Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 4: Noted Konkani writer, litterateur and short story writer J F D'Souza, Attavar has bagged the Late Victor Rodrigues Memorial Konkani Literary Award – 2015.
The award will be presented at a ceremony to be held at Samanvaya Conference Hall, Urwa Store on Sunday July 19. The award consists of a cheque of Rs 10,000, citation and momento.
J F D'Souza is a multiligual writer who has penned works in Konkani, English, Kannada and Tulu. Born in Attavar in 1943, he completed his studies in Milagres High School during 1959, and then joined the forest department in 1961. He retired as superintendent completing over 39 years of service. In between he attended St Aloysius Evening College and passed PUC in 1969 but could not pursue his studies further because of a sudden transfer.
He first began contributing articles to Konkani magazine 'Jhelo' in 1960, and then became a regular contributor to Konkani weeklies and monthly magazines under the pen name Jeffrey Kumar, Jeppu, Sri Jeffry, Jeppu and J F D'Souza, Attavar. He wrote many stories, articles, poems and limericks. His writing however took a backseat during his stint as a government official because of frequent transfers and resumed in full swing only on his retirement in 2000.
He is fond of writing children's stories apart from other general articles. His stories for children have been compiled and published in 9 volumes - Bhangarachi Masli (Golden Fish), Bhangarachi Kurad (Golden Axe), Bhangarachen Chithal (Golden Deer), Bhangarachi Imaz (Golden Image), Bhangarachen Mor (Golden Peacock), Bhangarachen Mazar (Golden Cat), Bhangarachen Sukne (Golden Bird), and Bhangaracho Keer (Golden Parrot).
His maiden volume Bhangarachi Masli (Golden Fish) won him laurels as in 2004 he won the Konkani Sahitya Academy Award in children's literature category.
In addition to 9 volumes of children's books, he has also wrtten a book titled 'Velakalachem Sutram' on the steps needed to lead a happy life. He is regular on various TV channels and participates in live programmes. His 90 Tulu poems have also been telecast on a TV channel. He also actively participated in more than 400 episodes of 'Jana-Mana' programme by senior journalist Manohar Prasad.
J F D'Souza also holds a unique record of writing as many as 5,000 letters under the letter to editor columns of a number of Kannada, English and Konkani dailies and periodicals.
Recognising his contribution to literature Konkani Friends, London felicitated and presented him with the title 'Konkan Star' in 2007. He has served as treasurer of Konkani Writers Forum for two terms. He is currently the editor of Milarchem Milan church magazine, whose editorial board he has been a part of since its inception.