Mangaluru: Mastillem Phul Upratlem, Konkani Book of Francis Saldanha Kamath released in city

By Robert D’Costa
Pics: John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 01 Feb 2021: Mastillem Phul Upratlem, Trampled Flower Revolts, Konkani collection of articles and poems, authored by Francis Saldanha Kamath during a function held at Sahodaya auditorium, KACES complex, Balmatta, here on Sunday, January 31 evening.

 

It was published jointly by Indian Christian Service Association® and People for Social Reforms®.

 

Gilbert D’Souza, entrepreneur and vice president of Vishwa Konkani Kendra, Shaktinagar, here was the chief guest.

 

Daijiworld Weekly editor-in-chief and Konkani litterateur Hemacharya (Stephen Mascarenhas) released the book on the occasion.

 

Konkani veteran litterateur and critic Eddy Netto, Peoples’ Union for Civil Rights Mangaluru president P B D’Sa, Konkani litterateur and journalist H M Pernal were present on the dais.

 

In his introductory address, P B D’Sa (80) said, ‘I am a human right activist for my life. I have found Francis’s book is blatant violation of human rights. Francis narrated his own life with fictitious characters exposing the cruelty of clergy during his childhood in an orphanage. The hypocrisy of clergy that denied him education in church-run English medium schools. It touched my heart and determined to publish the book for the benefit of Christian community that needs urgent reforms which are overdue long ago,’ said Patrick D’Sa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Addressing the gathering, Hemacharya said, ‘It’s my first outdoor function after 40 weeks of confinement owing to my illness. I am happy to be present at a function at a time when Covid-19 imposed Webinar is routine,’ he said.

 

Konkani is an ancient Indian language that is the mother tongue of Konkans of different denominations such as Kudubi, GSB, Navayat, Siddi, Mangalorean, Goan etc, added Hemacharya.

 

Konkani has a great pull that makes one to be completely drawn into it. I am the living example as I began writing in Konkani after a brief stint in Kannada with a political wing. I was obsessed with it that compelled me to attend today’s book release event, said Hemacharya.

 

He also expressed regret on the Konkani community for ignoring to condole the demise of Konkani scholar and activist Paul Moras who passed away recently. He stressed, ‘Whatever the background we all are one for the Konkani Goddess.’

 

Gilbert Saldanha urged the Konkani community to visit Vishwa Konkani Kendra in the city to learn the rich history of mother tongue Konkani at the library and its cultural hierarchy in the museum.

 

H M Pernal also spoke on the same occasion.

 

Francis who is a post graduate in history, narrated how the Konkans settled in south India after a long treacherous journey that they had undertaken as their livelihood ceased to exist owing to extinct Saraswati River in UP. The inquisition imposed by Portuguese rulers in Goa drew them to Mangaluru that became their homeland since then.

 

Valerian Sequeira, social activist from St Joseph’s Nagar, Jeppu, Ronald D’Silva, who is gathering signatures for the petition to name Mangaluru – Kankanady Junction Railway Station for Konkan Railway visionary and India’s former defence and railway minister/son of Mangaluru soil – the late George Fernandes and others were present.

 

The author Francis compered the programme.