The book release function of a collection of short storiesin Romi Konkani titled Xirputtamauthored by Late Bailon Neville Mascarenhas was held recently at MDC Hall, Quepem.
Hon’ble Dy.CM, Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar was the Chief Guest for the function. The Guest of Honour was Tomazinho Cardozo, former Speaker of the Goa Assembly. Premanand A.Lotlikar,ex-president of Dalgado Konknni Akademi and a renownedtiatrist also graced the function.
Late Bailon Neville Mascarenhas was not only a seafarer but also a writer, publisher, a freelance journalist and a tiatrist, said the Chief Guest. Speaking further Dy.CM, Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar recalled his encounters with the writer. He acknowledged the straightforwardness in Late Bailon Neville Mascarenhas’s writings as a journalist and further added that just like Neville Mascarenhas all of us should strive hard to hone our skills. Dy.CM also shared his willingness in contributing towards the publication of the remaining short stories and gave assurance that he was willing to engage in further discussions on the future of Romi Konkani.
The Guest of Honour, Tomazinho Cardozo said that the stories were of a high standard and the same should not only be transliterated in Nagari Konkani but also translated into English so that these stories reach a larger audience.
Premanand A. Lotlikarin his welcome address spoke about the time when the late writer contacted him a few days before his death and asked if he would assist him to publish his collection of short stories.
After LateBailon Neville Mascarenhas’s untimely demise, his brother SebastiaoMarsalMascarenhas along with his family took the initiative to get his work published. Tomazinho Cardozo and Irene Cardozo rendered editorial assistance and helped the family to publish the collection, Lotlikar informed.
Speaking on the book ‘Xirputtam’ Irene Cardozo lauded the writer’s work. She commented on how this book can become a new ray of hope for Romi Konkani to flourish.She further added that the stories focus on the day-to-day struggles of the people.
The function began with a short musical programme with Keith Azavedo entertaining the audience with delightful instrumentals on the violin. He was supported on the guitar by his father, Alexander Azavedo.
The event was compered by Walter Menezes, a prominent Konkani writer.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Late Bailon Neville Mascarenhas’s daughter, Negilia.
The function concluded with the national anthem.
