Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Dec 17: Ashawadi Prakashan in association with Divyadeepa Prakashan on Sunday December 17 organized Konkani Sambhram - 2017' at Milagres College, Kallianpur here.
The programme was inaugurated by Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld.
Chicago-based writer, dramatist and social worker Dr Austin Prabhu (international Konkani icon), Konkani writer Valli Vagga (literature - short stories), Dr Edward Nazreth (literature - articles), Gerald V Carlo (literature - translations) and Concepta Fernandes Alva (media) were honoured for their service and contribution to the development of Konkani language in their respective fields.
In his address Dr Austin Prabhu said, "If Konkani language had a single script it would have touched greater heights today. Lack of script hinders the development of language. We are working for Konkani only for our self esteem, for our peace of mind. Some of our people think that contributing to Konkani will not profit them."
Addressing the gathering, Walter Nandalike said, "In our times the source of information for us were All India Radio and newspapers only. Technology was not so advanced. I had started to read Konkani magazines in my childhood itself. I too had a desire to write stories and my first story was published when I was 13 years old. With the development of technology we have become writers, publishers, readers and critics all in one."
He also thanked Austin Prabhu, Concepta Fernandes, Dr Edward Nazareth from the bottom of his heart for helping him in his journey towards success.
Christmas special issue of Poinnari.com, John Shuntikoppa’s 'Moni Bob', Vincy Pamboor’s 'Mellya Pettya Bhouvari' and Valley Quadras' 'Mukhamukhi' books were released on the occasion.
Fr Chethan, editor of Uzwaad fortnightly gave a talk on 'Social responsibility of writers'. "Today we can understand the meaning of the saying 'pen is mightier than sword' in a negative way. Speaking truth to power is literature. Literature and writings of great authors are the source of inspiration for all the revolutions that have taken place in the world till now," he said.
Fr Chethan in his speech also commented about arrested journalist Ravi Belagere and said, "Many are inspired by the writings of Belagere. His tabloid 'Hai Bengaluru' was liked by many. Today he has property worth Rs 300 crore, but how did he make so much money as a writer is the question. He not only wrote about underworld activities but also entered the underworld."
Catherine Rodrigues, Andrew D’Cunha, John Shuntikoppa, Jio Agrar, Prasanna Niddodi, Anthony Barkur took part in poetry reciting session. A play was presented by Christopher Ninasam and team.
Valley Quadras of Ashawadi Prakashana, Dr Gerald Pinto Niddodi of Divyadeepa Prakashana and a large number of renowned Konkani writers attended the event.