Suresh S M from Barkur Appointed Director of AICTE

Suresh S M, a native of Barkur in Udupi district, has been appointed as the director of the New Delhi-based All India Council for Technical Education.

Suresh, who had studied in B M S Engineering College Bangalore and Regional Engineering College Suratkal, is the son of the late S M Rama Nayak and Lakshmi from Barkur. He is a relative of Dr K Sundar Nayak, former registrar of Mangalore University.

New Arch gate declared open

The newly constructed Arch Gate of the church of St.Peter was declared open by Rt.Rev. Dr.Aloysius Paul D'Souza Bishop of Mangalore recently.

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Kavita Fest 2010  - It's Victory for Konkani Poetry at Barkur

“Poetry, the heart of the language, can open our eyes, make us sensitive to issues around us, connect us to people, make us more humane and bring us close to reality.  In today’s depraved society only poetry offers us a ray of hope and can save us from any eventuality.  Poetry is human possibility”, opined eminent Kannada littérateur and lyricist Jayant Kaikini.  He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Kavita Fest 2010 held at Moodhadu Kudru, Barkur, amidst the pristine and rustic charm of Barkur.  

The courtyard of Richard D Souza, on the banks of the Sita River there was a festive atmosphere akin to that of a marriage house as the traditional mantap complete with stage, gave such a feeling as one entered the courtyard.  The milieu of the river overlooking the  courtyard surrounded by a vast expanse of coconut trees from all sides was just apt for the occasion, to recite poetry and for listeners to just soak in its impact.   The connoisseurs of poetry could not have asked for a more idyllic setting to get lost in the new world created by the poet by his clever disposition of words and situations. What mattered most was the active participation of the people of all ages in the poetry festival in large numbers who also displayed the same energy levels till the end.  

Such an ideal setting and also the enthusiasm of the people must have certainly provided an impetus to the poet in Jayant Kaikini who equated poetry to the honey collected by the bees and said “just like the nectar collected by human beings does not turn into honey information will not become poetry unless it becomes an integral part of our body and we should evolve with it.  Poetry should be the only religion known to mankind.  We lose poetry if we go on searching for ideological reasons for everything we do.  When we become humanized then poetry leads us to create”.   

Lamenting the present condition of the society Kaikini stated that 25 years ago ours was a country of corrupt youth and now ours is a country of corrupt parents as the same corrupt youth have now become parents.  He pointed out that there are two types of writers namely those who want to be a part of literary history and those who want to be part of human history.  “I would like to be a writer who can be a related to people, who write human history”.  

Giving an example of noted Kannada poet D R Bendre,  Kaikini pointed out that Bendre used poetry to deal with the utter misfortunes of his life and  to get strength at the crucial stage of his life when he was saddled with personal tragedy of worst kind.  “Poetry is what happens to the writer when he writes.  One is a poet only when he writes and it is not anything that can be preconceived to be written at any other time”, he asserted. 

Praising the organizers and the connoisseurs of poetry who had assembled in vast number Kaikini stated that credit should go to Kavita Trust for attracting people to Kavita Fest.  “It is a victory to poetry”, he asserted.   

Anant Amembal, who was the guest of honour on the occasion, pointed out that the glow on the faces of the people assembled at the Kavita Fest 2010.  “Poetry is awakening and sometimes even silence communicates”. Giving an example of making poetry as part of the curriculum to MBBS students in the 1940’s in England he said “A holistic treatment is possible through poetry which necessitated learning poetry by would-be doctors”.   He also emphasized that language is not a barrier to understand the essence of poetry.  “Sometimes we take language for granted which acts as an impediment in understanding poetry.  Poetry is awakening.  It can touch the innermost feelings of people”, he pointed out.  

Joseph Mathias, who was also the guest of honour and sponsor of the Mathias Family Poetry Award 2009, said that the future of Konkani is in the hands of youngsters who need to use the language in their day to day life to carry forward the torch of the language.

Melvyn Rodrigues, president of Kavita Trust in his introductory speech said that the Trust has been working for the promotion of Konkani poetry in the right earnestness.  “We are giving a befitting reply to those who always write obituary of Konkani”, he stated. 

The entire day was filled with activities related to poetry.  The morning session of the programmme was inaugurated by educationist and Administrator of Manipal Academy of General Education H Shantharam and Hemacharya, editor, Daijiworld Weekly, in the presence of office bearers of Kavita Trust, The Expresions and Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, who had jointly organized the programme.  Inaugurating the Kavita Fest 2010 H Shantharam credited Roman Catholics for the development of Konkani language and bringing it to the present status it enjoys.  “Konkani language is saved because Roman Catholics used it in the churches in the prayers and other activities”, he stated.  He further added that the combination of literature, culture and poetry leads to the development of the society and lauded the efforts of Kavita Trust in providing a new impetus to the promotion of Konkani through Kavita Fest. 

Kishoo Barkur, secretary of Kavita Trust welcomed the guests. Folk dance by Babanna Naik and Group, Kebikere, Yadtadi soon after the inauguration set the mood for the much serious symposium on “Why I write poetry”.  Speakers H M Pernal and Prakash Parienkar provided their inputs on the topic and Andrew L D Cunha moderated the symposium.  It led to a vibrant discussion on questions ranging from poetry being a language of heart, whether the poet is born or made, and poet a social reformer etc.  Both the speakers provided enough food for thought before pre-lunch session.  

Post-lunch session began with the much awaited youth poetry session with 16 youngsters mostly from Mangalore and Goa presenting their poems on a range of topics which showed that these youngsters hold the future of Konkani.  The youth poetry session has been a revelation as  many promising poets in the making showed glimpses of their talent  to write poetry. Poet Lloyd Rego (Elyer Taccode) presided over the youth poetry session.  

Another keenly anticipated event of the day was the stage programme as the assembled crowd was waiting eagerly to listen to the celebrity poet Jayant Kaikini, who did not fail to live up to the expectations of the people.   He released Antony Barkur’s Anthology of poems “Kat Tutcho vel” and also presented the Mathias Family Poetry Award 2009 to Leo D Souza.  Flavia Mathias gave away the late Charles and Theresa Rodrigues Memoral awards to winners of All India Children’s poetry competition to Pradnya Kamath, Kavita Fondekar and Punita Naik, all from Goa.    

The multi-lingual poetry session was presided by Hanumant Chopdekar had poets in Konkani, Tulu, Kannada and Byari languages presenting their poems much to the delight of the assembled audience who savored them with rapt attention and expressed their happiness with thunderous applause. 

At the end of the day, music by the members of The Expressions entertained the audience with some foot taping Konkani songs to signal the end of the day long event. Eric Soans, Barkuer, was the Master of Ceremony of the entire programme.  

The programme which began at 10 in the morning came to an end only at 8 pm.  But the assembled gathering never exhibited any fatigue or boredom. Instead there was a glow of satisfaction on their faces.  The credit certainly goes to Kavita Trust and other organizers who toiled hard for days together.  Credit also goes to the host Richard D Souza and family who had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Kavita Fest. 

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Decennial Children Literary Convention at Barkur

“The visual media and addiction to mobile use has been contributing to the diminishing intelligent quotient of teenage students, which has to be essentially curbed for creativity and sensitivity to emerge”, said K Goutami, a student of Class VIII, Little Rock School, Bramavar.She was the chairperson speaking at the taluk-level ‘Makkala Sahitya Sammelan’ held at Karanth literary stage, Barkur, on Saturday January 9 jointly organised by Shanthivana Vana Trust (Regd), www.barkuronline.com,Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre -Barkur and  Ramakrishna ashrama Belgaum & Mangalore,

Prof N Srinivas Udupa, children’s litterateur and critic, after inaugurating the Sammelan, said that the chaos and confusion of everyday living makes it difficult to keep a check on growing children.

Children are the light.  They need proper guidance when they grow up to be teens”, he added.Fr Remigius C M Aranha, parish priest of St Peter parish, Barkur, released the souvenir on the occasion.

D Manjunatayya, block education officer, released poems written by students.B Sitaram Tholpadittaya, secretary of Shanthi Vana Trust under Sri Kshetra Dharmathala, presented awards to talented students.

Litterateur Jayant Kaikini delivered a talk on literary motivation during the seminar.

Pallavi Sajangade, Class X student of Bramavar Government Pre-university College, Nempu Narasimha Bhat, president of Dakshina Kannada District Children’s Literary Union, and P N Acharya, former member of Karnataka Lalit Kala Academy, were present on the dais.

Kannada play ‘Ekalavya’ was staged by Koorady B M M High School and a variety dance show was staged by Surabhi Dance School, Byndoor, as part of cultural programmes. 

B Sitaram Shetty, secretary of Barkoor Vidyabivardini Sangh, K M Krishnamurti Bhat, college principal, Rama Bhat Sajangadde, Sammelan organizing secretary, Kishore Gonsalves of www.barkooronline,com, Yoga director B Shahsikanth Jain, B Nagendra Mallya, Anusha Shetty, Ashwini S Udupa, Pavitra Shettigar, and Bhavya were present on the occasion.

The guests were welcomed in a colourful procession from Barkur town to Pre-university College, prior to the programme.

Various sessions continued two the second day and were well recieved by the audience.

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Obituary -Juliana Gonsalves, Nagermutt

Juliana Gonsalves (84) Nagermutt, Husband of Elizabeth, Father of Joseph/Lydia, Victoria/Vanet Noel/Rita, grandfather of Joyan, Nishmitha, Venson and Rashel, passed away on 11/01/2010 at their Nagermutt residence.

Funeral cortege leaves residence at 0330 pm to the church of St Peter for mass followed by burial.

Contact Number Noel :9844963125

Decennial Children Literary Convention to commence  at Barkur

Shanthivana Vana Trust (Regd), www.barkuronline.com, Ramakrishna ashrama Belgaum & Mangalore, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre - jointly host Children Literary convention to commemorate its decennial celebration at Barkur.

The Karanthajja Vedeke at National Junior college will provide the stage for budding poets and poetess of primary and high school going children to exhibit their talent for a record 10th year in row. The two full days feast will commence with a colorful procession from Barkur town Kalchapra on Saturday 9th Jan 2010 at 9.00 am heading to National Junior college will be given a star by Mr. B Nagendra Mallya.

A part from various debates discussions speeches on contemporary issues and challenges, there will be various cultural and entertainment programs together with exhibition of paintings, book stalls to attract children and adults alike.

The organizers in a joint press release extended a cordial welcome to all to participate and support this noble cause to rekindle artist in children to give their best to the literary treasure in days to come.

TheExpressions along with Kavita Trust to Organize `Kavita Fest' on Jan 10 at Barkur

The banks of the Sita River at Moodhadu Kudru in Barkur will resonate with poetry – the language of heart, in the courtyard of Richard D Souza which is all set to host the much awaited annual Kavita Fest 2010, on Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 10 am to 8 pm. Eminent Kannada Litterateur and lyricist Jayant Kaikini will be the chief guest on the occasion. Marati Film Music Director Anant Amembal and Joseph Mathias Businessman, Merit Freight Systems LLC, Dubai, along with his wife Flavia Mathias will be the guests of honour. The festival is jointly hosted by Kavita Trust in association with Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and "The Expressions"

The main attraction of the festival is the multi-lingual poetry session, youth poetry session, symposium, distribution of prizes (the late Charles and Theresa Rodrigues Memorial) to the winners of All India Children’s Poetry Competition, presentation of Mathias Family Poetry Award, release of Antony Barkur’s Anthology and cultural programme including Kudumi folk dance by Babanna Naika and group and songs by `The Expressions’.

It will be a day-long event giving an opportunity for poets of all genres to express their creativity of mind with words. The multi-lingual poetry session will be presided over by Hanumanth Chopdekar. Poets Antony Barkur, Shankunthala R Kini, Walter Dantis, Nutan Sakhardande, Philomena Samfrancisco, Yuga Adarkar, Shameem Kuttikala, Vasanthi Shetty Brahmavara and Dr Nikethan will add vivacity to the multi-lingual poetry session.

Jayant Kaikini, Anant Amembal, Joseph Mathias, Flavia Mathias

Young poets will find expression for their poetry in the youth poetry session which will be presided over by Lloyd Rego (Elyer Taccode). Budding poets like Nels Barkur, Wilma Bantwal, Ashwin Kumbla, Sharon Olivera, Puja Parab, Petsmenia D’Costa, Jessila Aguiyar, Purva Gude, Gajanana Prabhu, Chaya Kolvekar, Sweta Borkar, Angelica Vaz, Sweta Parab, Janet D’Souza, Namrita Mopkar, Shraddha Garad will enliven the Youth Poetry session as their poems are sure to ignite the flames of passion among poetry enthusiasts.

Eminent writer Leo D Souza (Kavyadas) will be awarded with Mathias Family Poetry Award 2010 in recognition of his persistent contribution to the promotion of Konkani language.
“Kat Tutcho Vel” an anthology of Antony Barkur will be released during the Kavita Fest. Pre-lunch session include a symposium “Why I write Poetry” with poets H M Pernal and Prakash Parienkar as speakers. The symposium will be moderated by poet Andrew L D Cunha. Eric Soans will compere the programme.

Youth poetry session, Multi-lingual poetry session, stage programme and musical programme will be post lunch session events.

The organizers have arranged bus transport from Mangalore to Barkur and return. Those interested can contact Victor Mathias on mobile Number 098452 09374

Accommodation is also arranged for delegates coming from outside Karnataka. For more details please contact Naveen Dias on mobile number 093421 45879

You are invited, Priestly Ordination Br.Rohan D' Almeida

'The Expressions' - Grand Decennial Celebrations

‘The Expressions’, which has emerged as a household name for the  art-loving population of the region since the last ten years,  celebrated the completion of its ten eventful years, by organizing a function at the sprawling ‘Makkala Mantapa’ in Brahmavar on Sunday December 20. The organizers were exuberant, a sense of fulfillment was in the air, the crowd was enthusiastic and ecstatic, while the mood of the dignitaries, who graced the occasion as well as of the performers, was upbeat.

‘The Expressions’, which was founded in the year 1999 by a few youngsters who were driven by the zeal to bring out the best from the talented people of the area, has come a long way since then. It has secured a place of pride in the hearts of the connoisseurs of dance, music, folklore and drama, by ensuring quality, variety and punctuality in their programmes.

Bishop of Bellary, Henry D’Souza, presided over the decennial celebrations. Vicar General of St Mary’s Cyrian Orthodox Church, Brahmavar, Fr David Crasta, blessed the event.  Chief guests, Ivan Rebello, general secretary of St Peter’s Associations (Barkur) Mumbai, Fr Denis Saldana, parish priest of Holy Family Church Brahmavar, Fr Remigius Aranha, parish priest St Peter Church, Barkur, graced the occasion. Founder president and convener of ‘The Expressions’, Kishoo Barkur, and president, Alwyn Andrade were also at the dais.

Bishop Henry D’Souza was accorded a grand welcome by the dignitaries, office bearers of ‘The Expressions’ and the people, at the entrance to the venue.

Alwyn Andrade welcomed the guests and the people gathered for the event. Secretary, Eric Soans, placed the achievements of ‘The Expressions’ during the last ten years, before the people, through a brief report.

In his address, Fr Remigius Aranha, said that ‘Expressions’ apparently means expressing oneself. The Expressions’ not only has been channelizing the hidden talents and dreams of its office bearers, but it has also offered the golden opportunity and a platform to perform, for the people of the region where multi-talented people abound, he said. He wished, that the organization will continue to provide a platform for scores of people to bring out their hidden talents in the coming years. While extending his best wishes to the organizers and the office bearers of ‘The Expresions’, he blessed the occasion.

Speaking to the people present, Fr Denis Saldanha, noted that being born as a human being is the greatest gift the Lord has given to the people. “Our lives become worthwhile when we utilize the latent talents gifted to us by the God. Accordingly, ‘The Expressions’ has come as a godsend opportunity for the people here to kindle their interests and make use of their hidden talents. It has provided a platform for hundreds of people to reach their goals. Let those behind this organization be gifted with God’s blessings and blissful life, and let they continue to provide platform for the talented people to perform,” he said and extended his best wishes to all the members on the decennial celebrations of ‘The Expressions’.

General secretary, of St Peter’s Association  Ivan Rebello, conveyed his best wishes to all the office bearers and activists of ‘The Expressions’ on the completion of ten meaningful years.

Fr David Crasta, in his address, noted that ‘The Expressions’ has been working hard to enable the people of the region, known as the Konkani motherland, to express themselves. Noting that all the founders and those behind ‘The Expressions’ are both talented and driven by the urge to help art and talented people,  he wished that more and more people will come together to support the efforts of ‘The Expressions’ so that it can grow stronger and reach out to more people. He extended his best wishes to the organization for a brighter future.

Bishop Henry D’Souza, in his presidential address, extended his best wishes to Kishoo Barkur and the entire team that has been working tirelessly for the success of ‘The Expressions’. “A decade back, a seed had been sown, and now, ‘The Expressions’ has grown into a robust tree. We have to teach to the youth to dream to be big, to become great singers, artistes, etc. At the same time, they need a proper guide to fructify their efforts, and ‘The Expressions’ has been doing exactly this,” he noted.  He congratulated Kishoo Barkur and Alwyn Andrade and honoured them by draping shawls around them.

Kishoo and Alwyn then presented mementoes to all the guests present, in memory of their dream child’s successful completion of a decade in public service.

Fr David handed over mementoes to all the mega sponsors and co-sponsors of the event.

Irene Cardoza proposed vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Valerian Crasta.

At the beginning, Kishoo, and Eric Soans along with the others in ‘The Expressions’, sang the decennial song of the organization penned by Kishoo and tuned by Eric. The variety cultural programme presented thereafter, included dances, skits etc., which were presented by the people belonging to all the age groups. Ronald Olivera was the emcee for the cultural programmes.

The programme came to an end, even as the people were rearing to lap up more of the entertainment,  fun and talent. The entire ground, on which the programme was rganized, was full of people since the beginning, till the end.

Former president of ‘The Expressions’, Denis Rodrigues, thanked the people for attending the programme, and all the sponsors, for supporting the event.

News : www.daijiworld.com Pics: Stephen Lewis, Mayura, Barkur

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