Pics: Stanly Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Mar 29: Well-known Konkani writer Edie Netto was conferred the first Konkani Lekhak Sangh award.  Fr Francis Assissi Almeida, director of Sandesha Foundation, Prof Dhananjaya Kumble, professor of Kannada, Mangalore University felicitated Edie Netto with a citation, shawl, flower bouquet and cash prize of Rs 25,000.

In his introductory speech, Richard Moras, the convener of Konkani Lekhak Sangh  said, "Konkani Lekhak Sangh, Karnataka was formed by the senior and known Konkani writers years ago. The main motto of the association is to support Konkani writers in their literary works and help their projects in Konkani. The association also encourages the budding writers with various activities, literary competitions and awards. We are happy to facilitate  Edie Netto, a senior writer with our first award "

Dr Edward Nazareth, core  committee member, introduced Edie Netto to the gathering. "By nature Edie Netto is a straightforward man and never compromises in his ideology and thoughts. He has penned huge content in Konkani. There is no periodical or magazine in Konkani which does not carry his literature. Being a political analyst he never  wrote biased articles. Majority of his stories reflect  social issues and aspects of  community or society. We can say his stories belong to the Josa family. The continuity which he follows is highly applicable and a model for young writers8," he said.

Honoring Edie Netto,  Prof Dhananjaya Kumble said, "I salute Konkani Lekhak Sangh for a wonderful award evening and meaningful get-together. Nowadays no one likes writers, literature for various reasons. But Konkani Lekhak Sangha thought of recognising writers and they chose a senior writer for the award. This is highly appreciable. We all know after inclusion in 8th schedule of Constitution, Konkani became a national language. So being a writer Edie Netto is not only limited to Konkan region or coastal Karnataka. He is a national level writer because his literary works are in the national language. If we felicitate a writer it means we start to read his literary works."

Congratulating Edie Netto and Konkani Lekhak Sangh, Fr Francis said, "When I was in PUC I had a dream to see the many known writers including Edie Netto. Then I met a few of them on various occasions. But after my appointment in Sandesha, I met the majority of them, especially seniors in the programs of  Konkani Lekhak Sangh. So I am happy about my association with Sangh for conducting various programs in Sandesha and opening the doors for Konkani writers here. Now Konkani Lekhak Sangh should think about conducting a few programs, activities for young budding writers. In current times it is necessary. If the association organizes such competitions, activities I will be a patron for prizes. I congratulate  Edie Netto for receiving the prestigious award and wish him good health and joyful days ahead."

Replying to the honor, Edie Netto said, " Still I can read and write Konkani in Kannada script. This is the secret of my continuity. I thank Konkani Lekhak Sangh and the gathering for honoring me."

Newly appointed editor of Raknno weekly, Fr Rupesh Madtha was felicitated by the guests. Fr Fransis and Prof Dhanajay honored writers who won the prizes in short story competitions organised by Konkani Lekhak Sangh. Henry Mascarenhas welcomed the dignitaries and those gathered. Lyod Rego read the citation. Dolphie Cascia proposed a vote of thanks. Irene Rebello compered the event.