The Rachol Seminary, in collaboration with Goa Konkani Akademi, organized a Symposium “Amchem Daiz 6 - Rachol Seminary a cradle of Konknni ”, on 17th February 2010, at the Seminary Auditorium.

The Symposium began at around 9.00 a.m. with a prayer service and welcome to all by the Rector, Fr. Dennis Fernandes. The chief guest was Padmashri Suresh Amonkar. Rev. Dr. Nelson Falcao presented a paper on the “Khrista Purana”, a Marathi epic of the 17th century by Fr. Thomas Stephens on Christ, His life, death and resurrection. Fr. Thomas Stephens was associated with this seminary, when it was a Jesuit College.

This was followed by chanting of one chapter of the “Purana” by Sri. Santaji, a lay missionary in Kolhapur, and his group. Four scholastics, viz. Alroy Gomes, Mario Carvalho, Melvin Fernandes and Milagres Fernandes made presentations respectively on Frs. Diogo Ribeiro, Antonio Saldanha, Ignazio Archamone and Miguel de Almeida, who in some capacity or the other were associated with the College of Rachol. The proceedings were moderated by Dr. (Mrs.) Madhvi Sardessai, a lecturer at the Goa University. In the afternoon a singing competition of Konknni Patriotic Hymns was held for schools from the vicinity. Many schools participated. The chief guest for the closing session was Mr. Vincy Quadros, Vice-President of Goa Konkani Akademi. In his address he assured Akademi’s support for any programme by the Seminary for promotion of Konknni. The Symposium ended end with prize distribution to the winners of the competition and participation certificates to everyone. Rev. Deac. Joseph Correia was the compere of the day.

Mousinho Ataide