The long patch of road travelling through fields and green belt from Kankavli in Maharashtra’s Konkan area led us to Devgad, a small coastal town 40 kms away. As we reached the place representing the ethos of Konkan, we took a small lane leading towards a bridge that connects Devgad to Kunkeshwar, a place known for its famous Shiva Temple. A vast ocean and a hamlet of Mithmubri was ideal location for the launch of our Konkan edition of The Neutral View. We named it as “Yeva Konkanat” which means welcome to Konkan. On August 23 we were in Konkan. It was a milestone and historic feet for Neutral View Pvt. Ltd which has become the fastest growing media organization. After successfully capturing the hearts of Goans through its English fortnightly The Neutral View, we have ventured into the neighboring Konkan. Our latest addition to the world of media in Maharashtra’s Konkan belt “Yeva Konkanat” was launched on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Being Goa based media house, we could not ignore Konkan region which has a lot of similarities with us. The migration that happened out of Konkan some five generations back also contributed to the welfare of Goa alike Mumbai. There are several people from Sawantwadi, Kudal, Kankavli up to Ratnagiri and Raigad who have made Goa as their home. The cultural similarities are helping them from not being home sick. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most important festival in Goa and also the Konkan region. It is said that roughly there are 8.5 lakh people living in Konkan area but there are over 50 lakh Konkani people who have migrated to Mumbai and other places. This is a time for reverse migration. We launched our edition in Konkan to start the trend of reverse migration in the region. On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the edition of Yeva Konkanat was launched in the historic home of Khawle family. The family has a tradition of celebrating Ganesh since last 317 years. They have entered into Limca Book of Records for having Ganesh idol which is seen in three different colours during 21 day celebration
BJP leader from the region, Pramod Jathar was the chief guest for the function which was well attended by prominent people from the region. In a unique style, typical to Konkan, the blessings of Lord Ganesh was sought for the success of this edition. The edition was launched in front of Lord Ganesh. The 16-pages edition was well appreciated by the readers who wished that in the years to come the news magazine would be converted into daily reflecting the ethos of the region. We have set up our office at Kankavli, which is a major commercial hub of this region. The office was later inaugurated by local MLA Nitesh Rane who welcomed the initiative. He said that the magazine should add up to the quality of life of the people of the Konkan belt. With Yeva Konkanat all set to have its second edition being published on September 15, we have started our journey in this region.

Team TNV