Mangalore: Poets Discuss Contemporary Issues in Konkani Poetry

Pics by Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Jul 5: A day long symposium on “Present Times – Reflections in contemporary Konkani Poetry and Poetry Session” was held at Sahodaya Balmatta on Sunday July 5, 1009.  The symposium was organized jointly by Sahitya Akademi and Kavita Trust, Mangalore.  Pundalik Naik, eminent playwright and Convenor Konkani Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi presided over the function.  Konkani poet and freedom fighter Nagesh Karmali gave the keynote address.  Programme Officer of Sahitya Academi Krishna Kimbahune welcomed the guests. 

In his presidential address Pundalik Naik spoke about literature of 10th to 16th century in the country giving vivid details of the work of great poet Kalidasa with special reference to his work “Meghadoota”.  He also explained the reasons that make Kalidasa a poet par excellence.

In his keynote address poet Nagesh Karmali talked about Konkani literature, Konkani poetry and Konkani writers and poets in general and said that modern Konkani literature is just 100 years old.  Konkani literature, he said is a combination of modernity, history and nationalism.  He also emphasized the need to have a dialogue on the literary works of poets belonging to the last four generations. 

In his introductory speech president of Kavita Trust and poet Melvyn Rodrigues termed poetry as a creative endeavor and introduced the guests. The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the guests on the dais. 

Pundalik Naik also released the book “Rumbddi Fulam”, an anthology of poems by M P Rodrigues.   The book has been published by Kavita Publications.

The keenly anticipated afternoon session was the symposium on the topic `Present Times – Reflections in Contemporary Konkani Poetry’, which was presided over by Fr Francis Rodrigues, Editor, `Raknno' Konkani Weekly. Writer and critic Henry M Pernal presented his paper on the topic with an emphasis on Konkani literature in Kannada script whereas Goan poet and playwright Rajay Pawar spoke on the topic with focus on Goan poets and their contributions. .  H M Pernal pointed out the lack of interest of Konkani poets in dealing with contemporary issues. Poetry he said is written with an emphasis on rhyme and is not actually based on real life experiences.  He also bemoaned the overdependence of religion and festivals by the Konkanis. 

The final programme of the day was the poetry session which was keenly looked forward to by the audience.  Poets Wilson Kateel, Dimple Fernandes, Shakunthala R Kini, Mahesh Nayak, M P Rodrigues, Robert Fernandes and Eric Soans presented their poems and regaled the audience by their subject, thought process and their careful play with words.  Poet Andrew L D Cunha presided over the poetry session. 
 
Writer William Pais presented the vote of thanks.  Florine Roche compered the programme.