Mangalore : State Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader inaugurated the valedictory ceremony of 22nd “Konkani recognition day ” by beating traditional drum `Gumatt’ , organized by Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy at Town Hall on August 20 Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Khader urged the people to learn regional languages to develop brotherhood in the society. Konkani is the only language spoken by the people of three religions and 41 diverse communities.

Although Konkani language has rich culture, it is not given importance in school curriculum, compared to core subjects further changes must be in it, he added.

MLA J R Lobo, MLC Ivan D’souza. Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario, Vishwa Konkani Kendra President Basti Vaman Shenoy, and Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Registrar Devdas Pai and others were present.

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino, welcomed the guests and gathering and briefed on the significance of the day.

Speaking on the occasion he said that it is the matter of pride to know that Konkani is the only language spoken as the mother tongue by Hindus, Muslims, Dalits and Christians. Apart from it 41 different cultural groups use Konkani and write it in at least 5 scripts.
Roy also said that Konkani is one among 22 languages which have found a place in the 8th schedule of the constitution giving a status of official languages of the country.

Mayor Mahabala Maarla inaugurated the event by hoisting the Konkani flag. Speaking on the occasion, he said that it is a wonderful moment to witness 41 Konkani speaking communities under one roof. The language which has such a history must be preserved to the future generations.

Walter D’Mello, deputy director of public education department, said that one must not only celebrate the day with dance, songs or other events, but must respect it as mother tongue and use it in our daily life.

Around 23 teams participated in the event.