Media Release
Udupi, Feb 16: In a glittering ceremony Dr. Eugene D’Souza’s Konkani novel ‘Chandravoilem Mod' was released by Fr Henry Alva (Cap) at Rangparichaya Pamboor on the last day of the weeklong ‘Parichaya Rangotsava 2026’ on Saturday, February 14 followed by staging of the Konkani paly ‘Chiri… Tees Nanyanchi’.
During the book release programme, Dr Vincent Alva, principal of Milagres College, Kallianpur and managing trustee and honorary president of Parichaya Pamboor in his introductory remarks narrated the origin and progress of Parichaya Pamboor from its inception in 2012 and its contribution towards promoting literature, art and culture in rural area.
Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of the Udupi diocese and parish priest of St Anne’s Church, Thottam who had written the introduction to the novel in his address provided an insight to the audience highlighting its central characters and their interaction and the impact of the second world war on these characters. He greatly appreciated the efforts of Dr Eugene D’Souza the way he dealt with the socio-religious issues in the novel.
Following the formal release of the novel, Fr Henry Alva (OFM Cap) in his message reading habit is essential for mental health as reading books such as novels act as stress buster. Currently the mobile culture has kept away the people from the habit of reading. He congratulated Dr Eugene D’Souza on the release of the novel and made an appeal to the audience to read the novel and support the cause of Konkani literature.
On this occasion Dr Eugene D’Souza who was also the chief guest of the valedictory programme of the ‘Parichaya Rangotsava 2026’ was felicitated by the trustees of Parichaya Pamboor for his association with Parichaya and providing media coverage for the various activities of the organisation. Violet Castelino read the citation.
In his thanksgiving address following the release of his novel which he had written 58 years ago and published under ‘Michael D’Souza Vision Konkani Classic Series’ project said that ‘Chandravoilem Mod’ is deeply personal to him and is more than just a story.
He expressed gratitude to all those who had been instrumental in publishing and releasing the novel published by Kittall Prakashan. He thanked the trustees of Parichaya Pamboor, specially its secretary Prakash Noronha for providing the opportunity to release the novel on the last day of the ‘Parichaya Rangotsava 2026’, Fr Denis D’Sa for writing detailed preface to the novel and introducing the novel to the audience; Fr Henry Alva (OFM Cap) who had come all the way from Canada to attend the ‘Parichya Rangotsava 2026’ for formally releasing the novel; Michael D’Souza, the chief sponsor and promoter of Michael D’Souza Vision Konkani Project; HM Pernal-editor in chief of the Vision Konkani Advisory Committee and its members Melwyn Rodrigues and Titus Noronha; Wilfred Lobo proprietor of Chetana Printers Mangaluru for the page lay-out and Wilson Kayyar for designing the cover page. He also gratitude to the priests who graced the programme Fr Joswey Fernandes-parish priest of Yermal Church, Fr George D’Souza parish priest of Moodubelle Church, Fr Roshan D’Souza parish priest of Pamboor Church, Fr Rickson Monteiro assistant parish priest of Moodubelle and Br Kevin D’Souza from Moodubelle Church.
Continuing his valedictory address, Dr Eugene D’Souza said that with the staging of the Konkani Paly ‘Chiri… Tees Nanyanchi’ written by Fr Alwyn Serrao and presented by Asthitva Mangaluru, the weeklong ‘Parichaya Rangotsava 2026’ would conclude. He greatly appreciated the presentation of various experimental plays in Kannada, Tulu and Konkani languages by Parichaya Pamboor which provided rich experience to appreciative audience. Dr Eugene D’Souza briefly narrated the 14 years long cultural journey of Parichaya and hoped that the dream project of Parichaya Pamboor to have an infrastructure for various cultural activities would be realised in the near future.
In his presidential address, Anil D’Sa president of Parichaya Pamboor said that the drama festival ‘Parichaya Rangotsava 2026’ came to a successful conclusion and thanked the audience for their support and appreciation of the various cultural activities of Parichaya.
Ivan Peter Osta treasurer of Parichaya proposed the vote of thanks and Priyanka Noronha compered the programme.
Following the book releasing programme the much-awaited Konkani play ‘Chiri..Tees Nanyanchi’ was staged to the great appreciation of the audience. Written by Fr Alwyn Serrao and directed and acted by Christy Neenasm and Clanvin Fernandes, the play highlights the interaction between a typical parish priest and his newly arrived assistant. Their differences on various issues and resolution of these differences are the highlights of the play. The presence of a large number of audiences manifested the popularity of the play and an appropriate conclusion to the week-long ‘Parichaya Rangotsava 2026’.