association in Mumbai, said he has become the vice president of the Goan Institute, Mumbai with the aim of promoting Konkani language and culture as one of his objectives. He added that in the present environment he finds it difficult to do this because most members pay little attention to Konkani.
The Seminar concluded by paying rich tributes to the renowned singer of the Konkani stage H Britton who passed away recently in Goa. At the start of the condolence meeting Fausto da Costa remembered the other prominent Goans who have passed away in the recent past - Prof. Olivinho Gomes, Noel Lima Leitao, Narayan Fugro and the budding tiatrist Comedian Edisson Fernandes, besides H. Britton and observed a one minutes silence as a sign of respect to the departed. Tiatrist Michael Martins and John Gomes Kokoy paid rich tributes to H. Britton in their eulogy. Gomes said that we do not give the due praise to a person when he is alive but do so after he is dead.. He said H Britton was a great composer and a singer. He nostalgically remembered his first song 'Nariyal Pani' and his other songs with a double meaning. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Gable D'Souza.