Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, May 28: Daiji Literary Award was conferred on well known Konkani novelist and short story writer H J Goveas at Gallery Orchid here on Saturday, May 27. Daiji Manglur, a UAE and city based forum of Konkani writers, celebrated its 18th anniversary on the same occasion.
J R Lobo, MLA of Mangaluru South, attended the programme as chief guest. H J Goveas, the president of the forum Robert Udyavar, local convener of the forum Vincy Pinto Angelore, first Daiji award winner and moderator of the event CGS Taccode, Konkani poet and actor Jerry Rasquinha were on the dais.
Robert Udyavar welcomed and briefed about the literary activities of the forum in Dubai and Mangaluru. He explained how the forum was formed 18 years back and continues to hold literary events and confers awards on prominent writers since then with the same zeal and enthusiasm.
'Daiji Literary Award 2017' was presented to H J Goveas during the programme by J R Lobo. Melvyn Rodrigues read out the citation.
H J Goveas thanked all the people who made him a writer of repute, especially the readers. He said he was extremely happy to received prestigious award in Konkani. He lauded the work done by Daiji for literature. He promised that he would continue writing till he is able to, and will maintain quality.
The award carries prize money of Rs 75,000 along with a citation and certificate of honour.
C G S Taccode conducted an interaction with the awardee. Audience asked many questions related to the literary journey of the awardee. The session with lots of humour was enjoyed by one and all. It also gave insights into the hitherto unknown facts of Goveas’ literary and personal life.
J R Lobo in his short speech asked the Konkani people to keep speaking the language so that it reaches a new height. “We should speak our mother tongue. I am happy to note that Daiji Forum does a lot for Konkani. I am extremely happy to address an audience of writers though I am not competent to do that. The writers have the ability to pinpoint even the smallest mistakes. All cannot be chosen for awards. When few among the best are chosen, it is an honour for all the people in that particular field. H J Goveas has made all the Konkani writers proud today. I pray that programmes like this will be held regularly, so that people and language will benefit.”
Jerry Rasquinha delivered a talk on the topic 'Konkani novels from a reader's perspective'. He analysed Konkani literature from socio economic angle and said Konkani literature in Mangaluru is not very old and hence will grow more as the community moves ahead in all spheres. He also talked about Kannada literature from his own perspective and spoke about the writers he liked reading. He also spoke about the literature he could not read.
Alwyn Danthy compered. Stany Bela proposed vote of thanks. Elton Pinto sang the prayer song written by Vincy Pinto Angelore.
Edi Netto, Dolphy Cascia, Michael D’Souza, Francis Fernandes Cascia, Herolpius, Walter Nandalike, James Mendonca, Rohan Monteiro, Leslie Rego, William Pais, Richard Moras were present among others.
About H J Goveas
Hilrod Joseph Goveas, presently living in Andheri, Mumbai, was born on April 22, 1956 at Kankanady in, Mangaluru. A commerce graduate, he worked with Korean Embassy in Kuwait as commercial manager for 18 years. In 2002 he left Kuwait to join the family business and since then he is serving as an overseas market director.
H J Goveas' tryst with Konkani literature began in the early 1970s. His stories have been published in well-known Konkani periodicals such as Raknno, Poinnari, Sevak, Kutam, Dirvem, Mithr, Zhelo, Kannik, Kurov, Arso etc. His stories regularly appear in Konkani web portals like Kittall, Daaiz and Konkani Friends.
A veteran of 29 novels and over 1,000 short stories, Goveas has lived through the changing times of Konkani literature by conceiving fiction for over 40 years with unflinching honesty, without expecting any awards and rewards. Continuity has been his hallmark.
His first novel in Konkani was 'Yetaan Tuji Vaat Dharun' was published by Poinnari. He has never looked back since then. 'Ankvaar Avoi’ Kalokantlle Dole', 'Baara Metam', 'Rahasya', 'Lipaillem Sat', 'Buyarantllo Ghut' have been some his other popular novels. He is one among the very few Konkani writers who carry the flair for penning gritty and suspense thrillers. Making splendid use of this genre, H J Goveas has carved a long-lasting name in Konkani literature.
His Konkani novel 'Hanv Tuka Bogsunchi Na' was given Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Award in 2007. His other Konkani novel 'April 22' was translated into English and published by The Secular Citizen with the title 'Betrayer'.
Daiji Mangaluru is a forum of actively dominant group of Konkani writers based in Dubai and Mangaluru providing yeoman service to Konkani language and literature for the last eighteen years. The trust is registered in Mangaluru.