Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Apr 23: Daiji Writers’ Forum has kept a tradition to honour any writer or artiste and discuss their rich knowledge and experience in their respective fields. Continuing this tradition, Daiji writers along with enthusiastic literature lovers came together at Winny’s Restaurant on April 18 to facilitate and listen to Chicago-based Konkani writer and social worker Dr Austin D’Souza Prabhu.

Amidst loud applauses from the audience, Dr Austin Prabhu was welcomed to the dais along with his wife Treeza D’Souza, businesman and well-wisher of Daiji James Mendonca, founder and editor-in-chief of Daijiworld Walter Nandalike, Daiji Writers’ Forum’s Dayan D’Souza Mukamaar and co-convener of Daiji Naveen Sequeira.

The programme started with a prayer by Rony Byndoor who later welcomed the gathering and gave a brief flashback on activities of Daiji. Member Nanu Marol, Thottam, gave a brief introduction of Dr Austin D Souza Prabhu, his activities in Mangaluru, literature work and his activities as a youth leader.

Dr Austin Prabhu was presented a floral bouquet by James Mendonca and Walter Nandalike presented Daiji memento to him.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Austin Prabhu emphasized on becoming a humble soul to reach out to needy people. He thanked his family for giving him strength, courage and support to carry out his work. He was critical on the society particularly in America for not contributing towards society. He also informed the various difficulties he has faced as youth leader, as a publisher and a writer. He applauded the service of Daiji Writers’ Forum towards community and thanked the forum for bringing awareness of Konkani. In his entire speech, Dr Austin Prabhu never spoke a single word in English, but all in Konkani.

In the interaction session, Dr Austin Prabhu answered all the questions on his life which were raised by the audience.

Dayan D’Souza Mukamaar rendered the vote of thanks.

Rony Byndoor compered the programme.