Mangalurean Austin Prabhu, 37 years in US yet a great "Konkani contributor
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, Apr 02, 2017: Konkani writer and "premi’ Dr.Austin D’Souza Prabhu on Apr 1, Saturday, participated in an interaction programme organised by KWAA , Konkani Writers and Artistes’ Association at Orchid Art Gallerie. Prabhu, who has been staying in Chicago, USA, for 37 years now, was reacting to a particular query on why he declined a political offer, when he had all chances of tasting success said his decision to go abroad against plunging into politics brought a twist in his life for good. prabhu was in the fore frount of Community action in Mangalore even as a youth in the 1970s-80s and became very popular here.
Prabhu said soon after he married in 1981, it had become inevitable for him to go abroad, probably at the same time when there was a constant pressure to contest Legislative Assembly elections. Being the editor of four newspapers in Konkani, Prabhu said he was actively associated with Konkani literary and cultural activities, one reason why he had maintained a good rapport with the people. Citing his example, Prabhu said though he has been living in far away Chicago from the past 37 years, he never forgot to speak Konkani, and uses at every possible opportunity.
However, Prabhu said he continues to be a staunch "Konkani mai bhaas premi" that has given him wonderful moments in life in every aspect of life then. He is in town after a gap of 7 years along with his wife, his 4 children are all doing well in the US in their own right he said.
Giving a call to the gathering, Prabhu said, ’One should never forget the "Mai Bhaas", mother tongue, matters close to heart are the good experiences and sentiments that promise a beautiful life blended with happiness."
To a query on exploring the possibilities of bringing in uniform writing style among Catholics and Gowda Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) communities, who commonly speak Konkani, Prabhu felt that such attempts are not vital, people are free to practise their own styles. Pressure in this regard is uncalled for, as the people have equal freedom to make a choice, he said. The script and trends are siblings and no separation is justified he said.
Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld Group extolled the greatness of Prabhu in a very fitting manner, eulogising him for relentlessly working for the cause of the language. It was his leadership skills that brought not less than 60,000 people together for a movement when Morarji Desai was the prime minister, he recalled. The work that Dr. Prabhu had put in in the Konkani Natak Sabha, Don Bosco hall and youth platforms as a writer, dramatist, leader and later as a generous philanthropist and even more, is legendary and unmatched to this day. ,
Prabhu also released ’Garjek Podath’, a collection of family based short stories on life in the nostalgic past, authored by KWAA President Ronald J Sequeira, who was very glad of the platform he was given here.
Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo, Vishwa Konkani Centre founder president Basti Vaman Shenoy and a good turn out of the ’whos-who’ of Konkani lovers graced the occasion and applauded.