Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore

Mangalore, Aug 24: The first transliterated version of VJP Saldanha’s ‘Saiba Bhogos’ novel from Kannada to Devanagiri by Melvyn Rodrigues and Averyl Rodrigues was released at a function titled ‘Khadap Sahitik Bhandar’ (literary treasure of Khadap) organized by the Karavali Konkans at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee hall, Bendoor on Friday August 23.

The programme began by paying tribute to late VJP Saldanha, whose is popularly known by his penname ‘Khadap’ by offering floral petals to his portrait by the dignitaries.

The transliterated book ‘Saiba Bhogos’, which is published by Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation of World Konkani Centre, Shaktinagar was released by chief guest Dr Kiran Budkuley along with other dignitaries. Vishwa Konkani Sardar Basti Vaman Shenoy, Averyl and Melvyn Rodrigues, poet Uday Bhembre, VJP’s son Ransom Saldanha, Claud D’Souza, Karavali Konkans secretary shared the dais.

Melvyn Rodrigues in his welcome address said "the programme is an attempt to introduce VJP's literary works to people. Being among the prominent Konkani writers ever born, his contribution to Konkani literature was as a dramatist, novelist, short story writer, poet, litterateur, journalist and musician.

In this busy world, the sad part is the contribution of various people to Konkani literature does not reach people, hence an attempt should be made, he added.

"It is not easy to translate a book to Devanagiri script but I took a bold step. With support from the World Konkani center and several others, the transliteration work was completed successfully," he added.

He further said that VJP Saldanha was a great person for leaving behind a rich treasure trove of Konkani literature to posterity.

Naming VJP Saldanha as a great person in the field of Konkani literature, Dr Kiran Budkuley said "great writers like Chafra D’Costa, VJP Saldanha and others have contributed a lot to Konkani literature but their works have not reached majority of the people."

"Due to script difference, there is a gap created between various Konkani speaking people. But now, the difference is reduced to some extent as Melvyn and Averyl have done a good job by transliterating VJP Saldanha’s ‘Saiba Bhogos’ novel from Kannada to Devanagiri," said Budkuley wishing that more such attempts be conducted in the future.

The book written by VJP did not lose its value as it is backed by vast knowledge and research of great writer VJP Saldanha, added Budkuley and said that she is eagerly waiting to read the book.

Speaking further, she said " the Konkani community should go forward by the path shown by late VJP.These days we find, Konkani losing its value, which should not happen instead attempt should be made to preserve the language and pass it on to the next generation."

Basti Vaman Shenoy in his address said "the main effort to preserve literary works has been done poet Melvyn Rodrigues and his wife by transliterating the book. Since 2008, with an aim of spreading the Konkani literature to others, the World Konkani Center has translated good Konkani books to other languages."

"Transliterating a book is not everyone’s cup of tea but Melvyn and Averyl have done a good job and the outcome will be well percieved. The main effort behind this is that our Konkani literature should be made available to wider sections of the population," said Vaman Shenoy.

On the occasion, the Karavali Konkans honored Averyl and Melvyn Rodrigues for transliterating the book.

The second part of the programme had a paper presentation on VJP’s literature by eminent Konkani writers namely Dr Edward Nazareth, professor Hanumanth Chopdekar and by Edwin J F D’Souza.

Vally Vagga in his presidential address throw some light on the literary works of late VJP Saldanha. He said "VJP Saldanha is a pleasant gift to Konkani people and for his great contribution, it is our duty to respect him."

The programme has brought immense pleasure to me, as even though VJP is not among us, people have made an attempt to preserve and spread his literature work, he added.

The novel release programme also had a 20-minute presentation of ‘Sardaranchi Sinol’ play, staged by prominent artistes. The play was directed by Dolla Manglur.

Ace compere and president of Karavali Konkans Leslie Rego ably conducted the programme while Claud D’Souza, secretary Karavali Konkans and Ransom Saldanha, coordinator proposed vote of thanks.