Past Konkani Sammelan's in North America:

With the Konkani language acquiring national status in the Indian Constitution in 1992 and the first World Konkani Conference in Mangalore in 1995, the revival of the culture and language of our community has gained momentum. Oh yes! We Konkanis, have certainly arrived!

The North American Konkani Sammelans, which started out in 1996, have been a success right from the word go. What started out as "Kindling the Konkani Spirit" in New Jersey in 1996, grew to be "Nurturing Konkani Culture" in California in 1998. The Millennium Sammelan in Chicago was themed "Promoting Konkani Heritage". And while Sammelan 2002 in Houston made us all "Proud to be Konkanis", SammeLAn 2004 in Southern California did a marvelous job in "Preserving Our Heritage and Promoting Our Youth". KonCani's organized the recent mega social event in 2006. Over 1650 Konkani delegates from all over the world came together in "Remembering our past, Looking to our future" at Hamilton, Canada.

These biennial two and half day events have gained such immense popularity over the years, It's been a recent tradition with konkani's from far and near to get together and celebrate food, have fun and strengthen friendship amongst the community, The popularity of Konkani sammelan's have kept growing over the past decade

Each Sammelan had its own unique moments. Hightstown, New Jersey, 1996 was the North American first, a ground-breaking event of sorts. Ranging from readings of contemporary poetry and a novel (The Revised Kamasutra), to resolving inter-generation issues in Konkani families, it even offered some innovative fitness alternatives, "Dhingda Maryan"…staying fit and having fun doing it, Konkani style!!!

NAKS presented eminent and articulate speakers like Prof. Frank Conlon, who has written a book on Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmins and Dinesh D'souza, author of two best-sellers and former senior domestic analyst at the White House. Other interesting highlights included a debate titled, "Ethnicity and Assimilation in America: Melting Pot or Salad Bowl".

Sammelan '98 at Silicon Valley CA had high caliber entertainment like"Konkani Kaleidoscope", "From Shenvanyo to Spagetti"(konkanis then and now), "Konkani Jeopardy", and stalwarts like singer Ajit Kadkade.

Millennium 2000 at Chicago had performances from distinguished vocalist, K. Upendra Bhat, disciple of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi and tabla maestro, Omkar Gulwady. AMKA (American Midwest Konkani Association) awarded lifetime achievement awards to Sushila Rani Patel (award-winning actress, lawyer, entrepreneur and activist) and the late T.M.A.Pai (doctor, educator, business leader and philanthropist).

Sammelan2002 at Houston had the Konkanis in Southern States (KISS), present an array of Konkani talent. Among those honoured were Anant Pai of "Amar Chitra Katha" fame and Neil Hattangadi, Rhodes Scholar. A fascinating docu-drama production, traced the migratory path of the Saraswats, while "Club Amchigalo" kept the youth swinging to the DJ beats all night!

SammeLAn 2004 at Los Angeles featured a whopping turnout of 1400. A gamut of highly entertaining items embellished by Power Point and DVD presentations on large screens brought home the point that yes, we Konkanis are the 'happening' people!

While Jona Hattangadi, medical student, Harvard, was an eloquent youth Key Note Speaker, seminars covered topics like modifying the Konkani diet to reduce risk of heart diseases and diabetes. And then, there was quick, efficient cooking tips for second generation konkanis, and a unique segment for the young and restless, the "Konkani Idol"!!

With exhibits of kitchen utensils like Ragdo, koiti, aadli, shenvaiyaa daante, and authentic snacks like kela halvo, kela kachri, haapolu-paapodu, chakuli etc., the Konkani hospitality was omnipresent and bountiful.

The three days in July,2006 at Hamilton, Canada saw many sporting red Konkani shirts and carrying red and white bags. The programs commenced with a grand opening ceremony in the magnificent auditorium. The KonCANi Idol program considered the best ever, and the Karaoke competition unfailingly filled the large hall. The classical music performances, the plays and skits and dances were greatly appreciated. The Youth had a blast with Casino Night, Speed Panchyadika, discos, and nightclub.

KonCANi 2006 delegates were overwhelmed by how the two large panels on either side of the stage in Hamilton Place by Sadanand Benegal had completely transformed the Hamilton Convention Center into a very ethnic Indian and Konkani venue.

To continue this tradition and "Awaken the Konkani in You" the Bay area Konkani's will come together again to host 7th North American Konkani Sammelan during July 4th weekend in 2008 in Santa Clara, CA

Now, if all this is not incentive enough for attending these Sammelans, what is ?? And yes, judging by the increasing participation of Youth, it is obvious that Sammelans are a cool place to hangout…and well perhaps, even meet that special someone…!