Pics: Meryick D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (CLP)
Mangalore, Aug 24: Promising young writer Stany D'Souza, popularly known as Stany Bela was awarded Leo Rodrigues Family Kittall Yuva Puroskar (Youth Award) 2014 in a ceremony held on Saturday August 23 at Valencia Senate Hall here.
The award was instituted by NRI entrepreneur Leo Rodrigues to recognise young writers with potential, and carries a purse of Rs 10,000 and a citation.
After the award presentation, Leo Rodrigues addressed the gathering and said even though he has been living in the Gulf for past 33 years, he never forgot his mother tongue and his love towards his motherland never diminished. "I have been teaching Konkani to my children and they are learning well. Konkani will never perish nor come to an end," he said.
"Parents must take up a vital role in keeping Konkani alive in families. Kittall.com is playing a vital role in finding young talents and supporting them to grow. May this good work continue every year," he added.
Editor-in-chief of daijiworld.com Walter Nandalike in his address said, "If we give financial support to young talented writers, they will feel more satisfied and happy with their efforts and with the award given to them. Senior writers and poets need to give their support to young talents and correct their mistakes." He also appreciated the hard work and efforts of Stany Bela and said he has seen his work from close quarters from the past four years.
Kittall Yuva Puroskar awardee Stany Bela expressed his gratefulness to Melvyn Rodrigues for his continued support. "I did not expect this award; since Kittall has chosen me I have great responsibility to live up to the expectations that come with this award."
On the occasion, the 15th edition of 'ARSO' Konkani fortnightly was released.
Eminent Konkani and Kannada scholar Fr Prashanth Madtha delivered the annual lecture on 'Society and We'.
Stany Bela was chosen for the award by a committee comprising Central Sahitya Academy awardee Melvyn Rodrigues, well-known critic Nanu Marol and Kittall advisory board member Titus Noronha.
Born in 1983, Stany Bela graduated from Kannur University and presently works in Dubai. He has written in Malayalam, Konkani, Kannada and Tulu languages.
He has written 15 short stories in Kannada and Konkani and translated three stories from Malayalam to Konkani, besides penning 45 poems. Stany Bela has also written two musical plays, one on the life of Mother Teresa 'Karunaya Mathe Amma' and the other on awareness on the effects of alcohol 'ota'.
Community leader and entrepreneur Rohan Monteiro of Property Infratech, editor of kittall.com H M Pernal, Basti Vaman Shenoy and others were present.
Jaison Sequeira compered the programme. H M Pernal delivered the vote of thanks.