M’lore: Wilma Bantwal conferred Leo Rodrigus Family Kittall Yuva Puroskar 2012

Pics by Roshan Madtha
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 03 Mar 2013: Young writer Wilma Bantwal was conferred the ‘ Leo Rodrigues Family Kittall Yuva Puroskar-2012’ during a programme organized by Kittall.com to mark its second anniversary at Valencia Church hall here on Saturday March 2.

 

The Award was presented by Rohan Monteiro, managing director of Property Infratech Ltd, who was the chief guest for the programme. Konkani poet and Thinker Titus Noronha was the guest of honour.

 

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the programme, Rohan Monteiro said, "We have been hearing that our country is in the hands of our youth. But the sad part is these day’s youth are getting into wrong direction as they are not guided properly. Cases like drugs and alcoholism taking place in our city are an indication of this”  Mr Rohan further said “ It is important that elders encourage the youngsters and make them to contribute to our language and literature.  Only through this can Konkani grow," he said, lauding H M Pernal for promoting Konkani literature through his unique literary website Kittall.com.

Mr Rohan Monteiro conferred Leo Rodrigues Family Kittall Yuva Puroskar 2012 to Wilma Bantwal for her contribution to Konkani literature. The award comprised a memento, a citation and Rs 10,000 cash prize. The award selection committee consisted of three members namely Titus Noronha, Melvyn Rodrigues and Guru Baliga.

 

 

 

Acknowledging the honour, Wilma Bantwal said “ As I was influenced by the language and received good support and guidance from people, I started contributing to Konkani literature through my writing" , assuring that she would keep on doing so. "There is a need to preserve our culture and to do so we have to preserve and promote our language first," Wilma opined.

Editor’s Choice awards in three categories of BEST SHORT STORY OF THE YEAR 2012 , BEST POEM OF THE YEAR 2012 and BEST ESSAY OF THE YEAR 2012 were presented to Mr Ronald J Sequeira for his short story GORJEK PODATH , Mr Wilson Sequeira for his poem KOSLI DHARUNAI ? and Rev Fr Denis Castelino for his Essay MOJO BAAB RAYMOND CASTELINO.

 

Leslie Rego read out Message fro Mr  Leo Rodrigues , who instituted the award.

 

 

As part of the programme, an annual lecture was organized which was delivered by Titus Noronha on the topic Culture and Youth.
Commenting on the topic, he defined culture as a ‘collective behaviour of people during a definite period’ and also explained how culture changes with time. He further said , "These days in the name of culture moral policing is taking place, wherein youth take law into their hands"

 

"Migration is another problem through which culture dies. People adopt the culture of the new land very soon, leaving aside their native culture," he observed.

 

H M Pernal, editor of Kittall.com welcomed the gathering and Leslie Rego compered the programme. Anil D Cunha and Irene Rebello rendered the prayer song.

 
Vishwa Konkani Sardar Shri Basti Vaman Shenoy, Naman Balok Jesu Editor Fr Steven Pereira,  Fr Denis Castelino, Fr Ronald D’Souza, Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, Fr J C Moras , Fr Basil Vas , Sr Linet A C and sisters from Apostolic Carmel and Community leader Louise J Pinto, Elias Sanctis, Dr Derek Lobo, Eric Correa and hundreds of  Konkani writers , musicians and artists  were  present on the occasion.