On the occasion of 26 th death anniversary of Poet Balakrishna Bhagvant Borkar (B. 30 November 1910, Curchorem, Goa , death- 8 July 1984, Pune, Maharashtra)
“Once upon a time, in a beautiful land called GOA, amche Goem lived a poet Bakibab Borkar” ( Our Grandchildren in AD. 2060) “ and generations of Goans to come would not believe that such a poet was born and literally lived poetry all his life in Goa” ( who said that?) Short biography:- 1926:-First published poem in Marathi 1929:- Passes matriculate from Dharwad, then completed Portuguese education in Goa 1930:-Teacher in Government school and marriage to Ms. Rukminibai Sardesai 1933:-Meets famous Marathi novelist V.S. Khandekar, Publishes first Marathi poetry collection –“ Pratibha’ (genius) 1934:- Meets B.R.Tambe, the popular Marathi poet; Overwhelms the audience in Baroda literary meet and wins the Gold Medal for poetry reading for “Tethe Kar maze Julati’ ( Salute to the great ones…) 1946:-Participates in movement launched by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. Tenders resignation from government job. Leaves for Bombay. Edits “porzecho avaz’ a mouthpiece of freedom struggle 1955-61:-Appointment on AIR Pune as spoken word producer 1961-70:- Appointment on AIR, Panaji as spoken word producer ( Marathi, Konkani, English, Hindi and Portuguese), also in forefront in opposing Goa’s merger with Maharashtra, vehemently champions Goa’s separate identity, writes poems on the same, invites the wrath of his Marathi well wishers 1970:-Special issue of ‘Mandovi’ dedicated for completion of 60 years, edited by late Shriram Kamat 1970-84:- Devoted to lecture tours, poetry recitation, writing, guiding young generation of poets and writers, promoting library movement, arts and literature July 8, 1984:- Death in Pune . A literary journey of 58 years comes to an end. Literary contributions:- Total published books (1930-1987):- 43, Marathi:-33, Konkani:-10 Total 11 poetry collections- about 1000 Marathi poems, Pratibha (1930), Jivansangeet (1937), Dudhsagar(1947), Anandbhairavi (1950), Chitraveena (1960), Gitar (1965), Chaitrapunav (1970), Kanchansandhya (1981), Anuragini (1982), Chinmayee ( 1984), Lavanyarekha (unpublished) Three edited anthologies-Borkaranchi Kavita (1960), Chandavel (1972), Kaivalyche Zad (1987) Besides- Essay collections (4), Novels (4), Short story collections (2), Biographies (2), translations (6), Edited anthology (1-Kusumagraja-Maharashtra’s celebrated poet laureate) And 10 books in Konkani including the poetry collections “Paizana’ and ‘Sasay’. The trustee of Poet Borkar memorial committee, Pune Ujwala Vasant Sardesai has published two volumes (2005, 2008) of the entire Marathi poetry of Bakibab under the caption “Borkaranchi Samagara Kavita’. These include 782 poems. This is an ivaluable resource for students and research scholars of his poetry. Goa Konkani academy is bringing out new editions of his Konkani poetry –“Paizana’ and “Sasay” on July 8th. There is no befitting memorial of Bakibab in Goa. There are legal problems to take over and convert his residence at Bori ‘shantiniketan’ in a memorial. A small street in Porvorim was named after him. Shri Sarswati Mandir library in Panaji organizes an annual poetry competition in his memory. So also Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Margao. The Goa government had appointed a state level birth centenary committee last year which is considering several suggestions. The Chief Minister has recently announced a special chair in the name of B.B.Borkar in Goa University for studies in comparative literature and poetics. Most of his poetry has not been translated/transliterated in major world languages. To the post Bakibab generation he is still unknown, a puzzle, a riddle, an enigma. It is sad to see that there is very little global awareness about Goa’s most sung, most loved, most romantic, most cultured, most spiritual genius poet…. All his life he spoke for unity of mankind, understanding all religions, promoting peace and social harmony…he spoke lovingly about Christianity and the life of Jesus as well as the Maharashtrian saints-Dnayaneshwara and Tukarama. He sang sufi songs and bowed his head before the noble thoughts in Islamic spirituality. He idolized Gandhiji and Tagore. He sang glories of Gibran and Pessoa. He loved Neruda and Octavio Paz. He was a true global citizen. I knew Bakibab as a school student. But I came in his contact only after 1980. I always enjoyed talking to him. Tears flood my eyes so easily when I remember the words he had written to me on a post card after he read my series of articles on history of Goa (1982-3) “ You are born in a blessed land…don’t forget those who came before you” Bakibab, You are in my heart! Mhoji Tukam aarga -- Dr. Nandkumar Kamat, GOA