Pics: Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, May 18: ‘Kavitarang’, an evening celebrating life, poems and the literary works of Melvyn Rodrigues, Konkani poet, convener, Konkani language advisory committee, Kendra Sahitya Academy, New Delhi was held in Rangaparichaya, Pamboor as part of ‘Bahumukhi’ cultural festival, organized by Parichaya Pratishthana Pamboor on Wednesday May 17.

Various poems penned by Melvyn Rodrigues were sung by Ustaad Rafique Khan and team. Team Astitva Mangaluru performed ‘Zuzechya Peranchi Kani’ in a play form. Poet Titus Noronha, and Biri Biri Pavs Konkani reality show fame Rikita Reona Saldanha and Eldon D'Souza recited the poems of Melvyn Rodrigues.

Walter Nandalike - founder Daijiworld media, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves - vicar general Udupi diocese, Fr Henry Mascarenhas - parish priest Pamboor church, and Fr Denis D’Sa - parish priest Thottam church were the guests of honour for the programme.

Melvyn Rodrigues and Averyl Rodrigues were felicitated by Parichaya Pratishthana, Pamboor for their service to the Konkani literary world.

In his interaction with Prakash Noronha, secretary Parichaya Pratishthana, Melvyn Rodrigues said, "Poetry is my form of expression. My mission was to become a great poet of Konkani, and whatever work I did was in that direction only. Around 1987-91, I was working on a Lexicon project and at that time, I noticed that there were many books of short stories, novels and other forms in Konkani literature, but only 7-8 books of Konkani poems in Kannada script. Hence, I thought that this will be my area of work. I was influenced by Cha Fra D'Costa, Eric Ozario and Fr Willie D’Silva.”

He also shared some memorable incidents of his life. Melvyn Rodrigues thanked the members of Parichaya Prathisthana and all the performers.

In his message, Walter Nandalike said, "I thank Parichaya Pratisthan Pamboor for organizing such a unique programme. This place will soon be another ‘Kalaangann’ for the Konkani community. I am honoured to be with such amazingly talented people. There is a similarity between Melvyn Rodrigues and Sachin Tendulkar. Like Sachin never reacted to any accusations and criticisms against him verbally, but answered through his achievements, Melvyn also faced many abuses and accusations in his life. But he never reacted. The awards he received for the literary works answered all the abuses.”

Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general Udupi diocese said, "Parichaya Pratishthan is doing excellent works from the past 12 years in this locality. Their aim to attract the young generation towards Konkani language and culture is notable. Melvyn Rodrigues is a star of the Konkani community. He looks very calm but he is very deep rooted in his poetry. Melvyn Rodrigues can be termed as 'the finest poet of this generation'. He is a versatile writer and has worked for societal changes through his poems.”

Ustaad Rafique Khan performed on the sitar, Rajesh Bhagwath on tabla, Reuben Machado on flute, and Razak on keyboard. Shilpa Cutinho, Deol D’Souza and Cliyon D’Silva rendered their voices.

Vincent Alva, administrator Parichaya welcomed the gathering, Anil D’Ssa, president proposed the vote of thanks. Prakash Noronha, secretary conducted the interaction session. Members, trustees and well-wishers were present.