'Kittall.com' Kindles New Spirit in Konkani Literature
Pics: Savitha B R
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Feb 5: www.Kittall.com Konkani website, the dream project of well-known Konkani writer and critic Henry Mendonca, Pernal, was inaugurated by another celebrated Konkani poet and director (operations) of Daijiworld Media Private Limited, Melvyn Rodrigues, in a function held at Sandesha here on Saturday February 5.
'Kittall' which means 'spark,' coordinated by H M, as he is popularly known, aims at awakening the Konkani people by providing quality literature, to usher in the much required social change. By the inauguration of this website H M has given wings to his long cherished dream of trying to ignite fire among Konkani writers and readers.
Inaugurating the website Melvyn Rodrigues said that though many Konkani websites have come and gone, having failed to sustain, Henry Mendonca has taken the bold step of starting a Konkani website to spread the creative spark through independent writings, dialogues, discussions, reviews, criticisms and creative writings.
"We have seen and experienced that small sparks carry tremendous energy to ignite a burning fire. We also know that the ash from the fire has the ability to spring fresh shoots in a plant or tree. I hope H M will be able to create a better society by igniting "Kittall" to its fullest energy", Melvyn said.
Chief guest Fr Valerian Mendonca, director, Sandesha Foundation, who released the printed booklet of "Kittall", said a new revolution in the form of inauguration of "Kittall" has begun and it has started from Sandesha premises. He said daijiworld.com has done a tremendous job of uniting Konkani people and their activities the world over and emphasized the need to continue such work on a war footing. He appreciated H M Pernal for taking the bold initiative of starting a Konkani website without any commercial motive. "Our people need new thinking and new approach and I am sure "Kittall" would fill the long-pending vacuum by awakening people in order to create a better society", he remarked.
Guest of honour Basti Vaman Shenoy pointed out that new thinking and creative approach is required to bring about a social change and youngsters should shoulder this responsibility of creating a better society. He appreciated the courage exhibited by H M Pernal by starting this website and cautioned, "You have to take precautions and ensure that this spark does not burn you or boomerang on you. The spark should be lit in the right place at a right time".
Guest of honour Roy Castelino said he is a contractor by profession and he is ready to accomplish any contract given to him pertaining to Konkani art, language or literature. He said, "To my friends who ask me what I have done for Konkani I just tell them I am an obedient soldier of Konkani, ready to fight the battle any time. Now that I have been elevated to the position of Sardar I work by supporting those who work for Konkani".
He further added, "Though H M does not wish to make it a commercial site it is our responsibility to support him to the extent possible". Roy also sought the support of Konkani speaking people to support the efforts of those who were instrumental in making Konkani as the optional language in schools by opting for Konkani.
In his speech coordinator of the website "Kittal" Henry Mendonca, Pernal said "Kittall" would provide a platform for writers, thinkers, poets, critics, and the general public to express their views and comments. He said the website would give preference to unpublished Konkani work.
"Kittall would give priority to creative writings and thoughts to bring about change in the society. The spark is aimed at bringing about an awareness in the society and consciousness through good literature. It was the spark that brought about civilization in this world and we need the same spark to awaken people and bring them closer to reality. Unfortunately this society is immersed in large scale corruption and is devoid of any moral values. That is why we need the spark", he explained.
He further added that writers have the vital responsibility of heralding social change and to keep the people well informed about the goings on so that they are always ready for igniting the necessary spark as and when it is needed.
Victor Mathias, Karkal welcomed the gathering. Titus Noronha compered the programme. Joachim Pinto gave the vote of thanks.