From the Cradle of Konkani history: 4
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.)
Dr. F. M. Rebello - 1937 - 1999
Dr. Francisco Menino Rebello, hailing from Chinchinim, Salcete, was born on
September 29, 1937. Later in 1975 he established his residence and
'Rebello Hospital & Clinic' at Madel, Margao. He was one of the renowned
Gynaecologist and Obstreticians in Goa. He participated in the movements
for Goa's liberation as well as for retaining Goa as a separate entity.
His contribution to the Konkani language is considerable. He was a founder
member and staunch worker of Konkani Porjecho Avaz which was established to
fight for making Konkani the Official language of Goa.
He was an enthusiastic member of Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Goa and served as
its Vice-President and as General Secretary. During that time, he has also
edited 'Konknni' the annual publication of the Mandal.
He was a major participant in the movement and padayatra organized to
collect funds for starting a Konkani daily in Roman script. As a result,
Goans were fortunate to have NOVEM GOEM the Romi Konkani daily, published
from Margao. Right from its inception, Dr. Rebello looked after it like his
own child. He has worked behind the scenes and spent several hours and
nights in the press.
When some unprincipled dealings in the running of its affairs came to light,
the culprits bolted. He then took its management and editorship on his own
shoulders; he worked singlemindedly for its survival.
Besides the above, he has contributed monetarily not only to this paper but
also much else; Konkani literature owes him a debt of gratitude.
Dr. F. M. Rebello expired suddenly on March 30, 1999.
A. Carvalho 1936 - 2008
Anthony Carvalho, alias A. Carvalho from Quepem was a gifted Konkani writer.
A seafarer by profession, he sailed the high seas for 35 long years and
simultaneously made an enormous contribution to Konkani literature. His
first sailing was in 1961 and during the course of that very assignment, he
staged his tiatr 'Fottkirem Flory' on the liner M.S. Dunera at the Tibury
Docks, London.
His poems, short stories and articles have appeared on several Konkani
dailies, weeklies and other periodicals.
He published his very first book 'Goenchea Gopantlean' in 1977. He has
brought out about 15 romances. He would publish at least one opus of his
pen after every one or two voyages. 'Inspekttor James Bond', 'Sasnak Tujem',
'Aiz Mhaka Faleam Tuka', 'Gilbert ani Maria' etc. are some of his more
celebrated romances.
His last publication (in 2004) was 'The World of Birds' in English. It was
originally written in Romi Konkani with the title "Suknneancho Sonvsar" and
the same was serialized in Devanagari Konkani by the Konkani daily
'Sunaparant.' Speaking in the context of this book, the renowned Konkani
author Prakash Thali referred to Carvalho as as "our own version of the
legendary Dr Salim Ali."
In 1982, he published 'Fuddarache Khambe', a book which was focused on the
younger generation. In 1984, he brought out "Madd ani Tacho Upeog", an
interesting and very useful book of just 20 pages but containing a lot of
information and data on and about the coconut tree. Mr. Carvalho stood tall
like the coconut tree on the field of Romi Konkani literature; the subjects
of his writing were different and varied. Another book published in 1987
under the title 'Mon'xache Hozar Rong' brings to mind the Konkani adage,
'Disvoddo khoinsorui zôdd, punn Konknni bhaxecho poilo mog kor.'
Just before his death, he was working on his romance 'Chuk' which was based
on the life of a woman working in the Gulf. In an interview given a few
months prior to his sad demise, he said, "A Konkani writer has to perform
several functions - write, read proofs, print and sell. I doubt whether it
will be possible for me to bring out this romance of mine." Thus he died
without fulfilling this last wish of completing and publishing his swan-song
'Chuk'.
He left for his heavenly abode on May 5, 2008.
(to be continued)
(Fausto V. da Costa)
