Pics: Joshwa D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
‘Professor Yama’ comedy drama staged
Mangaluru, Feb 21: Karnataka Konkani Sahitya academy distributed identity cards to artistes and writers on Saturday, February 20 at Don Bosco hall at 6 pm. On the same occasion, it released 8 Konkani books written by different authors on cookery to novel. Later ‘Professor Yama’ a comedy drama in Konkani was staged.
Babu Gowda renowned Kudumbi artiste was chief guest and U S Sripathi the general manager from Insurance MIMG, Manipal group was the guest of honour on the occasion.
Roy Castelino the president of Konkani Sahitya Academy presided over. Dr B Devdas Pai the registrar of Konkani Sahitya academy and Dolla Mangaluru the convenor of the programme were on dais.
Dolla welcomed and explained the importance of artiste cum writer cards. There are three types of cards allotted in different colours based on the age of the artistes and writers. The artistes up to the age 25, from 25 to age 60 and above 60 are the three categories. The card, first of its kind in Konkani, will help the artists in different ways in the future as a card to get various benefits like bus pass, pension, and medical benefits, etc. The main motive of the card is to unite Konkani artistes and writers from various Konkani speaking communities.
Dr Devdas Pai signed the big sized replica of the card and Roy Castelino handed over it to Dolla Mangalur to unveil it symbolically.
Roy Castelino in his presidential speech said, "Academy’s long time dream of giving identity cards to artistes and writers has come true today. We are a group of 41 different communities from various regions and from three different religions namely Hindu, Christian and Muslim. In one way, this diversity is our biggest asset while in some way it has proved to be a weakness. But nothing stops us from moving forward when all these communities are together. We are all one, no matter where we come from. Dolphy Cascia used to say that he called himself a Konkani writer, his religion and region being of no significance. Jayantha Kaikini jokingly says that Konkanis are nomad people as they move from place to place for greener pastures. No matter where they go, they should not forget their language. We are also happy to release 8 books today bringing the number of books released in 2 years to 45. We had pledged to bring out 2 books each month. Some more books will see light of the day soon to keep up the promise. Shortly we want to present a Konkani drama where the artists speak in their own styles of Konkani."
206 artistes and writers received their identity cards. Some more recent applications will be processed and cards will be distributed soon.
S U Sripathi explained the importance of insurance in everybody’s life. He urged the artistes and writers to avail insurance in life so that the futures of their dependence are secured.
In a book releasing ceremony which followed, 8 Konkani books were released. Vithori Karkal introduced the books while a person (family members in one case) of writer’s choice released each book accompanied by the writer. The books released on the occasion were, ‘Gony Sandun Apli Many’ (on folk songs) by late Joachim Pereira (revised version) represented by Joel Pereira, ‘Karvalho’ (translated novel) by Lilly Miranda, ‘Vasarinthu Hanv’ ( Cook book) by Geetha C Kini, ‘Amashechi Adhli Raath ‘ (short stories) by Ron Michael Angelore, ‘Bhadyachi Baayl’ ( Short dramas) by CGS Taccode, ‘Mhaka Jiyenvk Soda’ (novel) by Ron Roche Cascia, Vidhooshak (satire) by Richie John Pais , and ‘Kudmyali Gumtam ani Thoniya Podam’ (research-revised) by Gopala Gowda.
Joseph Pinto and his team sang the prayer song. Judith D’Souza proposed vote of thanks. Dolphy Saldanha compered the programme.
‘Professor Yama’ a Konkani drama written by N B Kamath and directed by Santosh Shenoy was staged after the distribution of identity cards and release of books. The short comedy drama was enjoyed by one and all. Muralidhar Kamath provided music for the drama.
Aristes Wilson J P Kayyar and Santosh Shenoy were honoured before the drama.