Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jan 7: Konkani Poetry book "Vozram" (diamonds) - a Devanagiri version of a 3500 collection of poems of Dr. Austin DSouza Prabhu, Chicago was released on Wednesday, Jan 6 at Thomas Stephens Konkani Kendr, Porvorim Goa. The book is transliterated by Ancy DSouza Paladka and published by Priya Prakashana Mumbai.
Former speaker of Goa Assembly and the present Tiatr Akademy President Tomazhino Cardoza released the book. Veteran poet Yusuf A Sheik was the chief guest. Fr Pratap Naik presided over the function.
"Diversity is the strength of Konkani. This need to be preserved and promoted. This encourages people of diffent sects, culture, religions and scripts to work for the cause of Konkani" said Yusuf Sheikh. He congratulated the author for writing 3500 short poems in just three years. He also said that "Manohar Sardessai and R V Pandit are the two stalwat Konkani poets. The poems they have written are short poems. Jess Fernandes wrote 30 books in Roman script and the last two in Devanagari. But he is awarded with Sahitya Akademy award only after he published book in Devnagari script. Is the Sahitya akademy award given for the script or for the literary content ?" he questioned.
Taking the same string Fr. Pratap Naik said that "Language is important and not the script. Script is only a dress for the language. All Konkani speaking people need to identify themselves as Konkani people. Konkani's need to respect konkani speaking people as our people. Great works are always done by single persons. Every Konkani person need to give his contribution to make Konkani rich"
"Konkani poets, writers, artistes are like a rose that rises and blooms amidst of all thorns that surrounding it. During this time of internet we all Konkani people need to get united breaking all barriers." said Dr. Austin DSouza during the occasion.
The programme started with the introduction by Ancy Paladka. Smita Tamba, Madgaon introduced the poet.
Yusuf Sheik honoured Dr Austin DSouza Prabhu with a shawl and memento. The programme was compered by Ancy Paladka.