Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 19: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy organised a programme titled "Sahitya Bhandar" at the conference hall of MCC Bank Ltd, Hampankatta, on October 19.
Academy president Joachim Stany Alvares presided over the event and, in his introductory address, said that the government established the Konkani Sahitya Academy to promote organised efforts in the fields of Konkani literature, art, and folklore.
He noted that the academy has been working continuously to preserve the linguistic diversity of Konkani and enhance its richness.
“The academy has been encouraging writers by collecting, reviewing, selecting, and publishing their works. We have also been visiting and honouring senior writers. If anyone knows of such senior writers, please inform us — we will certainly visit them,” he added, extending a warm welcome to all present.
The chief guest, Prof Valerian Rodrigues, retired professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp. In his address, he said, “Konkani is my mother tongue and the language spoken at home. Although the number of Konkani speakers in India is small, many writers have made valuable contributions to literature. The Konkani Academy continues to play an important role in encouraging such writers,” he said, extending Diwali greetings to everyone.
Nine Konkani books authored by renowned writers were released on the occasion. Representing the authors, Joe Lobo shared his thoughts. The e-book version of Karvalo, originally written by Poornachandra Tejaswi and translated from Kannada to Konkani by Lilli Miranda in 2016, was launched by Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike.
MCC Bank president Anil Lobo attended as the guest of honour. Retired IAS officer and current Karnataka State Information commissioner Vincent Richard D’Souza was felicitated with a shawl and bouquet during the event.
Prizes were distributed to winners of the literary competitions organised by the academy, sponsored by MCC Bank.
In the novel category, the winners were Roshan Melky Sequeira, Vincent Pinto (Angelore), and Stephen Mascarenhas (Hemacharya), while in the short play category, the winners were Hilary D’Silva (Prasann Niddodi) and Fr Anil Avild Lobo.
Academy member Naveen Lobo proposed the vote of thanks, while Christopher Anil Montero compered the programme. Academy members Ronald Crasta, Samarth Bhat, Dayanand Madkekar, Sunil Siddi, Sapna Mae Crasta, and Akshata Nayak were present.
For the readers’ convenience, the Karvalo e-book can be accessed at the following link:
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=bNeOEQAAQBAJ