MANGALORE
The Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation President Basti Vaman Shenoy on Sunday appealed to the Konkani community not to stick to the ‘script' issue if they wish to take Konkani to greater heights.
"Let us together work for the betterment of Konkani. Let us rise its standard and make it famous at international level," he said.
Shenoy, noted Konkani activist who is promoting Konkani language and popularly known as Vishwa Konkani Sardar (World Konkani leader), was speaking at the concluding session of ‘Kavita Fest' by Kavita Trust at Bodhi Tree - the Farm House, near Jeppu in Mangalore. Konkani writers and poets from various states of India participated in the event.
Noted Kannada novelist and writer K T Gatti was the chief guest during the concluding occasion, while Rohan Monteiro, Valley Quadras, Kavita Trust president Kishore Gonsalves and others were present.
Speaking further, Shenoy said good days have come in Konkani field as Ravindra Kelekar was bestowed with Jnanpith Award, while Konkani writer Mahabaleshwar Sail received Saraswati Samman, both prestigious awards in the field of literature.
"Let us think and stress on how we will take our literature ahead. Let us not stick to the script issue. Be it (Konkani literature) in any script, we should accept it for progress of Konkani," he said.
Cautioning the Konkani community, he said: "We will not achieve anything if we stick to script issue. Let us bring standard in Konkani literature by working together."
K T Gatti said one needs to read to know the poetry. "Poetry should touch your heart and do transformation. Emotions should be evolved in you."
Noted poet Valley Quadras was bestowed with Kavita Trust's Mathias Family Poetry Award on the occasion.
‘Kavita Fest' was inaugurated by noted singer Meena Rebimbus. Noted Konkani writer Edie Netto and J F D'Souza were the guests of honor. Titus Noronha and Kavita Trust president Kishore Gonsalves, treasurer Andrew D'Cunha, trustees Melvyn Rodrigues, Victor Mathias, William Pais and others were present for the inaugural function.
Meena Rebimbus, wife of late Wilfy Rebimbus, thanked Kavita Trust as it published the work of her husband. "Let us take Konkani to the heights," she said while expressing her happiness to witness Konkani community gathered in Mangalore.
Antony Barkur, Gaurish Vernekar, Smitha Shenoy and Wilson Kateel participated in the poetry session.
Rohan D'Souza, Vrusksha Karmali and Dattaraj Naik won the first, second and third prizes respectively in poem recitation for youth.
Sripad Prabhu, Frivita D'Souza, Sarah D'Souza and Gautam Gaude won the consolation prizes.
In the children group, Risha Martis, Wencita Dias and Alrisha Rodrigues won the first, second and third prizes respectively, while Sarah Mathias and Aldon D'Souza won the consolation prizes.
