Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 18: An international webinar on digitalization of Konkani literature with a special focus on the stories written by Konknni Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus, was held on January 16. The main idea behind such a venture is to go beyond the boundaries of caste, religion, region and script in order to bring to light creative Konkani literature, making it available to all people.
The webinar began with Ronald Olivera Padukone, who briefed the participants with regard to the need to digitalize literature in this modern age. He reminded that in 1991-92 at Ajekar, during a public honour for Wilfy Rebimbus, he was titled by Valley Quadros as ‘The Prophet of Konkani’. Later Valley, while wishing the participants ‘Ostimtay Dis’ reminded the great work of unity in the name of Konkani and the efforts made by Wilfy through his songs and stories. He had always been humble, simple and frank in his approach. His short stories reflect the Konkani society. Ashawadi Prakashan has taken upon itself to transliterate his stories and make it available on the digital platform.
Felix Lobo who inaugurated the session and appreciated this digitalization effort also suggested that even other writer’s literature needs to be digitalized. Walter Nandalike, the director of Daijiworld shared his experience about reading the stories of Wilfy and encouraged this venture.
Eddy Sequeira shared how Wilfy would spend time in writing words for a song which would even be a whole night. He never hurt anyone in his life and spread love and affection which was also the name suggested for the movie ‘Mog ani Moipas’. Hemacharya spoke about the story ‘Pintram’ and his close connection with his family members. Clarence Kaibamba spoke of the great personality of Wilfy and his contribution to Konkani.
Dr Austin Prabhu of Veez e-magazine congratulated Ashawadi Prakashan for this digitalization venture and spoke of the competition held in the name of Wilfy Rebimbus in three scripts.
Veena Rebimbus Pais, as part of digitalization in all scripts, inaugurated this work. This was followed Vishwas Rebimbus’ words, who is the son of Wilfy and keen about this venture. James Mendonsa, the chief guest, shared his experience and encouraged such initiatives. Joseph Mathias said how Wilfy’s words gave social inspiration and assured his co-operation. Venkatesh Balliga reminded about the song ‘Mog tuzo kitlo axelo’ and expressed his admiration for Wilfy.
This was followed by Fr Jason Pinto, who spoke about the e-journal and the motto of Ashawadi Prakashan,’Yadaham jeevami, ahamashanse (I live with hope until I am alive). The literary e-journal ‘Poinnari’ was then inaugurated by Melwin Rodrigues, who appreciated this initiative of Ashawadi Prakashan. Dr Jayanti Naik’s book ‘Tichi Kanni’ was inaugurated. Dr Purnanand Chari. Shylendra Mehta gave a brief life sketch of the author while Vasant Sawant gave a synopsis of the book. Dr Jayanti Naik responded to this and congratulated the team for the digitalization of Wilfy’s short stories.
Konkani sardar Basti Vaman Shenoy, Fr Royson Fernandes, H M Pernal, Wilson Kinnigoli, Dinesh Corea, Concepta Fernandes Alva, R S Baskar and Gopinath, along with other Konkani workers gave their messages. The vote of thanks was rendered by Valley Quadros.