Mangaluru: The Konkani Sangha on the occasion of celebrating its 20 years , organised a national level cultural fest, ‘Sangath Suvalo’ at the Eric Mathias Hall, St Aloysius College, on Saturday, December 3.

Fr Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary diocese and chairman of CBCI and CCDI Youth Commission inaugurated the programme. Roy Castelino, the president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy was the guest of honour. Fr Swebert D’Silva SJ, principal of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) presided over the inaugural function. The inaugural took place in a very traditional manner where the dignitaries sowed palm leaves and flowers in a basket of rice.

Roy Castelino in his address urged the gathering to save the Konkani language and remain undivided. Bishop Henry D’Souza in his address said that we need to be proud of Konkani culture its language and history. He exclaimed that the youth should prepare themselves today to be the leaders of tomorrow. Fr Swebert D’Silva facilitated Bishop Henry D’Souza during the inaugural.

With the aim to promote the Konkani language and culture, six cultural competitions were held - dance, singing, quiz, painting, poetry writing and mad-ad. 17 colleges under the categories, pre-University and undergraduate actively participated in this cultural fest.

Under the undergraduate category, the overall prize was bagged by Padua College of Commerce and Management, and the runner up was Fr Agnel College of Commerce and Arts. In the PU category, Padua College of Commerce and Management won the overall prize, and St Aloysius PU College was the runner-up.

The program concluded with the valedictory ceremony at 3.45 PM led by the chief guest Dr Alwyn D’Sa, vice principal of admin block, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), and was presided over by Fr Dionysius Vas SJ, Rector from St Aloysius College (Autonomous). Renita Menezes, coordinator, Hazel Mathias, Roshan Lobo, Vencilla Tauro also graced the occasion with their presence.