Pics: Roshan Madtha
Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 22: “As far as my understanding is concerned H M has more enemies than friends in Konkani. Even in such adversity he has been carrying on with his work with diligence and utmost sincerity. Though he is a journalist without a university degree in journalism to his credit he has been sincerely following journalistic ethics in his capacity as the editor of a literary website kittall.com and “Arso”, a bilingual fortnightly. He has been writing on a variety of issues concerning the welfare and wellbeing of the society, but only after carefully considering all the pros and cons. He writes without fear or favour and I greatly admire him for these qualities,” said Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes, Bureau Chief of Deccan Herald, who is also the President of the Mangalore Press Club.
He was presiding over the function organised to mark the release of the special edition of “Arso”, a bilingual fortnightly, on the theme of “Sahithi and Samaz (writers and society), held at Suma Sadan, Mallikatte recently. Guest of honor Konkani Sardar Basti Vaman Shenoy, Philanthrophist and Chairman of Rohan Corporation Rohan Monteiro, who is also a member of the Advisory Board of Kittall.com, Executive Editor of “Arso”, poet Wilson Kateel and layout artiste Eddie Sequeira were present on the dais on the occasion.
Dr Ronald cited two nano stories to convey what is wanted to say. He said “once a small boy was sitting on the beach side and throwing back fish that came to the shore along with the waves. Someone asked him what difference his act made to the sea which has millions of fish in it? The boy replied that it may not make any difference to the sea but it will certainly make a difference to that particular fish”. Dr Ronald said H M Pernal has been able to make a difference to the journalism through his prolific writings.
Citing another story Dr Ronald pointed out “once a sculptor had made a 50 feet long statue. The sculptor had realised that the hole of one of the nostrils of the statue smaller than the other and he wanted to correct it. Many people tried to convince him saying that when this statue gets mounted on a 50 feet high pillar the nose of the statue will be about 100 feet above the ground and no one will be able to notice that difference. The sculptor replied “others may not be able to make out the difference. But I am aware of this flaw. In the case of Konkani H M Pernal is like that sculptor who strived for perfection in his work and he is compassionate like the child who was throwing the fish back to the sea”.
Earlier, in his welcome speech H M Penal introduced the guests to the gathering. Giving a brief account of the fortnightly “Arso”, which entered the third year, he said “the first special edition of “Arso” was launched by eminent Kannada writer Dr. Na D’ Souza and in 2014 well-known columnist Fr Prashant Madtha released the special issue. Continuing this tradition, the special edition of 2015 is released by Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes. I am not a professional journalist. Mine is a literary publication and I have derived immense satisfaction from my work. I feel today Konkani is in need of editors who can speak about the joy of running a publication rather than those who talk about the problems they face in managing it”.
On the occasion poet Wilson Kateel who had earned a hat- trick by winning the Global Konkani Music award for the third time recently, was felicitated by Vishwa Konkani Sardar Basti Vaman Shenoy.
In his address Basti Vaman Shenoy said “H M is not a person who troubles others. He is a straight forward person who writes without any bias. Konkani needs a person of his calibre. I was on the stage when he started the website kittall.com in 2011. I am invited for most of his functions. Though he says he has satisfaction of managing a literary publication, I am aware of the hurdles he faces. I was a regular reader of a Kannada publication “Kasturi” which I used to like a great deal. Like Kasturi now I find reading Arso quite enjoyable and it is the bounder duty of all of us to support “Arso”.
Basti Vaman Shenoy also pointed out that another important character which he likes most in HM is his broadminded nature of accepting praise and criticism on equal measure. He not only accepts the criticism but also publishes them in his publication even if those views are contrary to what H M proclaims in his publication. Let god shower his choicest blessings on him, he said.
Eminent and senior Konkani writer Ron Roche, Cascia, accepted the special edition of “Arso” and flowers from Dr Ronald Fernandes on behalf of all the Konkani Writers fraternity. NRI businessman and philanthropist Joseph Mathias accepted the special edition copy of Arso and flowers on behalf of the sponsors and advertisers from Rohan Monterion.
Rohan Monteiro in his brief speech stated that commitment is very important in any field be it business or journalism. In the last few years H M Pernal has clearly demonstrated tremendous commitment through his website kittall.com and through “Arso”. He has my full support because I have great respect for him and for his work. He goes about his work with utmost sincerity and I believe he rightly deserves our support and cooperation.
Konkani Writers and Artistes Association (KWAA) President Ronald Sequeira proposed vote of thanks. Florine Roche emceed the entire programme.