‘Special cover’ released to honour Father of Konkani Cinema

The Postmaster General of Goa region, Charles Lobo presented an album containing the ‘special cover’ to the chief guest, Deputy Chief Minister, Francis D’Souza, in the presence of guest of honour, Dharmanand Vernekar, noted film director and special invitee, Bernadette Braganza, wife of A L Jerry Braganza.

On the occasion, Lobo said that lot of efforts are put in to promote heritage, culture with the release of a special cover. “Recently a cover on Goan folk dance ‘deknni’ was released. What is missing is the traditional Goan music. The department is looking forward to release a special cover to honour individual or an organization which has contributed immensely towards mando,” he added.

It was on this day in the year 1950 that the first Konkani film ‘Mogacho Aunddo’ was screened simultaneously at Mapusa and Mumbai. AL Jerry Braganza, a native of Mapusa, was the producer, director and hero of this film. To commemorate this day, DKA has been celebrating 24th April every year as Konkani Cinema Day.

Noted filmmaker, Vernekar said that a good film is the reflection of the society. Besides other technicalities of the film, he said that there are several other aspects of the film like script, songs, music which help in the production of a good film.

The president of DKA, Premanand Lotlikar insisted that the academy has been working for the upliftment of Konkani, irrespective of any script. He said that efforts will continue to work tirelessly for the progress and development of the language.

In order to honour the father of Konkani cinema, Lotlikar appealed the government to name a road in Mapusa after AL Jerry Braganza. He also urged the deputy CM to restore the name of Mons. Dalgado to the Mapusa road.     

On this occasion, DKA’s house magazine ‘Gõycho Pormoll’ was released.

The function was followed by the screening of Swapnil Shetkar’s 'Home Sweet Home'.

A counter for sale of special covers, commemorative postage stamps as well as a book exhibition was held at the venue, with discounts made available on Konkani books.