From the Cradle of Konkani history: 2
What is Historiography? Does it mean writing about only those things of
which one is aware? It cannot be denied that Historiography involves a lot
of research, a meticulous and painstaking exercise to unearth and bring to
light facts which may not all be in the public domain. But, in recent
years, the term is being interpreted as an effort to write about only those
events and happenings one personally knows, only about persons one likes
while ignoring those one does not, and generally blow one's own trumpet. In
fact there has been an active attempt to twist history to fit one's own
agenda; this is specifically in regard to the history of Konkani language
and the Konkani Tiatr. Let us bear in mind that, in effect, what is today
being recorded as history is a falsification of History, a diabolical
attempt at suppressio veri suggestio falsi. When the next generation comes
to use this hodgepodge as reference material and bases its writing on this
"history" could we blame them? Have these historiographers pondered over
this aspect?
Keeping this in mind, we are bringing out a roll of persons who have
sincerely contributed to the progress of Konkani and who have been,
deliberately or otherwise, ignored or neglected. We do not rule out the
possibility of shortcomings even in this writing of ours. But we are of the
firm opinion that facts, in their proper perspective, must be truthfully
recorded. Therefore, we humbly request our knowledgeable readers to point
these defects and also provide any additional relevant information, in their
possession or knowledge, about these personalities so that proper amends
could be made. Letters/articles in this regard would be much appreciated.
(- F.C.)
Fr. Casmiro D'Mello (1932 -)
Fr. Casmiro D'Mello hailing from Saligao was born in 1932. After joining
the Priesthood, he has served the Archdiocese of Bombay for several decades.
He has now retired to his native Saligao. His love for Konkani language is
intense. He has worked indefatigably to spread this love among the Konkani
populace of Bombay. In the ten years between 1961 and 1971, he officiated
as the editor of "Udentichem Nokhetr" when the official editor Fr. Marcelino
Remedios (also from Saligao) was away in England. During this period, he
also raised the sales and also the readership of the periodical.
As a publisher, he has brought out several valuable Konkani books at his
own cost. Among these one can count Konkani guru Prof. Joaquim Antonio
Fernandes' "Konknni Nadxastr" and "Gõychem Xetkamot" as well as the
enthusiastic author Edward Guido Souza's (Paitona, Salvador do Mundo)
"Vachop Rikamea Vellar." Many Konkani writers have been helped generously
by Fr. Casmiro to bring their works to light.
Besides the "Udentichem Nokhetr" weekly, Fr. Casmiro has also contributed
regularly to other Konkani periodicals like "Aitarachem Vachop." "Dor
Mhoineachi Rotti," "The Goan Review" and "Gulab."
Fr. Alloysius Da Cruz, S.J. 1909-1991
Another Jesuit priest who has contributed in some measure to Konkani
literature was Fr. Alloysius Da Cruz who was born on May 4, 1909 in Rannoi
ward, Aldona where he was popularly known as Anton. He studied for
priesthood at the Rachol Seminary, and on being ordained he joined the
Jesuit Society within 8 months. As a Jesuit priest, he worked in the Belgaum
Province. Between 1950-55, he was the Principal of St. Paul's High School,
Belgaum. Many Goans who had left Goa at the time of the Inquisition in the
Sixteenth century are settled in the Belgaum Province. They spoke pure
Konkani; their language was free from any Portuguese influence. Fr. Da Cruz
visited the homes of such people and garnered chaste Konkani words. Using
such words, he later composed hymns. Some of the hymns composed by him and
included in "Gayonancho Jhelo" are 'Somia Jezu Ie Tum Ie', 'Prabhu Jezu',
'Suadik Tujem Nanv', 'Tum Ietai, Tum Ietai', 'Jezu Tujem Nanv', etc.
Fr. Da Cruz left for his heavenly abode on July 26, 1991.
Philip R Vaz
Hailing from Assolna, Salcete, Philip R. Vaz studied at Mater Dei School,
Saligao and later joined St. Xavier's College, Bombay. At the M.A.
examination he earned the Gold Medal of the University of Bombay. He was
always proud of the fact that he bagged the Gold medal after living and
studying in the village club; very often he publicly alluded to this fact.
He occupied high positions in several departments of the Government of
Bombay ending his career as Joint Secretary in the Government of
Maharashtra.
In his free time, Vaz would write articles in Konkani. Through his regular
column "Zag Porjemodem" in "The Goa Times" he would air the problems faced
by the people. After him, the same column in "The Goa Times" was continued
by Felix P. da Cruz alias Anand Kristdas.
Vaz had two other famous Goans as classmates in St. Xavier's College:
Cancer Specialist Dr. Ernest Borges and world-famous journalist Frank
Moraes; they were referred to as "Three Musketers" by their colleagues and
teachers.
