Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SB)
Udupi, Jan 28: The annual Daiji Literary Award was conferred on well-known Konkani novelist and short story writer Ron Roche Cascia at Hotel Kediyoor here on Sunday January 28 during the 19th anniversary celebration of Daiji Manglur (formerly Daiji Dubai), a UAE and Mangaluru-based forum of Konkani writers.
Joseph Mathias, NRI entrepreneur and singer and Fr Chetan, editor, Uzwad Weekly were the chief guests, while G Rajashekar, renowned Kannada writer was the guest of honour.
The programme was inaugurated by Dayan D'Souza, Hemacharya, Melvyn Rodrigues and Walter Nandalike, founders of Daiji writers' forum, by pouring incense into fire.
In his introductory speech Dayan D'Souza said, "A writer becomes successful in the literary world when he becomes human first. Daiji is a team of writers who give first preference to humanity. Over the last eighteen years this organization had worked for Konkani language and also reached out to fulfill the humanitarian needs of Konkani writers. Every year it awards a writer who is truly deserving."
Joseph Mathais said, "Konkani is a small community, so not much effort is required to bring the entire community under one umbrella. Writers can do this easily because they are in direct touch with the community members through their literature. At the same time, writers should not run after fame. They should reflect on social issues in their writings and always strive to bring unity among people."
In his keynote address G Rajashekhar said, "As long as a language is rolling on the tongues, we cannot say that the language is dead or has died. Konkani is a language that will never die because Konkani people take their mother tongue very seriously and face challenges to keep it alive. They use scripts that they know. A language requires a script, particularly at this time because these days we hear slogans of one language, one community and one philosophy.
"We are living in a country which is based on the theory of unity in diversity. Then how can we accept one language, one community and philosophy? We are a community of different languages and philosophies. But despite the differences, we are citizens of one nation. So we do not need slogans or decrees of only one language.
"We are passing through a very critical time where some people are ordering us what to do and what not to. Our silence is entertaining them and if it continues, it will reach up to our neck. So we need to have writers who can break the silence and fight against this," he added.
Poet Melvyn Rodrigues gave a brief introduction on Ron Roche Cascia's literary works. Stany Bela read the citation.
The dignitaries then felicitated Ron Roche with a shawl, memento, citation and cheque worth Rs 75,000.
Acknowledging the honour, Ron Roche said, "This award has made me realize the depth of my writings. This is a memorable event, one that I will remember all my life. In my writings, I have always tried to reflect the feelings of my life or of others. I have tried to evaluate and reach out to my readers. Many have supported me in my literary journey and I am thankful to all of them, especially the late Wilfy Rebimbus and a few writers of Wilfy's era. I thank my family for their tremendous support."
Fr Chetan distributed the prizes to the winners of the Uzwad literary competitions. He lauded Daiji forum's relationship with the Uzwad Weekly. He also released a short story collection by Stan Ageira.
Melvyn Rodrigues released Ron Roche's book while Walter Nandalike released the DVD of Konkani hit drama 'Ami Natlya Velaar'.
Melwyn Kalakul entertained the audience with standup comedy. Praveen Tauro conducted Konkani quiz that saw enthusiastic participation.
Vincent Pinto welcomed the gathering and Glany Fernandes rendered the vote of thanks. Alwyn Danthy compered the event.