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MITHR – SPECIAL ISSUE by Karaval Milan, UAE.
It is said, ‘greatness of the people judged by the greatness of
people around him’
On going through the Mithr – Christmas Special Issue (brought
out by the Karaval Millann -
Dubai
– a group of social workers originally hailing from the parishes
of Kallianpur and Kundapur Varado)
and edited by none other than our own Shri. Kishore Gonsalves
Barkur, for, one who expected it to be a general Gulf issue, the
quick turning of few pages makes sure it is not categorized under
one among so many. In other words, the thick book is compiled by
him with quality articles by renowned Konkanni Writers of the
time, among other things, trying to throw some light on some
serious issues (of course few non-issues also crept in.)
Most of the better known writer’s are there with a special topic,
apart from introduction of artists, poems, stories…. and one have
to read them to have the real taste of the variety. Each one of us
has likes and dislikes - some prefer serious reading and many look
at hilarious light material but here in Mithr Special everything
included in required doses.
There are good number of articles I liked personally and just
refer three of them which caught my attention is those one by
Edwin J.F.D’Souza, Dr. Gerald Pinto and Melvyn Rodriguez.
‘The writer and the write-up’
an article, a must read not only for the one who try his pen in
Konkani but anyone who wants to be a writer in any language.
‘Don’t attempt to write without proper homework, rather know the
subject very well, changing times expect better works and
quality’.
It is said, about 3-4decades back, very few literary works in
Konkani and few periodicals and so few thousand readers, fine,
spoken language was active with common man, that too side-by-side
Tulu language in D.K. and South of Udupi Districts. He is very
right, since Church used the language, thus it enjoyed respect,
and recognition and so is very much alive and growing.
Scenario now changed to a great extent, web-sites, and forums like
Daiji Dubai, Mai-bhaas catapulted many a writers to great heights,
in turn this made them to give much better every time. I have
observed enormous quality improvement and there are some authors
who are capable of putting their views very precisely, not only in
Konkani but in English, Kannada, Tulu as well.
Dr. Gerald Pinto, while introducing our Varado, has given
Geo-religious explanation for the special status of this Northern
part of Mangalore Diocese with a special background of Mother
Church Milagres, Kallianpur. There are many a clues, legends and
usages to substantiate all that he has mentioned.
Gulf based Konkani atmosphere, by Melvyn Rodrigues is a sincere
effort to admit bare facts especially his concern for tomorrow –
whether the language in the written form will continue. I feel it
depends upon the learning of Kannada by the present and coming
generation and specifically Kannada Script! Reading or writing
Konkani in Devnagari or Hindi may be a substitute, but I have
strong reservations whether Mangalorean’s feel at ease with
Konkani in English script…!..?
Undoubtedly, at this juncture, success, progress and continuation
of Konkani among us and its further enrichment of the language, in
our place, go hand in hand with the success of Kannada Medium
Schools.
Dear Reader’s these few sentences I had written in appreciation of
Karaval Milan’s effort to keep the language and culture alive in
this part of the world as well as their concern for local needs
back home.
Before concluding, let me congratulate everyone who was involved
with Mr. Kishore Gonsalves and other eminent artists of my own
native Barkur – (Eric Soans, Pius James, Naveen Sequeira……..) as
well as all budding artists of the place…….., and good luck to
Karaval Milan. UAE - better days in the service of Konkani
community and culture.
On behalf of Barkuronline and ICYM Barkur Ex-Member’s Association,
P. Archibald Furtado,
Muscat
– 19th February 2005. |
