from Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD)

Mumbai, Nov 18: Well-known Konkani writer and columnist for over 6 decades Pietas D Souza, popularly known as P D'Souza passed away in the early hours of Sunday November 16, at Nanavati Hospital, Ville Parle (West), after a brief period of illness.  A crusader of Konkani movement, both in his native Mangalore and in Mumbai, P D'Souza has carved a niche for himself in Konkani world.

P D Souza was born to Pascal and Monica D'Souza couple at Boloor ward of Our Lady of Pompeii parish, Urwa, Mangalore on July 25, 1920.  He was the fifth among the eight children of his parents. He did his initial schooling at parish school, Urwa.  He then began working as a composer with Kohinoor, the only printing press of that time, in Mangalore in 1942.  Since then, he continued working with various publications both in Konkani and English in Mangalore and in Mumbai.

He married Agnes in 1950 in Mangalore and they had 6 daughters and one son.  He experienced early shock of his life in 1979 when his wife passed away.  He moved to Mumbai to live with his son later.  He continued his Konkani columns in Sevak, Jhelo, Kaannik, Divo including the first Konkani weekly of metro Poinnari. Konkani enthusiasts will miss his famous column 'Haal-Chaal' that was published in Divo since its inception. He was also the regular contributor for Poinnari since 1971 and later also served as its Editor for a decade.  

His works are being published in various Konkani publications. While Sevak publication published his 'Sunecho Aprad', Punov Prakashan published 'Nirapradi', 'Vichitr Farikponn' and Haal Chaal.  He was honoured by Kala Sagar, Punov Prakashan and Konkani Basha Mandal – Mumbai, in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the cause of Konkani, its culture and traditions. 

The mortal remains of P D'Souza was laid to rest at Sacred Heart Church cemetery, Koparkairne, Vashi, on Tuesday November 18 evening. A large number of well-wishers, contemporary Konkani activists along with P D'Souza's family members gathered and paid their last tribute to this great son of Konkani.