12 May 2022  |   05:17am IST

Need to make our youth aware of Monsignor Dalgado’s literary works: Dr. Rafael Fernandes

Monsignor Sebastiao Rudolfo Dalgado was truly a great man, who has contributed in different areas of literature and that’s precisely why Dalgado Konknni Akademi should make our youth aware of his Konknni literary works, said Dr. Rafael Fernandes while speaking as the Chief Guest on Dalgado Day. With Dr Fernandes, the DKA president, Vincy Quadros and Treasurer, Celso Fernandes were present on the dais. The function was organized by DKA on 9th May, 2022 at its Reginald Fernandes Conference Hall, Panaji

At the onset, Dr. Rafael and Vincy put a garland on the portrait of Monsignor Dalgado.

This is the death centenary of Mons. Dalgado. One cannot find the complete information of his works. DKA needed to research his works as Dalgado was a great thinker. He studied Theology and Philosophy at the Rachol Seminary. Most of the priests were finding it difficult to raise questions, hence they started asking questions in Konkani. Dalgado was a linguist, he knew over 18 languages. Along with Konknni, he studied Indian languages like Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Kanada etc. He was a Sanskrit scholar. His contribution to grammar, dictionary and other literary areas is far-fetched. In 1908 he was a professor of Portuguese language in Lisbon. He was suffering from diabetes, as a result, both his legs were amputated by 1915. Despite the difficulties, he continued teaching on a wheelchair till his death. He died on 04.04.1922. He has done splendid work on Proverbs. Lastly, Dr. Rafael congratulated DKA for their splendid work.

In his presidential address, Vincy Quadros said that Mons. Dalgado was a man with different qualities. We have the urge to know more of him. DKA will endeavour to carry his work towards the people of Goa. In the days to come DKA plans to reprint the book of Fr. Antonio Pereira ‘Dalgado Xastri’ and also to collect the other literary works of Mons. Dalgado and present to the new generation, assured the DKA president.

Celso Fernandes welcomed the gathering and the vice president, Daniel F. De Souza proposed a vote of thanks. Tarkeshwar Naik compered and the programme ended with singing of the national anthem.