Mangalore: Konkani Poet Wilson Kateel’s 'Pavlle' Released
 
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
 
Mangalore, Nov 14: 'Pavlle', a book of poetry by Konkani poet Wilson Kateel published by Kavita Publications was released at a function at Orchid Art Gallery, Balmatta, here on Saturday November 12.
 
Pundalik Narayan Naik, renowned Konkani playwright, story writer, poet, convenor, Konkani advisory Committee, Sahitya Academy, New Delhi released the book.
 
Kavita Trust president Melvyn Rodrigues in his welcome address introduced Pundalik Naik. He also added, "We have been encouraging budding poets and publishing their maiden poetry works, besides publishing them in our website. Some may not like it. All I have to say to them is that Kavita Trust's key objective is to encourage budding poets, provide them favourable environment to study and understand. Hence, we believe in giving a chance to new poets. Poets pen poetry. They don’t kill, they do no harm. They give life to words. Therefore, they deserve to be encouraged."

Speaking on the occasion, Wilson Kateel said, "Poets are blessed to have a dialogue with each moment. It was a similar dialogue with dripping water from the rooftop during the monsoon season, which has resulted in my poetry book – Pavlle."
 
Pundalik Naik after releasing the poetry book, said, "Kavita Trust does yeomen service to promote Konkani poetry. We come across fests organized by many organizations. Kavita Trust organizes Kavita Fest. I have watched the movie ‘Beer Fiest’ during International Film Festival in Goa. They drink beer, eat beer, bathe in beer and at last die in a tub of beer. Kavita Fest is also similar to that, except that they die in poetry. I have drawn happiness in immersing in poetry, dance and dialogue during this year's Kavita Fest, a rare pleasure indeed."
 
He further said, "Konkani poetry started flourishing in Karnataka through 'Konkani Dirvem' founded by Louis Mascarenhas. He can be called the soldier of Konkani poetry. In his 'Abrahamchem Yajnadhan', one can identify his great talent. Louis Mascarenhas used to say, poetry is not just rhythmic stanzas, it should have meaning. He taught this aspect of poetry to Mangalorean poets and writers. Cha Fra D’Costa was the next veteran poet who made his mark after Louis Mascarenhas. He was an analytical poet. Cha Fra D’Costa nurtured many budding poets in his lifetime, Melvyn Rodrigues is one among them. Melvyn could have published his own poetry. Instead, he formed a group of veteran and budding poets, and Wilson is one among them. Louis Mascarenhas's dream was carried on by Cha Fra in his lifetime, and now by Melvyn."
 
He added, "Wilson’s 'Pavlle' has wisdom and energy drawn from Sanskrit. Such feature has been incorporated in other languages as well. In Konkani community, Kannada poet Dinakar Desai had authored limericks. He earned fame in Kannada and was renowned as limerick writer. Manohar Sardessai authored poetry book 'Jayo Juyo' which earned an award from the Sahitya Academy. There were many poets of such caliber. Ra Vi Pandit also authored limericks. Wilson Kateel has penned extraordinary poetry. Sahitya Academy has a scheme, Navodaya, wherein it publishes maiden poetry book of budding poets. So far, no Konkani books were published under this scheme. Wilson Kateel's 'Molachim Sodnam' is under publication for the first time. Madhav Borkar has written the foreword. His poetry is valuable indeed."
 
"Manohar Sardessai’s yeomen service to limerick writing has been followed by Wilson Kateel. It will thrive and be fostered by new generations of Konkans," said Pundalik Naik.
 
Kavita Trust trustee Vitori Karkal compered the programme.
 
Damodar Gannekar from Goa, Kerala Sahitya Academy president Payyanur Ramesh Pai, Konkani Sahitya Parishat activist Gokuldas Prabhu, Vishwa Konkani Kendra president Basti Vaman Shenoy, novelist Manu Bahrain, Ron Roche Cascia, Dirvem – Konkani illustrated weekly editor John Monis, Ballok Jesu monthly editor Fr Steven, poet H M Pernal, Maurice D'Sa, Guru Baliga, writer J F D’Souza Attavar, Kavita Trust trustee Averyl Rodrigues and others were present.