Mangaluru: “Compared to other Indian languages, the modern Konkani poetry is rich in its form, style and theme. Modern Konkani poets respond well to the contemporary social issues. The 2005 tsunami, female infanticide, social inequality, and the environment are the issues seriously addressed by poets of modern times in Konkani”, opined Sri Gokuldas Prabhu, Member, General Council, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi and President of the All India Konkani Parishath.
He was speaking on the subject “New Experiments in Modern Konkani Poetry” after releasing the special edition of the ARSO literary magazine, edited and published by poet and critic H M Pernal at Suma Sadana, Mallikatte, Mangalore.
“It is true that in the beginning of 20th century, modern poetry flourished worldwide. Konkani poetry has a brief history. It came into full form somewhere between 1930 and 1950 in India. Baki Baab Borkar and Louise Mascarenhas are the poets who took the lead in Goa and Karnataka to popularise Konkani poetry. But, they can’t be considered as modern poets. Modern themes, forms and styles were introduced to Konkani poetry by poets like Manohar Rai Sardesai, C F D Costa, R V Pandit and Ramesh Veluskar. Even today most Konkani poets follow their style”, Prabhu elaborated citing examples from Sardesai’s poetry.
He further said, “It is wrong to classify modern poetry based on period. To that extent, 17th Century English poet John Donne’s poetry can be considered modern in form, style and theme. Some contemporary poets of Konkani are still following the romanticism school of poetry.”
“In the last 25 years, there has been a rapid change in Konkani poetry in form, style and theme. In this context, we can proudly say that Konkani poetry stands at par with poetry of other Indian Languages,” Prabhu said.
Shakuntala R Kini, Secretary, World Konkani Centre gave away the prizes of Poetics–World Konkani Centre Poetry Competition organised by the poets group headed by award winning poet Wilson Kateel.
Jomel Bondel, Roshu Bajpe, Stephen Quadrose and Rohan Adkabare were the recipients of the prizes.
Congratulating the winners, Kini said, “The use of modern communication mediums for literary activities like poetry is commendable. Social networking sites should act like a bridge between people. The World Konkani Centre will always support young talents working for the cause of Konkani.”
The editor of ARSO, H M Pernal introduced the guests to the audience and welcomed the gathering. Poetics head poet Wilson Kateel and convener of poetry competitions Fr. Jo. Cy. Siddakatte were present on the dais.
Theatre personality and illustrator Eddie Sequeira compered the programme.
Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy President R P Naik, Registrar Dr. B Devdas Pai, Dr. Jayawanth Nayak, Convener, Konkani Study Chair, Mangalore University, Dr. Austin D’Souza Prabhu, Chicago, Prof .Karunakar Nayak, Principal, MSRS College, Shirva, Anil Lobo, President, Catholic Sabha, Konkani Bhasha Mandal President Geeta C Kini, Kavita Trust Founder Melvyn Rodrigues, English author and Director of Orchid Art Gallery William Pais, Senior Writers Eddie Netto, Vally Vagga, Mysore, Manu Bahrain, Ron Roche Cascia, J F D’Souza, theatre personalities John M Permannur, Fr. Alwyn Serrao, Christopher Neenasam, Clanwin Fernandes, Konkani M A students and lecturers and others were present on the occasion.
