Mangalore: Thousands Bid Adieu to Konkani Litterateur Victor Rodrigues


Mangalore: Thousands Bid Adieu to Konkani Litterateur Victor Rodrigues
Pics: Nellu Permannur
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RD/CN)

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Mangalore, Jul 7: Thousands of people attended the final journey of late Victor Rodrigues, renowned Konkani litterateur and novelist, at St Sebastian parish, Bendore, on the evening of Wednesday July 7.
 
The funeral Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr Peter Noronha, parish priest of Bendore, along with several diocesan priests.
 
Carmelite Fr Alwyn Sequiera in his homily said that Rodrigues was not only a Konkani litterateur but a crusader of justice. 

“He penned his articles with the purpose of creating awareness about social justice.  He helped the poor and needy in his own way.  He also contributed to health awareness by publishing a simple book ‘Balaiki Daiz’, which is a useful book to keep in every Konkan household.  He also inspired budding Konkani writers to explore their literary talent. The Konkani community has lost a legendary litterateur and novelist which will not be easily filled so soon”, said Fr Sequeira.







































Earlier, Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza offered tributes to Rodrigues.
 
The well-wishers of the litterateur, especially editors and publishers of Konkani weeklies from Mumbai and Mysore, arrived from various places to participate in his final journey.

Dr Edward Nazareth offered memorable tributes to Rodrigues and consoled the bereaved family on the occasion.

A Tribute to Victor Rodrigues

By Dr Edward Nazareth

Sixty six year old Victor Rodrigues has gone to heavenly abode to get a suitable reward from the almighty and his life reminds me of a parable which Jesus had said to his disciples, wherein a servant who had just got 2 coins and succeeded in doubling it.  However, Victor Rodrigues,   just like the servant referred to here, multiplied the 5 coins he had to make it into 10 during his life time. It is our humble hope that the heavenly Father will be pleased with his life on earth as he led simple and honest life with unwavering faith in god.

In the Konkani book – Kanoon Daiz, authored by city lawyer Stanley R D’Costa  Victor Rodrigues had written a foreword where he says ‘anyone who keeps his wealth of knowledge to himself is like a servant who had hidden a coin given by his master in the soil, which is of no use for anyone.   There is genuine dearth of generous people who lack the thinking that the god-given free gift of knowledge should be shared freelyas it would bring about enlightenment of the people at large’.  Victor Rodrigues made best of his talents for the welfare of the community by authoring several Konkani novels which have immortalized him in our midst.  He is dead and gone but his literature will remain forever.  His novel “Paap and Shirap” which is once again being published  by “Kutam”, Konkani weekly published from Mumbai,  in series form, stands testimony to his popularity as a novelist of repute.

Victor Rodrigues was born on February 8, 1944 in Guardian Angel parish, Angelore, Mangalore, as the eldest son of late Anthony John Rodrigues and Carmine Rodrigues.   Due to the poor economic condition of the family he was not able to pursue further studies after completing his SSLC despite his earnest interest to do so.   He was a voracious reader of Kannada detective stories which gave him an insight to write novels in Konkani and also fictional stories.   Needless to say his unique style of narration in the novels inspired many budding writers to start writing novels and other literature.

It is not easy to sum up the literary achievements of Victor Rodrigues, a writer of repute in Konkani, in a few hours. He had authored 23 novels most of which were published by several Konkani periodicals for many years.  He had also authored two biographies, 4 plays and thousands of articles on a variety of subjects.   Veteran of Konkani litterateur the late Mic Max had lauded his literary expertise as he gave Konkani literature unparalleled masterpieces.  Many Konkani readers offered to subscribe for Konkani periodicals only because they carried his suspense filled thrilling novels in the series form.  It should be noted here that “Poinnari” weekly published from Mumbai created a record of sort by publishing only his novels in series for 31 long years.  There are instances of his novels being published simultaneously by 5 Konkani periodicals while some of the periodicals published  his novels in series 2  or 3 times.   It cannot be denied that `Poinnari' weekly survived longer by publishing the series of his novels.   However, it must be borne in mind here that Victor Rodrigues did not get much benefit, financial or otherwise from these publications.  But that did not deter him from writing.

Committed Konkani readers gave him various titles, such as “King of Novels, “Samrat of Konkani literature”, “Konkani Hero” ,  “Vi Ro” and Century Writer etc.  Despite of his popularity as a writer of great standing,  he remained a humble and down to earth human being till he breathed his last.   He treasured these titles as the greatest gifts he could get and never indulged in self glorification.

Highlighting this trait of Victor Rodrigues late Konkani legendary musician Wilfy Rebimbus in his foreword on the book authored by Victor Rodrigues “ Bangarachi Istri”, says: ‘Although Victor Rodrigues was an accomplished Konkani litterateur, he was humble, honest, soft-spoken and  never craved for publicity.  He penned his novels or stories only for his satisfaction and because of his ardent love for Konkani language, without expecting any monetary returns.’

Tributes have poured in to our daiji office in huge numbers from Konkani readers spread across the globe who have read Victor Rodrigues’ novels sometime in their lives.  His series “Devacho Sevak” which was published by Sevak periodical was brought out in the book form last year.  In the preface of the book Victor Rodrigues says:  ‘If the publishers of Konkani weekly  had shown the generosity of  publishing the series of novels in book form, proof of my literary contributions  would have remained even after my death.  It’s unfortunate that these publications denied such an opportunity to me”.

He used to author his novels or stories with the sole intention of reaching out to his committed readers without expecting any monetary returns. 

He was a humble, friendly and honest man.  He would forthright in condemning any wrong-doings that came to his notice through his writings.  He could not tolerate injustice from any one, not even from the religious groups or top officials of the community.  He was not afraid of the consequences of his acts.  He had the gift of writing and he made the optimum use of it till his death.

However, he was helpful to those who were good and sincere or those who deserved help.  He helped a few publishers of Konkani periodicals and secured contributions for them.  He was always there to render a helping hand to those who were in financial difficulties.  A large number of people who benefitted from his largesse would vouch for the financial help they received from him.  A poor catholic family in Karkal received his generous help for many years and he used to personally handover it to the family despite not keeping good health.  He also used to visit and offer financial help to poor families admitted to hospitals.  But he never craved for any publicity for the help he rendered and always preferred to keep a low profile. 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Fr. Victor Rodrigues SVD, Orissa

    Sun, Jul 11 2010

    During my school days I used read novels of Victor. I used to be all the more happy for having same name, surname and birth date and month. It is a sad news to hear about his death. We will miss him. May his soul rest in peace.

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  • Flossy Crasta, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Sun, Jul 11 2010

    My heart felt condolences for the bereaved family along with you Veena my friend.
    Flossy Crasta.

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  • Ruben D'Souza, Mumbai/Bahrain

    Sat, Jul 10 2010

    Great loss to Konakni litrature and Konkani speaking community. May his soul rest in peace. Deepest sympathy with his family members.
    Ruben and Family, Bahrain

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  • Ronald Monteiro, Surathkal/Kuwait

    Fri, Jul 09 2010

    Konkani mai become like orphan by lost of another legender of konkani literature in a short span of time after Wilfy's death.
    "VI RO" is hero of konkani literature.
    May his soul rest in peace.

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  • CHARLES SALDANHA, MALAD MUMBAI

    Fri, Jul 09 2010

    VICTOR RODRIGUES LEFT US TO BE WITH GOD.EVENTHOUGH HE IS NOT PRESENT IN THIS MORTAL WORLD HE WILL LIVE FOR EVER IN THE HEARTS OF HIS FANS WHO ARE BLESSED BY HIS BOOKS. I AM PROUD OF HAVING SOME OF HIS BEST NOVELS PUBLISHED SEVERAL YEARS BACK .MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE26

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  • VIVIAN L P D SOUZA, BONDEL/DOHA QATAR

    Fri, Jul 09 2010

    Great loss to Konakni litrature and Konkani speaking community, rare to get writting personality like Victor. May his soul rest in peace.
    Vivian & fly Doha Qater

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  • VIMITH PETER, PILAR/ SHIRVA

    Fri, Jul 09 2010

    IN THE HISTORY OF KONKANI THERE IS NO ONE IS THER TO REPLCE THE PLACE OF LATE MR. VICTOR. HE WAS A GREAT ASSET OF OUR COMUNITY.WE LOST HIM. AND IT IS A GREAT LOSS FOR US. LIKE DR. EDWARD NAZRETH WHO WAS INSPIRED BY LATE MR.VICTOR IAM ALSO FAN OF HIM. MAY ALMIGHTY GOD GIVE HIS SOUL A PEACE.HEARTY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY. vimith/sharjha.

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  • George Mascarenhas, Bangalore / Mangalore

    Thu, Jul 08 2010

    WE TRAVELLED TO HOLY LAND TOGETHER IN 2000. A GOOD ORATOR AND WRITER. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE. MAY LORD GIVE HIS FAMILY COURAGE TO FACE THE UNTIMELY DEATH.

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  • Simon Francis Lasrado, sullia/Bangalore

    Thu, Jul 08 2010

    You left us beautiful memories
    Your love and the writings are still our guide
    And though we cannot see you
    You are always at our side

    Sasnacho vishev Somi thuka divndi
    Niranthal prakaas thujer fankovndi
    Anik samadhanen Victor thuzo athmo vishev gevndi

    RIP Victor and we Bengalurians are missing you and your konkani writings.

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  • ujwal, mangalore

    Thu, Jul 08 2010

    I had read the series written by Shri Victor Rodrigues when I was a kid.My cousin had collected the poinarrie story series by Shri Victor & bound them as books.Reading these stories was just like watching spy movies-being engrossed totally.  We will miss this noteworthy figure.May he Rest In Peace

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  • Cyril Castelino, MUMBAI

    Thu, Jul 08 2010

    May GOD alllot him a prominent place in heaven as he has allotted him on earth in everybodys heart due to the grea talents given to him. VIRO will live in each & everybody's heart. Thank GOD for giving him to Konkani. May his soul restin peace and in all Konkani lovers hearts forever.

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  • Arunlovely lobo, bajal,mangalore/dublin,ireland

    Thu, Jul 08 2010

    Very sad news......May his soul rest in peace.....

    Great loss to mangalorean konkani community.

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  • Naveen Lobo - Flan Caterers- Bajal, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 07 2010

    Great loss to Konkani litrature and great loss to the comunity.

    May God Almighty give strengh to his family to bear the great loss.

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  • Ancy S DSouza Paladka, Vasai, Mumbai

    Wed, Jul 07 2010

    Victor Rodrigues is a great Literary personality. He loved human beings. He was down to earth in his nature. He will live in Konkani hearts forever. May his soul rest in peace

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  • Antony T D' Souza, Karkala, Qatar

    Wed, Jul 07 2010

    Being here, critically lost part I covered by your live uninterrupted clear transmission. Sincere Thanks to Praveen Tauro and all the untiring Daijiworld staff. BR, Antony Connie.

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  • HENRY MISQUITH, m'lore/Bahrain

    Wed, Jul 07 2010

    Victor will live on in many many peoples hearts and memories....you will never be forgotten. May your soul rest in peace.

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  • Stanley R.D'Costa, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 07 2010

    I am deeply condone the sudden demise of my friend Mr. Victor. I never thought that he will leave this world so early. He too was ambitious to live some more days. Why great good people are taken away from us too early by almighty god.May be God almighty has his own plans and we can't imagine his greatness.I have lost my great supporter in my konkani writings at the same time konkani loving people have lost a gem who would never be born in this world again as I believe.I really miss my...

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  • Ivan Saldanha, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 07 2010

    A great loss for the Konkani Daiz Sri Victor Rodrigues has done a supreme service to the Konkani language and culture now and ever. His memory must be suitably marked for posterity the Konkani and Mangalorean world.

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Title: Mangalore: Thousands Bid Adieu to Konkani Litterateur Victor Rodrigues



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