Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Aug 21: 'Divo' Konkani weekly published from Mumbai, in association with Kavita Trust, Mangaluru celebrated 'Konkani Manyata Divas' with a get-together of writers and well-wishers at Bishop Jattana Auditorium here on Sunday, August 20. 

Ronald Fernandes, bureau head of Deccan Herald, Mangaluru, Eddy Netto, senior Konkani writer, and Dolphy Cascia, senior Konkani editor and writer were the chief guests.

In his introductory speech Lawrence Coelho, the chief editor of 'Divo' said, "'Divo' was launched in Mumbai 32 years ago and received massive response from the readers. Many young writers started to write to 'Divo' and many of them today have become well-known writers in the Konkani world. Along with the publication of the weekly, our team started various career guidance programmes for youths and students. We distributed financial aid to the needy and to Konkani writers who were in difficulties. Today our weekly reaches all corners of India, the Middle East, Israel, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Readers and writers are our strength. Without their support we cannot do anything."

Ronald Fernandes said, "There are many weeklies and other periodicals in Konkani. Some are based on only religion and some on social issues. But there is no news-oriented paper. At the same time there is lack of professionalism. Writers do not give much importance to researching articles. I think the entire set up of Konkani journalism is based on amateur thinking."

Eddy Netto said, "Writers should change with time. They should adopt knowledge that the generation demands. Otherwise the demand will decrease and it will affect magazines' circulation or readership. Gaining new knowledge is not a bad thing, so writers especially senior writers should ponder over this."

Dolphy Cassia stressed that writers should be innovative and up-to-date.

Thereafter, a poetry session organized by Kavita Trust was held. Moderating the session, founder president of Kavita Trust and poet Melvyn Rodrigues said, "All of us here have been fortunate to see the inclusion of our mother tongue Konkani in the 8th Schedule of our Constitution. But many Konkani writers did not get the opportunity to witness this day. They have contributed a lot to our mother tongue. So we have to remember them on every 'Manyata Divas'.

"Of course, there is slight fall in Konkani readership but the literature has not stopped. Over the last fifteen years, many brilliant writers, especially poets have come up. Our poetry world is has received an excellent boost from these poets. We should continue this and also ensure that our next generation follows in the footsteps of our legendary literary figures."

Wilson Kateel, Roshan Bajpe, Vincent Pinto Angelore, Naveen Kulshekar, Stany Bela, Felcy Lobo Derebail, Umer Bhatkal recited their poems during the session.

Naveen Kulshekar Welcomed the dignitaries and gathering. Richard Pereira introduced the guests. Suzan Coelho publisher Divo rendered the vote of thanks.Santhosh Omzoor Compared the programme.