By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (PS)
Mumbai, Dec 2: “Media is the powerful estate of the society. The success story of Divo Konkani newspaper is commendable. Reading habit gives good experience. However it is sad to note that invention of mobile phones, internet media have dampened the habit of reading. The habit of reading increases knowledge. Also reading makes one to realize love and family sentiments. Parents and teachers should make children to read more”, said Model Cooperative Bank Limited working president Albert W D’Souza.
He spoke after presiding over the ‘Divo Sahitya Puraskar 2011’ award giving ceremony instituted by Divo Konkani weekly published from Mumbai. The programme was held at Francis Fernandes Cascia hall, Yashawanth Natya Mandir of Matunga West here on Sunday December 2.
Ryan International School MD Grace Pinto, entrepreneurs Joseph D’Souza, John D’Silva, Justice Puis Vas, Henry Lobo, Augustine G Fernandes, were the guests.
On the occasion Fr Ivan D'Souza, Asst parish priest of St Joseph Church, Mira Road and Betty Naz, renowned stage artiste were given `Divo Sahitya Puroskar - 2011'. Divo founder editor and Sahitya Akademi award winning poet J B Moraes was given Lifetime Achievement Award and Marcel Sequeira was given Secular Citizen Yearly Writer Award.
Grace Pinto addressing the gathering said that newspapers are the best media to improve ones language skills. Likewise newspapers unite the people in the society. Divo weekly also stood by the ethics in journalism, she commended.
On the same occasion, Divo P D’Souza Memorial 2011 Award was given to Mary Bibiyana Pinto and Helen Godinho, Divo Literature Memorial Mariya Jayanthi 2011 Award to Ancy Paladka and Rita C Albuquerque.
Entrepreneur Harry Rebello released a memento on the occasion.
Lawrence Coelho welcomed. Fiolla Fernandes led the welcome dance. Later Konkani orchestra by Kenny Zuzarte and comedy programmes were presented.