Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (PMD)
Mangaluru, Feb 6 : Kavita Trust, recognised Konkani poets of the time and celebrated the works of two such poets during the ‘Kavita Sambhram, held at Gallerie Orchid, Mangaluru on Sunday, February 5. MLA J R Lobo was the chief guest of the event.
On occasion, the trust conferred the 9th Mathias Family Poetry Award on Nutan Sakhardande, a notable Goan Konkani poet, and also released 'Rasthya Degechim Fulham', a collection of poems by renowned poet M P Rodrigues.
Nutan is noted for her contemporary poems. She touches upon problems in relationships in modern times. During the programme, Nutan recited her poem ‘Smartphone’, a satire on the over-use of a phone, written from the perspective of an irked son. Her popular poem ‘password’ looks at the same problem from a mother’s perspective. ‘Password’ has won her many literary awards including the Dr TMA Pai Foundation Best Book award.
Poetess Nutan Sakhardande was conferred the ‘Mathias Family Poetry Award 2016’ for her contribution in the field of Konkani literature and her efforts to spread the language. She was awarded a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a citation. Chief guest MLA J R Lobo conferred the award on the poetess. Poet Melvyn Rodrigues read the citation.
Nutan, who shares a personal relationship with poetry, personified it and added, “This award is not to me, but to my poem. Kavita trust has placed their trust in my poem. I am honoured by this privilege and am grateful to Mathias Family for championing the language. Poems have absorbed my outpoured feelings. They have been my constant companion. Poems have shown me love. “
JR Lobo, speaking about the initiative by the trust, said, “ In this ever-changing world, languages increasingly become extinct. UNESCO is putting in efforts to save the endangered languages. Konkani, it seems, is slowly tending towards that category of extinction. This trend is a matter of grave concern. Therefore, Konkani writers and poets have to find a solution to preserve the language.”
“In our country, Konkani has managed to safely survive so far, after being added in the list of languages scheduled, because of the state of Goa. But what are we, in Mangaluru, doing for the language?” MLA Lobo enquired.
“The ‘intelligentsia’ or critical thinkers of the society have been the cause of social change. Writers are silent revolutionists. We see their impact in history through French revolution. History also teaches us that a community that is not proud of its history and culture never prospers. History and culture are an inherent part of any language. All littérateurs need to get together and work towards saving our history, culture and primarily, our language. The initiative by the Trust is a strong step in that direction.” Lobo concluded.
Poet MP Rodrigues profoundly thanked his family for their support and Fr GS Rodrigues for his guidance. Speaking about poetry, he said, “A poem has multiple meanings. One needs to sail beyond the sea of written words to find the uncharted land of meanings. Every reading of a poem gives a different meaning. Sometimes, a reader needs to read the poem 2-3 times to understand the real significance of the work. A classic example is the English poem 'The Wall’. Poetry writing is not a one day show. It’s a slow process fuelled by inspiration.”
“During the days of Mozart, Tansen, Birbal, kings awarded poets. Now, the readers reward poets and writers by reading and supporting their work. Writings go waste, if people don't read it. Readers must support writers in this pursuit of creativity.” he added.
Speaking with Daijiworld M P Rodrigues said his poems mirrored ‘social issues’. About the trajectory of Konkani literature and Konkani as a fading language, he said, “Some budding writers are coming up. But we need readers to encourage the writers. That said, writers too need to remember their humble beginnings. Writing 3-4 poems doesn’t make one a renowned poet. Poetry writing is a slow process, and ‘perfection’ is a continuous one. Early poets like Luvi Mascarenhas, the first known Mangalurean Konkani poet and father of late Judith Mascarenhas, and Msgr Sylvester Menezes have poetically inspired me.”
Nutan, in a brief conversation with Daijiworld, said, “I did not know of female Konkani poets when I began my journey with poetry. Yet there was no discrimination when I entered the field, as a female poet. Our group ' Triveni ' comprising poetess Maya Kharangate, Naina Adankar, and I, presents poems at various literary events.”
Regarding the themes and nature of her poems, Nuthan said, “Real experience drives my poems. There is a generation shift towards technology, I gauge its impact on relationships and try to determine if the change ought to be accepted. Technology is helpful, as long as it's not an addiction, causing one to neglect real relationships. The impact of technology overuse on social relations is seen in my poems ‘Password’ and ‘Smartphone’. Nevertheless, I appreciate old people using smart phones because it is an excellent device to pass the time. I have also written a satirical poem on divorce and the silly reasons that lead to it. Divorces are a common affair in modern era. I have addressed the misunderstanding thereof.
“Humour, as an element just comes with the poetic flow, it’s not deliberate. However, it is a good way to connect with the common public. Though poets like serious poems, humour in literature is the key to capture the attention of the public.”
The programme concluded with recitals by 5 poets – Naveen Pereira, Maya Karagante, VK Yadav, Suresh Baliga and Wilson Kateel.
Other dignitaries present were president of Kavita Trust Kishoo Barkur , who welcomed the gathering , treasurer Andrew L D'Cunha who introduced poet MP Rodrigues, and Averyl Rodrigues, who proposed the vote of thanks.
Titus Noronha compered the programme with his short relevant humurous jokes.