Report and Pics from Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD/SP)
Mumbai, Feb 9: The presentation function of 'Divo Sahitya Puraskar – 2008' by metro's Divo Konkani illustrated weekly was held on Sunday February 8, at the specially erected Francis Fernandes Cascia Dais at Dr Anthonio Da Silva High School auditorium, in the metro.
High Court lawyer Pius Vaz presided over the programme. Air Care Technologies Private Limited managing director John Rebello was the chief guest while Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra president P N Shanbagh, Malaika Group of Concerns managing director Gilbert Baptist and Blue Star manager Lawrence D'Souza were the guests of honour of the occasion.
Divo Sahitya Puraskar – 2008 was presented to Konkani youth organizer Leo Fernandes Jerimeri, renowned Konkani singer Wilson Olivera Padukone, while the life time achievement award was conferred on veteran writer and poet V D'Silva Kanjurmarg.
Lawyer Pius Vaz, in his presidential address, expressed concern at the fact that human values have been facing major setbacks om the post-globalization era that threatens to damage the the communities’ concern for each other. This calls for strengthening of the feeling of universal brotherhood at a time when mutual concern for the fellowmen is waning If spiritual awareness is created in everyone, it would achieve the desired objective, he felt.
John Rebello said that social reforms can be achieved only with better relations and trust. The open approach can bring about communal harmony and unity. The society should support organizations involved in social and voluntary service, media and veteran community leaders, in their concern and endeavours towards society's development, he exhorted.
Veteran writer and poet V D'Silva offered traditional Mangalorean welcome to the gathering, by presenting a plate-full of beetle leaves, jaggery and water jar.
Divo Konkani illustrated weekly editor and Puraskar convener Lawrence Coelho delivered the introductory address.
Veena Pereira, Juliet Rodrigues and Alice D'Souza read the citations of the award recipients.
Divo Konkani illustrated weekly co-convener Suzanne Coelho, sub-editor Walter Lasrado and Benedicta B Rebello honoured the guests with mementoes.
Navin Kulshekar compered the programme while assistant editor S Lobo proposed vote of thanks.
‘Sarginchem Dhaar’, Konkani mini-play by playwright Lawrence D'Souza Kamani, was staged by Francis Olivera Padukone and others, as part of the entertainment programme.
A Konkani musical concert was also staged by Benjamin Miranda and Jerry Bondel music group.