Konkani Writers’ Families to Join at Daiji Dubai Decennial Inauguration

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (GA)

Mangalore, Jul 16: Daiji Dubai, a forum of Konkani writers residing in the UAE has over the yearsset many numero uno in Konkani world. An organization which was primarily started for promoting Konkani activities has today diversified into many aspects of Konkani language and is growing stronger with each passing year.  Daiji Dubai which was founded by 'Pancha Pandavas' 9 years ago boasts of almost 30 members who have made Konkani as their first priority despite their busy schedule today.

As Daiji Dubai is on the threshold of decennial celebrations, it has now planned to bring together Konkani writers' families for a day in the Sirivont Sabha Bhavan at Boat Club near Sultan Battery here on Sunday July 20. This occasion will also mark the inauguration of 'Daiji Decennial' celebrations. Various competitions which will be held as part of Daiji Decennial celebrations will be announced on the occasion.

About Daiji Dubai:

Daiji Dubai, the forum of Konkani writers in the UAE came into formation in April 1999, when five prominent Konkani writes met together first time in Dubai. They are Dayan D’Souza, Stephen Mascarenhas (Hemacharya), Melvyn Rodrigues, Walter Nandalike and Stany Nirude. ‘Daiji’- in Konkani - means the descendants from the paternal linage who historically enjoy a seat of respect during any family get together. This tradition is still being followed by communities hailing from the coastal belt irrespective of religion or caste. ‘Daijis’ as the members are affectionately call themselves, initially got into organizing Konkani oriented events in and around Dubai, publishing journals to spread the glory of Konkani literature, and recognizing the works of reputed Konkani stalwarts.

Objective

The main objective of the forum was to take a lead in spreading awareness among Konkani people scattered world-wide about the rich literary values of their mother tongue. Over the period of time, it was noted that the language was losing its importance and usage among Konkani people settled abroad. The Konkani writers felt it’s their duty to revive the roots and restore the beauty of their mother tongue - Konkani.

The members met regularly in small numbers to study and review the literary works of prominent Konkani writers.  This prompted them into organizing literary workshops, poetry sessions, book reviews, etc.  The visiting Konkani activists from world over were also invited and felicitated by members during such meetings.

Daiji Puroskar

In order to recognize the achievement of senior Konkani writers, ‘Daiji Sahitya Puroskar (Daiji Literary Award) was launched during the first anniversary of Daiji Dubai in the millennium year. It was the first award of its kind in the history of Konkani language which carried a bounty of Indian Rupees 50,000 to a deserving Konkani luminary. The selection is made on the basis of nominations by regional representatives appointed by Daiji Dubai.  As of date, Daiji Dubai has bestowed the honour on nine Konkani literary giants. They are: Cyril G. Sequeira (CGS Taccode), J C Veigas (Sirivont), Gladys Rego, Edwin J.F. D'Souza, Jerry Kulshekar, J B Moraes, Victor Rodrigues, Wilfy Rebimbus and Eddie Netto.  This award is given consistently over the past nine years during the anniversary, which consists of a high profile event by itself. 

In addition to this contribution to the Konkani literary field, the forum has financially supported various Konkani writers in need of timely help including Konkani journals.  This amount exceeds a sum of Rs 35 lac over the past nine years. 

Other initiatives by Daiji Members

Drawing inspiration from Daiji Movement, some of the founding members have gone a step further, thereby undertaking exemplary initiatives in branching out in different directions. Walter Nandalike, one of the founding members started ‘www. daijidubai.com’ – the first website by a Konkani whiz kid which was later named ‘www.daijiworld.com’, and today being visited by not less than 150,000 browsers every day on an average. 

Melvyn Rodrigues, another founding member and himself an acclaimed poet started organizing poetry sessions, training and motivating the younger generation into writing poetry of higher caliber. He also founded ‘Kavita Trust’ a forum dedicated to Konkani poetry. Kavita Trust has its own website called ‘Konkani poetry.com’ which draws poetry enthusiasts from world over.  Besides, poetry sessions are conducted at exotic locales to draw inspiration from the Mother Nature.

Hemacharya, another founding member, with the support of stage enthusiasts, started Daiji Rang Mandir, which has by now become a reputed center for performing arts in Dubai.  Naveen Sequeira was instrumental in setting up a complete Konkani portal - www.maibhaas.com

Daiji Dubai has its publishing wing- Daiji Prakashan which has started publishing books of literary importance. The social and humanitarian causes are managed by Daiji Foundation, which has well known global well wishers and philanthropists on its panel. 

Daiji Core Committee (DASUTI)

Daiji Dubai is managed by a democratically elected core committee viz.  ‘Daiji Sunkon Samiti (DASUTI).  The elections are held every two years for the positions of Convenor, Deputy Convener and Treasurer.  The founding members are treated as permanent members on the committee.  The membership is open to Konkani writers upon providing evidence of their credentials.  Daiji Dubai is currently headed by Hemacharya as Convenor, Stan Ageira, deputy Convenor and Linus Moras, Treasurer.  Dayan D’Souza heads the cultural wing, Daiji Rang Mandir and Robert Fernandes is in-charge of Daiji Prakashan.