by Richie Lasrado, Resident Editor, Daijiworld.com, Mangalore

Mangalore, Feb 19: Much contrary to the common image of a Gulf country as a land of milk and honey prevailing back home , the actual situation could be so different. Varied experience is in store for persons from different walks of life.

Agreed, for the office-goers and small-time entrepreneurs, there are comforts and facilities, not necessarily as a rule though. The working conditions are demanding.

Aptitudes and interests get killed in the stress and strain of the Gulf life. Creative persons crossing the seas for earning some extra petrorupees for the sake of a secure future mostly end up seeing their own flairs and talents get stunted in the arid sand stretches of the Middle East.

There are hundreds of examples of writers, actors, artists, fine art enthusiasts et al sadly going under the grind of demanding job conditions and bidding adieu to their creativity.

Yet, thankfully, there are a few exceptions to this, who, by way of holding the fort in matters musical, literary and the like, have done their best to ensure that the sparks of creativity and talent are kept alive.

"Suttka", a collection of Konkani short stories penned by Clarence Pinto, better known by his nom de plume 'Clarence Kaikamba', proves this point. In spite of his busy daily business schedule in Muscat, Clary has managed not only to write readable short stories but get them published as well.

The thirteen stories are indeed short in the strict sense of the term. A reader can spend a few minutes on one story a day in case of being hard-pressed on time. But the truth of the matter is that once you start reading the first, you will decide to go through until the last one.

In all, it is a laudable effort, deserving full support from the Konkani-speaking people. "Suttka" means release / liberation or deliverance. The creative thoughts which had remained bound under the stress of life have gushed out, by way of real deliverance, in the form of these cute stories. The title of the book is justified on that count too.

Henry D'Souza getting set to release the book

Film director Harry William Fernandes, Henry D'Souza, Eric Ozario, Ida Pinto and Harry D'Souza

Henry D'Souza, Harry D'Souza and wife, and Ida PInto

The book was released by eminent Konkani songwriter Sangeet Samrat Henry D'Souza, at a glittering ceremony during the centenary celebrations of Harry's Silver Band on Bijai church grounds on February 12, 2006.

The book was also released in Clary's home parish, Our Lady of Pompei Church, Gurpur-Kaikamba, during the anniversary function of the Pompei Youngsters' Club.

The author

Author Clarence Pinto

Clarence at present is the convener of Borpi Mithr writers' forum in Muscat. He has written over 250 short stories, five novels and 30 poems. He has been honorary editor for four special issues of Jhelo and Kannik, published between 1999 and 2002. He has once won the prestigious Goa Sahitya Academy award. He is also actively involved in the Toastmasters International and has served as vice president and Lieutenant Governor.

The book 'Suttka' has been sponsored by Santosh Nazareth of Dubai, a diehard Konkani activist.

About the publisher

Jane Prakashan, headed by Ida Pinto - who incidentally and by a happy coincidence is the Muscat correspondent of Daijiworld and has made a name with her efficient, crispy reports - has published this book. A short introduction of Ida Pinto may not be out of place here.

Ida, hailing from the Bajpe Pais family, is already a well-known singer on Muscat stage. She has made a mark on the Don Bosco stage in Mangalore, having won several prizes in singing competitions.

Having married Clarence Kaikamba, currently she is a resident of Muscat. While being in Bahrain earlier too, she had earned name in singing.

“Sutka is a special collection of short stories by Clarence. They have been meticulously selected, delicately appealing to human minds with an aim of presenting best possible literature work to the Konkani-speaking community.” said Ida, speaking to our Mangalore office. On a confident note, she calls it a new dawn in the world of Konkani literature, also terming it a dream come true, on a personal note.

To obtain a copy of 'Suttka', please contact :

Mangalore :      James D Souza  - (0091) 988 034 3709 or email claryidapinto@hotmail.com  
Victor Mathias : (0091) 984 52 09374 or vitori@rediffmail.com
Dubai : Melvyn Rodrigues: 050-5271175 email: melvyn@kavitaa.com
Other parts of the Gulf: (00968) 92341 826 or email : starrays@omantel.net.om