---------- Forwarded message ---------- THOMAS STEPHENS KONKNNI KENDR
B.B. Borkar Road, Alto Porvorim, Goa - 403 521 ( (0832) 2415857, 2415864 26 February 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Konkani lost its stalwart Fr. Antonio Pereira. S.J. a renowned Konkani writer expired on 25 February 2004 at St. Britto's, Mapusa. He was responsible for creating extraordinary landmarks in the field of Konkani literature in Roman script. Fr Pereira began his Konkani writng in Roman script for V. Ixtt and Dor mhoineachi Rotti. Later he continued to write also for Gulab, Goencho Avaz, The Goan Review. He has written a series of English articles about Konkani in The Navhind Times and Herald dailies. He has 34 Konkani and 2 English books to his credit. His first Konkani book 'Kurpechim Kirnnam' was published in 1952. 'Onvllam' (1973), Tuzo vichar' (1974), 'Vadoll ani Varem' (1979), 'Fuddari' (1985), 'Chirmuleo' (1989), 'Mhojea Hatanchi ani Vonttanchi Kanni (1989), 'Konkani Oparinchem Bhanddar' (1985) are some of his important books. 'Vadoll ani Varem' novel won for him three prizes, and is prescribed for MA Konkani by Goa University. His first book in English 'The Makers of Konkani Literature' was a landmark in his career as a writer. Fr Pereira was born on 25 August 1919 at Sirlim, Salcete. He joined Jesuit Novitiate at Calicut on 13 August 1941 with motto 'To Love Christ and His people'. His priestly education was at Shembaganur, Tamilnadu and at Kurseong in West Bengal. He was ordained priest on 21 November 1952. He spent his early years of priesthood at Baga. In 1955 he was appointed as the Parish Priest of Bicholim. His main slogan after joining as a parish priest was "I have come as a pilgrim of joy, peace, serenity and love" and with this slogan he was successful in making friends with Christians, Hindus and Muslims of Bicholim area. Our Lady of Grace High School was started by Fr Pereira in 1956 with the primary section. By 1957 he was successful in giving a new building to the school and he took the initiative in visiting each and every house of the village and persuaded the parents to send their children to the school. These efforts of Fr Pereira developed the school into a high school. Fr Perei! ra gave the impetus for starting a maternity Hospital by FMM sisters at Bicholim village. He showed his love for football by starting Bicholim Football Club at Bicholim. He worked for 19 years at Bicholim. For the remarkable developments he made in this village one of the roads in Bicholim is named after him. Fr Pereira was a popular Konkani preacher. People liked his preaching. Therefore he was invited to preach in Goa, Maharashtra and in Gulf countries. From Bicholim he came to Baga for another 12 years as the director of the Xavier Retreat House. From Baga he was transferred to Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Porvorim, where he continued his preaching and writing. It was here that he suffered a stroke, which left him paralysed for some years. When he had partially recovered he was shifted to St. Britto's Mapusa and he continued his writing work from his bed. In 1989 when Fr Pereira completed 70 years of his life, since he was a founding member of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, TSKK instituted an award named 'Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar' with the help of his friends. This award now amounting Rs. 25,000/- is given every year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fr Pereira has received many awards, and has been felicitated by a number of organisations. The last of these honours was on 6 June 2003 at Panaji at the hands of the Governor of Goa. ----------------------------------- Thanking you, Yours sincerely Pratap Naik, S.J. Director TSKK ------------------------------------------------------------------- To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from Goa-Research-Net ------------------------------------------------------------------- * Send us a brief self-intro to justify your interest in this "specialized" forum. This should be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or to [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] (NOT [EMAIL PROTECTED]) * Leave SUBJECT blank * On first line of the BODY of your message, type: subscribe goa-research-net [EMAIL PROTECTED] or unsubscribe goa-research-net [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------------------
