Mangaluru: Dr Austin Prabhu recalls his literary journey in 'Face-to-Face'


Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Apr 2: Konkani Writers and Artists Association (KWAA) organized Konkani book release and Face-to-Face interaction with renowned Chicago-based Konkani writer and social worker Dr Austin D'Souza Prabhu at Orchid Gallery here on Saturday, April 1.

In the first part of the programme, 'Garjek Podath', a collection of short stories written by KWAA president Ronald Sequeira was released by Austin D'Souza Prabhu. Executive editor of Arso magazine Wilson Kateel introduced the book to the gathering.

Writer Ronald Sequeira, also known by his pen name Sikeram Suratkal, said, "My stories are simple. They come from soil. Simple life of my parents and relatives from older generations, their devotion to humanity and their discipline made me reflect for years and now at the age of 63, I have come up with my first book. I thank all my readers for their support. I cannot forget the support of my family and some writers who helped me to venture into literature."

In the second part of the programme, Austin D’Souza Prabhu was felicitated by MLA J R Lobo, founder of Vishwa Konkani Kendra Basti Vaman Shenoy and Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike.

After the felicitation, Walter Nandalike introduced Austin D'Souza Prabhu to the audience. Austin’s achievements till he left for Chicago in 1981 were highlighted first. Walter mentioned that Austin was running 3 Konkani periodicals as editor and also he was holding many important posts in diocese level in youth and cultural activities. His days in ICYM, Konkani Natak Sabha and Kala Sampath were hailed.

Walter also mentioned post-1981 days of Austin where he excelled as Lions Club member and governor in USA, "Austin reached places which we can only dream of. Austin donated without expecting any returns. He helped all the people who approached him from motherland. It is very difficult to find a gem like Austin," Walter said. He also recollected the difficulties Austin faced during his heydays.

In the face-to-face interaction that followed, many fans asked questions to Austin relating to his life and achievements.

"During my younger days I received a lot of opportunities to lead the community and to exhibit my talents. Drama was my passion. At the age 22, I was editing 3 Konkani magazines and also I took up responsible posts in various organizations. I never got tired. Disciplined life and love for my mother tongue made everything possible for me. I became governor of Lions Club twice. The fighting spirit and the determination to achieve the goal helped me to attain success in distant land Chicago also.

"Discipline always makes leadership stronger. The love of motherland and humanity brings all of us together. Let arrogance not take over the humility in you. You dream anything; you will get it with hard work. Walk more, eat less, work more and you will do wonders," Austin said in his message to fans. Austin came to Mangaluru after 7 years.

Earlier, secretary of KWAA Florine Roche welcomed the gathering. Austin D’Souza and Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike were welcomed with bouquets by poet Melvyn Rodrigues and Orchid Gallery director William Pais respectively.

Roshan Madtha rendered vote of thanks. H M Pernal compered the programme and moderated the interaction.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Avitha Vas, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 04 2017

    Dear Dr. A Prabhu, Congratulations!!!... Programme was well organised.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Mangaluru

    Tue, Apr 04 2017

    Glad to see that KWAA bringing together all the Konkani writers artists together and arranging interaction with leading Konkani figures. The crowd gathered for this function is the witness for that. Laamb jiyon KWAA

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  • Kiran D Souza, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 04 2017

    As walter nandalike rightly said Austin you are a gem of mangalorean konkani community and pride of konkani. Packed Gallerry is a testimony to your popularity. A very good initiative by Konkani writers and artists association. you people provided a platform to meet and greet a great personality of konkani. keep up your good work. Appreciate your noble gesture.

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  • Roshu, Bajpe, bajpe

    Tue, Apr 04 2017

    Hatsoff to Dr. Austin Prabhu, an inspiration to all of us and speciallly to youngsters. Well organized by HM n Kittall.

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  • jaison Aranha, Dubai

    Tue, Apr 04 2017

    congratulation Dr Austine.

    I thank for the all the good work that you carried in Mangalore for all these years I appreciate the efforts you put for the betterment of ICYM and Amcho Yuvak.
    you were the role model for all of us to work hard and achievement will follow you

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  • Pramila dsouza, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 04 2017

    Dear Austine,
    congratulation for the important milestone that you have crossed in your life.
    we are proud for the contribution made by you for Konkani language and drama.
    today we find business in the name of the language where as you were the gem in all these days.

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  • Roshan, Mangalore

    Mon, Apr 03 2017

    It was a nice and well organised program.

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  • Roshan Madtha, Mangalore

    Mon, Apr 03 2017

    Hatsoff to your service dear Austin prabhu. Proud of you

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Antony Lewis, Mangalore

    Mon, Apr 03 2017

    Congrats Austin. U deserve all accolades. Well done Konkani writers forum. Let more Konkani writers be recognised.

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  • Alwyn Crasta, Mangaluru/Bengaluru

    Mon, Apr 03 2017

    Congratulations Dr. Austin. Your contributions and achievements in the Konkani movement are simply mind-boggling. Your journey to and settlement in the USA have brought out various aspects of your multi-faceted and multi-talented personality.

    All Mangalureans are proud of you. Keep up the wonderful work. May God bless you and your family with good health and many more achievements.

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  • William Rodrigues, Milagres, Mangaluru

    Mon, Apr 03 2017

    From a humble beginning, Dr Austin Prabhu climbed the ladder of success only by sheer determination, hard work and a well planed future. I still remember his younger days.... a true entertainer, a lover of Konkani language. He used to enthrall all the people around him with Konkani songs (with a guitar in his hands) and jokes.
    Today when I see him at the pinnacle of successful life, I can boldly say ...he is truly a "Mannina Maga". I wish him a very healthy life and may God shower all his blessings upon him and his family so that he can still continue his good Samaritan job.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • John B. Monteiro, Bondel Mangalore

    Mon, Apr 03 2017

    I was happy to attend the twin function of book release and Face-to-Face with US-settled Dr Austin Prabhu at Orchid Gallery. It was a delight to hear the earthy response of Dr Austin in the interaction.
    At the meeting at Orchid Gallery, I was touched by the elegance of his dress and the slimness he has maintained. This is the second function that I am attending at Orchid and I find that it provides a cosy setting for such functions. I congratulate the gallery Director William Pais for putting his centrally-located commodious premises for good duel use.

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  • Lawrence Mascarenhas, USA

    Sun, Apr 02 2017

    Congratulations Austin.

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  • kevin fernandes, mangalore/mumbai

    Sun, Apr 02 2017

    Hi Austin,

    You have made us proud !! God Bless you and your fly.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lawrence D Souza, Mangalore

    Sun, Apr 02 2017

    Well deserved felicitation dear Austin. Your contribution to Konkani movement and language is remarkable. Inspite of living in America for so many years your Konkani is pure. Congratulations Austin and very good initiative Konkani Association.

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