Mangaluru : Mandd Sobhann, the Mangaluru-based Konkani cultural organisation, has proposed to set up a Konkani museum at Shakthi Nagar here at an estimated cost of Rs. 30 crore.

The State government in its 2016-17 Budget announced setting up of an “International Museum of Konkani Culture” at Mangaluru and set aside Rs. 2.5 crore for it.

Addressing media here on Monday, Eric Ozario, Gurkar (chief), Mandd Sobhann, said that the organisation would take the lead in setting up the museum in an acre of land abutting Kalaangann at Shakthi Nagar.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would lay the foundation stone for it on April 21 at 3 p.m.

It would showcase the unique, rare, rich and diverse Konkani culture representing every religion, region caste and creed, he said.

Mr. Ozario said that it has been proposed to set up galleries in the museum showcasing lifestyle, festivals, folk dances and songs of different Konkani-speaking communities such as the Siddis, the Kudmis, the Kharvis and the Navayats. There are 41 Konkani-speaking communities in the State and an equal number in Goa. Konkani-speaking people are also spread in Kerala.

The galleries would showcase the communities through painting, audio-video kiosks and the like. There would be a videoroom where documentaries on different Konkani communities would be screened every day.

He said that the fund for the project would be drawn from different sources. Goa, Kerala and Union governments would be approached for funds.

Mr. Ozario claimed that once ready, it would be the largest Konkani museum in the world.