Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Aug 10: Konkani Kutam Bahrain Award was conferred on Dr Gerald Pinto, popularly known as Jerry Pinto Niddodi, on August 10 in a glittering ceremony held at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall, Bendore here.
Fr Melwyn Pinto Neerude presided over. Dr Edward Nazareth was the chief guest. Local convener of Konkani Kutam, Richard Moras and committee member, Manu Bahrain were present on the dais.
Jerry Pinto Niddodi thanked everyone who helped him to reach this level. "I am humbled today. I still feel I cannot be compared to the giants of Konkani creative literature who have received the awards in the past. I am convinced that this award comes to me taking into account my contribution to other areas of writing. I am retired now. I will spend rest of my life and resources for the betterment of my society and literary field. I am grateful to Konkani Kutam Bahrain for choosing me for this prestigious award," Jerry said.
His wife Marceline Pinto was also honoured for supporting him throughout his literary journey.
Dr Edward Nazareth said, "People are addicted to mobile phones and TV these days. They think that reading is not necessary as other media provides information. But they are wrong. Only reading can charge the creative ability of a person. And this activates his brain. So nothing can substitute reading literature, as per studies and research. So I ask the people to cultivate the habit of reading at least for 10 minutes a day. You will realize the benedicts of it yourself once you start reading."
Fr Melwyn Pinto said, "There is a change in cultural habits of every person due to globalization and other factors. This applies to all communities in the world. There is a sea of change in the field of readers' response to literature, since printing was introduced in 15th century till the advent of mobile phones. But literature is not everything of a culture and of a language. Konkani has survived till now and is growing which is seen by the way the young generation interacts in Konkani. But Konkani literature has to keep pace with the times.”
CGS Taccode read out the citation.
Leslie Rego compered.
Richard Moras welcomed. Coordinator Titus Noronha briefed about the programme and introduced Dr Nazareth.
A book titled 'Fulam and Dive' written by Herolpius was released on the occasion. Naveen Kulshekar introduced the book.
Edwin J F D'Souza and CGS Taccode were honoured for winning central and state academy awards respectively. Stany Alvares and Paul Moras were honoured for becoming members of Karnataka Konkani sahitya Academy.
Vithori Karkal proposed vote of thanks.
About Jerry Pinto Niddodi
Dr Jerry Niddodi was chosen for his immense contribution towards Konkani language and literature. Dr Jerry has authored six novels, 75 short stories and more than 900 articles on various subjects. Apart from fiction, he has written some books on science and education as well. His research articles have appeared in many international journals. His novel 'Tisri Takli' had bagged the Konkani Sahitya Academy Award for 2007.
Dr Jerry has earlier served as the president of Catholic Sabha, Central Committee, and as editor of ‘Amcho Sandesh’. He is the recipient of Danthy Memorial Award, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Award, Daiji Dubai Literary Award, Divo Sahitya Award and Amcho Sandesh Silver Jubilee Award. He has also served as the director of 'Manasa' Pamboor.
Konkani Kutam Bahrain
Konkani Kutam Bahrain is a forum exclusively formed in the year 2000 in Bahrain, to promote Konkani language, literature and culture. In its endeavor to support Konkani writers and artists, Konkani Kutam had instituted Konkani Kutam Award in 2002. The award consists of a citation, memento and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
15 earlier recipients of the Konkani Kutam Bahrain annual award are, Maurice D’Sa, Benna Ruzai, Mickmax, Dolphy Cascia, Melwyn Rodrigues, Eric Ozario, Dr Edward Nazareth, Wilfy Rebimbus, Edie Netto, Stan Ageira, Vally Vagga, Dolla, CGS Taccode, Edwin J F D’Souza and Herolpius.