Mangalore: Konkani Kutam-Bahrain Award Conferred on Vally Vagga

News by Daijiworld, Pics by John V. Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 29 July 2012: Renowned Konkani writer Valerian D’Souza, popularly known as Vally Vagga, was conferred the ’Konkani Kutam Award’ for the year 2012 at glittering ceremony organized at St Sebastian hall, Bendore here on Saturday July 28.

 

The award, instituted by Konkani Kutam-Bahrain, was presented to Vally Vagga for his immense contribution to Konkani language and literature over the past few decades.

 

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Kasargod Chinna presided over the programme. Addressing the gathering, he said it was a proud day for Konkani that Vally Vagga was being honoured. He appreciated the efforts of Konkani Kutam-Bahrain in encouraging talents, and said that it was important to recognize talented people so as to strengthen Konkani.

 

 

"It is my dream to take Konkani to greater heights and pass on its glory to the next generation," he said. He also lauded the contribution of several Konkani litterateurs in enriching the language.

 

Editor of ’Raknno’ Konkani weekly Fr Francis Rodrigues who was the chief guest said that Konkani writers should concentrate on topics related to the present day like modern technology, the corporate world, current social issues and newsmakers. He said that short stories should speak on these issues, and thereby, also provide more general knowledge. "Let Konkani flourish and be enriched by all such stories," he said.

 

Vally Vagga was honoured by Fr Francis who presented a shawl and cash prize of Rs 50,000, and Chinna who gave away the citation. William Pais of Orchid Art Gallery read out the citation.

 

Acknowledging the honour, Vally Vagga said that more importance should be given to Konkani language, and that it was the duty of every Konkani speaker to do so. "Those who do not respect a language will not be respected," he said.

 

He thanked Konkani Kutam-Bahrain for honouring him and also for rendering selfless service to the society.

 

Convener of Konkani Kutam-Bahrain Richard Moras welcomed the gathering. Vittori Karkal introduced Vally Vagga to the audience and said that he has enriched the Konkani language with his works over the last 48 years, having started writing at the age of 17.

 

’Nidon Paddallo Ganv’, a collection of 32 poems by Walter Dantis, published by Kavita Trust, was released on the occasion by Richard Moras. President of Kavita Trust Melvyn Rodrigues gave a bried introduction on the book.

 

Leslie Rego compered the programme in his inimitable style. Titus Noronha, coordinater of proposed the vote of thanks.

 

Among those present were Karnataka Social Club president Max Sequeira, Vally Vagga’s wife Lidera D’Souza, Congress member and former MCC commissioner J R Lobo and Mandd Sobhann gurkar Eric Ozario.