A writer loves to work in their own space, a peaceful surrounding but a lot of creative energy.
For many, Goa feels like that home and many Indian and international writers
have opted to live in Goa while being connected to the literature world
globally. However, the reading habit which begins from childhood or the teen
years is still not encouraged in Goa. There is an increase but not a
considerable one even with the fact that Goa Art and Literature Festival (GALF)
is annually held in Goa. One of an international calibre with authors from
across the globe discussing literature, the festival will be organising its
10th edition starting from today.
Damodar Mauzo, noted Konkani writer, Sahitya Akademi winner and
co-curator of the Goa Arts and Literature festival feels that GALF has brought
in a book culture. “I can’t claim that writing in Goa has increased since GALF
but time has proved it that bookshops are opening in Goa. People interact with
writers and I am happy with the response at ‘Young GALF’ which caters to young
minds. I find a lot of students who attend and show interest in the writings of
the authors. We make it a point to bring these writers to interact with one
another and know the trends of the regions in their writings. We want to bring
as many regional writers as possible but it is not happening to the extent we
expected,” says Damodar.
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He adds, “Goa is one of the few festivals in India that is
talked about and we declined some eminent writers too who wanted to come for
the festival. I have attended at least 10-15 festivals and this one stands out
for two reasons, the intimate interactions and the cosy ambience that gives you
the feeling of being home.”
Venita Coelho’s book ‘All of Me’, published by Tina Narang at
Harper Collins, just won the Peekabook award for best book. It is also
nominated for the FICCI award for best children’s book and was on the Honor
Roll of the IBBY. Venita has been writing for children and calls them the
toughest audience there is. Keeping their attention is very difficult. A
peaceful haven for writing for Venita, she still feels that a lot can be done
to encourage the reading habit in Goa. “Readership especially in children are
less. The first hurdle is moving from Konkani to English in schools. There has
to be tremendous effort in Goa to get children reading,” says Venita, who
latest book, ‘Whisper in the Wind’ is a murder mystery based in Portuguese Goa.
A journalist and the founder of the publishing house based in
Goa, Goa 1556, Frederick Noronha says, “The focus is on Pan India and global
writers as it is not possible to focus an entire festival on Goa. GALF can do
more for Goan writers instead of Goan writers that have tagged along. There has
been an increase in Goan writers coming out with books but these are what they
are doing on their own. Many books will also be released at the event,” says
Frederick.
Leonard Fernandes of CinnamonTeal Publishers started with their
bookstore, www.dogearsetc.com, as a used books online book store in 2006,
before opening The Dogear’s Bookshop in Margao. “The reading habit in Goa has
been developing organically. This can be seen in the sale of children’s books
at the bookstore. Many people buy children’s books especially during the
Christmas Season to give as gifts. For CinnamonTeal, we get a lot of Goan
queries but we don’t publish all books from Goa. I will be speaking at a
session at GALF on the topic, ‘Publishing Next: Where’s the Literature in
Literature Festivals?’ in conversation with Mitra Phukan, Sumana Roy, Astri
Ghosh and Damodar Mauzo. The festival receives very few authors from the South
of Goa but once you are there for a session, you will sit for another session and
learn about an author that you have not read before. Goan authors also get
exposure,” says Leonard.
The
Goa Art and Literature Festival will be held from December 5 to 7, 2019 at
International Centre Goa, Dona Paula and will have sessions with writers from
Goa, India and across the globe.
