Pics : Roshan Madtha, Milagres
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Nov 25: Konkani writer and poet Roshan Melky Sequeira, who writes under the pen name Roshu Bajpe, was awarded the Leo Rodrigues Family Kittall Yuva Puraskar 2018 in a ceremony held at Bodhi Tree, Jeppu in city on Saturday, November 24.
The youth award, with the motto of recognizing young writers with potential, carries a purse of Rs 25,000 and a citation.
Progressive thinker Prof Muralidhara Upadhyaya Hiriadka, sponsor of the award Leo Rodrigues, his wife Laveena Rodrigues, president of Kittall jury Titus Noronha, president of Kavitha Trust Kishoo Barkur graced the stage.
Wilson Kateel read the citation and narrated two events of Roshu’s life which showed that he had humour as well as poetry in his blood.
Speaking on the occasion Roshu said “I was born in a family of 9 children. My father worked for military. He did not own any property. The only gift he gave to all of us is education. My mother has been a reader all her life. She read stories for me when I was very small. My wife, my sisters, brothers and all family members helped a lot in me reaching this stage in literature. I thank people from my parish, my teacher Alwyn Bajpe, poets Melvyn Rodrigues, H M Pernal, Wilson Kateel and Arso editorial board and other fellow writers. I have written other forms of literature. But poetry remains my favourite,”
Titus Noronha introduced Roshu and welcomed the gathering. He also delivered key note address in which he said, “Kittall literary website was established in 2011. It is the oldest such web portal in Konkani. It is the best also. Very next year of its existence, Kittall started the Yuva Puraskar. All the recipients who received this award like Jocy Siddakatte, Wilson Kateel, Stany Bela, Melwyn Kolalgiri and Wilma Bantwal are doing well in literature. I am confident that this tradition will continue. I was the president of the jury of this award. I am happy that we have made a right choice in Roshu Bajpe,”
Leo Rodrigues said, “When I was approached to sponsor a literary award for the youth, I happily agreed. I am a happier person now after seeing deserving people are being chosen every year and encouraged. I always read Kittall even during my busy schedule. I wish all the best to Roshu and call upon young writers to create more literature. Once it is done, there will always be readers. Our support is always with you people,”
Roshu’s ‘Theenth and Rogath’, a collection of poetry was released on this occasion. The book has been published by Kavitha Trust in Kannada and Devnagari script. This is the third book by the author, other two being collection of humour and satirical articles.
Poet Andrew L D'Cunha introduced Roshu's book and spoke about the poetry Roshu created over the years. "Roshu is a sensitive poet. He hardly uses harsh words though he mentions the names of weapons like knife as symbols," Andrew said.
Prof Muralidhara Upadhyaya Hiriadka delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Comedy in literature’. “I was computer illiterate in spite of my education and being a professor. My daughter went to Kuwait after she got married. I bought some books to learn computer, she left at home. My intention was to save the computer from gathering dust. Anyway I managed to learn computer one day. I started a blog then which has been visited by more than a million people till now. One can learn anything anytime. You can cultivate good habits anytime as long as you have the desire,” he said.
HM Pernal compered the programme and rendered vote of thanks. “World renowned singer Bhimsen Joshi employed a best driver to drive his car. Yet his car met with three accidents. One fine day, Bhimsen Joshi felt that ‘Even after keeping a best driver I have accidents. So better I drive the car myself.’ Accordingly I decided to be the master of ceremony today,” he said in humorous way.