Mangalore: Former chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda inaugurated Aami Konkani, a four day Konkani cultural festival at Town Hall in Mangalore eon November 22, Thursday. A colourful procession  was held prior to the inaugural function.

Speaking on the occasion, the former chief minister  emphasized the need to protect language and culture and added it is these two aspects which play a pivotal role in uniting the society.

He said the state government was extending all possible assistance for the development of Konkani language.

Abhayachandra Jain, MLA, Capt Ganesh Karnik, MLC were the chief guests. Mangalore Bishop Fr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, blessed the occasion. MLA and Deputy Speaker Yogish Bhat presided over the function.

Basti Vaman Shenoy, Vishwa Konkani Sardar, Narayan Kharvi, Monappa Bhandari, MLC, B Devadas Rai, Regisrar of Konkani Academy, Kasargod Chinna, President of the Academy, Rahim Uchil, President of Beary Sahitya Academy,  Tulu Sahitya Academy president Umanath Kotian, Maand Sobhann president Stanly Alvares,  and others were present on the occasion.

As part of Aami Konkani, a Konkani food festival Kaann Jevann is being currently held at Town Hall on November 23, Friday. The festival will feature over 200 Konkani dishes.

On November 24 there will be a multi-lingual poets meet.