Mangalore, Mar 4: Young writer Wilma Bantwal was conferred the ' Leo Rodrigues Family Kittall Yuva Puroskar-2012' during a programme organized by Kittall.com to mark its second anniversary at Valencia Church hall here on Saturday March 2.
The Award was presented by Rohan Monteiro, managing director of Property Infratech Ltd, who was the chief guest of the programme. Konkani poet and Thinker Titus Noronha was the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the programme, Rohan Monteiro said, "We have been hearing that our country is in the hands of our youth. But the sad part is these days youth are getting into wrong direction as they are not guided properly. Cases like drugs abuse and various other incidents are indicators for the same.”
Mr Rohan further said “ It is important that elders encourage the youngsters and make them to contribute towards language and literature, which will help Konkani grow as a language," he said, lauding H M Pernal for promoting Konkani literature through his unique literary website Kittall.com.
The award carried a memento, a citation and Rs 10,000 cash prize. The award selection committee consisted of three members namely Titus Noronha, Melvyn Rodrigues and Guru Baliga.
Acknowledging the honour, Wilma Bantwal said “ As I was influenced by the language and received good support and guidance from people around me. That is how I started contributing to Konkani literature through my writing. I promise to continue this work.”
"There is a need to preserve our culture and to do so we have to preserve and promote our language first," Wilma said.
Editor's Choice awards in three categories of best short story of the year-2012, best poem of the year 2012 and best essay of the year 2012 were presented to Mr Ronald J Sequeira for his short story 'Gorjek Podath', Mr Wilson Sequeira for his poem 'Kosli Dharunai?' and Rev Fr Denis Castelino for his Essay 'Mojo baab Raymond Castelino'
As part of the programme, an annual lecture was organized which was delivered by Titus Noronha on the topic 'Culture and Youth'.
Commenting on the topic, he defined culture as a 'collective behaviour of people during a definite period' and also explained how culture changes with time. He further said, "These days in the name of culture moral policing is taking place, wherein youth take law into their hands"
H M Pernal, editor of Kittall.com welcomed the gathering. Vishwa Konkani Sardar Basti Vaman Shenoy, Naman Balok Jesu Editor Fr Steven Pereira, Fr Denis Castelino, Fr Ronald D'Souza, Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, Fr J C Moras , Fr Basil Vas , Sr Linet A C and sisters from Apostolic Carmel and Community leader Louise J Pinto, Elias Sanctis, Dr Derek Lobo, Eric Correa and hundreds of Konkani writers , musicians and artists were present on the occasion.
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