Bengaluru: Konkani language service should be done by going where Konkani people are and celebrating their literature, culture, and service, said Raymond D’Cunha Taccode, Secretary of the Konkani Bhasha Mandal Karnataka (KBMK)(R.).

He was speaking at the inauguration of "Konkani Manyatha Sambhram 2025", held on Sunday at Sri Ram Samiksha Club House, Jalahalli, Bengaluru, organized by KBMK in collaboration with Our Lady of Fatima Church, Jalahalli Konkani Kutam.

He emphasized the need for literature, especially in the age of AI. "Even AI needs literature. The intelligence wealth created by authors and writers can only be reproduced by AI. Therefore, all of us must continue writing literature and non-literary works without fear or hesitation."

Prof. Urban D’Souza, the chief guest, honored senior women writers who have worked for Konkani language, culture, and literature Lilly Miranda and Apoline D’Souza and said: "Honors should come searching for writing; writing shouldn't be done to chase honors. Writing for the sake of awards makes us mere court poets," he criticized.

Valerian Pinto, who presided over the function, accepted the honor given to him and spoke about his efforts to preserve the Konkani language in the Jalahalli-Bengaluru region.

Anthony Gonsalves, the newly elected president of FKCA (Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations), was also present on stage.

The event began with a welcome address by Carol Aranha. KBMK member Janet Vas delivered the vote of thanks.

Joel Aranha and Precilla Pinto compered the event. Ida Eliza Menezes introduced the honorees.

The cultural program, celebrated individually and in groups, showcased a variety of performances in Konkani songs, dances, poetry, and proverbs. The performers included:

Dance by Jacqueline Lobo’s group, Poetry reading by Jyothi D’Souza, Proverbs by Apoline D’Souza, Dance by Melita and Melisha, Songs by Ethan, Sunita D’Souza, Lavina Fernandes, and Vipin D’Souza, Storytelling by Mithun Cornelio, Poetry by Anita Pinto, Janet Priscilla Vas, Jon Adyar, Ubba Moodbidri, and Raymond D’Cunha Taccode, Riddles by Anu, Short verses by Vincent D’Souza, Songs by Dainet Cardoza, Ivy D’Souza, and Sharon Rego, Group dance by women, Special dance and songs by children.

The cultural events delighted the audience. Rolfie Pinto, Naveen Fernandes, Jacintha D’Souza, Meera D’Souza, Joan D’Souza, Ann D’Souza, Anson D’Souza, and other Konkani-speaking members of the church provided their support and cooperation.