Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, May 10: “Konkani is a language where maximum number of books gets published in a year compared to any other regional language. Here in Mangalore and abroad many Konkani Associations are actively involved in the promotion of language and literature. As such Konkani holds a great future ahead,” said Hemacharya, editor-in-chief, Daijiworld Weekly.
He was addressing the participants at UMEDH 2013, workshop jointly organised by Milarchem Milan and Konkani Writers Forum Mangalore at Milagres Parish Hall, distributing certificates.
Hemacharya further said looking at good number of participants he is very much delighted and congratulated organizers for their efforts to promote Konkani literature among youngsters. We should always think positive about the future of Konkani, he said.
Fr Sunil Madyanthar, assistant parish priest said “Great writers started writing on small issues and their works are master piece today”. Quoting great Hindi literature Premchand and English writer John Milton Fr Sunil further said “Neither poverty nor blindness is a hurdle for a writer.”
Earlier during the day, senior Konkani writer M P Rodrigues and All India Radio, Mangalore, programme executive, Florine Roche conducted sessions on creative writing and non creative writing.
Fr Stephen Pereira, editor, NamanBalokJesu monthly inaugurated the workshop in the morning. “There is a saying vocations are declining in city so as love for Konkani Language and literature. Hence these kinds of workshops are very much essential to identify and focus on young talents,” he said.
Citing his own example Fr Stephen said “I would not been a writer if Fr Dominic, who is currently parish priest at Mira Road, Mumbai encouraged me then, when I was brother in the order.”
He further said that there is shortage of good writers in Konkani and organised training about writing skills is required.
In his presidential address, parish priest Fr Valerian D’Souza said “Our job is just igniting. As the saying goes, pen is mightier than sword, writing helps in a great way refining society. Umedh is born today and it will be continued every year.”
Alwyn Rosario, vice president of Milagres Parish was present on this occasion.
H M Pernal, president, Konkani Writers Forum, welcomed the gathering and Flora Castelino, editor, Milarchem Milan proposed vote of thanks.
Sr Reema D’Mello compered the programme. Rolson Pereira and Joel Mascarenhas, YCS students of Milagres renderd prayer song.
Dr Jerome Pinto, poet Melvyn Rodrigues, Mahesh Nayak, member, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, senior writer J F D Souza Attavar, Tony Ferrose, sub editor, Raknno, Joachim Pinto of Daijiworld Weekly and many others were present for inaugural and valedictory function.
Nearly 50 students participated in this workshop.
Raknno Konkani Weekly sponsored kits consisting short story and poetry books to this work shop.