Canada: KOSA felicitates veteran Journo Felix D’Souza
Media Release
Pics: Ivan Lobo
Daijiworld Media Network – Canada (SB)
Canada, Sep 28: Renowned veteran Konkani writer, journalist and activist Konkani Kala Vibhushan Felix D’Souza, once part of editorial team of Poinnari weekly who is on a short visit to Canada was felicitated in a unique programme organized by “Konkani Sangathi” (KOSA), the recently formed Konkani Writers’ Forum at Sts Martha & Mary Church hall, Mississauga here on Sunday, September 27.
The felicitation ceremony started with a prayer by KOSA’s spiritual director Fr Edwin D’Souza. Gerry D’Mello, Convener of KOSA welcomed the gathering. Vijay Dante, the co-convener escorted Fr Edwin D’Souza, Fr Henry Alva, Felix D’Souza, Maxim D’Mello and Max Mendes to the dais.
The hero of the Konkani Movie ‘Mog Ani Maipaas’ Oswald Sequeira delivered a brief report on Felix D’Souza’s great achievements in Konkani literature and journalism. On behalf of the Konkani community in Canada, Maxim D’Mello, the incumbent president of Mangalorean Association of Canada presented Felix D’Souza with a bouquet of flowers. Max Mendes, the president of Canara World Foundation and the gurkar of ‘Kalasaanz’ events in Canada presented a memento for Felix's immense contribution for our Maibhas Konkani.
Fr Henry Alva, former Provincial of Capuchins in Bangalore released “Poinnar Vinchlellim Mothiyam”, a compilation of short-stories written by Felix D’Souza and wished him every success in his future endeavors and literary works. He narrated the sweetness of Konkani and applauded the great initiative by KOSA in creating awareness of Konkani in a country like Canada!
In his speech, Felix D’Souza expressed his immense joy and gratitude to Konkani Sangathi for the felicitation during his visit to Canada. He narrated his life experience, Konkani work in Mumbai and shared his invaluable knowledge. He appreciated the commitment of Konkani activists in Canada to support Konkani despite personal commitments.
The event was sponsored by Udupi Madras Café, one of the most renowned vegetarian restaurants in Canada. The felicitation programme ended with a vote of thanks by KOSA Convener Gerry D'Mello.
About Felix D’Souza
Felix D’Souza, who celebrated his platinum birthday this year, was born on June 9, 1934 in the parish of Bendur, Mangalore. At the age of eleven he left for Mumbai with his family. Later in life he was married to Celine and blessed with two children. He was associated with Poinnari from its inception in 1950 and got involved as shareholder when it was taken over by a society. He has worked on the editorial board under the editorship of founder editor of V J P Saldanha, Mark D’Souza, Alphonse D’Costa and as honorary assistant editor under C F D’Costa.
Felix became a working journalist and assistant editor when Nellie D’Costa took over as the editor of “Poinnari” in 1981. He was with the periodical Konkani 2003 when it was closed down for financial paucity. Under the leadership of trade union leader George Fernandes, he was the general secretary of “Poinnari” anti-dowry organization. He was the only Konkani (Kannada script) journalist who was accredited by the Government of Maharashtra, which enabled him to visit lok sabha, rajya sabha, vidhan sabha, vidhan parishad, government and police offices. He was known for his editorials in Poinnari, short stories, articles and short poems, which he penned under different pen-names, Guru Dutt, Milind Miranda and Sadanand Gaonkar being his three best choices.
He has also contributed to Raknno, Mithr, Kathanjhelo, Konkan Daiz and Vishal Konkan among others. To date, he has three books to his credit, Mhaataaryachem daan, Vaathevaylo Faathar and Paynnaar Vinchlelim Motiyam. He has been conferred with the title “Konkani Kala Vibhushan” by “Kala Sagar”, a community forum of Mumbai and also by municipal corporation of greater Mumbai, stated the media release.