Konkani flavor should spread across the globe: Basti Vaman Shenoy

Mangaluru, Oct 4: “New generation of Konkani writers are coming out with quality literature. Compared to other languages there is lot of quality literature in Konkani Language. This Konkani literature should be translated into other languages so that the rich flavor of Konkani literature is spread all over the globe. World Konkani Centre (WKC) has always encouraged Konkani writers and artistes who are involved in this task and would continue to extend full support to anyone working towards this cause”, Konkani Sardar Basti Vaman Shenoy said.

Vaman Shenoy was speaking after releasing the book “Beeg and Bigath” (lock and key) a collection of short stories of critic, short story writer and editor of literary website Kittall.Com H M Pernal held at Orchid Gallery on October 2, 2016. He called upon Konkani writers and poets to make full use of the opportunity and support provided by WKC to translate Konkani literary works.

In the same venue another book titled “Encounter” by talented and promising poet and writer and winner of Kittall Yuva Puraskar Wilson Kateel was released by poet, President of Kavitha Trust and winner of Kendra Sahithya Academy Award winner Melvyn Rodrigues. Encounter is a collection of 100 poems by Wilson Kateel who is known for his rustic flavor in his poems. Speaking on the occasion Melvyn Rodrigues pointed out “today people who have no basic knowledge of Konkani language and literature pretend as if they are the true custodians of everything pertaining to Konkani. These people use unparliamentarily language to denigrate Konkani writers and belittle their services to Konkani. If Konkani writers and artistes don't wake up from their slumber and raise their voice to safeguard their self-respect the days ahead will prove to be detrimental for Konkani literature as a whole”.

Director of Orchid Art Gallery and author of “The land called South Kanara” William Pais introduced both the books to the assembled gathering. “Among new generation of writers there is none who has succeeded in giving a complete picture of the complex life of Mumbai city. Similarly, there is none like Wilson Kateel who could enrich Konkani language with the rich repertoire of Konkani words in his poems”, William Pais pointed out. He suggested the gathering to read these books at least for the sake of these two major reasons.

The programme was formally inaugurated by reciting a poem of Wilson Kateel by poet Frivita D Souza.

Proprietor of Kittall Prakashan Henry Mendonca Pernal welcomed the gathering. Wilson Kateel proposed the vote of thanks. Alwyn Danthi compered the programme.