Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Oct 22: ‘Gorwancho Govlli Padri Zalli Katha’, an autobiography written by Fr Mark Walder was released by Roy Castelino, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy at Sandesha, Bajjodi here on Saturday, October 22.
‘Gorwancho Govlli Padri Zalli Katha’ means how a shepherd became a clergyman. 80th birthday of Fr Mark Walder was also celebrated during the event. Fr Walder is a popular priest, Konkani and social activist and former editor of ‘Raknno’ weekly.
Addressing the gathering chief guest of the occasion, editor- in- chief of ‘Daijiworld Weekly’ Hemacharya, said "I know Fr Walder from long time. He has done notable work for society. At the time of land reforms, he had worked relentlessly to create awareness among the people and helped them to get their lands. When there were floods in the region, he stood by the poor people and served them. In order to bring all Konkani speaking people together, he had done notable work to start Konkani Basha Mandal. May the Lord bless Fr Walder abundantly,"
"Today we have so many social media but how far we use them for good? Most of the times, we use them to spread hatred and put down other person. When he was editor of Raknno, he used that medium to help the poor to get houses and help them in the time of floods. Roy Castelino has done great job as the president of academy. I urge Castelino to bring all the Konkani speaking people together and build our language." Hemacharya concluded.
Roy Castelino said "I wish Fr Mark a happy birthday. May Lord bless him with good health and may he live longer. He has done notable work in the Konkani field. He always supports me which gives me more strength to work harder. I am honoured to be here in this programme,"
"Hemacharya said that I should unite all the Konkani speaking people. I always had the urge to serve Konkani. When I got the opportunity, I did not want to lose it. At that point, my competitor said that he is a greater litterateur and government should come to his place and request him to be the president. I say however big person one is, nobody will come to his place and give the position. One will get the position only on the basis of his concern towards the language." Roy added.
"I have made best of the opportunity given to me. If someone is ready to continue my work, I will openly support him. When I became the president, we made a roadmap and we are working on implementing it. In the past 20 years, academy has published 73 books and Ii have published 70 books in two years as president of academy. I request all of you to speak to unite the Konkani speaking people." Roy said.
Fr Mark Walder said "I have penned some of the incidents of my life. I thank each and every one of your for your support and wishes."
"Some wrong developments taking place in Catholic Church are not good. Fights among Konkani writers and journalists have also hurt me. I have tried my best to sort these things. But you all know what support received.” Fr Walder added.
Dr Edward Nazareth presented the introduction of the book whereas Dolphy Cascia compeered the event.