Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 17: Joachim Frederick D’Souza, popularly known as J F D’Souza Attavar, is a celebrated multilingual writer from Attavar, Mangalore, who has made significant contributions to Konkani, Kannada, English, and Tulu literature.
Literary journey and career
J F D’Souza began his writing career in 1960 with the Konkani monthly magazine Jhelo and later contributed to publications like Mithr, Kannas, and Vishal Konkan. Writing under pen names such as Jeffrey Kumar, Jeppu, Sree Jeffrey, and J F D’Souza, Attavar, he built a prolific literary presence even while serving in the forest department from 1961 to 2000, retiring as superintendent after 39 years of service.
Post-retirement, D’Souza’s literary output intensified, encompassing children’s stories, general articles, letters to editors, and columns across Kannada and English dailies, as well as Konkani weeklies and magazines.
Contributions to children’s literature
He has authored 18 volumes of children’s stories, some of the notable works include:
• Bhangarachi Masli (Golden Fish)
• Bhangarachi Kurad (Golden Axe)
• Bhangarache Chital (Golden Deer)
• Bhangarache Mor (Golden Peacock)
• Bhangaracho Keer (Golden Parrot)
• Bhangaracho Budkulo (Golden Pot)
• Bhangaracho Kolso (Golden Pitcher) – his 18th and latest release
Other works include Velakalachein Sutram, guiding readers toward a happy life, and Hassos Haso, a comic book for young readers.
Awards and recognition
J F D’Souza has been widely honoured for his contributions:
• 2004: Konkani Sahitya Academy Award for Bhangarachi Masli (Children’s Literature)
• 2007: Titled “Konkan Star” by KonkanFriends.com, London
• 2015: Sree Victor Rodrigues, Angelore Memorial Literary Award
• 2018: Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Honorary Award
• 2019: Konkani Kutam, Bahrain (Literature)
Media and community engagement
• Participated in Mangaluru Akashvani programmes in Konkani
• Authored over 7,000 letters to editors in Kannada and English newspapers
• 90 Tulu poems telecasted on Namma Kudla Channel in Aithorod-du Aithora
• Actively participated in state and district-level Kavi Ghosti
Editorial roles
He served on the editorial board of Milarchem Milan Church Magazine for 18 years, including 4 years as editor, and continues as honorary editor. He also served two terms as treasurer of the Konkani Writers Forum.
Legacy
Even today, J F D’Souza continues to enrich literature across multiple languages, inspiring readers of all ages with his engaging storytelling, humour, and thought-provoking articles. His works remain a beacon for Konkani literature and a testament to his lifelong passion for writing.
Children story book Bhangaraso Kolso written by J F D Souza, Attavar got released by Ron Roche, Cascia today at Press Club, Urwa, Mangalore