Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 23: Apt as a precursor to the celebration of Christmas, "Konkani Saahith Kuswar Sammel" (sponsored by Louis E Mascarehnas Konkani Nalanda and 'Arso' fortnightly), a Konkani conference was held on Saturday December 21, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm in Fatima Retreat House, Jeppu Mangalore.
Like the typical sweet basket ‘Kuswar’ exchanged during Christmas, four books - two novels and a collection of short stories translated by the world renowned scholar Dr Fr William DaSilva, and a collection of poetry written in Konkani were released on the occasion.
Books in translation: The famous Kannada novelist Na D'Souza’s novel “Dweepa”, translated as “Deewader” was released and commented on by the renowned literary critic Dr Fr Prashant Madtha. He brought in the aspect of things falling apart in a society that reverses the peaceful order in the name of modernity and progress. He brought in the binary predicament in the various situations delineated by the author.
"Deek ani Peek" by Wilson Kateel was released by Kumbara Veerabhadrappa and commented upon by Alwyn Danti Pernal, a poet himself. In a poem by poem observation he explained to the audience the genius of the poet to use words with such expertise and control and express his sentiments within a few words. “His poetry is like bombs which explode the biases and prejudices of an inert society” he made a special mention of the poet’s revolt against women’s exploitation and violence.
Dr Zita Lobo’s collection Stories “Kamrabaandh” written originally in English was released by Stephen Mascarehnas known to the literary world as ‘Hemacharya” for his award winning works in Konkani literature. Dr Adelaide (Addy) Saldanha, professor in Mathematic reviewed some of the stories and commented on the Feminocentric novels and urged the audience to read the novels. Dr Fr Da Silva said, "The style and plots of the stories are a novelty in Konkani literature."
Frank D’Sa’s translated version “Ek Ghot Udak” , of the English Novel “The Taste of Water” was released by Dr Jerome Pinto. Dr William DaSilva spoke on the nuances of the novel as “the people in the novel come to life with their lives, their fate, love, lust and their justification to their deeds is a clear reflection of the society they belong to.
Discussions: During the conference, Fr Melvyn Pinto presented a paper on “Kalen Bhangar”(black gold) by Edwin J F Dsouza, a novel chronicling the exodus of people from Kuwait during the War and Donald Pereira and Vincent Alva gave two perspectives on “Vel Ghadi” by A T Lobo. Dr Fr William DaSilva spoke on “Wilfy Rebimbus: Padanche Praaas ani Praasanche Thras”.
The programme was emceed by H M Pernal, editor of ‘Kittall’ website and ‘Arso’.
The cover pages of the translations were designed by the creative graphic artist Eddie Sequiera.
Dr Jerome Pinto the noted dermatologist, gave his concluding remarks on all the day’s proceedings.