Mangalore pays rich tribute to Poet Liyaab

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Pics by John Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 19 Oct,  2013 :  A condolence meeting was held at the Bishops house for the soul of Late Konkani Poet/writer Leo D’Souza on 18th October 2013 amidst gathering of well known Konkani writers and family.  The condolence meeting was organized jointly by Rakno Konkani weekly, Kavita Trust, Sandesh Foundation and Konkani Writers Forum.

 

 

HM Pernal, President of Konkani Writers Forum welcomed the gathering which was attended by well wishers of Leyab and his family members including Wife Mary, daughters and brother-in-law Rev. fr. Menezes.

HM Pernal said that Leyab had close bond with Rakno, Sandesha, Kavita Trust and Konkani Writers Forum.  He was the founder member of KWF and served KWF for 20 years and attended as many programs and events he could during his life time.   HM introduced the speakers for the day i.e. Rev. Fr. Francis Rodrigues (Editor Rakno), Ms. Judith Mascarenhas (close friend of Leyab), Dr. N.D. Shetty (Sandesha), CJS Thakode (Asst.Editor Rakno), Rev. Fr. Franklin Menezes (Family member) and Melwyn Rodrigues (Kavita Trust).

 

Addressing the gathering Fr. Francis Rodrigues said that Leyab was not only limited to one language but he spread his wings to develop all local languages and worked tirelessly authoring various books on poem, translated several books specially for kids from English to Konkani.  His writing skill was very unique and gave minute attention for everything was bestowed upon him, whether be it a literary work, editing, organizing, he was an institute himself.  He adopted Sandesh as one of his child and worked until his last breath for all out development of Sandesh after his retirement from Gulf in 1997.  He dedicated 61 years of his life to Rakno and has been its contributor as poet, author, translator, asst. Editor, editor so on from the beginning of the Rakno and worked under all editors.  He summed up saying that Leyab was an unique man and his characters are determined by his name itself:  L = Langauge, I = Intelligent, Y = Yearning, A = Action and B = Book.  In conclusion he prayed for the soul of Leyab and offered sympathy for his Wife Mary and family members present.

Speaking on the occasion Ms. Judith Mascarenhas a very close family friend explained his various good deeds and helpful nature from the early days of his childhood, his friendly and humble nature.  She also said that he not only a writer but a good singers too as he was the first member of choir conducted by another konkani legend V.J.P. Saldana (Khadap) under the title " Fill Harmony" at Bendur church.  She further said he was YES MAN for whatever he has been asked or requested.  He never said no to anyone and took great pains to fulfill all requests and satisfy all.  She read a wonderful poem by an English poet Longfellow summarizing his humble nature and called him as a Pearl of Konkani.

Mr. N.D. Shetty of Sandesh as his close friend was all praise for Leyab as his close relationship with him for 10 years and he considered him as Chess Player b’case he knew every move before a program or event to be organized. He thought of every move and planned everything in advance and made sure the event or any meetings, conferences went smoothly and successful.  He was so much involved in Sandesh even today we feel his presence and guidance to fulfill all our duties in dedication and he guides us in every way from above.

Speaking on the occasion CGS Thakode narrated all his achievements throughout his life and his dedication to Rakno and Sandesha.

Rev. Fr. Franklin Menezed spoke on his family role and he said Leyab was also a complete family man.   He thanked KWF, Rakno, Kavita Trust and Sandesh for organizing the Condolence meeting and thanked all well wishers of Leyab gathering in large numbers.  In short his role in family he said:  " You have touched us and we have grown ".   He also said that his Wife came first before anything and he Leyab considered his wife as his best gift.  He went to explain his role in the family and how he cared for each member including his responsibly and guidance to his grand children and said that Leyab was a complete family man despite his various literary and various other commitments.

One of his grandchild Jovita also spoke on the occasion and told that he was like a close friend to whom she could ask anything and get guidance even the things she could not ask her parents and he guided her every step as she was with him for 20 years.

In conclusion Kavita Trust President read out a few selected poems of Leyab and offered his condolences.  Vote of thanks was proposed by Rev. Fr. Vijay Victor Lobo (Director – Sandesha).

 

The Condolence Meeting was compered by HM Pernal (President) Konkani Writers Forum (Karnataka).