Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 18: "I was born in Nanthoor, Mangaluru. Konkani is my mother tongue. Now I am settled in Chicago, America. But my heart always beats for my mother land and mother language," said Dr Austin D’Souza Prabhu, Chicago-based, Mangaluru origin author, journalist and artiste.

Dr Prabhu was speaking in an unique programme 'Austin Prabhu – Ek Mulakahat' organised by Konkani Writers’ and Artistes’ Association and Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation at World Konkani Centre.

Eminent Konkani poet Melvyn Rodrigues and critic H M Pernal initiated dialogue with Dr Prabhu. Sharing his thoughts and experiences he explained how a stray incident of teasing inspired him to write in the name and style of weakness, Nanthoor, how he used to write in many pen names, and how writers of those days used to write in various pen names etc. Replying to a query to what extent playwright Bams (Baptist Mendonca) and Jo Sa Alvares inspired Dr Austin, he said that he met Alvares only when the later announced In his paper that he is going to close Jhelo. He purchased Jhelo from Alvares for Rs 500 drawn from provided fund and continued to publish Jhelo.

Referring to his role in ‘Sudakandanthlo Judaas’, Dr Austin said when he and Cha Fra were travelling on a motorcycle they met with an accident at Kankanady Circle and both of them were hospitalized. Without informing nursing staff he went and performed at and audience appreciated his role without knowing the fact that his leg is fractured and plastered.

During the dialogue Dr Austin recollected the infamous incident of publishing letter to the editor in his paper and subsequent pain he underwent on account of case registered against him in Bombay Court.

Further, he shared his experience how he got inspired from Liyaab’s Savio Mandali at Raknno and his more concentration on dramas than literature as he was fond of acting.

When particularly asked about the attitude of Konkani readers and writers towards papers when he was editor publisher of four papers and now when he is editor publisher one paper in four scripts, Dr Austin said that now he is serving buffet dinner to readers. Readers will select and read what they like. But earlier readers used to read the entire paper as magazine, as papers were the only source of reading.

Dr Austin answered audience queries and also sung his own composition on demand from the audience.

Prior to the dialogue Poet Melvyn Rodrigues spoke about Dr Austin’s prize-winning play ‘Ankwaar Celly’, the circumstances under which the play was written and the need to know the writers through his works. Poet Melvyn pointed out many of them just call writers as poet, playwright, and short story writer or with so many names. But seldom have they made an attempt to know them through their work. Listening to the recitation of some selected dialogues of Dr Austin’s drama is an attempt to know the writer through his works. Avrel Rodrigues, Christopher Neenasam and Clanwin Fernandes recited selected dialogues from Dr Austin's award-winning play ‘Ankwaar Celly’.

Austin Prabhu was felicitated on the occasion, on behalf of Konkani Writers, Konkani Artsites and Konkani Associations of Mangaluru with shawl, garland, flower bouquet and fruit basket.

Ronald Sequeira, Surathkal spoke about Dr Austin and his enormous contribution to konkani literature and language on this occasion. “Austin is just like a sun of Konkani universe and needs no introduction. Austin’s contribution to Konkani will be remembered for ages,” said Ronald Sequeira, wishing Dr Austin health and happiness on behalf of writer and artiste fraternity from Mangaluru.

Senior writer Ron Roche Cascia, Konkani Activist Paul Moras and Gurudath Bantwalkar, assistant director of Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation were present on this occasion.

Dr Jayawanth Nayak, convenor, Konkani Adhyana Peeta, Mangaluru University, M R Kamath, vice president, Juliet Fernandes, joint secretary of Konkani Bhasaha Mandal, Eddie Sequeira, director of Rang Antarang, Gerald Concesso of Konkani Natak Sabha, Christopher and Clanwin from Padua Rang Adhyayan Kendra, former announcer of Shakuntala R Kini, former president of Konkani Bhasha Mandal Geeta Kini, Ullal Raghavendra Kini, senior writer M Patric and many others present on the occasion presented flowers to Dr Austin as a token of love and respect.

Daiji Dubai Mangaluru Convener Vincy Pinto Anjelore compered the programme.

H M Pernal, editor, Kittall.com, welcomed the gathering and rendered the vote of thanks.