Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje 

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru 

Mangaluru, Nov 24: The release of 101st issue of Konkani weekly e-magazine ‘Veez’, published in four scripts from USA by Dr Austin Prabhu was held at St Agnes College ground on November 24. 

Basti Vaman Shenoy, chairman of World Konkani Centre, Hemacharya, editor-in-chief of ‘Daijiworld Monthly’, singer and composer Vishwas Rebimbus, Sr Dr Jeswina AC , principal of St Agnes College, Jaison J Sequiera , HR Alva and Concepta Alva released the e- magazine in four separate scripts. 

Fr Chethan Lobo, former editor of ‘Uzwad’ presided over programme. 

Speaking in the occasion, Basti Vaman Shenoy, said, “Austin Prabhu is the true ambassador of Konkani. Wherever he goes he takes Konkani and tries to spread it there. The unlimited love on his mother tongue made him a strong pillar of our language and culture. Today 101st issue of Veez e-magazine is released and Austin made a record in Konkani world. In this occasion I congratulate him and wish all success in his upcoming Konkani service and projects,” 

Congratulating Austin on 101st issue of Veez, Hemacharya, said, “Austin left his native during his young age. But he never forgot his language and the culture which was followed by his parents. By his continuous support towards Konkani, he proved that in the matter of Konkani, Austin will not change. He is true son of our language." 

In her speech Sr Jeswina said “We are proud to host a programme which is related to Konkani and Austin. We, the management of St Agnes, are grateful for choosing our place as the venue today. By this we got an opportunity to witness a historical moment. Austin is a single man army who always promotes Konkani and the talents of this language. It is our prayer that Austin achieves many more milestones in Konkani.” 

In his presidential speech Fr Chetan Lobo, said “We are passing a crucial media age. Somewhere we feel a war is happening now. The war is between fake between true news. In today’s world everyone becomes a media. Through his mobile the man spreads the news he wants. By this we are facing difficulties to find right and wrong. But Austin is a genuine publisher and by his Veez magazine he publishing the positive and right news only. Through his magazine, he promotes the talents of Konkani along with news related to Konkani community and culture. His work should be recognized and appreciated.” 

In his welcoming speech Dr Austin said “To share the news of programmes which take place in Konkani world and to provide a platform for writers, I started Veez e-magazine. Anyone from anywhere on earth can read Veez through mobile and computer. Few months back, I decided it to publish in four scripts used by Konkani people. Because of this, every Konkani person will get a chance to read Veez in his own script. At the same time, I tried to introduce and honoor many Konkani workers and the talents from Konkani world in my magazine. Many are supported me in this mission. published the 101 issues of Veez without break and am continuing it. On this occasion, I thank all who supported me in my mission. I thank all writers, supporters and readers of Veez.” 

A Website of Ashwadi Prakashan and ‘Ek Novo Somsar’ a collection of short stories written by Fr Chethan Lobo were released during the event. The prizes were distributed for the winners of literary competition organized in memory of Konkani music legend late Wilfy Rebimbus. 

H R Alva rendered vote of thanks. Well- known Konkani writer and publisher Valley Quadras compered the event. 

The event concluded with a multilingual music concert ‘Sur Project One’’ by Jaison J Sequeira and team.