Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 20: Daiji Dubai, the forum of Konkani writers in the UAE after successfully celebrating its 25th anniversary with a grand event, 'Daiji Rupyotsav' at the Oud Metha Ballroom, Movenpick Hotel Dubai, on Sunday, October 27, 2024, is all set to make its silver jubilee celebration more colourful by organizing a equally grand event in Mangaluru on February 8 in St Sebastian Centenary Auditorium, Bendur at 5 pm.
'Daiji Anniversary’, a high-profile and professionally managed entertainment programme, is considered as one of the prestigious Konkani events, patronized by a large audience every year in Dubai. It was a long pending wish of Daiji Dubai to celebrate its anniversary in Mangaluru and no better time will come than celebrating a mile stone of 25 years of existence. During the event, the Daiji Dubai Literary Award - 2025 will be presented to Fr Prashant Madtha a well-known Konkani writer and columnist.
The 25th anniversary celebration in Mangaluru promises to be bigger and better than ever. This evening also will be very special and ever remembering one with mesmerizing cultural sequences.The complete details will be out soon.
Dayan D'Souza Mukamar, convener of Daiji Dubai and Praveen Tauro Kulshekar, convenor of Daiji Dubai Mangaluru unit has earnestly requested the support of the Konkani community in Mangaluru through their presence and participation. Besides its cultural identity, 'Daiji Dubai' is also associated with many worthy social causes, motivating people and organizations worldwide.
Attendees are encouraged to mark their calendars and book seats with Daiji Members in Mangaluru to avoid last-minute disappointment. This is a free programme, hence all are requested to make sure to arrive on time to secure their seats.
About Daiji Dubai Literary Award – 2025 winner Fr Prashant Madtha
Born on September 6, 1947, in Sulia, Fr Prashant Madtha is a prolific writer with a literary career spanning over 40 years. He is the 11th of 13 children of Alexander and Magdalene Madtha. His body of work includes six books in Konkani, eight in Kannada, and two in English. His articles have been featured in prominent periodicals such as Raknno, Uzwad, Udayavani, Deccan Herald, and many other journals.
Fr Madtha gained immense popularity for his satirical and humorous columns such as Chakita Chitta, Kitalam, and Vally Padryab. In 2004, he published a dictionary containing 10,000 Konkani idioms through the Institute of Konkani.
Over the years, he has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Kannada Rajyotsava Award, Sandesha Award, Bahrain Konkani Kutaam Award, and the Indian Catholic Press Association Award, among others. In 2008, India Today recognized him as one of the ‘50 Pioneers of Change in India’.
Fr Prashant Madtha's contributions to Konkani literature extend beyond creative writing. He has significantly contributed to the growth of Konkani culture and literature through roles as a publisher, editor, and researcher and his involvement in dictionary projects.