Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)
Mangalore, Jul 27: "A T Lobo always gave importance to human values. His writings were so powerful that anyone who reads them would surely follow these values in life," said Fr Mark Walder, the former editor of Raknno Konkani weekly here on Sunday July 27.
He was addressing the gathering during ‘Etyel Grestkai’ programme joinly organized by A T Lobo Foundation, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and Raknno Konkani weekly newspaper at Bishop’s House hall. The programme focussed on the works of renowned Konkani writer the late Apollo Thomas Lobo, popularly known as A T Lobo.
"A T Lobo helped everyone in need. His writings always upheld social values. Many people including myself had fallen in love with this short stories and novels. People used to wait for his stories in Konkani periodicals. Such was the power of his writing."
"Even though he was a reserved man he never failed to raise voice for the underprivileged in his writings. He touched the hearts of the readers through his realistic approach," he added. He also recalled his memories with A T Lobo.
President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelino in his presidential address, said, "If our Konkani language should live long, then youth of this generation should learn Konkani use it in their day-to-day conversations. Studying Konkani only once for the exam is not enough. We have started Konkani Clubs in various institutions, and those institutions are supposed to conduct at least five programmes per year. By this way we can keep Konkani alive. Today's youth should promote Konkani."
Roy Castelino felicitated eight students who studied Konkani as the third language and secured distinction in Konkani language in the SSLC exams.
Dr Edward Nazareth presented an analysis of A T Lobo's novel, ‘Tun Boro Za’, while Dr Carmelita D’Souza analysed A T Lobo's play 'Avunkvar Avay', and Fr Melwyn Pinto Neerude presented an analysis of two stories by A T Lobo, 'Hardyar Khuris' and 'Reedh'.
Vittori Karkal compered the ceremony.
Raknno Konkani weekly editor Fr Francis Rodrigues, eminent Konkani writers Eddie Netto, C G S Taccode and others were present.