‘Massik Srujan Samvad,’ a literary session, organised by the Institute Menezes Braganza in Panjim, was held to celebrate, discuss and analyse the Sahitya Akademi Award 2021 winning book, ‘Raktachandan’ written by noted Goan Konkani poet and journalist, Sanjiv Verenkar.
Poet and writer Mukesh Thali, educationists Kashinath Nayak and Prof Anju Sakhardande deliberated on the works of outspoken rebel writer Verenkar, who has some penned 17 books till date.
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Overwhelmed by the tremendous love and affection bestowed on his poetic pursuit, Verenkar spoke about his journey in writing while answering questions put forth by the students. He said, “It was because of his initiative, the Konkani subject was started in Dhempe College. I was the first student of Konkani and also the teacher, as there was no teacher to teach the subject.”
He added, “I write poetry through my observation of what is happening around me and there is no focus on any particular individual. Answering other queries, he mentioned that he doesn’t need any special time or place to write, but what is important is a thought. I write in a simple way what I experience. Sometimes, I get criticized for my views, which is fine as I have no enemies as all are my friends.”
Presiding over the fun filled session, Verenkar’s close friend, Mukesh Thali expressed his happiness to see the keen interest showed by the students in literature. He said, “You understand his poetry because of simple language he uses and not difficult to understand. His writing in ‘Raktachandan’ is a work of a master with maturity. He sends a clear message as materialism has increased nowadays, but what we need is to apply a balm of kindness and be helpful all the times.”
Giving his opinion, writer Kashinath Nayak who has followed Verenkar’s various literary works observed that humans must behave with respect to others as we are fast losing kindness and society doesn’t want the truth. “Verenkar speaks the truth about humans through his literature and I don’t find any other poet in the state who expresses his strong views on people’s suffering. Since he has experienced difficult economic conditions, he always thinks of common humans. It is time to go through this book that contains 81 poetries. One understands that he got direction due to his thinking and his messages are always universal. We must have patience to see what is happening around us.” Nayak acknowledged.
While speaking on the book, Prof Anju Sakhardande gave a critical review of ‘Raktachandan’. She said, Verenkar is like Diwali’s ‘Akashdivo’ that lit up to bloom Konkani subject at the Dhempe College. From being the first student of Konkani then, it is a happy moment today to see the enrolment of more than 50 students in Konkani.” She touched upon wide views and subject which is very close to Verenkar’s heart.
She said, “Sahitya Akademi is the biggest award any writer can think of. He has a sense in creating new terminology through his poetic activism such as eco-criticism, environmental activism and mental terrorism. He is a strong votary of truth and rule of law and he is well aware that not all seeds germinate to give birth to a new plant. He makes a reader to think and gives message by using even props, which is abounding. He urges that we must never develop use and throw attitude.”
The session got rolling with welcome address by Gorakh Mandrekar, vice-chairman of IMB, who highlighted the works carried out by the institute which is celebrating 150 years of its inception. The institute is spreading knowledge through various initiatives on art, culture, literary and music and other activities which only got impetus after its renovation.
