Konkani Kutam - Bahrain Award Conferred on Edwin J F D’Souza

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 11, 2015: Konkani Kutam Bahrain presented ’Konkani Kutam Award’ to Edwin J F D’Souza, at the St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall, Bendore, here on October 10. Konkani Kutam Bahrain is a voluntary forum formed exclusively for promoting Konkani language, literature and culture in 2000.

 

Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino presented the award consisted of a citation, memento and a cash prize of Rs 50,000. Fr Chetan Lobo, editor of ‘Uzvaad’ fortnightly was the chief guest at the function and Richard Moras the local convenor of Konkani Kutam Bahrain was presided.

Edwin J F D’Souza, after receiving the award, thanked everyone who travelled with him in his literary journey. He said “ When ‘Hanv Jiyetham’ novel was published, I received a postcard card written by a reader of mine appreciating how much that novel touched him. A priest had told me that a writer should always retain originality in his writing. Do not compare writers with one another , do not even use unnecessary flattering words about them. Do not compare their works to epics. Just read them. Let good literature come.”

Speaking on the occasion, President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Roy Castelino shared his views on the shape that Konkani literature has taken over the years.

MLC Ivan D’Souza, Fr William Menezes, Fr Vincent Victor Menezes, Fr Valerian Fernandes, Melvyn Rodrigues, Luvi J Pinto, Titus Noronha, William Pais, Manu Bahrain, Stany Alvares and Fr Stephen Pereira were present among others.

Leslie Rego compered the programme. Vithori Karkal proposed vote of thanks.