Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Additional Pics Supplied

Mangaluru, Dec 25: The 2016 special edition of Konkani literary magazine 'Arso', edited and published by Henry Mendonca, was released here on Friday December 23.

NRI entrepreneur, actor and singer Joseph Mathias was the chief guest on the occasion. In his address, Mathias said, "In our childhood days, we were getting many Konkani periodicals to read. But today we have very few periodicals mainly because reading habit among people is vanishing. Konkani people need to support the few existing periodicals which are actively promoting the cause of Konkani language and literature."

Surendra S Wagle, resident editor of Vijayavani Daily, Mangaluru, said, "Just because we covered the press conference news in our edition, we received a lawyer notice, that too from a 'paper'. Today, media people speak aloud about 'freedom of expression', but write maligning articles about fellow writers. When their motives are questioned they serve legal notices. Though it is hard to believe, it is true that media has stooped to the level of a 'terrorist outfit'. This needs to be condemned."

Recollecting his association with Arso editor Henry Mendonca, Wagle said, "I know Henry Mendonca from his college days and he was closely associated with revolutionary literary movement. During his college days he was writing in literary journals like Sankramana, Shoodra and others and I am happy that even today he writes with the same enthusiasm and insight."

Earlier, Arso executive editor Wilson Kateel gave a bird's eye view of the special edition of Arso 2016 and said the edition can be called as a literary ambassador of modern Konkani literature, music and cinema.

Multi-lingual writers Monica Mathias, Dublin, was felicitated on this occasion by Poetics Group. Group members Daya Victor Lobo, Felcy Lobo and Wilson Kateel presented a shawl, bouquet and memento to Monica Mathias.

'Face to Face', an interactive session with writer Monica Mathias was held on this occasion. Mathias shared her views on her writings including her inspiration to get into writing initially. She also answered questions from the assembled audience about the various aspects of her writings. H M Pernal, editor of Kittall.com, a premier Konkani literary website, moderated the session.

Ronald Sequeira, president of Konkani Writers and Artists Association proposed the vote of thanks.