Pics: John Tauro
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Feb 1: ‘Mastillem Phul Upratlem’, a collection of articles authored by Francis Saldanha Kamath, a well-known Konkani and Kannada writer, was released on Sunday January 31 .
The book release programme was organized by the Indian Christian Service Association and People for Social Reforms Trust at Sahodaya Hall, Mangaluru.
Releasing the book, Hemacharya, editor, Daijiworld Weekly, hailed the mission of People for Social Reforms Trust and lauded its fearless reformatory works in society. “Konkani language is filled with divinity. Every word of greetings in Konkani starts with the name of God. Apart from caste, creed and religion, the language is united as Konkani. I am happy to know the trust like People for Social Reforms also started to publish books in Konkani language. I salute P B D'Sa for his fearless reformatory work in the society. By publishing Francis Saldanha Kamath’s book, he has started to support Konkani writers too. But somewhere I am sad about the recent developments taking place in the Konkani literature world. We lost many of our senior writers in the recent times, but failed to hold condolence meetings. It is equal to defaming them and forgetting their service to our mother tongue. Our Konkani organizations are divided on the basis of dialectics and script. In the name of script and dialect, we are dividing ourselves and it is doing big damage to our mother tongue. This should be stopped.
"I congratulate Francis Saldanha Kamath for his new book ‘Mastillem Phul Upratlem’. I know his writing skills and he has good continuity. I wish him all success for his literary life,” he said.
Gilbert D'Souza, entrepreneur and social worker said, “Under the leadership of P B D'Sa, People for Social Reforms Trust is engaged in various reformatory works in the community. I am happy to know the trust is now supporting writers and thinkers who purely want to bring changes in the society. I congratulate Francis for his book and wish that many more books come from him.”
Henry Mendoca, editor Kittall.com and publisher of ‘Arso Monthly’ also hailed P B D'Sa and said, “P B D'Sa is a pioneer of human rights in our society. For his social work and fight for human rights, he was attacked twice. But he did not stop his mission. He educated people about human rights and raised voice against exploitation and suppression. He himself states that he is unfit for the society which is filled with inhuman things and activities. But his fearless voice made many think about society and their surroundings. By releasing Francis Saldanha’s book, he has started another reform. Through this, he is encouraging writers to speak out for people who are voiceless in the society.”
P B D'Sa, general secretary, People for Social Reforms Trust, briefed the activities of the trust and welcomed the guests. Edi Netto, senior Konkani writer, and Valerian Texeira were present.