Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SJM)
Mangaluru, Sep 3: “It was my grandfather Louis Kannappa whom we nicknamed as Kanati (one who wears thick spectacles) who was the first inspiration for my foray into writing. Louis Kannappa had done his M A in English Literature from Madras University and L.T degree served as the Principal of Government College Mangalore (presently University College). He also served as District Education Officer of Dakshina Kannada District. He was also the first rank holder for St Aloysius College, Mangalore, in Maths and Latin language. My grandfather taught Maths to my brother and introduced me to English literature”, said eminent writer Shyamala Madhav.
She was speaking in a programme “Through my Window” organized by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, National Academy of Letters, in association with Konkani Writers and Artistes’ Association, in St Aloysius College on September 2, 2023. Shyamala Madhav who is the great granddaughter of Louis Kannappa, the founder of the first Konkani periodical ‘Dirvem’, spoke about his life and work of Sardar Louis Kannappa in the programme.
The programme began with offering floral tributes to the portrait of Louis Kannappa. Executive Council Member and Konkani Convenor, Poet Melvyn Rodrigues, Catholic Association of South Kanara Capt Vincent Pais, VISION KONKANI promoter, NRI entrepreneur & philanthropist Sri Michael D Souza, Chairman of MCC Bank Sri Anil Lobo, Director of Educare Scholarship Fund Mr. Stephen Pinto and Mr. Oswald Rodrigues, Ronald Sequeira, President of Konkani Writers and Artistes’ Association offered floral tributes along with family members of Sardar Louis Kannappa.
Sahitya Akademi, Language advisory Board Member for Konkani H M Pernal welcomed the gathering and introduced speaker of the day Shyamala Madhav to the audience. The lecture was followed by a discussion. Mr. N. G . Mohan, brother of Shyamala Madhav joined the discussion session answered audience queries.
The programme was concluded by gifting the portrait of Late Sardar Louis Kannappa, to Institute of Konkani, St Aloysius College. The Director of the institute Rev Dr Melwyn Pinto received the portrait on behalf of St Asloysius College. Secretary of Konkani writers and Artistes Association, Mrs Florine Roche, Treasure Mr. Roshan Madtha, Trustee of World Konkani Centre Mr. William D Souza, Eminent Kannada writer B M Rohini, President of Konkani Bhasha Mandal Karnataka Mr. Vasantha Rao, Editor of ‘Arso’ poet wilsomn Kateel, Poet- thinker Titus Noronha, writer William Pais, senior members of CASK, students of Konkani Institute of St Aloysius College, writers, poets, artistes and family members of Louis Kannappa were present on the occasion.