Udupi: The Late Joseph Pinto Niddodi Literary award was presented to the young author, litterateur, and writer Glanish Jude Martis from Alangar-Moodubidri of Mangalore Diocese near here on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at Milagres College Audio Visual Hall.
During the workshop of the Konkani Writers programme organized by Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh ®, Konkani Writers’ Forum and Udupi District Konkani Sanghatan at Milagres College Audio Visual Hall, Kallianpur, Glanish Jude Martis was felicitated and presented the award by noted writer Rev Fr. Alphonse D’Lima, Rev Fr. Jason Pinto SDB, Sr. Sylvia A.C and guests on the dais.
Mary D’Souza, President of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh presided over the programme. Dr Eugene Benny D’Souza, Educationalist, Editor, and Writer inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.
In his inaugural address, Dr Eugene B. D’Souza said that in our childhood we were looking forward to the Konkani periodicals, magazines like Poinnari, Mithr, Jesu Rai, Jhelo, Kannik, Rakhno and others to read which was our main entertainment besides outdoor games, swimming, playing various games, fishing in the small rivers and wells and so on.
Now everything is replaced by mobile and digital media became the main source of information and entertainment. As a result, the habit of reading Konkani periodicals and magazines has been minimized. Hence, many periodicals such as Poinnari and others gradually disappeared. Even some of the periodicals have a very limited number of readers.
In spite of all these odds, a writer must continue his mission of writing even though there are limited readers, said Dr Eugene D’Souza. Moreover, he said that writing is a creative art and God-given talent that should be utilized for the right purpose.
He said that some Konkani Forums are trying their best for the growth of the Konkani language by writing. Time is not waiting, it is going on. There should be a need to grow our Konkani language by writing and habit of reading novels and periodicals so that Konkani will survive.
Prior to the felicitations, the workshop was held by noted resource persons of the day Dolfy F Lobo, popularly known as Dolfy Cassia and Dr Edward Nazareth. Dolfy Cassia narrated on writing a report initially in parish periodicals with what, why, where, what and how while writing the articles will be important. Dr Edward Nazareth pointed out some of the important issues in writing the articles. They both shared their vast experience with Konkani writing methods in various articles.
After the workshop, during the programme, two well-known writers Donath D’Almeida from Thottam and George Mascarenhas from Kolalgiri were felicitated. They were introduced by Alphonse D’Costa and Greesha D’Souza.
Meanwhile, Late Joseph Mary Pinto Literary Award was presented to Glanish Jude Martis of Alangar, near Moodubidri. Walter Cyril Pinto introduced Glanish Jude Martis. The parents and grandparents of Glanish were present on the dais during the felicitation.
After the felicitations, Glanish pointed out the role of his parents and grandparents in his writing career and greatly appreciated their unstinted support towards his education and the growth of his talent for writing in his mother language Konkani. He asked the participants to speak and write against social evils prevalent in society without hesitation. He also extended his support to anyone willing to write Konkani novels and others.
The programme began with a beautiful prayer song by Milagres Cathedral Choir team members. Richard Moras, President of Konkani Writers Forum, Karnataka welcomed the gathering. Dr Gerald Pinto, Convener of the entire programme narrated the main objective of the workshop to encourage young writers and to build bonds between Konkani writers of the undivided Dakshina Kannada district. Louis D’Almeida, President of the Udupi District Konkani Sanghatan delivered the vote of thanks. Dale Andria D’Souza compered the programme. Rev Fr. Alphonse D’Lima parish priest of Kota Church and noted writer recited the grace before the meals. Former Presidents of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh Valerian Mendonca, Walter Cyril Pinto, Alphonse D’Costa and office bearers of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh and about one hundred people were present. The programme was sponsored by the late Joseph Mary Pinto Niddodi family of Kallianpur.
