Sanjay Borkar
Daijiworld Media Network - Margao
 
Margao, Aug 22: ‘Dekhdinneo Kannyo’ and ‘Chinni Muy’, books penned by Vishal Khandeparkar and noted writer Nayana Adarkar respectively, for children, were released by Melvyn Rodrigues, winner of Sahitya Academy award and Damodar Naik, chairman of Ravindra Bhavan and former MLA, here on Sunday .
 
The function was held at the Blackbox of Ravindra Bhavan which was largely attended by Konkani lovers. 

 
Speaking on the occasion chief guest Melvyn Rodrigues focused on children’s literature and said that there is a need to publish good literature for children. He also said that before handing over the books to children, parents should find out if the content is really meant for children. 
 
Rodrigues praised both the writers and advised them that when they write for children they should always keep in mind that the content should be exclusively for children only.  Citing examples of Cinderella, who is dependent and Robert Munsch's Paper Bag Princess, who is independent and brave, he said most of the times parents fail to make a selection between the two.
 
Sanjeev Verenkar, the guest of honour, also praised the writers and said that it is the need of the hour that good literature in Konkani should be developed for children.
 
Damodar Naik, who presided over the function, said that everyone should try to preserve the tradition of Konkani language. For this, he suggested that Konkani literature should be posted on websites, thus any Konkani person in the world can read it.
 
He also said that Konkani stories for children must be included in syllabus. Naik lamented that some children do not know the basic Konkani words, as a result of which they may get extinct, if we do not preserve it.
 
Jai Naik was honoured by Sanjeev Verenkar for his translation work of holy book on Shirdi Saibaba. Also, Nayana Adarkar was honoured by Melvyn Rodrigues, for her contribution towards Konkani language.

Noted poet Sanjeev Verenkar, journalist Jai Naik, writer Vishal Khandeparkar, writer Nayana Adarkar and publisher Sanjay Borkar were present on the dais.
 
Sanjay Borkar, Vishal Khandeparkar and Jai Naik also spoke on the occasion. Nayana Adarkar proposed the vote of thanks and Brenda Menezes compered the program.