Teotonio Pereira, former MLA of Goa Legislative Assembly, emphasised on the need to use
Konkani in Roman script to the optimum. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at
the birth centenary celebrations of Dona Berta Menezes organised by Dalgado
Konknni Akademi (DKA) recently at the Art and Culture department Hall, Panjim.
DKA president Tomazinho Cardozo, Secretary Vincy Quadros, Treasurer Celso
Fernandes, Berta’s daughter Malusha Fernandes and granddaughter Sonalia Menezes
e Botelho were present on the dais with the Chief Guest.
Dona Berta Menezes, during her lifetime,
worked tirelessly to spread the Konkani Language far and wide. Born on August
24, 1918, she participated actively in various agitations organised to save
Goan identity after the liberation of Goa in 1961.
Emphasising that we need to have God’s
blessings, he cherished the values of Berta, especially her patriotism,
bringing people together and her joy in doing whatever she was entrusted. She
was indeed a respected lady and that is precisely the reason to celebrate her
life for the next 1000 years, he added.
Stressing on the importance of Roman script, he said that it is
used internationally, and all languages are written and understood in that
script including our Hindi language. He brought to everyone’s notice that Roman
script is even used in Hindi films.
He also touched upon the life of Berta, having been a close
friend of her and her family.
It is important to have large families like Berta Menezes as
that will ensure your survival for the next 1,000 years, he added.
In his presidential address, Tomazinho Cardozo appreciated the
virtues of Berta and said that tomorrow entire Goa would be seized with the
topic on her as to who this lady was. He added that if the literature of Berta
is of standard, then DKA will arrange its printing soon. He further said that
just as Berta always made use of Konkani in her life, it is important that we
follow her great example. He announced the installation of an award in her name
comprising a shawl, memento and Rs 10,000 sponsored by the Menezes family for a
lady writer in Roman Konkani, which would be given annually at the time of
Dalgado award ceremony.
The programme started with the presentation on the life of Dona
Berta Menezes followed by the Chief Guest garlanding her portrait. Sonalia
Menezes e Botelho spoke lucidly describing the life of Berta. This was followed
with a presentation on views and experiences on Bertha by various people. Dr
Jose Pinto and Rizelle Menezes read some of the messages received on the occasion.
A booklet on her life was released on the occasion.
While DKA Secretary Vincy Quadros welcomed the gathering and the
Treasurer, Celso Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks. Earlier, Malusha
Fernandes thanked the organisers and the audience on behalf of the Menezes
family. Amongst those present on the occasion were Fr Jezuino Almeida, Bro
Eusebio Miranda, Fausto V Da Costa, Premanand A Lotlikar, Fr Elvis Fernandes,
Fr Cosme Costa, Prof Edward de Lima, Miguel Braganza, Prof Prajal Sakhardande,
Savio Pinto, Willy Goes besides several Konkani writers.
Daniel
F D’Souza compered the function. The celebrations ended with the singing of the
National Anthem.
