The Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA), in association with the Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa Memorial Trust and Felicio Cardoso-che Pattlavdar, celebrated ‘Konknni Potrkarita Dis’ (Konkani Journalism Day) at the Holy Spirit Church Hall, Margao recently.
The celebration marks the milestone of publication of first konkani newspaper, ‘Udentichem Sallok’, edited by Eduardo Jose Bruno de Souza on February 2, 1889. This pioneering publication was printed in Romi Konkani script.
The panel discussion on the theme ‘Konkani Journalism: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ moderated by Fr. Alfred Vas, explored the challenges facing Konkani journalism. The panel comprised Fr. Ave Maria Afonso, Anthony Menezes, Fausto V. Da Costa, and Vishal Khandeparkar. The discussion centred on Konkani journalism in the context of newspapers, magazines, and digital media. The panelists unanimously emphasised the need for a Romi Konkani newspaper.
The main speaker of the day was eminent writer and former DKA president, Vincy Quadros. He reflected on Konkani journalism in the past, focused on its present state, and highlighted the various challenges Konkani journalism may face in the future.
Following the panel discussion, three resolutions were adopted as outcomes of the deliberations. The first resolution proposed making a request to the Government to celebrate ‘Konkani Journalism Day’ at the State level, in order to give give justice to Romi Konkani journalism. The second resolution focused on starting a weekly newspaper to promote Romi Konkani journalism. The third resolution dealt with bringing school teachers together to conduct various activities in schools to promote Romi Konkani journalism.
Also present on the occasion were secretary of DKA Fr. Myron Jeson Barreto, and vice-president of DKA William Fernandes.
