Saraswat Festival could be held outside the state: CM

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2009-02-07
PANAJI - The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Friday said that the Saraswat Food and Cultural Festival could be held in cities like Mumbai, in the future, which have large population of natives from Goa, further assuring government support for the same.
Mr Kamat, who earlier inaugurated the 9th Saraswat Food and Cultural Festival, at Gymkhana Ground, Campal, further stated that the Goans residing outside Goa would love to attend such events, if held in the cities of their residence. The noted industrialist, Mr Srinivas Dempo was present as the chief guest.
Speaking further, the Chief Minister said that events like Saraswat Food and Cultural Festival not only showcases Goan culture including food habits, but also provides platform for young and upcoming talent. “Goa has a lot of cultural potential and the government is running a number of cultural schemes for the same reason,” he pointed out.
Mr Dempo, speaking on the occasion stated that Saraswats for a long time have carried the torch of intellectual leadership of the society. Stressing on the need to preserve the Saraswat heritage in the computer age, he said that the festival is an effective medium for the purpose.
Mr Dempo also maintained that the Saraswats should carry out interaction with all other communities and exchange thoughts and views on various aspects.
The president of the Goa Saraswat Samaj, Mr Pundalik Keni, in his welcome address observed that the festival returns to Panaji after being held in Margao for five years. He also remembered late Chandrakant Keni as a close associate of the Samaj. The president of the programme committee of the festival, Dr Ulhas Nasnodkar said that the youth are playing an important role in the development of the Saraswat community. The Chief Minister released a souvenir, ‘Abhiruchi’ on the occasion. Homage was also paid to late Chandrakant Keni.
Earlier, a number of children enacted roles of the renowned Saraswats including Sohirobanath Ambiye, Lingu Dalvi, Dharmanand Kosambi, Shenoi Goembab, Laxmanrao Sardessai, Dr Sakharam Gude, B B Borkar, Radhabai Kamat, Dr Yamunabai Mulgaonkar-Hede, Sumatibai Lawande-Gharse and Mangala Wagle in a programme titled ‘Goechem Khambe’.