Media Release

Margao, Feb 19: "Shalini was a dedicated teacher with her own limitations and boundaries but very much considerate about every student. She was a teacher who knew practically all subjects. Shalini was not fond about fame hence she wrote Ramayana not for name but for her happiness," said Fr Savio Rodrigues Spiritual Ministry while releasing the Ramayana in Konkani written by Late Shalini Hegde, an Ex Teacher of Loyola High School, Margao Goa.

Further he said that, Shalini was very devotional and led a life as a thorough Jesuit priest. This Konkani Ramayana written by Shalini will certainly give the Eternal Serenity and Bliss to all the readers.

This book was released in the auspicious presence of  Fr Pedro Rodrigues the principal of Loyola High School, Senior teachers, retired teachers, students of Teacher Shalini and family members.

Sushila Halarnkar, Konkani Teacher and Writer while speaking about the book said that the story and characters from Ramayana are described in nice lucid way. These characters having conversation with the readers are found in our day today life. Hence the book has to be read by each and every child. The elderly people must read it as it will certainly strengthen the bonds among the family members of today’s society. This book is the second publication of BMTGoa, a nonprofit Public Charitable Trust which clearly emphasizes the vision of the Trust.

In the beginning Dr Gunaji Desai welcomed and introduced the guests and explained about the reason why BMTGoa has published the book. He also shared about the changes the board of trustees expects from the members of the society after reading the book.

 Rene Mesquita student cum colleague and  Jose Lourenco student of Shalini praised her for her concern for the students and the subject. They shared their memories of student teacher relationship.  Roshan Kamat and Ms. Puja Samant spoke about their personal experiences and threw light on some unknown qualities of Teacher Shalini. While Damodar Ghanekar shared his experiences he had while doing the proof reading and edition of the book as per the orthographic rules of Goa Konkani Academy.

Principal Fr Pedro Rodrigues applauded the work of Teacher Shalini for writing the great epic in Konkani the language of masses. He also praised the publisher and family members for organizing the book release function at Loyola High School, the place where Shalini spent most of her wonderful years.

Deepak Hegde spoke on the occasion on behalf of family members.

The book release function was largely attended by prominent students of Shalini and family members along with the teachers and students from neighboring institutions. Students form Parvatibai Chowgule College and Government College of Commerce, Borda Margao, related with “Chalo School Mega Drive” an Initiative of BMTGoa attended the program. All the families who attended the book release function were presented a copy of Ramayana. One hundred and fifty eight copies of Ramayana were distributed free of cost.

Siddhi Shet Raikar performed a devotional dance on a song sung by Gautami Hede. Charushila Desai compeered the entire function while  Shubhangi Desai proposed vote of thanks.