We invite you and your family to the annual Konkani Diwali celebration for a fun filled evening with Aarti, Potluck Konkani Dinner and Entertainment.
Those wishing to participate in the cultural program should submit their names and program details to Geetha Prabhu by November 9th, 2011.
Dear Konkani samaj bandhavas, bhaginis and well-wishers,
Namaskaru,
Some of you may have already heard this through the grape vine, Khabbar or tweets. Yes, the next Konkani Sammelan is coming back to its birthplace in New Jersey after 16 years and we have the privilege to celebrate sweet sixteen of the Sammelan! It will be hosted at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, NJ from June 29-July 1, 2012 (Fri-Sun). Please mark your calendars and save the dates. Continue reading “Konkani Sammelan 2012 – Save the Date”
By Aruna Mallya Gupta, Toronto, Canada
Growing up in India, one often willingly or unwillingly got drawn into or witnessed, endless rounds of Yagnas, poojas and homas of which one seldom understood the significance. Scoop rice, throw rice, pour ghee, pluck the tulsi, … . Of course, one has to partially blame oneself for not being curious enough to research things out for oneself….yet being too inquisitive as a child and questioning our elders’ beliefs was often frowned upon, no? Continue reading “Of Nagas and Nagadoshas”
American Midwest Konkani Association (AMKA) Chicago, invites you to celebrate Ugadi, the Hindu New Year.
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2011, 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Venue: Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple
1145 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL
For more details and to RSVP, please send email to: shobhasbasti@yahoo.com
Governor H.R. Bhardwaj (left), President Pratibha Patil, Minister for Higher Education V.S. Acharya and Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva at the Vishwa Konkani Ekta Diwas.
Mandd Sobhan, a Konkani cultural organisation in the city, had organised the programme as part of a series of events during the 25-day First World Konkani Cultural Convention which is under way here.
The President said the colour and flavour of a language lay is in its literature. It is a platform to express ideas and thoughts, thus giving to language an emotional appeal and a moral and social standing.
“Literature has a social responsibility. It can have an inspirational influence when it highlights issues which make our youth conscious about the values nurtured continuously by our civilisation,” she said.
Ms. Patil said that literature could be an instrument of bringing harmony to society and strengthening national unity. “I hope that Konkani writers can contribute to the national integration process as well as to eradicate social evils, by creating awareness among people through their writings,” she said.
Above two pics are from here.
The President said as an enlightened community, the Konkani people were among the first to recognise the importance of education. They set up schools and educational institutions and showed special interest in educating their family members. She said that Konkani people who had always been peace-loving had a rich and traditional culture. They were hard working and enterprising. Konkanis actively participated in the freedom movement and after Independence contributed immensely to political, economic and social life of the country.
They formed one of the most diverse denominations in the country with many community identities and include Hindus, Christians and Muslims. Yet, they were bound by the common Konkani language.
Prez Patil to grace World Konkani Unity Day
MANGALORE: President Pratibha Patil will be the chief guest at the Vishwa Konkani Ekta Divas (World Konkani Unity Day) being organized as part of the maiden Vishw Konkani Sanskrutik Mahamell ( First World Konkani Cultural Convention) here on December 9. The convention per se featuring over 1,500 artists from 75 troupes from around the world will be held at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar near here from November 25.
Eric Ozario, gurkaar of Mandd Sobhann, the premier Konkani cultural organization told reporters here on Tuesday that the convention will be spread over a period of 25 days and end on December 19. It will showcase to the world, the beauty and variety of Konkani culture and strive to enhance the ‘swabhimaan’ of every Konkani.
Submitted by an AMKA Spokesperson.
On Saturday, November 27th, 2010, the American Midwest Konkani Association (AMKA) celebrated “Raupya Mahotsav” (Silver anniversary celebrations).
The event held in a grand banquet hall tastefully decorated by AMKA’s own members, set the ambience and mood for the events to follow. It was a glorious event showcasing the awe-inspiring talents of AMKA members. Kudos to the AMKA-25 organizers and the vast army of volunteers on a wonderful event!
In this festive season of giving thanks and counting blessings, it was most heartening to note that the foundation laid down by the visionaries who founded AMKA is being carried onward and forward into the 21st century by able and willing younger generations.
The spectacular opening ceremony paid homage not only to AMKA’s 25 glorious years of promoting our precious heritage, but also to the fair city of Chicago that we call home. In welcoming the audience, the opening speakers recounted highlights of AMKA’s history in “Panch-vees varsaan khabbari”.
The festivities began with a video montage of past 25 years of AMKA functions and performances – giving the audience a sense for how the organization (and its members) has grown. Dazzling dances, from graceful Bharata Natyam to energetic Bhangra to skillful Bollywood moves, kept the audience enthralled. Humorous plays, a colorful fashion show featuring multi generations, a karaoke competition and a game show challenging entire audience’s knowledge of Konkani language, history and culture called “Tumka gottas ve?” provided a full spectrum of entertainment for the evening. Enthusiastic participation of AMKA members from every stage of life showcased the continued involvement from generations to come for many more years. Featured artist Samarth Nagarkar, held the audience spell-bound with his masterful singing.
The community honored the founders of AMKA and tireless services of key members. As part of the celebration, each AMKA family also received a memorable souvenir and a 25-recipes booklet. After the closing ceremonies, a sumptuous dinner was served. The best part of this gala celebration was meeting friends, catching up on “panchaytika” and playing with the tiniest and cutest AMKA members. The celebration continued into the night with almost all of the 190 attendees dancing to the energetic and vibrant tunes of home-grown DJ. When AMKA “got the choice to sit it out or dance, AMKA danced”!
AMKA has plenty to celebrate. Together with its non-profit parent association AKA (American Konkani Association), AMKA is considered one of the oldest and most inclusive Konkani associations in North America and has been a pioneer in many ways. With the backing of these associations, the Chicagoland Konkanis were the first to: enact a full-length Konkani play, publish two community cookbooks and award scholarships.
May AMKA continue to prosper and nurture new generations of Konkanis for years to come!
[Note: No names have been mentioned in this article for there are too many to name and not wanting to inadvertently leave out any.]
