Mangalore: Award Brings More Responsibility, Says Dr Edward Nazareth

Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (MR/CN)
Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje

Mangalore, Jul 12: Konkani writer and renowned orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Edward Nazareth was conferred with the ‘Konkani Kuttom Award 2008’, at a function organized at the Sandesha auditorium in the city, on Saturday, July 12.

The award instituted by the Konkani Kuttom Bahrain, consists of a citation, cash prize of Rs 50,000, a shawl, and a memento. Dr Nazareth is the seventh recipient of this prestigious award which was constituted in 2002.

Accepting the award, Dr Nazareth commended the Kuttom for their interest in promoting Konkani language and literature. ‘Being in a foreign land, only a few organizations like Konkani Kuttom can possibly think about our Konkani literature and writers’, he said. ‘I feel very nervous receiving the award and even think it might curtail my freedom to think and write freely, as this award has put more responsibility on my shoulders’, Dr Nazareth added.

The writer-doctor became sentimental remembering his parents in his speech, crediting them with inculcating in him the habit of reading during his early years. He also made mention of erstwhile editors of Konkani magazines like P D Souza of ‘Poinnari’, and Fr Mark Walder of ‘Raknno’, among others.

The function was attended by many literary giants, singers, and dignitaries from different walks of life. Fr Patrick Rodrigues, director, Fr Muller Charitable Institutions, was the chief guest at the event who also presented the award to Dr Nazareth.

In his speech, Fr Rodrigues said, ‘Things have changed for better for Konkani these days.  We can see very devoted and dedicated Konkani activists and writers now.  Dr Edward Nazareth is one among those. He has shared his medical knowledge with the people through the Konkani language and this effort has fetched him a distinct place in Konkani language and literature.’

Walter Nandalike, managing director, Daijiworld Media Private Limited, was the guest of honour and presented bouquets to the members of the jury panel. He thanked the efforts of Konkani Kuttom, Bahrain, in recognizing Dr Nazareth’s service to Konkani literature.  ‘People who say they are busy when it comes to devoting time for the language, must learn from Dr Nazareth.  He is a man who runs ahead of time’, said Nandalike. 

Roy Castelino, convenor, Konkani Prachar Sanchalan, was another guest of honour who said that the society which fails to recognize its leaders moves towards extinction. Konkani language and society will remain forever as long as services like that of Konkani Kuttom and Dr Nazareth continue, he added.

Louie J Pinto, president, Mand Sobhann, was honoured for the efforts in gaining a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for ‘Konkani Nirantari’— non-stop Konkani singing by multiple singers for 40 hours, through  his organization.

Students of Sandesha performed a welcome dance at the beginning and Nellu Permannur and his group also entertained the gathering with their hilarious jokes.

Titus Noronha, Konkani poet, welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests to the audience.  Richard Moras, convenor, explained about the aims and activities of Konkani Kuttom, Bahrain, in his introductory speech. Vitori Karkal, read the citation while Alwyn Peris proposed vote of thanks.