Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Mar 3: A unique homage was paid to A T Lobo, the giant of Konkani literature on Sunday, March 1 in Mangaluru.

Late Apollo Thomas Lobo, popularly known as A T Lobo by his pen name is one among five Pandavas of Konkani literature. He is famous for his plays also. 95 years were completed on March 2 since his birth. Kavita Trust in his memory had arranged 'A T Lobo- a poetic journey' (A T Lobo - Ek Kavyal Poinn) in a different way.

Konkani poetry is gaining its glory. Kavita trust, a dedicated organization has taken Konkani poetry to international standards in the last fifteen years with zeal. Trust is attracting the youth towards Konkani poetry with its annual fest, poetry recitals, poetry reading competitions, lectures and publication of books. Several such exercises have been in progress.

Release of A T Lobo's books on poetry and discussion with recitals of his poetry were held at the residences of A T Lobo's brother, his friend and at Bejai Church cemetery where A T Lobo was buried.

The programme started at the residence of A T Lobo's brother, Lawrence Lobo by reading his poetry in Konkani. It was followed by singing session of A T Lobo's Qawwalis by popular singer Anil Patrao and troupe.

Lawrence and his sister Monthi Monteiro launched 'A T Lobo – Ek Kavyal Poinn' the collection of poetry, Shayari and Qawwalis by picking up the book from the pile of Lobo's old books.

“Lobo was the first to introduce Qawwali and shayari to the Konkani literary world. The collection is invaluable for Konkani language. It is an exquisite work,” opined Melvyn Rodrigues, president of Kavita Trust.

Melvyn later held a discussion on A T Lobo with his brother and sister. They recollected the way their elder brother led the family, guided the young and his contribution to Konkani literature in the 1950 and 60s. Several of late A T Lobo's poems were read later.

Subsequently all travelled to late A T Lobo's friend Raymond Lobo's courtyard located at Kottara Cross junction. Dramatist Felix Saldanha and actress Carmelita Goveas shared the memories of yesteryears when A T Lobo used to chat with his friends at a meeting place near Kottara Cross. Also A T Lobo's work as a dramatist were analysed. Selected poems from his dramas were read on the occasion.

The next journey was to the cemetery of Bejai Church. Normally people weep, pray and maintain silence in cemeteries. The grave of A T Lobo was decorated with flowers. Fr Richard D'Souza, director of Canara Communications Center explained how a personality resurrects among hundreds of people and how he becomes immortal by his literary works even though he disappears physically after his death.

Late A T Lobo's poems on death were read in the cemetary and all the gathered placed flowers on the grave.