Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Dec 16: The Konkani Writer’s Forum along with St Aloysius Konkani Association organized an interaction programme between writer, editor, and readers, here at St Aloysius College Teletorium on Sunday December 16.

Judith Mascarenhas, former deputy mayor, social worker inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp along with other dignitaries.

Fr Sweebert D’Silva, principal of St Aloysius College; Fr Francis Rodrigues of Rakno; Henry Mendonca, president of Konkani writer’s Forum; Edwin JF D’Souza, executive director of St Aloysius Konkani association; poets like Yashwanth DS, Stanly R D’Costa, JF D’Souza Attavar shared the dais.

Judith Mascarenhas in his address said, “We are in the centenary celebration of Konkani papers. The first paper ‘Dirvem’ was started in 1912 by my father Late Louis Mascarenhas. The paper was started with an intention to develop reading and writing interest among the Konkani people. It soon started growing popularly and later in 1938 ‘Rakno’ newsletter came into existence which still runs doing beautiful job.”

“The sad part of our papers is that even after several papers being started, many could not continue for long time due to various problems. Because of papers, many people have grown literally as writers, which is a proud feeling for us”, said Mascarenhas.

Adding she said, after the existence of papers the name of Konkani language is held high. It is even included in the eighth schedule of Indian constitution. Konkani language being included as the third language in our institution makes us proud, she added.

Various discussions like what reader expects from a paper, what an editor can deliver and various others issues were held.

On the occasion, Fr Sweebert D’Silva honoured poets like Yashawanth DS, Stanly R D’Costa, J F D’Souza Attavar for release of their new books.

Henry Mendonca welcomed the gathering; Tony Ferros compered while Maccha Milar delivered the vote of thanks.