Mumbai: Stan Ageira conferred Daiji Dubai Literary Award at 15th anniversary
Report: Rons Bantwal
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)
Mumbai, Jan 27: The 15th anniversary of Daiji Dubai, a forum for Konkani writers in the UAE, celebrated its 15th anniversary with a grand event at Karnataka Sangha Mumbai’s Dr M Vishweswaraya hall, Matunga (W) here on Sunday January 26.
The event was marked by the presentation of the Daiji Dubai Literary Award, book release and staging of Konkani drama 'Aami Nathlyaa Vellaar' by artistes of Daiji Rang Mandir.
Addressing the gathering, veteran Konkani dramatist and winner of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy award, Francis Fernandes Cascia who presided over the programme, said, "Daiji Dubai Writers' Forum is a platform of thinkers who propogate Konkani language. It is an association of authors who proclaim equality among litterateurs and work hard for the development of literature. There is no discrimination of groups and people in them. The aim of the association is all round development of Konkani literature and it is striving hard to spread it on a global level."
The programme was held in cooperation with St Peter’s Association, Barkur (Mumbai). Young entrepreneur from Bangalore Nigel Colaco, director of Clerk Exotica was the chief guest and Merit Freight Systems managing director Joseph Mathias was the guest of honour. Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industries founder and chief executive Vincent Mathais, Daiji Dubai writers' forum founder member Hemacharya and St Peter's Association Barkur Mumbai president Simon P Furtado were present.
The annual Daiji Dubai Literary Award for the year 2013 was conferred on senior Konkani author Stan Ageira Mulki by Francis Fernandes Cascia on the occasion.
Acknowledging the honour, Stan Ageira said that he felt as if he were getting married again. “I would not have been so nervous if my wife was with me. It is a blessing to be receiving the award in Mumbai, where I had lived before. I never wrote in anticipation of awards or honour but I would always dream of getting my writings published. The award is a recognition of my love of literature," he said.
Joseph Mathias released a book of short stories titled 'Devacheya Bhagevontano' written by Naveen Kurbil, Kinnigoli and published by Daiji Publications.
Nigil Colaco inaugurated the Mangalore unit of Daiji Dubai by unveiling the banner. Hemacharya announced a new award instituted in memory of the late MickMax, the ‘MickMax Best Drama Award’ that aims to encourage dramas in Konkani.
The sponsors of the programme were honored with a memento on the occasion.
Chief convener of Daiji Dubai writers forum Rony Byndoor welcomed the gathering and compered the programme. Stany Nirude, Praveen Tauro, Vincent Anjelore and Ancy Palladka presented bouquets to the guests. Ivan Rebello, honorary chief secretary of SPABM proposed the vote of thanks.
Daiji Rang Mandir artistes presented ‘Aami Nathllya Vellaar’, a drama originally written by Madhusoodan Kalelkar, translated into Kannada by Ramananda Choorya and directed by Dayan D’ Souza as part of the programme. The thrilling drama captivated the audience with its gripping plot, magnificent performances by the artistes that included Walter Nandalike as navy commander Herman Sequeira, Asha Correa as the commander's wife Gloria, Dayan D'Souza who portrayed the role of Nazareth Mestry, Alphonse D'Souza in the role of the menacing Sunil Kumar, Cynthia Pinto as Florine, Dony Correa as D’Sa, the former high court judge, Pradeep Barboza as the public prosecutor, and Alwyn Pinto as judge, Godwin Castelino as Benna and Lavina Fernandes as Minna, and young Reagan Fernandes as Bunty.
Fr Baptist Pais, parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, Andheri east, Richard Carvalho, former president of Peter's Association, Henry Roche and Ida Roche, vice-president Norbert Menezes, treasurer Anthony Dais, Norman D’Souza, Arthur Mendonca, Anthony Goveas, Ivan Suvares, Nirmala Rebello, Daiji Dubai founder member Stany Nirude and others were present.