Veteran writer Edie Netto bags MCA Kala Puraskar-2024

Bellevision Media Network

Doha, 30 Apr 2024: Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA), Qatar, the united forum of Mangalureans working and residing in Qatar, has announced that renowned veteran Konkani writer Edie Netto has been chosen for this year’s Kala Puraskar award. The award will be presented to Edie Netto during the MCA annual even KALOTSAV-2024 to be held on Friday June 7, here in Doha.

 

He was chosen for the prestigious award by MCA executive committee, considering his immense contribution to the cause of Konkani language and literature. The annual award, which was instituted in 2013, comprises of a citation, a memento and a cash component of Rs 1 lac.

 

MCA president Aloysius D’Souza informed that the MCA is proud and privileged to announce that Kala Puraskar 2024 will be bestowed on Konkani litterateur, essayist, critique, Konkani language activist and former IAF soldier Edie Netto for his tremendous work in the field of Konkani literature.

 

Netto, born in 1938 to the late Amando Netto, a dramatist and band master, and the late Francisca Netto, had his initial schooling at St Joseph School, Jeppu and then studied at St Aloysius High School. He had great interest in acting since childhood. Encouraged by his actor brother, Luvi Netto, and guided by writer, the late J S Alvares, he grew up into a fine writer, actor, singer and composer. During his school days, he used to write in Kannada too.

 

He joined Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1956 and served there till his retirement in 1993 as a missile officer. His meritorious service in IAF earned him Rashtrapati Puraskar, five military medals and various other military facilities. Netto had actively taken part in the 1962 China war, 1965 Pakistan war and 1971 Bangla war. Even while being away from his native place during his posting in states like Assam, Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan, he continued to contribute to the growth of Konkani.

 

His contribution to Konkani has been immense. His writing career that started at the age of 18 in 1956, lasted uninterrupted for over 6 decades. During this long period, he has written over 2700 Konkani articles, more than 600 short stories, and 30 poems. He has also published 9 books so far.

 

Netto has already been conferred the Divo Mumbai award - 2002, Konkani Sahitya Academy Award - 2005, Kuwait Konkani Talent Award – 2006, Daiji Dubai Award – 2008, Konkani Kuttam Bahrain Award – 2010, Sandesha Award – 2018, Karnataka Konkani Writes’ Association Award – 2022 and many more awards and laurels.

 

 

About Mangalore Cultural Association

Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA) is one of the pioneer community organizations in Doha Qatar, affiliated to the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of Embassy of India, Qatar. MCA is actively involved in organizing major social, cultural and sports events and supporting the community at large in Doha and back home in the native. MCA came into existence in the year 2008, primarily to foster closer relations between people hailing from native land and residing in Doha Qatar and to provide platform and promote native values and culture amongst residents and younger generation in Qatar. MCA’s mission is to improve the lives of the less fortunate children back home, by supporting them financially to meet their educational needs and ignite hope in them for a bright future. Currently, there are hundreds of students pursuing their primary education and also hundreds of less fortunate people availing medical aid through kind-hearted support and benevolence.

 

Along with this, MCA is also at the forefront of promoting Konkani language and culture through its various initiatives and programmes. MCA Kala Puraskar and Seva Puraskar which comprise of citation, memento and cash component of Rs 1 lac, are aimed at recognising stalwarts who have contributed immensely to the field of Konkani literature and language and those who have selflessly rendered yeoman’s service to the society. MCA has time and again provided an excellent stage to various Konkani artistes, singers, dancers, comperes and actors from back home to showcase their talent at the international level.

 

MCA Kalotsav-2024 Kalotsav-2024 promises a captivating blend of music, dance and comedy featuring renowned artistes. Vipul, the Indian Ambassador to the State of Qatar will be the chief guest of evening.

 

With a perfect blend of Konkani, mesmerizing dances, hilarious comedy, and a plethora of entertainment, Kalotsav-2024 guarantees an unforgettable experience. The dynamic team led by president Aloysius D’Souza, along with advisors Felix Lobo, Wilfred Fernandes, Jerry Pinto, and the entire Executive Committee, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of Kalotsav-2024.