Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Dec 7: In a press release from Daiji Dubai, the prominent Konkani writers' forum in the UAE, convener Rony Byndoor announced the selection of Manu Bahrain for the prestigious Daiji Dubai Literary Award for 2015.

Manu Bahrain was given thumbs up with overwhelming majority by Daiji Dubai members in a secret ballot voting process at Dayan D’Souza’s residence on December 4. The selection procedure was monitored by Walter Nandalike. Stan Ageira briefed about the literary works of shortlisted candidates.

68-year-old Stany William Lobo, known as 'Manu Bahrain' to Konkani readers, was born to the late David and Mary Lobo. Husband of Rosy, father of Sonia, Cheryl and Steven, Manu studied in St Aloysius High School and moved to Bangalore for job in 1969. He landed in Bahrain in 1979 on a work assignment, and settled there until 2011, before returning to Mangaluru on retirement.

Intellectually and creatively productive, Manu Bahrain has written 8 novels, 35 short novels, over 500 short stories, 150 humour articles, 200 poems and a variety of other articles.
Founder member of renowned Konkani Kutam Bahrain, he has a list of awards to his credit, prominently the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Award and the Late Victor Rodrigues Angelore Literary Award.

Unassumingly modest and polite in nature, Manu Bahrain stands apart for sheer quantity and quality of his creative output. Veteran author Dolphy Cassia acclaims Manu for his depth of knowledge and range of expression that stays close to natural surroundings. Well-known writer Dr Edward Nazreth rates Manu Bahrain’s ‘AranyaachoTaalo’ among the classic novels in Konkani. His serial story ‘Sodhnam’, being published by Kutaam weekly is well-appreciated by readers.

The Daiji Dubai Literary 2015 would be presented to Manu Bahrain during Daiji Dubai anniversary celebrations in Mangaluru on January 25, 2015. The Award will carry a prize money of Rs 75,000 along with a citation and certificate of honour.