To, The Editor,
Dear Sir, We have released 3 nos books in Konkani on 22nd June 2014 at Margao. News and photos of the same are attached herewith. We kindly request you to give good publicity to the same. Thanking you, Yours faithfully, *(Vincy Quadros)* *Secretary* *9822587498* *DKA RELEASES 3 NEW BOOKS* There was a time when Konkani was treated with contempt as a language fit to be spoken in the kitchen but in spite of knowing its importance now we are not giving Konkani the respect it deserves. In our wedding receptions and other functions, we conveniently forget Konkani and take great delight in using English, thereby offending the elderly persons present who do not understand a word in English, said Fr. Eusebio Gomes, Editor of Konkani weekly, *Vavraddeancho Ixtt*. He was speaking as Chief Guest during the book release function organized by Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) at Ravindra Bhavan’s Black Box in Margao on Sunday, 22 June 2014. Also present on the dais were writers Mariano Lucas Diniz, Jeetendra R. Fadte and Jack de Vasco whose books were released besides DKA President Premanand A. Lotlikar, Secretary Vincy Quadros and Treasurer Walter Menezes. Not long ago, there was an enormous demand for literature in Romi Konkani but things are different today and to sell even 500 copies is a difficult task, regretted Fr. Gomes. He called upon everyone to read Konkani literature to encourage and support the writers. On this occasion, three Konkani books were released by Fr. Gomes - two poetry books, ‘Tuji Xokti’ by Mariano Lucas Diniz and ‘Zagor’ by Jeetendra R. Fadte and a book in tiatr form ‘Ragan Kazar Mogan Divors ani Eksuro’ by Jack de Vasco. All the three writers briefly shared their views about the books which were evaluated by Konkani writer and former Headmistress Irene Cardozo. DKA President in his address highlighted his presence and that of Jeetendra R. Fadte on the dais and said that it spoke volumes about the bond that existed between Hindus and Christians as well as Muslims in the academy and stated that the academy was making all efforts to increase Konkani readership. An emotionally-charged Lotlikar regretted that in spite of working round the clock for the development and progress of the academy since taking over the DKA reins after February 2014 elections, there were attempts made by a few members to cast stones at him and accused Fr. Pratap Naik of being the mastermind behind such moves. We have won the elections with a thumping majority and since Fr. Pratap did not succeed to defeat us in the elections, he has now launched a signature campaign to dislodge the Present President by moving an Amendment in the constitution, Lotlikar disclosed. He recalled the supreme sacrifice made by seven Goans – and not Mangaloreans - who laid down their lives to make Konkani the official language of the state and questioned how Fr. Pratap could ever think of working towards including Marathi also as the official language of Goa. He said he was ready to lay down his life for the academy but will not allow the sinister designs of Fr. Pratap to prevail. In his welcome address, DKA Secretary Vincy Quadros highlighted the salient features of Kombri scheme where all assistance and encouragement is provided to the writers to publish their first book in an attempt to iron out whatever difficulties that they may face, thus paving the way for their second book. Julio D’Cunha entertained the audience with a few choice Konkani songs before the commencement of the function. P. Agnel Fernandes compered the function while DKA Treasurer Walter Menezes delivered the vote of thanks. The function concluded with the national anthem. ****************************************************
