Government can give us schemes but not water and oxygen: Environmentalist
 
 

Panjim: Government can give us schemes but not water and oxygen stated noted environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar at the award ceremony of Vavraddeancho Ixtt at the Black Box of Kala Academy on May12. Vavraddeancho Ixtt is celebrating 78 years of vernacular journalism.

Shri Rajendra Kerkar speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion stated that ‘the two main sources of water of Goa lie in the Chorla Ghat and Netravali region of Sanguem. The main rivers of Goa, Mandovi and Zuvari, originate in these forest area. Therefore it is a prerogative to protect the forest of Goa’
 
Noting that  Goa is  increasingly losing it  forest cover, Shri Rajendar Kerkar pointed out that  in  future we may have to, like some places in Mumbai, go to the oxygen parlour. But  if is destroy our forests, our simple  Goan people will not afford to go to the oxygen parlors, Shri Kerkar said.
 
‘To take care of the nature is the greatest religion of modern times. In today’s context of Goa, we need not build churches or temples but to preserve our environment especially the mangroves’ Shri Rajendra Kerkar  said.
 
Ms Valanka Alemao, the guest of honour for the function, stated that it is our duty to keep Konkani alive. Ms Valanka urged the youth to come forward to take up the  challenge and keep Konkani alive.
 
Fr Tony Lopes, the superior General of the Society of Pilar, stated that, ‘When one looks only for his/her wants, the identity of Goa disintegrates. The challenge is to face such a context. Today in Goa we need simple people who with their education, talent and religious upbringing are ready to preserve and renew their identity of Goa.’
 
Fr Feroz Fernandes, the Editor-in-chief of Vavraddeancho Ixtt, stated that ‘Our responsibilities as Goans does not end with the slogan speak, read and write Konkani. But to encourage, others with our life example, to speak, read and write Konkani. We need to preserve the identity of Goa not just as it is but rather renew it with the changing times. Our responsibility is to bring such a renewal in the identity of Goa.
 
Fr Manuel Gomes, the director for Diocesan Centre for Bibical Apostolate and Professor of the Pastoral Institute at Old Goa was awarded the Xennoi Gõybab Puroskar for immense contribution to Konknni for over last two decades.
 
Fr Manuel Gomes stated that while studying abroad, he developed the taste for Konkani. He said that people in Italy and Germany although they knew English very fluently spoke in their language in their country and even when they visit other countries. He urged all Goans to speak Konknni at least in Goa.
Mr Stanley Vaz received the Fr. Lactancio Almeida Puroskar as an outstanding writer of Vavraddeancho Ixtt for the year 2010. Fr. Nicolau Pereira Puroskar for the student who scores highest marks in Konknni for the M.A. examination (2009-10) was awarded to Miss Priyanka Prabhakar Parab from Saligao.  Zagruti (Awakening) of St Elizabeth’s Church, Ucassaim received Firgojechem Potr Puroskar  for being the best parish bulletin of the  year 2010.
A book written in Roman Konkani by Brother Eusebio V. Miranda, sfx entitled  ‘Tornatteancho Papa, Bhoktivont Zata’ (Father of the Youth, becomes Blessed ) was   released  during the  function  by Ms  Valanka Alemao.  Bro. Eusebio is currently working as the sub editor of Vavraddeancho Ixtt – a Konkani weekly. 
                                                                           

                                                                                         Fr Feroz Fernandes