MARGAO: Konkani language has survived despite facing various trials and tribulations, eminent Konkani writer and Jnanpith award winner Damodar Mauzo said here on the occasion of International Mother Language Day celebrations.
While sharing about their literary journey, Mauzo and Saraswati Samman Awardee Mahabaleshwar Sail spoke about growing up in pre-independent India and Goa.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
They were speaking at the ‘Bhaas Sanvad’ programme organised by Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) on the occasion of International Mother Language Day.
While Mauzo said that life in those times was tough, but it was relaxed. Sail spoke about his experience of working in the fields to know about its craft and how it influenced his literature.
The Mandal will host a special dialogue between youth and academics with renowned writers. Every year, the event will be held on International Mother Language Day, February 21.
Both of them shared the motivation and process of their writing.
While being a ‘posorkar’ (shopkeeper) helped Mauzo know people well and write about them, Sail’s life in Majali, its nature and the culture of joining the military helped him bring realism in his literature.
Mauzo, in spite of being a cancer survivor, felt motivated to write because “even when you are un-well one is constantly aware of their surroundings,” he said.
He stressed on the fact that one needs to adapt the positive attitude in life to face the challenges.
Sail acknowledged the role of Goan soil in making him realise that he could write better in Konkani and he said that he was glad that Goa became his work land.
Mauzo reiterated that he believed in the power of youth and suggested that they should read more. Sail too stressed on developing the existing skills in youth.
The interaction was conducted by Dr Tanvi Kamat Bambolkar and Brijesh Shet Desai.
The event received massive response as it was attended by more than 350 students from several colleges and teachers from various schools across Goa apart from literary enthusiasts and readers.
The Mandal’s academic awards and scholarships were also presented at the function.
