“Literature can be a powerful form of protest against injustice, expressing what cannot be said directly,” stated Melwyn Pinto Neerude, a well-known contemporary Konkani writer. He spoke on the theme “Short Stories and Me” at the inaugural session of the monthly literary review ‘Bolkanv’, organized by the Institute of Konkani, St. Aloysius Deemed-to-be University, on September 7.
Pinto referenced Arundhati Roy’s second novel, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, highlighting how Roy tackled sensitive issues such as the Godhra riots and the situation in Kashmir through her writing. He pointed out similar efforts by Chafra in his plays and poems, as well as in Dalit and Black literature. “In today’s world, where people are becoming more constrained and less inspired, literature carries a great responsibility. When direct protest is not possible, literature offers an indirect way to voice dissent,” Pinto asserted.
During his 40-minute talk, Pinto reflected on his literary journey, categorizing his short stories into three types: those drawn from personal experiences, those depicting the lives of others, and those that critically examine the doctrines of his own vocation. About 35 authors participated in the literary forum.
The event was inaugurated by the vice-chancellor of St. Aloysius Deemed-to-be University, Fr. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, who watered a plant as a symbolic gesture. He emphasized the college’s 144-year commitment to supporting Konkani language and literature under Jesuit leadership. “The ‘Bolkanv’ monthly Sahitya Manch is a platform to explore Konkani’s literary richness. May it inspire the further development of the language,” he remarked.
The next session of ‘Bolkanv’ is scheduled for October 12, where Dr. Alwyn D’Sa will speak on “Literature and Criticism.”
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