Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje

Mangalore, Jul 20: Daiji Dubai, the forum of Konkani writers in the UAE organized a family get-together of Konkani writers on the occasion of the inauguration of decennial celebrations on Sunday July 20 at Sirivont Sabha Bhavan, Boat Club near Sultan Battery here.

Daiji convener Hemacharya (Stephen Harold Mascarenhas) set pace to the decennial celebrations in a simple ceremony by lighting the lamp along with co-founders of the forum Melvyn Rodrigues and Walter Nandalike.

Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Daiji Dubai was conceived in UAE with inspiration from Mahabharata; ‘Daiji’ in Konkani means the descendants from the paternal lineage who historically enjoy a seat of respect during any family get-together.  It envisions serving as a forum in order to bring together all Konkani writers across the world." 

"It is significant indeed that Daiji Dubai was set up with the chief objective of getting the due recognition to all Konkani litterateurs and writers. Daiji Dubai intends to join hands with various Konkani organizations with the sole purpose of getting world-wide recognition to all Konkani litterateurs and writers.  Moreover, it’s essential to have family union to achieve the set objective in this regard."

"Daiji Dubai has been successful all these years for the sole reason that it has made it a point to involve the families of its members in all its activities. The young writers should learn to respect the senior writers," he advised, hailing the contributions of veteran writers. 

Philanthropist and NRI entrepreneurs Clevy Leo Rodrigues, Mark Denis D'Souza, Santan Alva, popular writer Lancy Pinto Nayak, Kuwait, Valerian D’Souza (Vally Vogga), Mysore, Rons Bantwal, Mumbai, Wilfy Rebimbus, Eric Ozario, Fr Francis Rodrigues, Ancy Paladka, Gladys Rego, Jerry Kulshekar, Louie Pinto, H R Alva, Dr Edward Nazareth, Edie Netto, Edwin J F D’Souza, Shalini Valencia and other Konkani litterateurs, poets, writers and their families were present at the occasion.

A booklet highlighting the various competitions Daiji Dubai intends to organize during the year as part of the decennial celebrations was released by young businessman Rohan Monteiro.  He distributed a copy each to all the Daiji awardees as a token of respect. The Best School Prize for the school that has introduced Konkani language in its curriculum was given to Holy Angels Higher Primary School, Permannur.

The prizes to the teachers and the management were given by Eric Ozario, ex-president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi. The teachers - Anita Dian Veigas and Rustin D'Souza and headmistress Sr Stella received Rs 2500 each.  All the 46 Konkani students of 7th grade will be given Rs 380 each along with other gifts later this week, it was announced.

Konkani musical extravaganza was held as part of entertainment programme.  Singers Srikant, Anita Samson, Zeena Pereira, Junior Rajkumar, Babanna (nicknamed PB Srinivas) and Rony Crasta rendered some wonderful  Konkani, Hindi, Kannada and Tulu songs. Arun Ajekar conducted some introductory games and various spot prizes were given during the day.  

Walter Nandalike, Daiji Dubai founder member and editor-in-chief of Daijiworld.com welcomed the gathering.  He made mention about leaders like Dayan D'Souza who spearheaded the Daiji Dubai movement. Journalist Vitori Karkal compered the programme.  Robert Fernandes, editor of Daiji Publications was also present on the dais. Melvyn Rodrigues, an accomplished poet and founder member of Daiji Dubai proposed the vote of thanks.

Konkani skits writing competition, short story competition and talent competition within UAE are to be held during the course of the year as part of Daiji Dubai decennial celebrations and Daiji Yuva Puroskar will be awarded to encourage and motivate young writers as well.

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