By The Flag Post staff
October 28, 2026
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Karwar, the district headquarters of Uttara Kannada (UK) district, northwest Karnataka witnessed a Konkani cultural program on October 24, 2026. The recently concluded District-Level Konkani Sambhrama event, was jointly organized by the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and the Konkani Kala Sahitya Samskruthika Sanghatana, Karwar. The event was held at the Shankara Bobi Sabhabhavana, Bada, under the auspices of the Shivaji Education Society, Karwar.
Inaugurating the event, Chief Guest Rev. Fr. Thomas Fernandes, Parish Priest of Cathedral Church, Kajubagh, said that, “Konkani speakers reside in all parts of the world and have distinguished themselves across various fields. Wherever they live, they are enriching others’ lives with their presence, much like how salt adds flavor to food”.
Presiding over the conference, Dr. Udaya Raikar, Coordinator of the Konkani Study Chair at Karnatak University, Dharwad, noted that the Chair was established in 2019. And its aim is to protect, develop, study, and research the art, literature, and culture of Konkani speakers who have lived in North Karnataka for decades. However, the activities have suffered setbacks due to the suspension of the sanctioned grant of Rs. 1 crore.
The guest of honour Pandit Chandrakanth Vishwanath Gadkar, a music teacher from Sadashivgad, remarked that using one’s mother tongue, Konkani, at home is essential. And that such programs provide a special opportunity for the younger generation to experience the vanishing folk arts.
Another guest, Mr. George Fernandes, President of the St. Milagris Co-operative Credit Society, Karwar, said “that frequently organising of such Konkani events in Karwar helps awaken and inspire the younger generation”.
The program commenced with a welcome address and introductory remarks by Dr. Vasanth Bandekar. Mr. Sunil Siddi, member of the Konkani Academy, presided over the session and shared information about the Academy’s activities.
During the event, the Academy’s quarterly publication, the book ‘Konkani Siri Sampada’, was released. In the seminar themed ‘Konkani: Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow’, Dr. Arvind Shanbhag and Mr. Steven Quadras delivered speeches.
Notably, Dr. Vasanth Bandekar, who has rendered 58 years of continuous service to the Konkani language, art, literature, and cultural fields and recently stepped into his 80th year, was felicitated along with his wife.
The formal session was followed by cultural performances from various parts of the district, including Siddi Damami dance by Juliana Siddi’s troupe (Haliyal); Konkani Kharvi dance; puppet show by Manoj Palekar’s troupe (Sirsi), and a mimicry performance by Dr. Vasanth Bandekar, which thoroughly entertained the gathered audience.
Dr. Vasanth Bandekar, anchored the program and proposed the vote of thanks. Academy staff members Renita, Rona Lobo, and Lanvita Cutinha assisted in organizing the event.
