Udupi: Konkani Writer MelwinKolalgiri conferred with Kittall ’YuvaPuroskar’ in a glitte

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 16 Aug 2015: In a glittering ceremony held by popular Konkani Web Portal Kittall.com a well-known konkani youth writer Melwin Mascarenhas from Kolalgiri Parish conferred with coveted Leo Rodrigues Kittall “ YuvaPuroskar “ on Saturday the 15th August 2015 at Don Bosco Hall, Bishop’s House, Udupi.

Also on the occasion a new konkani audio CD titled “TujemRupnne”  by 3 Sozas (Marian D’Souza Pernal, Anil D’Souza Pernal and Wilfred R. D’Souza, Pangla) was released.

The grand event began at sharp 11:45 with the popular MC of Udupi/Mangalore Alwyn Danthy welcoming the gathering and requested HM Pernal to invite all the dignitaries present to the dais namely:  The Chief Guest of the day Rev. Fr. Lawrence D’Souza, secretary, Catholic Board of Education, Diocese of Udupi,  Mr. Ronald Sabi – Promotor, Bellevision-Global, Mr. Daya Victor Lobo (Advisory Board Kittall), and Mr. Marian D’Souza, Pernal (Composer – “TujemRupnnem”). Miss. CarolDanthy invoked God’s blessing by singing a prayer song.

HM Pernal, editor, Kittall.com and ARSOfortnightly welcomed the gathering and explained briefly how the Kittall journey started.  He said the purpose was to support the konkani writers and poets especially the youth to enhance their talent through support by publishing their articles, helping out the publication of their story or poem collections.  The Kittall.com (web portal) started in 2011 and promised to give platform to all talented writers and only quality articles has been published.  The YuvaPuroskar was first initiated in 2012 with the financial support of Mr. Leo Rodgrigues from Abu Dhabi who is a great philanthropist who always supports konkani artists and writers and konkani organizations.  The first Kittall “YuvaPuroskar” was awarded to  Bro. JocySiddakatte (Now Asst. Priest at Bajjodi Parish), the second to Wilma, Bantwal and the third was awarded to Stany Bela.  He thanked Mr. Leo Rodrigues and family for their generous help in his absence as he could not attend due to other commitments.  HM Pernal also introduced the 3 Sozas who’s CD was released on the occasion.  He also introduced Canute Kelarai of Evershine Publications who came forward to publish MelwinKolalgiri’s collection of essays titled: “ Pinturam “ and thanked him on behalf of Kittall.com for his support to konkani writers.

All the dignitaries on dais were honoured with floral bouquets.   Introduction of MelwinKolalgiri was done by Steven Mendonsa and citation was read by Pinto Vamanjoor. 

Melwin was honoured with traditional shawl, flower garland, Fruit Basket, Citation and Cash Prize of Rs.10,000 by Fr. Lawrence D’Souza, Ronald Sabi D’Souza, Daya Victor, Pinto Vamanjoor and HM Pernal respectively.

In response, Melwin thanked Kittall Advisory Board for recognizing him with this special literary award. He said initially he wrote a lot in his dairy and it remained there for years and finally ICYM Kolalgirirecognized his talent and encouraged him to publish his stories and poems.  Since then he has not looked back and has contributed to various konkani and Kannada periodicals.  He thanked each and every publisher, friends, editors and readers for their tremendous support through is literary journey.  Further he said having been awarded with the YuvaPuroskar his responsibility is now increased and readers expect more work from him and he promised that he will try his best to write more.

On the occasion Ronald Sabi (MD Blue Chem Dubai) spoke on the role of media and how the media should bring change about and its responsibility lies with editors of konkani writers and editors.  He was over whelmed at the attendance of the large number of writers and artists and their families and he said he has attended many konkani programs but never seen such a dedicated and enthusiastic crowd and thanked everyone including a few people standing outside of the hall for the pure love of konkani.

On behalf of 3 Sozas Marian Pernal spoke a few words and said that they have put maximum efforts to make the audio CD to be the best one and better than their previous CD : TujeCharani – Konkani Hymns.

 

 

In his address, Fr Lawrence said,that every person on this earth is born with immense talents but it is up to us to help them recognize them.  He said when a child enters the school has empty knowledge but its teachers who fill up gradually into their brain and make them great leaders.  In his presidential address he requested all who gathered to support the writers and artists to bring out best among them.  He lauded Kittall’s efforts in this regard and wished Kittall and Melwin all the best and congratulatdMelwin on receiving the coveted Kittall award.

Fr Lawrence D’Souza released the CD “ TujemRupnne” and Ronald Sabi released the book “Pinturam”  a collection of essay’s by Kittall Puroskar recipient.  This book was published by Evershine Publications – Canute Kelarai.

Prior to release of the book Wilson Kateela most prominent poet from Mangalore gave a brief intro of the book and said that Melwin has written his vast experience with his parents, teachers, neighbors and friends involving many funny and memorable incidents and these memorable moments every konkani readers must go through and enjoy.

The master of ceremony Alwyn Pernalconducted the entire program wonderfully filled with his usual wit, humor and compered the programme entertaining the crowd which enjoyed each moment and never let them to boredom  and Ronald Sequiera, Surathkal proposed the vote of thanks.