Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 9: "What we cannot say directly, we can express through literature as a form of protest against injustice," said Melwyn Pinto Neerude, a prominent contemporary Konkani writer. He was speaking on the theme ‘Short Stories and Me’ at the inaugural meeting of the monthly literary review ‘Bolkanv’, organized by the Institute of Konkani of St. Aloysius Deemed-to-be University on September 7.

Citing the example of Arundhati Roy's second novel ‘The Ministry of Utmost Happiness’, Melwyn Pinto mentioned how Roy tackled sensitive topics such as Godhra and current political developments, including Kashmir, within the realm of literature. "Chafra mirrored this effort in his plays and poems. We see this approach in Dalit and Black literature as well. In today's context, where individuals are becoming more constricted and less inspired, literature holds great responsibility. What cannot be protested directly can be protested indirectly through literature," he emphasized.

During his 40-minute speech, Melwyn Pinto reflected on his literary journey, categorizing his short stories into three types: those based on personal experiences, those depicting the lives of others, and those critically examining the doctrines of his own vocation. Around 35 authors participated in this literary forum.

The event was inaugurated by the vice-chancellor of St Aloysius Deemed-to-be University, Fr Dr Praveen Martis SJ. The director of the Konkani Institute, Dr Fr Melwyn Pinto SJ, the chancellor of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Dr Alwyn D'Sa, HM Pernal, editor of Kittall website and convener of ‘Bolkanv’, and Joachim Pinto, programme coordinator of the Institute of Konkani were present on the stage.

Inaugurating ‘Bolkanv’ by watering a plant, Fr Dr Praveen Martis remarked, "Since its establishment 144 years ago, St Aloysius College, under the Jesuit leadership, has been a staunch supporter of the Konkani language and its literary endeavours. The 'Bolkanv' monthly Sahitya Manch provides a platform to explore the richness of Konkani language, literature and the literati. May the discussions here inspire further development of the Konkani language."

The event began with H M Pernal providing an overview of the ‘Bolkanv’ series. The next session is scheduled for October 12 at 10 AM, where Dr Alwyn D'Sa, the registrar of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), will speak on ‘Literature and Criticism’.