By Praveen Tauro Kulshekar
Daijiworld Media Network— Mangalore (RD/CN)

Mangalore, Jan 3: “Konkans across the world should shun the differences among them to work for the betterment of Konkani,” urged Chicago-based Dr Austin D’Souza Prabhu, veteran Konkani journalist, litterateur, and community leader.

He was speaking at the ‘Meet Dr Austin,’ interactive programme organized by the Konkani Writers’ Forum , Karnataka ® at the mini hall of Konkani weekly ‘Dirvem’ at Kankanady on Sunday January 2.

Eddie Sequeira, well-known theatre personality and graphic designer, who worked with Konkani stalwarts A T Lobo, V J P, and Ch Fra D‘Costa, said that when Austin entered the field of Konkani journalism it was going through a period of change and even today the need is deeply felt in Konkani journalism.

‘Daiji Dubai Award – 2010’ winner and Konkani litterateur Dr Gerry Niddodi spoke about Dr Prabhu’s contribution to Konkani poetry and plays. He said that although Dr Prabhu contributes his Konkani literary work for entertainment there is poetic value in his writings. 

Marcel M D’Souza (Maccha Milar) spoke about Dr Prabhu as a community leader and said hard work and honesty are two qualities that he found in him as a community leader.   

Dr Prabhu honoured Dr Niddody during the programme and autographed a wall album exclusively prepared on this occasion.

Forum president Paul Moras welcomed the gathering. Vice-president Vitori Karkal moderated the interactive session.  General secretary H M Pernal briefed about the concept and joint secretary Tony Ferros compered the programme.

Vishwa Konkani Sardar Basti Vaman Shenoy, Kavita Trust ® chairman Melvyn Rodrigues, senior journalist Gabriel Vaz, and Daiji Dubai member Vincy Pinto Anjelore were present at the event.