|
An anthology of Konkani Poems
Nimanni Saireek
by Pius James D’Souza, Karugalnade, Barkur.
We repeatedly made it a point to state, there is no dearth of
talents in Barkur. There are quality story writers, best
dramatists, singers and most importantly renowned poets in Konkani
language. Kishore Gonsalves, Eric Soans, Nelson Furtado,
Anthony D’Souza are of class of their own and repute in the
Konkani literary world. Thanks to the development of communication
media, training camps, Konkani web sites, our local parish
bulletin – Pedruchi Chavi, as well, for giving much needed
exposure to this young breed of genius brains.
Though a senior by age, in the above lot, but latest to earn a
reputation of a modern Konkani Poet, is my neighbor Pius James
D’Souza. His pen name PJ Karugalnade, the birth place,
where once upon a time cattle used to graze…. as this low lying
area around ferry, – Hosala - Moodahadu - reserved for this
purpose. Now name only remains, as the land either grabbed… or say
it akrama become sakrama officially.
Once hearing news of release of collection of PJ’s works in a
book, in Dubai, requested our Host to fetch me a copy and he as
usual, readily obliged and a copy was arranged. Turning the pages
of the booklet is a magical experience – some 34 poems instantly
exhibit freshness and exuberance.
By the way, rightly nicknamed Poet maker Melvyn
Rodrigues and veteran Hemacharya reviewed the class,
depth, beauty and quality of few chosen one’s in their respective
foreword and encouraging passages - viz. Konne Rachlo Makha,
Kuson Gelli Sobhai, Bhirankull Chedvan, Tuje Vengenth, Aami Tegi
Bhoinnim… of course title master piece Nimaani Saireek.
All who had a glance at them, surely endorse the great
opinion.
Personally, Ghayellen Lahnnphonn, Eka Kushicho Mog really
touched me… as both speak with bleeding tears. In the former Poet
narrates Childhood of a person, hailing from a poor family… but
the last line is an eye opener – discrimination at those tender
years both by teachers and elders really hurts……in the latter,
teenage love, most of the time infatuation, is well worded –
cleverly he gives two hints of recognition of his sweet
heart….words are used both as pronoun and verb to give the
identity! Great tact - deep and most complex emotions wonderfully
stitched!!
One more Sanskratechi Veed-vavlli – poets anguish over
excessive or undue importance given to Westernization at the cost
of, not only ruining the rich Konkani heritage and culture in our
living and celebrations but also wholesome neglect. Yes Poet’s
Mother Agnes Auntie, back home, was a famous yester years
composer of Vovio and varse, me too is the one heard
of her rich voice, very closely, only on my ‘rosé day’ for
the first time… some 15 years back! Worn-out video cassette still
harbor rich memo rare to remind and remember!!
What a blunder, the fact is - while the coconut milk was applied,
to Bride or Bride groom on previous night, we the boys normally
busy in our own world. Then on wedding day, least concerned to pay
attention to the left side of the matov / pendal….where
females used to engage in singing, war of words / one up-man ship
between Bride and Groom’s sides etc. Anyhow all these rituals,
ceremonies washed away with the passage of time…..After my own,
for the last one and a half decades, neither heard, nor attended
any wedding function held at homes! Thanks to PJ, for refreshing
us.
Istagat (friendship)
is one more, short and sweet, so is arshyachen ghar
(aquarium - house of glass) – then Bhivnkuro – (coward) the
ending catch the attention – ‘blossom like a rose in the company
of thorny shrub’. Yes, hall mark or the distinctive feature of
PJ’s poems is indifferent ending line / conclusion!! In short I
liked many of these poems so much that, I am happy to read them
more than once, as every rift is loaded with ore, balanced use of
similes and metaphors, especially personification tact in
composition, then attractive front page, nicely typeset,
comfortable in the hands.
It was maestro in acting in PJ of 1980’s and early 90’s most of
the Barkurians still admire, in fact best to see him as
Dadarcho Dada. No clue that a Poet of this stature is hiding
in this pleasant personality then! Successes have friends, but
failure is orphan, today PJ rose to great heights, we too may be a
party not to extend minimum encouragement in days, he really
looking for……
Social and most importantly economic status of Mangaloreans in
general shown great progress and Barkurian’s are not an exception,
as Gulf has come to the rescue of many. Moreover, here one find
little spare time to be creative and in the recent past print
media, once in the threshold of few influential, now paved way for
electronic media with unlimited space! We may not be wrong, the
real ‘Konkani Literary Renaissance’ taken place in these
days, Dubai being its nerve centre. We are very proud that
Barkurian’s too are part of these achievements.
While congratulating PJ on this landmark achievement, of
publication of his book by Kavita Publications, we at
Barkur-on-Line Team thank PJ’s mentors especially Melvyn
Rodrigues and others…. and many more superior literary works,
take shape in PJ’s hands, in days to come.
On behalf Barkur-on-line Team and ICYM Barkur Ex-Member’s
Association,
P. Archibald Furtado,
Muscat – 22/04/2008. |
