‘Banghar Munis’ Writer J F D’souza Conferred with Konkani Kutam Bahrain Award 2019
Mangaluru : Dubbed and fondly known as “Banghar Munis'(Golden Man”) , because many of his articles/books start with the name “Banghar..”, the 18th Konkni Kutam Bahrain Award 2019 was conferred on well-known Konkani writer J F D’Souza, Attavar,Mangaluru at the Award Ceremony held on Monday, 16 December 2019 at St Sebastian Golden Jubilee Hall, Bendore, Mangaluru, attended by a crowd predominately of mixed stature, comprising of writers, poets, and their families and friends.
In his acceptance speech, J F D’Souza said, “My heartfelt gratitude to Konkani Kutam Bahrain and my family for all the support they have rendered to me. I am also grateful to the Almighty God for giving me the writing talents, without whose blessings I wouldn’t have accomplished so far. Reading lots of books and magazines, led me to become a writer. Also the support from the editors of Konkani and Kannada magazines, whoa also published my articles in their periodicals made me successful. . My wife and family members encouraged me to keep writing, which I haven’t stopped as of today. Once again, sincere thanks to Konkani Kutam Bahrain for the honour and I believe through this award, my responsibility in literature field has doubled.”
Chief guest JoGi complimenting J F D’souza said, “I admire the simplicity of J F D’souza, and commend him for his continuous writing spree for decades, including his children books and novels. He deserves this Award for his efforts and writing talents.While congratulating him on his achievements, I will be looking forward for more literature from him”
Fr Alwyn Serrao speaking on the language issues said, “Hundreds of local, less-spoken languages are slowly going towards extinction every year due to various reasons. Globalization stands first which is very dangerous to local languages. If a language is not being used, it means that community also is losing its existence. Our ancestors handed over our language to us with pride. We have the responsibility to hand it over to our next generation. When we fail to do it, we losing our identity and existence.”
The introduction of Konkani Kutam Bahrai was done by Henry D’Almeida, convenor, Konkani Kutam Bahrain, while Richard Moras, local convenor, Konkani Kutam Bahrain, welcomed the gathering. Titus Noronha, member, organizing committee, introduced the guests. CJS Taccode, Konkani writer, introduced J F D’Souza to guests and gathering and William Pais read the citation of J F D’souza. On the occasion, ‘Masam’, a short story collection of Konkani writer Antony Barkur, was released. The programme was professionally compered by Leslie Rego.
A BRIEF PROFILE OF J F D’SOUZA :
J F D’Souza, aged 77, is a retired government officer who served in the forest department for 39 years from 1961 to 2000. Starting his journey in Konkani literature way back in 1961, he wrote for Jhelo, Mithr, Vishal Konkan, Kannas, well known Konkani periodicals of the time. He wrote using pen names as – JF D’Souza Attavar, Jeffry Kumar, Jeffry Jeppu. Post retirement, he wrote articles on current affairs to different Konkani periodicals including stories for children, poetry, short poems and jokes.
He also ran columns titled Dam Dim Dum, Garam Garam Kurkure, Hunoni Kurkure in Konkani periodicals like Raknno, Kutaam and Divo. D’Souza also writes in Tulu, Kannada, and English. He has published books for children. Robinhood is his published Konkani novella.
He won Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academi Award for his Bhangarachi Maslli in the children’s literature category. He was awarded Konkani Star by Konkani Friends UK, besides being honoured with Victor Rodrigues Angelore Memorial Award.