Konkani writers Meet and Late Joseph Mary Pinto Niddodi award presentation at Kallianpur

By Dr. Gerald Pinto
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Kallianpur, 04 Dec 2022: “In our childhood we were looking forward for the  Konkani magazines like Jesu Rai, Rakno, Poinnari, Mithr, Jhelo, Kannik and others to read because it was our main entertainment besides outdoor games, swimming and fishing in the River.  Gradually, other forms of entertainment occupied our space. Now everything is replaced by Mobile which has become the main source of information and entertainment. As a result, the habit of reading Konkani periodicals has minimized and many of the old Konkani periodicals have disappeared. Even the existing ones have limited number of readers and subscribers”, said Dr Eugene D’Souza of Moodbelle, noted educationalist and elderly writer. Speaking further he said that in spite of all these odds, a writer must continue his mission of writing even if there are few readers. Writing is a creative art and God given talent that should be utilized for right purpose and at a right time.

 

Dr. Eugene D’Souza, Moodubelle was speaking after inaugurating the Konkani Writers Seminar and Late Joseph Mary Pinto Niddodi Literary Awarding presentation programme at the Milagres College, Kallianpur on Sunday, 4 December 2022 at 10 am. This programme was organized by the Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh, Konkani Writers’ Forum, Karnataka and Konkani Sanghattan, Udupi District in association with Late Joseph Mary Pinto Niddodi family. Mrs Mary D’Souza-President of the Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh presided over the programme.

 

The resource persons, Dolphy Cassia, noted Konkani writer and former Editor of Mithr weekly, Jhelo and Kurov monthly spoke about Parish Bulletins and their importance as the first step in the writer’s journey. Dr Edward Nazareth, famous Konkani writer and Orthopedic Surgeon and Professor explained how to prepare and write articles for the periodicals. He said that writing short stories, articles and poems may require some kind of training. However, one has to choose the topics in which he or she is interested and is able to do some kind of research.

 

 

During the seminar elderly Konkani writers, Donath D’Almeida from Thottam and George Mascarenhas from Kolalgiri were felicitated. They were introduced by Alphonse D’Costa on behalf of the organizers.

 

Late Joseph Mary Pinto Literary Award for young writers was presented to Glanish Jude Martis from Alangar-Moodbidri. Walter Cyril Pinto introduced and felicitated Glanish. His parents, grandparents, Fr Alphonse D’Lima, Fr Jason Pinto SDB, Sr. Sylvia A C were present along with other dignitaries. In his reply, Glanish highlighted the role of his parents and grandparents in his writing career and greatly appreciated their unstinted support towards his education and developing his talent for writing in Konkani. He asked the participants to speak and write against social evils prevalent in the society without hesitation.

 

In the presidential address Mrs Mary D Souza urged the writers to bring awareness in the society about human values and brotherhood.

 

Initially Richard Moras, the convener of the Konkani Writers Forum, Karnataka welcomed the gathering. Dr Gerald Pinto, Convener of the programme explained that the objective of the seminar was to encourage young writers and to build bonds between Konkani writers. Louis D’Almeida, President of the Konkani Sanghattan proposed the vote of thanks. Miss Dale D’Souza compered the programme. Fr Alphonse D’Lima recited the grace before the meals. Gregory P. D’Souza Secretary of the Catholic Sabha and Gerald Rodrigues, the Treasurer were present. Around 80 people attended the programme. The programme was sponsored by late Joseph Mary Pinto Niddodi family.