KONKANI SAMMELANS AND THEIR VALUES
What values do these Sammelans bring? We asked our community leaders from around the country who organized some of the past Konkani Sammelans in North America.
Questions:
(1) What were your experiences/observations in the Sammelan that you cherished the most? Could you please state some of the Konkani characteristics that stand out the most in the Sammelans?
(2) From the point of future of Konkanis in USA (and the West), what are your positive thoughts? What factors could be crucial in maintaining our future identity as Konkanis?
Answers:
Ramesh C. Kamath - Northern California:
Most cherished is the opportunity to meet friends and relatives at the event. Most important characteristic that stands out is the hospitality, a desire to please every one. Second element is the spirit of volunteerism that was evident. A concern about the future of Konkanis in USA was also evident - how will our kids identify themselves, will they carry on these conventions?
Sammelan for one is an essential element. Konklish was another effort. We need to promote Konkani artists. We need to establish financial support network for Konkani families in need in USA.
Sadanand Mankikar (representing Ashok & Amita Bhatt) - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada:
Seemed everyone enjoyed the authentic food and exhibits. I believe everyone was impressed by active and enthusiastic participation by children and youth. They gave us the hope that the future of Konkani culture is in good hands.
In general, be it in U.S. or Canada, whenever possible we should identify and recognize the success of fellow Konkanis on a grand scale. This will encourage our youth to maintain their identity, by contributing to and participating in "local" activities, which would bring increased recognition to our community. In addition to holding Konkani functions, we need to actively participate in other "Indian" and "American"/"Canadian" activities. Being part of well-known organizations such as Rotary Club, Lions Cub, Chamber of Commerce, and other professional organizations and yet being known as a "Konkani" could bring the recognition to our community.
Vasanth Bhat - Advisor to Presidents, Editor of "Khabbar", & NAKA Executive Board Member:
There is no doubt in my mind that Sammelans have brought Konkani awareness in our people in North America. Every biennial Sammelan has been a success, both from a financial point of view and from the organizational point of view. Both the first and second generation Konkanis are looking forward to this great event every two years! Most of the Konkanis love to talk (panchadik), and they enjoy eating typical Konkani delicacies. I am pretty sure this is true among the first generation Konkanis. If there is an avenue to do these two things, then most of the Sammelan is a success! Having said that, talking & eating is NOT what these Sammelans should be. Certainly our next generation has kept up with us by holding biennial Konkani Youth Conventions also, and is aware that they are Konkanis.
These Sammelans have also exposed the talents within our community. These talented individuals are the role models for our future generations. Their success stories should inspire our youngsters, and these Sammelans have successfully done that.
A tough task indeed. North America is a big melting pot of all cultures, and we are a tiny minority. Forget about North America, most of the Indians in India are not familiar with Konkanis! To me, supporting Konkani causes anywhere in the world is a best idea, but the practical one is supporting that in India.
Nina Padukone - NAKA Executive Board Member, Helped Organize First Sammelan at New Jersey:
While each Sammelan has been wonderful in its own way, as the organizers of the first Konkani Sammelan in the NY/NJ/Penn area, the one thing that meant the most was how well the community came together to
support the cause and celebrate our joint heritage. The community spirit and esprit de corps it generated was beyond my expectations. It not only raised the spirits of those of us who were born in the
Konkan region, but it also gave the second generation of Konkanis who
were born in North America a tremendous sense of their identity and
heritage. It was gratifying and heatwarming to see that the youngsters
threw themselves into organizing and hosting the Sammellan with as much
gusto, commitment and pride as the first-generation Konkanis.
It was amazing that people who attended the first Convention were
Konkanis from different religions and walks of life. The opening
ceremony consisted of a wide range of people including a Konkani
Scholar from Goa and a Mangalorian Christian Priest. What's more, the fact that the Sammelans have become a biannual tradition is most rewarding and meaningful.
Providing a forum to meet and exchange ideas regularly is one of the
best ways to preserve Konkani culture among the diaspora in the US; and
maintain links with the culture in the mother country. So the Sammelans
are invaluable.
Is there a way to do do this electronically between Sammelans?
Judging by a very tiny sample, my own family:
Thanks to the Sammelans, my children (who were 9 and 14 at the
first convention) now in their 20's have a much clearer idea of who
they are. They both developed a renewed interest in the Konkani
language. They have really linked up with the culture--both here and in
India
Both have traveled to India on their own several times, and established
connections with cousins and friends in India, with whom they correspond
more regularly than I do.
Our son Neil was recently traveling from Delhi to Amritsar by train
on his own. He met two Konkani speaking gentlemen on the journey. There was an instant connection based on their shared language and culture. They chatted a great deal about the nuances of the language in Goa and Karnataka. Neil got a lot out of the interchange.
Dr Ramadas & Dr Udaya Kamath - Southern California:
When I look back on our SammeLAn preparations, I fondly remember a process that brought our community closer together. While many members of the Southern California Konkani community knew one another from our regional events, SammeLAn preparations generally solidified pre-existing relationships and helped us form new friendships. In 2004, it was novel to hold the Convention and the accommodations in one hotel-convention complex. The Heritage Committee did an excellent job depicting and re-enacting the Konkani festivals. The Volunteer Committee did a fantastic job obtaining the help of Konkanis from various parts of North America. As a result, the Food Committee’s task of serving food for 1500 delegates became easier, and everyone who attended our SammeLAn remembers participating, which I hope is a fond memory.
I am excited about the developments in the Konkani community in North America. Konkanis from different parts of India, and those of different religious faiths, are showing interest in getting involved in our Sammelans. Once they are integrated, we will enhance our already rich cultural programs and discussions. Our Konkani identity should be nurtured on many levels. Parents must instill knowledge of culture and language at home. Konkanis should regularly attend regional social and religious functions, so they can feel that they are part of a larger community. Of course, they should also follow your example by attending Sammelans like this one!
