Modern Konkani Poetry on par with other Indian Languages – Gokuldas Prabhu

Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 18 Dec 2017: “Compared to other Indian languages modern Konkani poetry is rich in its form, style and theme. Modern Konkani poets have  dealt with  contemporary social issues in their poems which is a noteworthy development. The 2005 tsunami, female feticide, social inequality, and environment are  some of the issues seriously  addressed by  Konkani poets of modern times” opined Gokuldas Prabhu, Member, General Council, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi and President of All India Konkani Parishath.

 

He was speaking on the subject “New Experiments in Modern Konkani Poetry” after releasing special edition of ARSO literary magazine edited and published by poet, critic H M Pernal.

 

 

“It is true that in the  beginning of the 20th century modern poetry flourished worldwide. As compared to that Konkani poetry has a brief history. It came into full form during 1930 – 1950 in India. Baki Baab Borkar and Louise Mascarenhas are the two poets who took lead in Goa and Karnataka respectively to popularize Konkani poetry. But they can’t be considered as modern poets. Modern themes, forms and styles were introduced in 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” Mr. Prabhu elaborated citing examples from Sardesai’s poetry.

 

He further said “It is wrong to classify modern poetry based on a particular period. To that extent 17th Century English poet John Donne’s poetry is more modern in form, style and theme. Some contemporary poets of Konkani are still following romanticism school of poetry.”

 

“In the  last 25 years there has been a rapid change in Konkani poetry in language, form, style and themes. In this context we can proudly say that Konkani poetry stands on par with poetry from other Indian Languages” Prabhu stated.

 

Mr. Gokuldas Prabhu released  the special edition of “ARSO” literary magazine on this occasion.

 

Mrs. Shakuntala R Kini, Secretary, World Konkani Centre gave away prizes of  the winners of poetry competition organised by Poetics Whatsapp group which is managed by award winning poet Wilson, Kateel.

 

The winners of the poetry competiton Jomel Bondel, Roshu Bajpe, Stephen Quadras, Rohan Adkabare received the prizes from Shakunthala Kini.

 

Congratulating the winners Shakunthala Kini said “use of modern communication mediums for literary activities like poetry is commendable. Social networking sites should act as bridges among people. World Konkani Centre will always support young talents working for the cause of Konkani.”

 

Editor of ARSO H M Pernal introduced the guests and welcomed the gathering. Poetics Whatsapp sadmin poet Wilson Kateel and Convener of poetry competition Fr. Jo. C. Siddakatte were present on the dais.

 

Theatre personality and illustrator Eddie Sequeira compered the programme.

 

KKSA 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,  Konkani Bhasha Mandal President Smt 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.