Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Jun 2: ‘Konkani Lekhak Sangh, Karnataka’ a writers’ forum came into existence at ‘Sandesha’ hall in city on Sunday, June 3.
Konkani Natak Sabha president Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, Dramatist Fr Alwyn Serrao, Daijiworld Media Founder Walter Nandalike, Konkani activist Richard Moras, Writers Dolphy Cascia, Dr Edward Nazareth and CGS Taccode officially inaugurated ‘Konkani Lekhak Sangh, Karnataka’ by lighting a lamp.
Dr Edward Nazareth welcomed and explained how the forum was formed. He said it was only possible with the help of writers to form the forum.
Fr Alwyn Serrao in his keynote address said that though it is difficult to define what literature is, it is obviously a reflection of ideas of human beings. “Literature is not only fiction, it can be non-fiction also. It does not have to be always imaginative, it can be real also. No one exactly can say what literature is. But it is always symbolic representation of society and that of human beings,”
“What Sigmund Freud wrote on psychology especially ‘The Interpretation of Dreams,' what Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote from his experience in ‘Crime and Punishment’ are great pieces of literature though they are not entirely fictions. George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ which takes us to the political change of that time, but with animal characters in it, is also a great piece of literature. We have ‘The Bible’ which is a treasure of literature that gives insights of biblical times. Though it is religious, it is a great literature for its high quality and content,” he added.
“Literature should always inspire and make people think about it. It should address the questions the readers face from different perspectives. I advise all writers to create literature of substance,” he said.
Fr Melwyn D’Souza called on writers to remain united in spite of ideological differences. “We need to differ, but at the same time we have the common goal of nurturing an association. This forum is for the betterment of literature. Literature should take up the issues which concern the present society. At the same time it should be preserved for the next generation,”
Walter Nandalike said “Some people ask me why another forum when some did exist and became inactive later. My question is why a forum should not be formed? Once it is formed, there is an apprehension about how long it will last. Some of the writers have already asked me this. Now I know why they asked this question as they are not seen here. When giants like Dolphy Cascia, CGS Taccode, Richard Moras and Dr Edward Nazareth are involved, I am sure that this forum will last and also will reach greater heights,”
“We are in a different era where information passes faster these days. Lies are repeated. Someone tries to prove a goat as donkey by lying so many times. The owner of the goat himself subsequently believes it and sells the goat at the price of a donkey. We journalists have a great social responsibility. We have enormous authority and means at our disposal to beat the lies. Stand up and talk against evil in society. Let us take it as obligation,” Walter concluded.
M Patrick’s ‘Besanv’ Konkani novel was released on the occasion.
Richard Moras explained how the Lekhak Sangh will function. He said Lekhak Sangh has many plans to reach people in different areas and promote Konkani literature. He also said that the Lekhak Sangh had held two workshops in the recent past and both were successful.
Richie Pereira, Vally Vagga, Donny Pereira, Ancy Paladka, John A Monis, and M Patrick congratulated the forum and gave valuable suggestions.
Irene Rebello compered programme with lots of wit.
Students of St Aloysius College sang the prayer song.
CGS Taccode proposed vote of thanks. He said Lekhak Sangh has its office at Don Bosco hall and will operate from there.
Many senior writers were present among others.