Media Release

Calangute, Mar 5: "Konkonngar certainly is a new bridge towards bringing Konkani people from all scripts, dialects together,” said Damodar Mauzo, noted author, novelist and thinker during the release program held at Goan Heritage Hotel at Calangute, Goa. The first publication in Konkani to publish books in three scripts; Kannada, Nagari and in Romi is Konkonngar Prokoxon. Arun Sakhardandde president of Goa Konkani Academy released the publication by unveiling its logo. Dilip Borkar editor, Bimb released the Konkani translation of the English book ‘From coconut trees to the oil wells’ (Madda thaun tela khanni poreant), Damodar Mauzo released ‘Sanhov’ (Selected 25 short stories of Valley Quadros), Madhav Borkar released ‘Moila Fator’ (27 national-level poetry compilation).

Urjita Bhobe gave a brief overview of how Konkani people carry Konkani flags with them wherever they go and how this has benefitted Konkani in various ways. Then she welcomed the guests to the stage; Arun Sakhardande president of the program, Damodar Mauzo, Dilip Borkar, Madhav Borkar were escorted by the publisher, Antonio Veronica Fernandes. Inauguration of the program was done by lighting a lamp. Urjita Bhobe introduced guests, Veronica Fernandes delivered the welcome speech. Elvino Rodrigues gave a detailed introduction of Veronica Fernandes. Valley Quadros editor, Poinnari in his keynote address, highlighted the need for Digital Transformation, that can help us adopt and adapt to Konkani through digital means.

After Arun Sakhardande released the publication, he highlighted the writing of Antonio Veronica Fernandes and stated that it is rare that in Konkani we get to read war articles. This book is not only on war but also has the life and struggle of Konkani people, particularly those working in the Middle East. He also said, today academy has no money, most of the Konkani institutions need financial support to carry the work hence there is need for our people to support us.

Dr Jayanti Naik editor, Ananya, spoke in detail about the short stories of Valley Quadros, highlighting the short stories of Valley Quadros, particularly those bringing life, the struggle of Mumbai is adding a new flavour to Konkani Literature, particularly in Nagari Konkani. She spoke on Sankhov by analyzing a few stories; MAAP (The Appraisal), MAR (Beating), Bomboicho Mam (Bombay’s Uncle).

Noted Konkani, Marathi writer, poet N Shivdas spoke on ‘Moila Fator’ saying that the compilation is the first of its kind in Konkani or probably in any Indian language, a compilation book which is in three scripts.

Prabhakar Timble and Vincy Quadros president of Dalgado Konkani Academi declared ‘Late Wilfy Rebimbus memorial National Level Konkani Literary Contest – 3, to be conducted jointly by Poinnari.com and

Veez e-Magazine. This is the third year, hence the contest will be held in 3 scripts (Kannada, Nagari and Romi). Nayana Adarkar’s ‘Belabayecho Shankar Ani Her Kanniyo’ and Saraswati D Naik’s ‘Jaducho Patang Ani Kanniyo’ books were released by Prabhakar Timble and Vincy Quadros.

Dilip Borkar in his speech highlighted the work Veronica Fernandes had been doing for Konkani in various ways and urged people to support Konkonngar concept to make it enrich Konkani, particularly literature. Madhav Borkar in his speech mentioned his experience of working with various other Konkani people of other script/dialects and said, only the bridges such as Konkonngar can bring the people together and strengthen Konkani.

Damodar Mauzo in his speech highlighted the need for humanity, love, peace, kindness and compassion in today’s society. He said, "We see more people are trying to destroy bridges for their selfish motives, we need to bridge more bridges such as the bridge that is being built today, and it can be done by writers, artists, hence we need to support this bridge. Digital is the only way forward, hence innovative ways can cherish Konkani through the vision and dynamism." Valley Quadros proposed the vote of thanks. Urjitha Bhobe compered the event.