Udupi, February 16, 2025 – While embracing other languages, it is equally important to cherish and nurture one’s mother tongue, Konkani, by incorporating it into daily conversations at home. This conscious effort will contribute significantly to the language’s growth and preservation, said Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo.
He was addressing the gathering as the president of the 11th-anniversary celebration of Uzvaad, the diocesan fortnightly magazine, at Anugraha Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje, Ambagilu, on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
"While we ensure that our children receive quality education and become proficient in multiple languages, we must also make a deliberate effort to use Konkani at home. Along with supporting newspapers in various languages, it is crucial to promote the mission of the Holy Church through publications in our mother tongue. When every Konkani speaker takes responsibility for this, the language’s survival and growth will be assured," he emphasized.
Renowned writer Valerian Quadros Ajekar, the chief guest, highlighted the Konkani community’s unwavering support for its writers, especially in times of hardship. He stressed that this tradition must continue, enabling Konkani writers to contribute to literature with unity and dedication.
On this occasion, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo released two books published by Deepa Trust—Jerikocho Pagor by Uzvaad editor Fr. Alwyn Sequeira and Thalo by young writer Ansita D’Souza.
The event also recognized the winners of the literary and quiz competitions organized by Uzvaad.
Dignitaries on the dais included Udupi Diocese’s Public Relations Officer Fr. Denis D’Sa and Praveen Tauro, Mangaluru coordinator of the Daiji Dubai Association.
The programme began with a welcome address by Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of the Diocese and head of Deepa Trust. Fr. Alwyn Sequeira, editor of Uzvaad, delivered the vote of thanks, while Dr. Vincent Alva compered the event.
Following the formal ceremony, members of the Theatre Studies Centre from St. Aloysius Deemed University, Mangaluru, staged the Konkani play Hang On, adding a cultural dimension to the celebration.