“Poets and Writers are the Architects of Change in Society”-Rev. Fr. Anil D’Souza

Media Release
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Udyavar, 16 June 2025: “We have heard that in nature change is the only permanent thing. However, in society change does not take place automatically. There is a need to trigger the change and in most cases the change has been brought about by writers. Poets and writers have been the architects of change in society,” said Rev. Fr. Anil D’Souza, Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Udyavar. He was speaking after inaugurating the ‘Workshop on Poetry and Creative writing’ and ‘Recitation of Poetry and Interaction’ jointly organized by Nirantatr, Udyavar, Ankri Web-portal in association with ‘Arso’ monthly magazine on Sunday, 15 June 2025 at 03.00pm at Snehalaya, Pallotti Convent, Sampge Nagar, Udyavar.

 

Speaking further, Rev. Fr. Anil D’Souza said, “Earlier we had three hours time to watch a movie which has been reduced to watching few minutes long reels. Humans do not have enough time even to think about themselves.  Under these circumstances, poets and writers dedicate their time to think about the society and its problems and organizations such as Nirantara and Ankri and the people associated with these organizations spend a lot of time for the betterment of the society. This is indeed a matter of pride to all.”

 

In his message, Fr. Anil made an appeal to the youth and students to stay away from the WhatsApp University and involve themselves in the socially relevant organizations such as Nirantara and Ankri and enrich themselves through the workshops, seminars and programmes organized by such associations.

 

On the occasion of entering the eighth year of its foundation, Nirantara Udyavar which has given a new shape to Konkani culture and literature in the coastal Udupi District along with Ankri Web-portal which has been giving a platform to upcoming poets and ‘Arso’ which has been promoting new approach in Konkani literature and writings jointly organized the twin programme of ‘Workshop on Poetry and Creative writing’ and ‘Recitation of Poetry and Interaction’. In spite of heavy rain, there was good response from the people who filled the capacity of the auditorium.

Along with the guests of honour, Rev. Fr. Anil D’Souza inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. Rev. Fr. Stephen Rodrigues, Assistant Parish Priest of Udyavar, Rev. Sr. Leena of Pallottine Convent joined him in the inaugural ceremony. President of Nirantara Udyavar Roshan Crasta welcomed the gathering.  

 

Rev. Fr. Anil D’Souza presented his poem on the Gift of Speech.

 

Thereafter, the renowned poet who creates poets, Melwyn Rodrigues, Invitee to the Konkani Advisory Council of Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi conducted the workshop. In this workshop he shared the essential basic ingredients that go into the composition of a poem. Through examples he explained the creation of different types of poems. Through his insight and guidance, Melwyn Rodrigues inspired the participants how to appreciate and write poetry.

 

HM Pernal, Editor of ‘Kittall’ Web-portal, Invitee to the Konkani Advisory Council of Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi conducted the workshop on the skills required to write articles. In simple language, he explained what things should be borne in mind while writing an effective and wholesome article. 

 

Following the workshop, Wilson Kateel, Editor of ‘Arso’ and renowned poet moderated the recitation of poetry by well-known poets such as Sannu Monis, Boliye (Moodubelle), Catherine Rodrigues-Katapadi, Stany Bela, Pramila Flavia, Karkala, P.J. Karugalnade and Zeeta Gonsalves-Barkur. Each poet presented two poems each on which Wilson Kateel conducted the interaction. Since the day happened to be the International Fathers’ Day, Wilson Kateel recited  his poetic composition ‘Baank’ comparing father to a bench.

 

In the valedictory programme, Wilfred D’Souza-Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council of Udyavar complemented those who organized the programme and expressed hope that for the progress of Konakani literature and to promote young upcoming talent in literature such programmes should be organized quite often. 

 

Certificates of participation were distributed to all those who were present.  

 

The poets and organizers of the programme were felicitated with gratitude.

 

Sannu Monis proposed the vote of thanks and assured support of Ankri Web-portal to similar programmes in the future as well.

 

Stephen Colaco, founder president of Nirantara Udyavar anchored the entire programme.