PANAJI
“The future for Konkani journalism is very bright. Today, many children have started writing, and they must continue to develop their writing skills, not only in journalism but also in other fields that will benefit them in the future,” advised Amar Patil, a senior journalist and News Editor of the Konkani Daily Bhangarbhuim, who spoke as the Chief Guest at Konkani Journalism Day function organised by Goa’s popular Konkani monthly Gulab, in collaboration with Fr Freddy J. Da Costa Memorial Trust, Konkani Bhasha Mandal and Felicio Cardoso-che Pattlavdar, at the Konkani Bhavan hall, Vidyanagar, Margao.
Konkani Journalism Day is celebrated on February 2 to commemorate the publication of the first Konkani newspaper, “Udentechem Sallok,” which was launched on February 2, 1889, by Eduardo José Bruno de Souza in Pune.
Present on the dais were Chief Guest Amar Patil, News editor of Bhangarbhuim, along with Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa Memorial Trust President and editor of Gulab, Fausto V. Da Costa, Konkani Bhasha Mandal President, Ratnamala Divkar, Felicio Cardoso-che Pattlavdar, Fr Socorro Rebelo and Brijesh Desai, Konkani teacher of Ravindra Kelekar Dyan Vidya Mandir.
“Late Eduardo Jose Bruno de Souza founded the first Konkani newspaper, Udentechem Sallok. In those days, as the editorials were hand-written, the essence of the newspaper seemed to spread far and wide. Even after 136 years, its significance remains alive. Today, Konkani journalism is thriving. To further strengthen it in the future, children should begin preparing when they are young,” said Patil, guiding the participants on ways and means to strengthen Konkani journalism.
"Do what is right, not what is easy. Make an effort to write by carefully observing, listening, and understanding. Learn the art of translation and the use of correct language," Amar advised while guiding the participants.
At the beginning of the event, Nevan Fernandes and Samuel Fernandes, both students of Loyola High School, Margao, performed two Konkani songs on Goa and Gõykarponn, which were highly appreciated by the audience. Later, the guests paid tributes to Eduardo Jose Bruno de Souza by offering floral tributes to his portrait as a mark of respect.
Fr Socorro Rebelo, Secretary of Felicio Cardoso-che Pattlavdar welcomed the chief guest and the audience. Brijesh Shet Desai introduced the Chief Guest and Fausto V. Da Costa presented a bouquet of flowers to the chief guest as a gesture of warm welcome. Ratnamala Divkar, addressed the audience about the significance of the Konkani Journalism Day.
Later a pamphlet on ‘Valuable works of well-known Goan journalists’ was released at the hands of the chief guest. Brijesh Shet Desai compered the function while Mafaldina Moreira proposed the vote of thanks.
