Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 1: Well-known Konkani writer, dramatist and editorial head of Daijiworld.com succumbed to his 75-day battle against cancer early on the morning of Sunday, March 1 at Father Muller Hospital. He leaves behind his mother, wife, two children, family members and thousands of well-wishers.
Richard John Pais, the 51-year-old, also known as RJP, contributed immensely to Konkani and English literature.
Richie had joined Daijiworld in 2015 as a senior editor and was heading the editorial team for the last two years.
Richie’s essays, especially satirical ones on current affairs, were highly popular in the Konkani world. His short stories and poems have been published in Konkani periodicals regularly. His first book ‘Kolovori’, a collection of satirical essays in Konkani, was published in the year 2012, and he went on to publish two more books ‘Vidhushak’ and ‘Fathor’. In January 2020, Richie was chosen for the prestigious TMA Pai Award for ‘Fathor’.
As a dramatist, Richie had created a niche for himself on the Konkani stage. His drama ‘Paanch Mornam’ became a trendsetter in Konkani theatre, and his second drama ‘Tum Vhorto Dhonea’ (Lord, You are Great), based on the Book of Job in the Old Testament, saw resounding success with several shows in various parts of the coastal region. A soft-spoken and straightforward person, Richie had always encouraged budding talents and brought innovation in Konkani drama.
Pro-active, healthy, and an approachable Richie was fine until the first week of December 2019 until he started complaining of acidity and vomiting. A week later, when vomiting did not cease, he was admitted to Father Muller Hospital, Kankanady. After going through various tests, he was diagnosed with carcinoma metastatic with obstructive jaundice, a type of cancer which was spreading rapidly.
He fought the battle with positive mind and was hopeful of recovery. He even wrote some emotional Konkani poems expressing his fight against cancer. His health deteriorated over the last couple of days and he passed away around 4.30 am on Sunday.
He was the lone breadwinner for his family. Several readers of Daijiworld had contributed for his medical treatment after an appeal was published on Daijiworld last Sunday.
Funeral rites will be held on Monday March 2, with public viewing at Rosario Cathedral from 2.45 pm, and funeral Mass at 3.30 pm followed by burial at Jeppu cemetry.