Media Release

Mangalore, Sep 11: A condolence meeting was held on Monday September 10, at the World Konkani Centre to pay homage to the departed soul of Konkani poet J. B. Sequeira who passed away recently in Australia at the age of 75.

Basti Vaman Shenoy, president, Vishwa Konkani Kendra paid his tribute with a garland on the portrait of J B Sequeira. `J B Sequeira was a true Konkani activist and worked hard to unite Konkani people of various denominations spread across Maharashtra and brought them to the fore of Konkani movement' Basti said in his speech.  He also made a special mention on J B's role in WKC's activities.

Melvyn Rodrigues, president, Kavita Trust remembered his acquaintance with the poet and his involvement in the publication of J B Sequeira's first three poetry collections. `J B Sequeira always wrote descriptive and story-poems. Though he was not very popular amongst the youth, he had very rich vocabulary and always stuck to traditional way of writing poetry. Apart from a poet, he was a good person and helped many writers to overcome their problems' Melvyn said while paying his tribute.

Gokuldas Prabu, president, All India Konkani Parishad, read some stanzas of his poem wherein he had mentioned that Konkani is his soul. Hemacharya, Editor, Daijiworld Weekly, remembered J B Sequeira's acquaintance and the enthusiasm in the field of journalism, while Hemacharya himself was the editor of Sallak Konkani periodical. Victor D'Silva also spoke during the occasion.

J B Sequeira's close family members were present. All those present, paid tribute by pouring rose petals to his portrait.  Venkatesh Baliga compeered the meeting.