'KALAANGANN ABHIYAAN' FLAGGED OFF IN DUBAI

The 'KALAANGANN ABHIYAAN' by the Konkani Cultural group 'Mandd Sobhaann' was flagged off today, May 16th, 2002 at the Richmond Hotel, Dubai, at 9 p.m. In the series of 'YAATRAS', 'BHONVDDIS' and 'PAADA YAATRAS', 'Mandd Sobhann' has undertaken to create a konkani consciousness among konkanis and to mobilize support for the Konkani Heritage Centre - 'K A L A A N G A NN '.

 

A team of 3 - Eric Ozario (President), Arun Raj (Treasurer) and Stany Alvares (Exec. Com. Member); is touring the Gulf in the 'KALAANGANN ABHIYAAN'. The 'ABHIYAAN' will tour - U.A.E (May 16th to June 1st),
BAHRAIN (June 2nd to June 8th),
QATAR (June 9th to June 15th),
KUWAIT (June 16th to June 22nd),
OMAN (June 23rd to June 29th).

Mr. Noel Mascarenhas, Leader of Konkani Community Dubai; Mr. Valerian Peris, President, Mangalore Konkans, Dubai; Mr. Dayan D'Souza (Middle East representative of Mandd Sobhann); Melvyn Rodrigues (Co-founder of Mandd Sobhann) were present on the dais along with Eric Ozario. The programme started with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries on the stage.

Representative of Navayat community, Chairman of Temp. Kalangan Samithi Mr. Mark Denis D`Souza and sponsor of Sabangan Vedi Francis Cascia

Melvyn Rodrigues welcomed the gathering at the beginning. He spoke about the purpose of the meet. Eric Ozario with the help of the slides gave an account of the progress and achievements made at the Kalaangann. He thanked all those who have contributed to the KALAANGANN cause and convinced all Konkanis to the urgent need of completing the works at Kalaangann.

Dayan D'Souza in his speech put forward the slogan 'KALAANGANN-AK AADHAAR, KONKNNEK FUDDAR'. He appealed all the people to contribute generously towards the cause of Kalaangann. A temporary committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Mr. Denis Mark D'Souza to raise funds through various means which are yet to be finalised. The Chairman himself announced a Mini Bus for the Kalaangann. Mr. Francis Fernandes, Cascia announced his contribution and Eric declared that 'Sabhangann Vedi' will be named after him. Various other orgainisations and individuals announced their contributions during the occasion. They are Belle Vision Rs.25,000; Daiji Dubai Rs.25,000; Mr. Frederick Lobo Rs.25,000; Mr. Joe Rs. 27,000; the Karavali Milan Rs.25,000.

Mr. Umesh Nanthoor of Tulukoota also promised support to the Kalangan from Tulu community of Dubai.

The Navayat Konkani Community of Dubai will make similar announcement within the next couple of days. For the first time in the history of Konkani in Dubai, people from the Navayat Community were present together with the christians for a common cause.

Walter Nandalike was the compere for the programme.

Mandd Sobhann has appealed to all konkani organisations and eminent konkanis in the Gulf to gather together as many konkanis as they can, in their respective areas, during the abhiyaan, and facilitate the audio - visual presentation.

From Our Correspondent