Mangalore: Konkani Litterateur Edie Netto Bags 'Daiji Dubai' Award

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
Pics: Ganesh Perla

Mangalore, Dec 15: Konkani litterateur, Edie Netto, has bagged the prestigious 'Daiji Dubai award' in recognition to his contribution to Konkani literature.  He was chosen by 'Daiji Dubai' committee, Konkani Writers' Forum in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The top most award consists of a citation letter, memento and cash award of Rs 50,000.  The award will be presented during the 9th annual day celebrations of 'Daiji Dubai' at Dubai, UAE, during March 2008.

This was announced by Daiji Dubai founder member and chairman of Daiji Award committee Melvyn Rodrigues at a press conference held here on Saturday December 15 morning.

Daiji Dubai, Konkani Writers' Forum, UAE, had come into existence during 1999, in the cosmopolitan Dubai. It has served as stage for discussions and seminars on Konkani literature besides an oasis for Konkani writers' working in the UAE.  Daiji Dubai showcased the Konkani literature, while the litterateurs and their works began to get recognition, in due course of time.  It created a momentum among the litterateurs, succeeded in bringing those litterateurs who kept away from literary sphere owing to various reasons back to the mainstream.  Konkani Literary Organizations have sprung up in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, inspired by the yeomen service undertaken by Daiji Dubai.   

The first award of Daiji Dubai was presented to CJS, during 2000, followed by Sirivant, Gladys Rego, Edwyn J F D'Souza, Jerry Kulshekar, J B Moraes, Victor Rodrigues and Wilfy Rebimbus respectively.  These 9 personalities were awarded cash money of Rs 4.5 lac besides financial assistance of over Rs 3 lac was distributed to other Konkani writers who were in financial difficulties. 

Edie Netto has been in Konkani literary sphere for the past 4 decades.  He is s veteran of Indian Armed Forces, having served in Indo-Pak war in 1965 and 1971, Indo-China war in 1961 bagging war meritorious award.  He is actively involved in Konkani sphere from 1995, has authored 8 books and contributed over 2,230 articles which have been published in various Konkani journals.  He has been the recipient of 'Divo' literary award 2002, Karnataka Sahitya Academy award in 2005, Konkani Talents – Kuwait award in 2006.  At present he is leading retired life at Jeppu along with his wife. 

Daiji Dubai founder member and editor-in-chief of Daijiworld Walter Nandalike, members Jemma Padil, CJS Taccode, Victor Mathias, Dolphy Sequeira Kuppepadavu and Praveen Tauro were also present at the press conference.