Media Release
 
Panaji, Jan 4: "Literary luminaries give a meaning to life by their creative work in and thus make extremely valuable contribution to society," said former Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

He was speaking after releasing the book of poems by noted Konkani poet  Yusuf A Sheikh. Konkani poetry has immortalized significant features of Goan identity, he added.

Kamat said that the poet in Yusuf stood tall in his eyes as he took  to writing in Konkani language and produced rich literature that fetched him Goa State Cultural Award. “I have grown up listening to his beautiful lyrical composition  ‘Shabdulechea fula tuka…’ and the words of his famous poem ‘O re soi’ reverberates in my mind” he added. “ Yusuf’s concern for the depressed and the poor segment of the society is reflected in his poetry portraying him as a great humanist.”

Kamat further said that he would always support the cause of enriching Konkani language and so also all art forms of Goa in all possible ways. He expressed hope that the Konkani writers would always find success in   producing  rich literature which would largely help in incresing Konkani readership. He also appealed to find time to read literature in Konkani and encourage the writers.
 
Professor Vitthaldas Nagvenkar recalled the literary and cultural activities of Yusuf during the time when the poet was his student during his stint at Chowgule College and said that his poems have tremendous power to win friends. He said he cherished the memories of the time when he had accompanied Yusuf on musical instrument when he presented his compositions on patriotic themes during his student days. He was a disciplined student and that sense of discipline and regard for adults reflects in his poetry, said  Nagvenkar.
 
Anil Kamat Shankhwaker, the veteran journalist  who was also present threw light on Yusuf’s love for Konkani language and literature. “My friend knows to capture sensibility of Goan mind. He keeps people’s interest at his chest and chooses common men themes for his poems” he said. His contribution to Konkani through print and electronic media was laudable he added.
 
Ashok Chodankar, editor of “Konkonn Divo’ said that Yusuf’s lyrical poetry had regaled people not only in Goa but all Konkani speaking areas of the country. Mr. Vishwanath Sawant, former former RTI Under Secretary  regarded Yusuf Sheikh as a symbol of inter-faith harmony.
 
In his forwards to the book, Pundalik Narayan Naik, noted writer and chairman of Konkani Akademi observed that Yusuf was on record of making valuable contribution to Konkani literature for over 50 years. He further observed that Yusuf had given luster and grace to Konkani poetry by bringing in “ghazals” and ‘qawalis” and, morever, along with the message of Prophet Mohammed, Jesus and Krishna found important place in his Konkani compositions.