The Konkani Study Chair at the Mangalore University was inaugurated at Ravindra Kala Bhavan University College today by Karnataka Higher Education Minister R V Deshpande.
Addressing the gathering, Deshpande spoke in Konkani saying 'Hawn Konkani Ulaitha' (I speak Konkani). He said Konkani was a beautiful language spoken by people of different religions and castes in the region and people who speak Konkani were very affectionate and intelligent.
The minister said the chair was a gift from the Karnataka Government to the Konkani community.
Mangalore University vice-chancellor, K Byrappa in his presidential address said two full time research scholars would be appointed for the Study Chair.
Mangaluru Bishop Aloysius Paul D'souza, Nalin Kumar Kateel MP, Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo and Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino also spoke on the occasion.
