Mangalore: Accomplished Writer, Eddie Netto, Chosen for ‘Konkani Kutam’ Award
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Aug 6: ‘Konkani Kutam’, a voluntary forum based in Bahrain, formed exclusively to undertake activities towards promoting Konkani language, literature and culture, has chosen Eddie Netto (72), renowned Konkani writer, for the ‘Konkani Kutam Award’. He was selected by the executive committee of the Kutam, considering his immense contribution to the cause of Konkani language and literature, for the annual award, which was instituted in 2002. The award comprises a citation, a memento and cash component of Rs 50,000.
The award will be conferred to Eddie Netto at a function to be held at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall, Bendore in the city on Friday August 13, 2010, at 6 pm. Fr Richard Coelho, administrator of Father Muller Medical College Hospital, who will preside over the function, will present the award to Eddie Netto.
Walter Nandalike, managing director and editor-in-chief, Daijiworld.com, will be the chief guest of the function. J S Noronha, president of Rachana – The Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Melwyn Peris, renowned Konkani singer and musician, will participate as the guests of honour.
Netto, born in 1938 to the late Amando Netto, a dramatist and band master, and the late Francisca Netto, had his initial schooling at St Joseph School, Jeppu and then studied at St Aloysius High School. He has great interest in acting since childhood. Encouraged by his actor brother, Luvi Netto, and guided by writer, the late J S Alvares, he grew into a fine writer, actor, singer and composer. During his school days, he used to write in Kannada.
He joined Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1956 and served there till his retirement in 1993 as a missile officer. His meritorious service in IAF earned him Rashtrapati Puraskar, five military medals and various other military facilities. Netto had actively taken part in the 1962 China war, 1965 Pakistan war and 1971 Bangla war. Even while being away from his native place during his posting in states like Assam, Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan, he continued to contribute to the growth of Konkani. The total number of his writings has reached 2,592 as on date.
Netto has already been conferred the Divo Mumbai award - 2002, Konkani Sahitya Academy Award - 2005, Kuwait Konkani Talent Award - 2006 and Daiji Dubai Award – 2008.