Daijiworld Media Network 

Mangaluru, Aug 13: A two-day seminar marking the birth centenary of renowned Konkani writer V J P Saldanha began at St Aloysius Deemed to be University on Tuesday.

The event is organised by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in collaboration with the university and Vision Konkani, bringing together scholars, writers, students, and literature enthusiasts to celebrate Saldanha’s literary legacy.

Dr K Shrinivas Rao, secretary of Sahitya Akademi, described Saldanha as “a child of destiny” whose works reflected people’s struggles and served as a reminder of historical events that shaped the Konkani community. He praised Saldanha’s versatility as a novelist, journalist, dramatist, and social worker.

Fr Dr Praveen Martis, vice-chancellor of St Aloysius University, presided over the event, noting it was an honour to host the seminar for a distinguished alumnus. He said the programme offered students and young writers an opportunity to delve into Saldanha’s writing.

Melvyn Rodrigues, convenor of Sahitya Akademi for Konkani, in his introductory remarks, said Saldanha’s historical novels blended imagination with fiction, proving him to be a “complete literary person”.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Fr Melwyn S Pinto SJ spoke on Saldanha’s creative style and use of history as a backdrop for storytelling, adding that his readership inspired him to write extensively.

The seminar aims to rekindle interest in Saldanha’s works and inspire younger generations to connect with their heritage.

Fr Melwyn Pinto SJ, rector of St Aloysius Educational Institutions, inaugurated the event. Om Prakash Nagar delivered the vote of thanks, Manoj Fernandes compered the event, and Jochim Pinto, convenor of the Konkani institution, welcomed the dignitaries with saplings.