On the Invitation from the Organisers of North American Konkani Convention Dr. P. Dayanand Pai, Chairman, Shri T.V.Mohandas Pai, Patron, Basti Vaman Shenoy, President,World Konkani Centre, Shri Pradeep G. Pai, Secretary, Vishwa Konkani Students Scholarship Fund and Shri Venkatesh N.Baliga, Secretary, World Konkani Centre attended the 8th North American Konkani Convention (NAKA) held at New Jersey U.S.A from June 29 to July 1st, 2012.
Shri T.V.Mohandas Pai delivered the keynote address and his speech was well received by a 2000 strong audience who gave him standing ovation. His speech was full of valued messages, facts and figures which electrified the audience. Shri Pai also addressed ‘Konkani Doctors’ seminar and another seminar on ‘Charity and Donations,’ specially arranged to address Konkani Students of America and Canada.
On the occasion Dr Pai honoured and felicitated famous Indologist and Konkani luminary Padma Bhushan Dr. Jose Alvares and Dr. Jayawant Baliga and Shri Vasanth Bhat, Founder, NAKA. Many Konkani professionals and sportsmen were also honoured Basti Shenoy.
The cultural programmes organized showcased the efforts of Konkanis in America to safeguard Konkani Language and cultural heritage.
World Konkani Centre also assured assistance in all possible ways be it through internet, website and newly invented ‘Konkanverter,’ supply of books, CDs, etc in their endeavor to pass on our ancient heritage to the future generations in North America.
The exhibition stall put up by World Konkani Centre witnessed many enthusiasts who wanted to read Konkani literature and hear Konkani music cd’s, especially to hear children folk tales like ‘Kundya Kurkul,’ ‘Patholi Rooku’ and 100 years old ‘Chandrahasa.’