Mandd Sobhan, a Konkani cultural organisation in the city, had organised the programme as part of a series of events during the 25-day First World Konkani Cultural Convention which is under way here.

The President said the colour and flavour of a language lay is in its literature. It is a platform to express ideas and thoughts, thus giving to language an emotional appeal and a moral and social standing.

“Literature has a social responsibility. It can have an inspirational influence when it highlights issues which make our youth conscious about the values nurtured continuously by our civilisation,” she said.

Ms. Patil said that literature could be an instrument of bringing harmony to society and strengthening national unity. “I hope that Konkani writers can contribute to the national integration process as well as to eradicate social evils, by creating awareness among people through their writings,” she said.

Above two pics are from here.

The President said as an enlightened community, the Konkani people were among the first to recognise the importance of education. They set up schools and educational institutions and showed special interest in educating their family members. She said that Konkani people who had always been peace-loving had a rich and traditional culture. They were hard working and enterprising. Konkanis actively participated in the freedom movement and after Independence contributed immensely to political, economic and social life of the country.

They formed one of the most diverse denominations in the country with many community identities and include Hindus, Christians and Muslims. Yet, they were bound by the common Konkani language.

To share the genesis of this madness, I recorded the view. Here is a 67 second snippet, as the train crossed the Aghanashini River and approached the Kumta Train station. I recorded this from the doorway with my flip video, amidst the rain and rumbling of the train. Enjoy and tell me what you think.

Music: Mere Desh Ka Salaam, Shobha Gurtu.

Note: Move your mouse out of the video frame, to lose the black border.

• Kumta: Jewel of the Konkan
• Kumta: Main Street
• Kumta: Field of Dreams
• Young Women Making Papads in Kumta
• Shanbhag School in Kumta
• Academic Update from the Shanbhag School – 2009

On the Konkan Railway

• Konkan Railway: Welcome Aboard
• Young Couple on the Konkan Railway

Based on a series of questions I ask him (on camera, in Konkani), he shows us a portion of the woven braid. All those buds will yield about 10 feet of braid and take him an hour to weave. Notice the thread, it is actually a fiber pulled from the bark of the banana tree and kept soaked in water. Very eco-friendly.

These braids will be sold in the marketplace (see Kumta marketplace) and usually end up in temples or family shrines. Women also use to decorate (and perfume) their hair. The market rate for these braids is about Rs50-Rs100/ft ($1-$2/ft), but can be significantly higher during the festival season. The beauty of the braids is in the buds; and once they bloom, the braids are considered done.

Here you see such Jaaii-kaLe braids offered to the Nag Devata at a small shrine in Kumta.