Mangalore: Austin Prabhu's Book of 3500 Short Poems 'Vozram' released  
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore (RS)  

Mangalore, Dec 29: The first ever book with 3500 short poems (Chutuks) in Konkani language, `Vozram’, authored by Dr Austin D Souza Prabhu  was released on Tuesday December 29, by Albert W D Souza, Managing director of Printania Offset Private Limited, at a function organized at Hotel Deepa comforts in Mangalore.
 
Speaking at this occasion, Albert W D Souza said that a book give birth to creativity in the minds of its readers and makes them get fully absorbed with the book, if it is the work of a reputed author. The writing of a book by the author in his mother tongue is appreciable, as it is a noble task, and is a matter of pride for the people who speak this language, he added. He appreciated the efforts put in by the author and also for his dedication towards  Konkani language.
 
Basti Vaman Shenoy, president of Konkani Bhas Ani Samskruthi Prathistan,  presided over the function and said that the book is going to create  history in the Konkani language and that a poet of short poems also will get recognition through it. He  congratulated the author for the efforts in presenting the book in an innovative way in the history of Konkani literature.

Basti Vaman Shenoy felicitated Dr Austin D Souza Prabhu along with his wife Terry D Souza also Albert D Souza and his wife Elvina D Souza on the occasion.
 
Prof Aruna P Kamath from SDM college of Business Management introduced Dr Austin D Souza and Ancy Paladka of Priya publications, who will be publishing  this literary master piece `Vozram’ in Devanagari script, spoke about the book.  Ancy Paladka said that the every short poem in this book is like a diamond with its meaning and unique style of writing.
 
Author Dr Austin D Souza Prabhu said that this  book is result of his efforts lasting three years in  writing this book and also added that  the book is not written for any award or appreciation. `I wrote when I felt bored and  in my spare time and it has turned out  as a book of 3,500 short poems ’  he added. He remembered the support of  his wife and family, friends, publisher, printers and others.

Publisher of the book, H R Alva on behalf of Mariads Prakashan, felicitated Basti Vaman Shenoy on the occasion of his diamond jubilee birth day.

The author distributed books to Monica Alvares, widow of Late Jo Sa Alvares, pioneer of Konkani Journalism  to whom the book is dedicated, and also to the preface writer of the book, Henry M Pernal, author’s profile writer, Cyril G Sequeira,  Ancy Paladka for assistance and Elvina D Souza for  printing.   
 
Earlier in the day, the programme started with a welcome address delivered by H R Alva, publisher, Mariads Prakshan and proprietor of Maria Advertising Company . Harsha Claver Alva rendered the prayer. Florine Roche introduced Basti Vaman Shenoy,  the guest of honour, to the audience. Heera Maria Alva and Concepta Fernandes Alva conducted the programme, which was organized by Mariads Prakashan.
 
Dr Austin D Souza Prabhu, a management expert by profession,  is a multi faceted personality, who was actively involved with Konkani   journalism, stage plays, youth activities etc., in the city during 1970’s and has been living in Chicago, United States of America since the year 1981  and continues with his first love,  “Konkani” language through various activities..