Jesuit Priest Fr Prashant Madtha Conferred with 17th Konkani Kutam Literary Award-18

Jesuit Priest Fr Prashant Madtha Conferred with 17th Konkani Kutam Literary Award-18

Jesuit Priest Fr Prashant Madtha S J Conferred with 17th Konkani Kutam Literary Award-2018 by Konkani Kutam, Bahrain

Konkani Kutam Bahrain is a forum formed in the year 2000 in Bahrain, to promote Konkani language, literature and culture. In its endeavor to support Konkani writers and artists, Konkani Kutam has instituted Konkani Kutam Award in 2002. The award consists of a citation, memento and a cash prize of Rs.50,000.

The executive committee unanimously has selected Father Prashant Madtha S.J. for his immense contribution to Konkani language and Literature. The award will be presented in a glittering ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, 28th July, 2018 at 6.30 pm at St. Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall, Bendore, Mangaluru. The famous Kannada writer and Poet Sri Jayant Kaikini will attend the program as a Chief Guest and a well known Konkani Poet Melvyn Rodrigues will be the Guest of honour.

About Fr. Prashant Madtha S J:

Konkani and Kannada people world over, have a unique place for Fr. Prashant Madtha SJ, a Jesuit of Mangaluru, more widely known in Karnataka. Among countless works in Kannada and Konkani, ‘Padanidhi’ the very first ever Kannada Thesaurus is one more crowning glory for this lover of Kannada. He also brought out Konkani Thesar which is considered to be a treasure for the Konkani literature. He is known as ‘Wordsmith’ ‘Second Kittel’ and “Roget of Kannada’.

Apart from his literary work, Fr. Prashant Madtha Sj is a great orator known for his wit and humour, and holds a Master’s degree in Kannada with Ist rank and 3 gold medals. He has served as lecturer, principal and director at St Aloysius College in Mangaluru and St Joseph College in Bengaluru. He is also a noted author and columnist in Kannada and Konkani. As a gifted, creative and prolific writer, Fr. Prashant Madtha’s contribution has enriched Konkani and Kannada literature. In 2008 India Today weekly magazine recognised Fr Prashant Madtha is one of the ’50 Pioneers of Change’.

Fr Madtha’s Life and Work:

Early academic achievements: Born in Sullia, Fr.Prashant Madtaha had his early education at Board High School, Sullia and PUC at St Aloysius College, Mangaluru. He then earned a Degree with Kannada Major and Sanskrit at University College, Mangaluru. Philosophy Theology from Jnana Deepa Vidya Peet, Pune. Masters in Kannada with First Rank and 3 Gold Medals from Bangalore University.

The Various Positions He Held:

– Lecturer in Kannada, St Joseph’s College, Bangalore – 1977-78; Lecturer in Kannada, St Aloysius College, Mangaluru – 1981 to 2003; Principal- St Aloysius College from 1994 to 2003; Correspondent, St Aloysius Evening College, Mangaluru; Director of The Institute of Konkani, St Aloysius College, Mangaluru; Member of the Editorial Board of Encyclopedia on Religion, Hampi Kannada University; Member of the Academic Council – Mangalore University; Director of St Aloysius College Boys Hostel; Principal, St Joseph’s Evening College (autonomous), Bengaluru; Administrator, St Joseph’s PU Evening College, Bengaluru.

At present he is the Director and Finance Officer, St Joseph’s College of Commerce (autonomous), Bengaluru and Director of Pondicherry University Distance MBA education, Bengaluru Region.

Fr Prashant Madtha introduced Konkani as the second language for Degree courses in St Aloysius College. Mangalore University granted affiliation to the subject on 24 July 1996. St Aloysius became the first and the only College in Karnataka to introduce Konkani as a subject and exams were conducted by the Mangalore University. Special scholarships were provided to the students who took Konkani literature as their second language.

Books authored: Books in Kannada: Veera Virakta; Kristhana Anukarane; Savira Hoovugalu Aralali; Ninnanthe Naanagalu; Saanidhya; Kannada Padanidhi (Kannada Thesaurus of synonyms and antonyms – 2007 reprinted in 2008)

Books in Konkani: Kittallam; Rattavoll; Konkani Pikollim (10,000 Konkani idioms); Konkani Thesar

Books in English: ‘On Eagle’s Wings’ (125 years history of St.Aloysius College, Mangaluru)

His modern contributions to Kannada and Konkani are too numerous to detail, perhaps few scholars of today could have made so a wide a contribution to the twin languages of which there is no doubt and a search on internet can reveal fine details.

Journals which have published Fr Prashant Madtha’s Articles:

Saadhana (of Bangalore University); Jeevana Monthly; Kasturi Monthly; Santhosha Monthly; Usha Kiran Daily; Udayavani – ‘Chakitachitta’ in Udayavani – Kannada Daily- in Mangaluru and Bengaluru editions, about 400 column articles written from 2009; Rakno (Konkani); and Jhelo (Konkani)

Awards received by Fr. Prashant Madtha:

Fr. Prashant V. Madtha, was recently given the lifetime achievement award by the Konkani Catholic Association.

· Indian Catholic Press Association Award –2008

· Danthi Smarak Award – 2008

· Sandesha Award for Konkani Literature – 2009

Honoured:

· Recognized as one of the ‘50 Pioneers of Change of India’(India Today-July 7, 2008)

· Honoured at Sullia Sahitya Sammelan

· Honoured by the 76th All India Kannada Literary Conference held in Gadag on 21 February 2010, for his contribution for Kannada Literature and culture

· Achievement Award- Kurunji Venkataramana Gowda Award

· Honoured with the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ by Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations of Karnataka (FKCA) on 30 January 2011.