Mangaluru: “It was my grandfather Louis Kannappa whom we used to call Kanati (one who wears thick spectacles) who was the first inspiration for my foray into writing. Louis Kannappa had done his MA in English Literature from Madras University and L.T. degree and served as the Principal of Government College Mangalore (presently University College). He served as the District Education Officer of Dakshina Kannada District. He was the first rank holder in Maths and Latin language from St Aloysius College, Mangalore. My grandfather taught my brother Maths and introduced me to English literature,” said eminent writer Shyamala Madhav.
She was speaking in a programme “Through my Window” organized by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, National Academy of Letters, in association with Konkani Writers and Artistes’ Association, in St Aloysius College on Sep. 2, 2023. Shyamala Madhav who is the great-granddaughter of Louis Kannappa, the founder of the first Konkani periodical ‘Dirven’, spoke about his life and work of Sardar Louis Kannappa in the programme.
Sahitya Akademi, Language Advisory Board Member for Konkani H M Pernal welcomed the gathering and introduced the speaker of the day Shyamala Madhav to the audience. The lecture was followed by a discussion. N. G . Mohan, brother of Shyamala Madhav joined the discussion session and answered audience queries.
Executive Council Member and Konkani Convenor, Poet Melvyn Rodrigues, Vision Konkani promoter, NRI entrepreneur & philanthropist Michael D Souza, Catholic Association of South Kanara President Capt Vincent Pais, Chairman of MCC Bank Anil Lobo, Directors of Educare Scholarship Fund Stephen Pinto and Oswald Rodrigues, Rev Dr Melwyn Pinto, Director of the Institute Of Konkani, St Aloysius College, Konkani Writers and Artistes’ Association President Ronald Sequeira, Secretary, Florine Roche, Treasure, Roshan Madtha and members present.
