Mangalore: Experts Discuss Growth of Konkani Novels at Symposium
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Oct 6: A symposium on 'Century Growth of Konkani Novels' was held at Bishop’s House, Kodialbail here on Saturday October 6.
The programme was organised by Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Raknno Konkani Weekly.
Basti Vaman Shenoy, president of Konkani Bhas and Sanskriti Prathisthan, Krishna Kimbahune, officer-in-charge of Sahitya Akademi, regional office Mumbai, Pundalik Naik, convenor of Konkani Advisory board, Sahitya Akademi and Fr Francis Rodrigues, member of Konkani Advisory board, Sahitya Akademi shared the dais.
Basti Vaman Shenoy inaugurated the programme by lighting lamp along with other dignitaries.
Pundalik Naik in his introductory remarks spoke on the contributions of Konkani writers over the decades. He said each Konkani novel varies from the other in story, character, style, grammar and many other factors.
"Novel is not expansion of story, it can be too short sometimes depending on the content," he added.
He said Konkani novels have a long history in Romi script.
Addressing the gathering, Basti Vaman Shenoy said that he was honoured to attend such a unique programme. "There should be serious thinking on the contributions made by senior Konkani writers," he said.
He also stressed on the importance of Konkani literature and said, "Konkani literature will grow only when we organize such programmes where serious discussions on collection of essays or papers on a particular subject by a number of contributors are made.
"We should give more importance to literature by organizing various programmes and then pass it on to the next generation," he added.
As part of the programme, there were discussions held on growth of Konkani novels in Karnataka and Goa.
Prior to the stage programme, Basti Vaman Shenoy inaugurated the Sahitya Akademi books exhibition and sale which will be open from October 6 to October 9.
The Akademi also announced 20 percent discount on all its publications.
Dr Edward Nazareth, Edwin JF D’Souza, Stephen Quadra, Gokuldas Prabhu, Prakash Vazrikar, Willy Goes, Sushil Noronha among others were present.
Krishna Kumbahune welcomed the gathering and Fr Francis Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.