Modern Konkani Poetry at par with other Indian Languages: Gokuldas Prabhu

Media Release
December 19, 2017

Mangaluru: “Compared to other Indian languages modern Konkani poetry is rich in its form, style and theme. Modern Konkani poets responding well to the contemporary social issues. 2005 tsunami, female feticide, social inequality, environment are the issues seriously  addressed by poets of modern times in  konkani ” opined Sri Gokuldas Prabhu, Member, General Council, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi and President of All India Konkani Parishath.

He was speaking on the subject “New Experiments in Modern Konkani Poetry” after releasing special edition of ARSO literary magazine edited and published by poet, critic H M Pernal at Suma Sadana, Mallikatta, Mangaluru.

“ It is true that in beginning of 20th century modern poetry flourished worldwide. Konkani poetry has a brief history. It came into full form somewhere between 1930 and 1950 in India.

Baki Baab Borkar and Louise Mascarenhas are poets who took lead in Goa and Karnataka to popularize konkani poetry.  But they can’t be considered as modern poets. Modern themes, forms and styles were introduced to konkani poetry by poets like  Manohar Rai  Sardesai, C. F D Costa, R. V. Pandit and Ramesh Veluskar. Even today most konkani poets follow their style” Mr. Prabhu elaborated citing examples from Sardesai poetry.

He further said “ It is wrong to classify modern poetry based on period. To that extent 17th Century English poet John Donne’s poetry can be considered modern in form, style and theme. Some contemporary poets of Konkani are still following romanticism school of poetry.”

“ Last 25 years there is a rapid change in konkani poetry in form, style and theme. In this context we can proudly say that konkani poetry stands at par with poetry of other Indian Languages” Mr. Prabhu said.

Mr. Gokuldas Prabhu released Special Edition of ARSO literary magazine on this occasion.

Mrs. Shakuntala R Kini, Secretary, World Konkani Centre gave away prizes of Poetics – World Konkani Centre Poetry Competition organized by poetics poets group headed by award winning poet Wilson, Kateel.

Jomel Bondel, Roshu Bajpe, Stephen Quadrose, Rohan Adkabare received the prizes.

Congratulating the winners Smt Kini said “ Use of modern communication mediums for literary activities like poetry is commendable. Social networking sites should act like a bridge among people. World Konkani Centre will always support young talents working for the cause of konkani” 

Editor of ARSO H M Pernal introduced the guests to the audience and welcomed the gathering. Poetics Head poet Wilson Katil and Convener of poetry competitions Fr. Jo. Cy. Siddakatte were present on the dais. 

Theatre personality and illustrator Eddie Sequeira compered the programme.

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy President R P Naik, Registrar Dr. B Devdas Pai, Dr. Jayawanth Nayak, Convener, Konkani Study Chair, Mangalore University, Dr. Austin D Souza Prabhu, Chicago, Prof Karunakar Nayak, Principal, MSRS College Shirva, Mr. Anil Lobo, President, Catholic Sabha,  Konkani Bhasha Mandal President Smt Geeta C Kini,  Kavita Trust Founder Melvyn Rodrigues, English Author and Director of Orchid Art Gallery William Pais, Senior Writers Eddie Netto, Vally Vagga, Mysore, Manu Bahrain, Ron Roche Cascia, J F D Souza, Theatre personalities - John M Permannur, Fr. Alwyn Serrao, Christopher Neenasam, Clanwin Fernandes, Konkani M A students and Lecturers and others were present on the occasion.

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