Updates published in Khabbar

• June 2008 issue
• May 2008 issue
• April 2008 issue
• March 2008 issue
• November 2007 issue
• August 2007 issue
• May 2007 issue
• February 2007 issue
• November 2006 issue
• August 2006 issue

June 2008

We are looking forward to your upcoming trip to the 7th Biennial Konkani Sammelan to be held from July 3 - July 5, 2008 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, in Santa Clara, California.

Here are a few tips to help make your trip & stay in Santa Clara a memorable one:

• The Santa Clara Convention Center is in the heart of Silicon Valley . It is a short distance from both the San Francisco & San Jose airports. Click here for driving directions to the Sammelan venue. Complimentary Self Parking is available for Sammelan attendees at the Venue.

• You are encouraged to pick up your registration packets early. Check-In counters will be setup at the Convention Center in the main lobby. Counters will be open from 3PM - 9PM on July 3rd, and from 7AM - 1PM on July 4th. If you have any questions related to registration, please email Vijay Kamath at registration@konkanisammelan.org or call 408-206-9592.

• Registration packets contain a copy of our beautifully designed Souvenir and a very informative Program Guide. The centerfold of the program guide is a pull out, which can be folded and conveniently carried in your pocket or handbag, so that you can locate and decide your next destination in our "Entertainment Extravaganza" line up.

• The Sammelan Opening Ceremonies will start promptly at 9AM on July 4th. Name Tags will be required for entry into the Entertainment & Jevan Halls.

• Enjoy authentic "Konkani KhaaN JevaN" at the two dinners, two lunches, two breakfasts, two snack breaks and the banquet dinner on Saturday night. The dining hall can accommodate all attendees in one seating so you need not rush to line up. Suggested dress code for the banquet dinner is formal wears - Indian Sari or Indian dress for women; Suit or business casual for men.

• Enjoy the Weather and our Hospitality while you are in S anta Clara. Contact Shambhavi Kenkre at 408-348-3290 for any Hotel Registration related issues.

• For child care & other facility related questions please contact Ramesh Kamath at 408-891-7689.

• Calling all Participants!! Come and take part in the Open Mike Karaoke Hour on July 4th evening. Please bring your sing-along CDs & sign up on-site near check-in counters.

• For all of you Hindustani Classical Music lovers, Mahesh Kale, an extremely talented vocalist who learnt under illustrious Pt. Jeetendra Abhisheki, will captivate you with his melodious ragas, bhakti geet, natya sangeet and "Konkani Padha" on July 3rd evening at 9PM after dinner.

• July 4th attraction - Unique blend of classical and modern music presented by the Konkani Youth and Prasanna, an accomplished professional musician. Classical Carnatic, Jazz, Rock and Pop forms of music presented in a way you have never experienced! An absolute "Don't Miss"program!

• Take home Sammelan mementos; only limited quantities will be made available at a reasonable cost at or near check-in counters.

• Purchase raffle tickets for round trip air travel from San Francisco to India . Contact Venugopal Pai at 408-943-1726 to book your tickets.

Thank you for being part of the "Awaken the Konkani in You" experience. Have a safe trip. See you all at the Sammelan.

Remember to share feedback about your Sammelan experience. www.konkanisammelan.org/2008/feedback.asp

Devu Baren Karo

2008 Konkani Sammelan Committees

The Sammelan Committees are busy putting the "Icing on the Sammelan Cake". Over 1200 konkanis from far & near will gather in Santa Clara and we are looking forward to "Awaken the Konkani in Each and Everyone of You". At Sammelan 2008, you will have loads of fun & strengthen friendships. We look forward to meeting you all!.

Given below are a few tips to help make your trip & stay at Santa Clara during the Sammelan a memorable one

Directions to Sammelan Venue:

• Santa Clara Convention Center is at the heart of Silicon Valley. It is a short distance from both San Francisco & San Jose airports. Click here for driving directions to Sammelan venue.
• Complimentary self Parking for Sammelan Attendees at the Venue
• Weather at Santa Clara is Sunny & Gorgeous

Hotel Registration, Rental Cars:

• Stay at Hyatt Regency Santa Clara to make best use of your time during the Sammelan
• For help with Hotel registration or rental cars, please contact Shambhavi Kenkre at (408) 348 3290

Check-In Early & On-site Registration:

• Check-In counters will be setup at Convention Center main lobby. Counters open from 3PM - 9PM on July 3rd, and will resume on July 4th from 7AM - 1PM.
• All attendees are asked to print their confirmation statement before registering. (Either the one received by email, or by visiting the "Who is Coming" page on the website).
• Name Tags are required for entry into the Entertainment & Jevan Halls
• Sammelan Opening Ceremonies will start promptly at 9AM on July 4th.
• For those wishing to register on site, we will have a limited number of spots available. Please visit the registration desk where we will have the required forms available. Cash and Check will be the only form of payment accepted, we CANNOT accept Credit Cards on site.
• Registration will be $200 for all attendees over the age of 5

Medical Symposium Registrations:

• There are a few seats available for the Medical Symposium. No onsite registration will be allowed. You may register online at: http://www.konkanisammelan.org/2008/medicalsymp.asp

Child Care:

• Free day care will be provided for children in the two age groups 3-6 and 7-12
• The child MUST be potty trained and minimum three years of age in order to avail this facility
• The day care hours are 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM on July 4th & 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM on July 5t
• If you would like to avail this facility, please email us at 2008sammelan@gmail.com or contact Ramesh Kamath at (408) 891 7689 with the number of children in your party that would require this facility.

Entertainment:

• Open mike Karaoke hour is in our plans for July 3rd evening. Please bring your sing-along CDs & sign up on-site
• Entertainment Extravaganza covers events that are designed to showcase the Sammelan Theme "Awaken the Konkani in You"

Dining:

• Enjoy authentic Konkani Food at two dinners, two lunches, two breakfast, two snack breaks and the banquet dinner. The dining hall can accommodate all attendees at one sitting.
• No outside food or drink is allowed in the Convention Center Facility.

Feel free to send us your questions at help@konkanisammelan.org. Don't forget to bring you cameras.

Devu Baren Karo

2008 Konkani Sammelan Committees

On behalf of the 200 plus volunteers from the San Francisco Bay Area, we want to welcome you to the Konkani Sammelan. We are ready to deliver on our mission - Host the best Konkani Sammelan at great value and provide all attendees with uncompromising hospitality, social networking, scrumptious konkani food and outstanding entertainment. Close to 1200 have already registered. If you are still thinking, we urge you to register immediately.

          The last date for online registration is June/27th

For those wishing to register on site, we will have a limited number of spots available. Please visit the registration Check-In table where we will have the required forms available. Cash and Check will be the only form of payment accepted, we CAN NOT accept Credit Cards on site. Registration will be $200 for all attendees over the age of 5.

The following are some highlights of the event:

Entertainment:

    * Open microphone karaoke - bring your own CD and show off your singing talent
    * Standup comedy by Purandar Mallya - konkani jokes and stories
    * Opening / closing ceremony - cultural themes with original konkani songs and music woven together with a theme to awaken the konkani in each one of us
    * Two plays - including “Premkani” a romantic musical
    * Bharata Natyam, Odissi, Kathakali, folk dances and Konkani Bangra
    * Short skits, mimicry and spoofs highlighting lighter side of being a Konkani
    * Mahesh Kale a disciple of Jitendra Abhishekhi will captivate you with Ragas, Bhakti Geet, Natya Sanjeet and “Konkani Padha”
    * Prasanna, an accomplished musician will present classical carnatic, jazz, rock and pop form of music presented in a way that you have never heard before

Chief Guest and Keynote Speakers:
          Chief Guest - Prakash Padukone - World Badminton Champion
          Jaya Row - Founder of Vedanta Vision
          Padma Vibhushan K.V. Kamath - Chairman/CEO of ICICI Bank

Medical Symposium:
Subjects covered include - Depression /mental health, Growing old gracefully, Prostrate health for men, Osteoporosis, Preventing/decreasing obesity, Finding meaning in everyday living, Humor in medicine - Dr. Hegde will be presenting the last two.

Please register for the Medical Symposium as soon as possible! We will not be offering onsite registration for the Symposium. Space is limited, so don't miss out! We plan to have an exciting panel, including visiting professors from local and international institutions. You may register online at: http://www.konkanisammelan.org/2008/medicalsymp.asp

Breakout Sessions:
There will be multi track seminars. In addition, there will be a talk by Dr. Sobel - Don’t miss this.

Youth Events:
Will include Ice Breakers, Social events, Konkani Idol, Key note speech by Dr. Sumeeth Bhat and break out sessions

Dining:
Enjoy authentic konkani food at two dinners, two lunches, two breakfast, two snack breaks and a banquet dinner. The dining hall can accommodate all attendees at one sitting.

This is a unique event and should not be missed by any Konkani in North America. For those already registered thanks. We want to thank the donors for their generous contributions. We look forward to meeting you all. For more details and to register log on to konkanisammelan.org.

Feel free to send us your questions at help@konkanisammlan.org.

Devu Baren Karo
2008 Konkani Sammelan Committees

May 2008

Have you checked the Sammelan Website recently? The Registration counter is moving rather quickly and we are excited about it. The July 4th weekend promises to be a fun filled one with ample opportunities to meet & greet fellow Konkanis from far & near. Over 660 delegates have already registered.

Early bird registration ends on April 30th.

Please register today if you have not already done so. Also, ask your friends & relatives to register before April 30th. Keep in mind the Sammelan registration fee jumps up to $200 on May 1st.

A note to families with small children, free childcare will be provided during the Sammelan for toilet-trained children above 3 year to 10 years for 6 - 8 hours a day, so as to allow you to enjoy various planned activities, while we take care of your little ones.

The Souvenir Committee wishes to thank everyone who has sent in contributions for publication in the Sammelan Souvenir. With the very interesting and thought-provoking articles & poems, the Souvenir promises to be truly a worthwhile keepsake. Every family attending the Sammelan gets a free copy; The Committee also wishes to thank all Essay Contest participants. Winners' names will be announced during the Sammelan, and winning essays will be published in the Souvenir. We are grateful to all our advertisers for their willing and generous support!. New advertisements are still being accepted until April 24, 2008, and will be included in our Program Guide.

We are grateful to all our Donors & Sponsors. Names for the donors of donations received on or before June 1st 2008 will be included in the Sammelan Souvenir.

We would like to thank all those who have already registered and we look forward to seeing you soon. Please check out our website for the latest updates & feel free to send us your questions at help@konkanisammlan.org.

Devu Baren Karo
2008 Konkani Sammelan Committees

April 2008

March 2008

With only 4 months to go, the various committees are busy ensuring that all details are handled and our guests have a wonderful experience. Our website is constantly changing as our plans get more and more final, so keep an eye on the homepage for the latest updates and feel free to send us questions at help@konkanisammlan.org.

Registration has begun to pick-up and we are now over 330 registrants, growing every day, from all over the World. We've been hearing from a lot of folks that they are "planning to come" and will register soon. For those of you saying that, keep in mind that on May 1st registration fees will jump to $200 for an adult registration. $200 is still a great deal for the entertainment and food that awaits you, but the earlier you register, the better we can plan to ensure we amaze you!!

In addition to registering, be sure to book your hotel rooms at the Hyatt!! For the best experience we highly encourage everyone to stay at the hotel. It will really help make the most of your time!! Rooms will be available at the discounted rate until June 1st, and can be booked directly on the Hyatt Website. Please follow this link to make your reservations: http://santaclara.hyatt.com/groupbooking/claranaka2008

To get your juices flowing, here's a quick highlight of what we have planned, and just in case you think we forgot, we have left plenty of time for the breakfasts/lunches/snacks and dinners; o yeah our dining hall seats everyone at once, so don't line up!

For more details, you can visit the Program Page.

July 3rd 2008

The morning of July 3rd we will be offering a Medical Symposium. More details will be available on the website soon. Registration will open at 3:00PM We have setup a Panchadik Lounge right next to the registration area, so feel free to meet old friends and socialize in the lounge before or after you register. In the evening, we will have a happy hour featuring some California wines and an up and coming Konkani Stand-up Comedian. The evening will culminate with a classical music program by a noted artist after a sumptuous Konkani dinner. The Panchadik Lounge will be open until 11PM to allow everyone to relax and catch up with friends. The Youth will be holding a welcome event from 9PM to midnight, so for the Youth be sure to come early on the 3rd.

July 4th 2008

Registration will be open all morning for those of you that couldn't make it on July 3rd The program will start promptly at 9AM, and believe us, you don't want to miss this. Chief Guest Prakash Padukone, Badminton World Champion, will motivate and inspire us!! In the afternoon our seminars/breakout sessions will kickoff with a talk from Padma Vibhushan K.V. Kamath Managing Director & CEO of ICICI Bank and Smt. Jaya Row, Management Consultant and Founder of Vedanta Vision. A unique blend of classical and modern music will be presented by our Konkani Youth and Prasanna, a highly accomplished and versatile professional musician.

July 5th 2008

The day starts with Regional programs, including plays from Chicago and Los Angeles. We'll have another exciting year of Konkani Idol, so be sure to come out and cheer on the Youth as they showcase their talents!! The weekend wraps up with an amazing closing ceremony and a formal banquet dinner to celebrate the weekend.

Based on feedback from previous Sammelans, we have tried our best to reserve several hours each day for meeting and greeting long-lost friends, relatives and loved ones. The Panchadik Lounge will transport you back to Konkani towns and hamlets where you can sit back, relax and chat into the wee hours!! We look forward to seeing you soon and wish you a very enjoyable and exciting Sammelan!

Devu Baren Karo
2008 Konkani Sammelan Committees

November 2007

Organizing committee is happy with the rate at which delegates are registering. At this rate, we expect over 1800 registrations by M/May'08. However, due to site & capacity restrictions, we might be compelled to put a ceiling on maximum number of attendees allowed to this event. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to register as early as possible. We will soon make available the list of delegates registered on our website. The registration can be done either Online or by mail-in of registration form. For details, please visit www.konkanisammelan.org.

Hyatt Santa Clara reports ~40% of rooms set aside at discounted rates for this event as already been booked. Hyatt Santa Clara adjoins Sammelan site. It is the perfect accommodation for KS2008 delegates. A few of the key advantages would be: No commute time, Helps to be on time & occupy prime seats for the various events, Take power nap after hearty Konkani lunch, Freshen up during breaks. Hotel bookings can be made at http://www.konkanisammelan.org/2008/hotelreg.asp.

Plan your travel early & save. Hospitality committee has negotiated discounted rates for your travel to KS2008 with Continental Airlines & with Avis & Hertz for your car rentals. Take advantage of these great offers. Details are available online at http://www.konkanisammelan.org/2008/travelreg.asp.

Entertainment time slots, Seminar formats & Keynote sessions are finalized. Plans are being made to host a grand opening & closing ceremony. You will not want to miss; the Konkani Idol & the music show being planned for July/4th. Food Committee has finalized the menus and is sure to be Yum-Yum Konkani cuisine. Logistics are being worked out to seat all sammelan delegates at the same time at lunch, breakfast or dinner.

We continue to request your help with articles, poems, artwork & photographs for publication in the Souvenir. We would like to remind you, the last date for submitting entries to Essay Contest & publishing articles in Souvenir is fast approaching. Souvenir & Essay guidelines are available online at http://www.konkanisammelan.org/2008/souvenir.asp. We solicit your help in securing advertisements for the Souvenir.

Various Konkani hubs across US, Canada & Key Konkani publications in India & US continue to help us spread the word & keep you informed. However, if you need to reach us & require additional information, Key contacts are published at http://www.konkanisammelan.org/2008/contact.asp.

And as always we need your continued support & help to raise funds for making this a memorable Konkani event.

Devu Baren Karo

August 2007

Registration is NOW open for Konkani Sammelan 2008.
We are ready for registration. Are you? Delegates to KS 2008 can register to this mega event thru ONLINE www.konkanisammelan.org or the old fashioned way by mailing in the registration form. The registration form is available for download from the website. The preferred method is by Mail-in registration to avoid paying the ever increasing PayPal commissions.

Due to site & capacity restrictions, we may be compelled to put a ceiling on maximum number of attendees allowed to this event. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to register as early as possible. While you are registering for this event, please ensure you book your stay at the Santa Clara Hyatt, the preferred choice Hotel for Sammelan. Hotel registration is done using this link http://santaclara.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/group-booking.jsp?_requestid=347988. Only 400 rooms are available. Rooms with good view are limited & a limited number of rooms at discounted rates are blocked at this hotel. Don't miss out on this opportunity.

Souvenir: The Souvenir committee is waiting eagerly for your articles, poems, artwork, and photographs for publication in the Souvenir. Send us your thoughts on Konkani heritage, history, religion, spirituality, cuisine, or tried-and-trusted health remedies. No matter what the subject, if it has any relevance to "Konkani-ness", we want to hear it! Please visit the Sammelan website for complete details, and email your contributions to: konkvenir08@gmail.com. The last date for submitting Souvenir Contributions is January 8, 2008.

To advertise in the Souvenir, please contact Arun Kamat at souvenirads@gmail.com. Guidelines for Advertisements will be found in the Sammelan website. Advertisements for the Souvenir should reach Arun by January 8, 2008.

An Essay contest also has been planned. Send us an essay, poem, play or short story which demonstrates the theme of the Konkani Sammelan 2008: "Awaken the KONKANI in You". Two winning entries will be selected from contributions in each of three age groups: up to 12 years, 13 to 19 years, and 20 years or more. Please visit the Sammelan website for details, and send your entries to awakenthekonkanicontest@gmail.com. The last date for submitting Essay Contest Entries is January 1, 2008.

Devu Baren Karo

May 2007

Update on Konkani Sammelan 2008 Activities
First of all we invite you to visit the Konkani Sammelan 2008 home page, www.konkanisammelan.org. The website currently provides details on Venue, Hotel, Travel, Registration, Entertainment, Souvenir Contributions, Advertisements, Essay Contest and Fundraising. We plan to update it regularly, and urge you to check back periodically.

     Registration for the event is scheduled to open during July’07
Chief Guest: Sri Prakash Padukone will be the chief guest of the Sammelan. He is a legend in Indian sports for having won many Badminton titles. His numerous victories, including the All England Open and the Commonwealth Games, made us all proud. He currently lives in Bangalore and runs the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy. He was conferred the Arjuna award in 1972.

Souvenir: The souvenir committee is actively seeking your participation in the form of articles for the publication. Get your creative juices flowing through your pen (or preferably, keyboard!) and send us your thoughts on Konkani heritage, history, religion, spirituality, cuisine, or tried-and-trusted health remedies. No matter what the subject, if it has any relevance to "Konkani-ness", we want to hear it! Please send all articles as Microsoft Word documents to the following email address: konkvenir08@gmail.com.
To advertise in the souvenir, please contact Arun Kamat at souvenirads@gmail.com.
An Essay contest is being planned. Send us an Essay, Poem, Play or Short story which demonstrates the theme of the Konkani Sammelan 2008: "Awaken the KONKANI in You". Entries must be submitted as Microsoft Word documents, to awakenthekonkanicontest@gmail.com.
Last date for submitting articles, advertisements, and essays for the souvenir: January 1st 2008.
For more details, visit the Sammelan website: http://www.konkanisammelan.org/2008/souvenir.asp

Recognition & Awards: The Konkani Sammelan 2008 plans to honor distinguished Konkanis from North America for their achievements. The Awards Committee is soliciting nominations of deserving candidates in the following six categories:

Arts: for demonstrated excellence in the performing, visual, or liberal arts. Science/Research: for achievements in biological, physical, mathematical or medical sciences. Technology: for contributions in engineering, computer science or other technical fields. Entrepreneurship/ Professional Achievement: for leadership, business acumen and management. Education/Public Service: for achievements in academia, or social work Outstanding Youth: for academic, extracurricular achievements, public involvement, social work.

Please visit the Sammelan website for more detailed information and guidelines. Nominations should be addressed to: KS 2008 Awards Committee at: bshiralkar@gmail.com (preferable) or mailed to c/o Bharat Shiralkar, 1127 Quail Ridge Ct., San Jose, CA 95120.

Devu Baren Karo

February 2007

The Sammelan committees are busy driving the various activities towards holding a fun-filled and active program filled with entertainment, pomp and food (not necessarily in that order!). You and your family can look forward to three fun-filled summer days, where fine arts, intellectual discussions, entertainment, educational workshops and palate-tickling Konkani cuisine are the norm.

Our Konkani Sammelan 2008 logo has been unveiled! The idea behind the logo is our theme "Awaken The Konkani In You", depicting:

• Good character, discrimination, integrity, and morality as symbolized by the Lotus.
• Brilliance, illumination, entrepreneurship, intelligence and wisdom as represented by the Flame.
• Devotion, compassion, charity and a loving nature are "all Heart".
• The word "Awaken" implies some action to bring forth these values.
• The pair of Hands symbolizes the action of nurturing and bringing forth the qualities.

These characteristics are already within us Konkanis.

The Entertainment committee is looking forward to showcase two days packed with heart warming entertainment that will Awaken the Konkani in You! Look for out-of-this-world song sequences especially created for your pleasure, amazing dance numbers and skits that will have you in side-splitting laughter. Be enthralled by an accomplished, dynamic, and distinguished Chief Guest, and come enjoy an evening of special entertainment. The entertainment committee is looking for participants, so polish your talents and contact us at: entertainment@konkanisammelan.org

It is clear that over the years the attendance has increased to over 1600 - this time around, we expect over 1800 people to attend this event. As can be imagined, the financial implications of organizing such an event are challenging.

While the registration fees cover a portion of the overall costs for the venue, food and entertainment, the remainder is covered by the generous donations of members of the community - such as you. The success of this Sammelan depends on your kind contribution.

We request the Konkani community to open your wallets and hearts to donate any amount you can towards the Sammelan. As we are a non-profit organization, all donations are tax-deductible - we even suggest that you can make these donations for both 2007 and 2008 and increase your contribution to supporting our Konkani community.

Please contact fundraising@konkanisammelan.org or Venugopal Pai at (408) 943-1726 and we will be happy to assist you in this matter or send in your donation checks made to NAKA, c/o Dr. Narayan Nayak, 3394 Silver Springs Court, Lafayette, CA 94549.

Devu Baré Koro!

November 2006

Namaskaru!. Excitement is back in the air. Mark your calendars. The venue of our next biennial Konkani Sammelan is confirmed. The 7th Biennial Konkani Sammelan is scheduled to be hosted at Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA during July 3rd - 5th 2008.

Santa Clara is at the heart of Silicon Valley. It is approximately 40 miles south of San Francisco and approximately 8 miles north of San Jose. It is serviced by three major airports in the bay area (San Jose, San Francisco & Oakland). A large local Konkani community and fabulous weather will make it an ideal setting. The theme for our Sammelan is to "Awaken the Konkani in You".

This is an ideal opportunity to renew your social contacts, mingle with fellow Konkanis, partake in authentic Konkani cuisine, sharpen those dusty Konkani phrases and have an extended vacation in Northern California region and enjoy one of the most beautiful cities.

Over the last couple of months, a dream team has been identified, and has been entrusted with the responsibility of organizing this mega event. The Team's vision is to host the best Konkani Sammelan at great value and provide all attendees with uncompromising hospitality, social networking, scrumptious Konkani food and outstanding entertainment.

Finding a suitable venue to host the event turned out to be a challenge in itself. The committee was faced with constraints for dining capacity, auditorium requirements and restrictions on cooking facilities. Various places in northern California ranging from Santa Clara, San Jose, Fresno, Sacramento and Burlingame were considered. After many deliberations, the committee decided on the modern Santa Clara Convention Center.

The Hyatt Regency, Santa Clara is the preferred hotel for your stay during Konkani Sammelan 2008. It adjoins the Sammelan venue and is across from Paramount's Great America Theme Park. For your convenience, a limited number of rooms at discounted rates are blocked at this hotel. Details on room rates and how to make hotel reservations will soon be published on our website.

Please bookmark and check our website regularly (www.konkanisammelan.org) for Sammelan updates. Currently, the website is under construction and planned to be operational before the end of year 2006. In the meantime, you may reach us at help@konkanisammelan.org with questions, concerns and suggestions regarding Konkani Sammelan 2008.

We request you to be our ambassadors to inform your nearest and dearest from North America & around the world about this event. We look forward to welcoming you here & to your continued participation and support.

Devu Baren Karo
Konkani Sammelan 2008 - Publicity Committee

August 2006

The July 4th 2006 weekend at Hamilton, OT, Canada, venue of the biennial KonCANi sammelan seems to be a distant past. Congratulations and many thanks to Amita & Ashok Bhatt, their team for successfully organizing the mega social Konkani gathering. We appreciate your hospitality, the incredible sacrifices & the efforts of countless volunteers.

When delegates from this recently concluded sammelan, left for their home towns, the venue of next Biennial Konkani sammelan scheduled for July 4th 2008 weekend was still undecided.

It's been a recent tradition with konkani's from far & near to get together and celebrate food, have fun & strengthen friendship amongst the community, The popularity of Konkani sammelan's have kept growing over the past decade. What started as a small gathering at New Jersy back in 1996 is now a mega event with over 1650 delegates at the recently concluded sammelan.

To help keep this tradition continue, the Bay area Konkani's have agreed to host the 7th North American Konkani Sammelan during July 4th weekend 2008 in Northern California under the leadership of Pratibha & Ramesh Kamath.

Currently, the executive committee is in the initial stages of chalking out plans to make the 2008 July 4th weekend a successful & memorable event. For many on this executive team it will be a repeat effort. The 2nd NAKA sammelan was held at Chabot College, Hayward during 1998.

The challenges to organize these sammelan's have multiplied; the team is working hard to "Awaken the Konkani in you". We look forward to your continued support and will keep you posted as plans become clear. Stay tuned.

Devu Baren Karo