Category: Books & Literature

Books & Literature

Gomantak Sahitya Sevak Mandal Honors Literary Excellence with Late Brahmaraj Dessai Sahitya Award

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In a celebration of literary talent and dedication, Gomantak Sahitya Sevak Mandal, Panaji, organized the prestigious Late Brahmaraj Dessai Sahitya Award presentation ceremony. The event, held on Thursday, 27th, at 4:30 pm, recognized the outstanding contributions of six esteemed awardees.

Awardees
The Late Brahmaraj Dessai Sahitya Award was conferred upon:

  • Dhanaji Dhondiraj Ghorpade, Sangali
  • Rajani Raikar, Margao
  • Supriya Naik, Curchorem
  • Manjiri Vatwe, Porvorim
  • Chandrashekhar Gawas, Keri
  • Kiran Sinai Talaulikar, Ponda

Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Sushant Tandel, Curator at Goa Polytechnic, as the Chief Guest. Prof. Dr. Chandrashekhar Kamble, Radhanagari, Kolhapur, delivered the keynote address, sharing valuable insights and inspiring the audience.

Celebrating Literary Excellence
The Late Brahmaraj Dessai Sahitya Award is a testament to the Mandal’s commitment to promoting literary excellence and recognizing the tireless efforts of writers and scholars. This year’s awardees have made significant contributions to the literary landscape, and their work continues to inspire and enrich the cultural heritage of Goa.

Gomantak Sahitya Sevak Mandal’s Hall
The award presentation ceremony took place at Gomantak Sahitya Sevak Mandal’s hall, providing a fitting backdrop for the celebration of literary excellence. The event was well-attended by literary enthusiasts, scholars, and dignitaries, who gathered to honor the awardees and acknowledge their remarkable achievements.

Initial Translation to English by Sneha Sabnis

Books & Literature

Konkani Bhasha Mandal Hails State Information Commissioner’s Pioneering Effort

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In a significant development, Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) has commended State Information Commissioner (SIC) Atmaram Barve for his groundbreaking decision to deliver a judgment in Konkani. This move has been hailed as a trailblazing effort to promote the official language of Goa.

Ratnamala Divkar, President of KBM, praised Barve’s initiative, stating, “Government departments should also follow in his footsteps and implement the Official Language Act.” This call to action underscores the importance of promoting Konkani in official contexts, ensuring that the language remains an integral part of Goa’s cultural heritage.

A Boost to Language Preservation Efforts

Barve’s decision has sent a strong message about the importance of preserving and promoting regional languages. By delivering a judgment in Konkani, he has demonstrated his commitment to upholding the linguistic heritage of Goa.

KBM’s Praise for Barve’s Initiative

KBM’s recognition of Barve’s effort is a testament to the impact that this move can have on the linguistic landscape of Goa. By promoting the use of Konkani in official contexts, KBM and Barve are helping to preserve the cultural heritage of the state.

A Step Towards Greater Transparency and Accountability

As a State Information Commissioner, Barve has been instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. His decision to deliver a judgment in Konkani is a significant step towards ensuring that government departments are more accessible and responsive to the needs of the people.

Conclusion

Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s praise for State Information Commissioner Atmaram Barve’s pioneering effort is a significant development in the promotion of Konkani language. As government departments are encouraged to follow in his footsteps, Goa takes a step closer to preserving its linguistic heritage and promoting greater transparency and accountability in governance.

Books & Literature

AIKP Hails State Information Commissioner Atmaram Barve’s Initiative to Promote Konkani Language

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Panaji, Goa: The All India Konkani Parishad (AIKP) has applauded the efforts of State Information Commissioner Atmaram Barve in promoting the Konkani language. Barve’s initiative aims to make judgments and rulings accessible to Goan citizens in their mother tongue, thereby strengthening the language’s presence in official spheres.

According to Chetan Acharya, Working President of AIKP, “We commend State Information Commissioner Atmaram Barve’s pioneering effort to promote the Konkani language. This initiative will not only help Goan citizens understand judgments and rulings better but also contribute significantly to the preservation and growth of our beloved language.”

The initiative is seen as a major step forward in promoting the Konkani language, which is an integral part of Goa’s cultural heritage. By making official documents and judgments available in Konkani, the government aims to increase transparency and accessibility for the citizens of Goa.

AIKP has been at the forefront of promoting the Konkani language and culture, and this initiative is a testament to the organization’s efforts. The organization has been working tirelessly to promote the language through various programs and initiatives.

Books & Literature

Inside the newsroom, beyond the headlines… new book on the Goa media

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PANJIM, March 11: Goa’s media landscape is as vibrant and complex as the land it represents. From the early struggles of homegrown journalists to the modern day challenges of digital disruption, a new book paints a picture of the media through memories and musings of those in the field.

Through the voices of veteran reporters, photographers, editors, and young writers, this collection captures the spirit of storytelling, the struggle to tell the truth, and the ever-changing nature of the profession.

Noted Mumbai-based journalist and ex-editor Olga Tellis explains how she entered the field, and her experiences there. Journalists Dharmanand Kamat and Mohan Vaidya (ex-Gomantak) give their unusual insights into the field.

John Aguiar was a journalist from his schooldays; Julian D’Costa e D’Cruz narrates her victories over the years; Patricia Ann Alvares shares her freelance and fulltime journalism experiences; as does Cordelia B Francis.

The book is divided into sections — home-grown talent, younger voices, niche spaces, views from the outside, and looking in-looking back.

Besides Tellis, the other outstation journalists with strong Goan links or experiences include Ayesha Kagal, Lina Mathias, Reena Martins, Adrian da Cunha (who worked in circulation in some prominent organisations), Capt Norbert Rebello (whose family ran the community Romi Konkani ‘Cine Times’), and Olav Albuquerque.

Niche spaces focussed on include column writing (Miguel Braganza), Konkani journalism (Fausto V da Costa), from journalism to books (Sheela Jayway), alternative media (Frederick Noronha, who also edits the book), and radio (Nerita D’Cruz).

Younger journalists who share their experiences include Gerard de Souza, Anna Fernandes, Anish Esteves and Diana Fernandes.

Largest is the second of “home-grown talent”, including Pamela D’Mello, Fr Elvis H Fernandes, noted photographer Sandeep Naik, the late Joel D’Souza, Michael Fisher, Mayabhushan Nagvenkar, Camil Parkhe, and veteran late Mariio Cabral e Sa.

Daryl Pereira, an expat Goan who spent a year working in Goa, narrates his story of how he moved “from Goa to generative AI”. Pereira has worked for some giant IT corporations too.

Former journalists and non-journalists also share their experiences in Goa, including Debashish Munshi, Pushpa Iyengar, Gasper D’Souza, the late Ashley D’Mello (his last piece contributed here).

Whether it’s the nostalgia over scarce typewriters, the smell of newsprint, or the reality of pink slips in today’s newspaper industry, each chapter is a window into the lives of those who have shaped and chronicled history. Most of the writers are from Goa, though some are based outside.

With reflections on ethics, press freedom, and the impact of technology, this book is a sequel to the book ‘In Black and White: Insiders’ Stories about the Press in Goa’, which was published in 2008. Now out of print, the earlier title is available at archive.org.

The book will be shortly available in local bookstores, and also via mail-order from WhatsApp 9822122436.

Books & Literature

Empowering Consumers through Education

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The release of the “Graham Hakka Jagruti” book marks a significant milestone in the efforts to promote consumer awareness and protection in India. Authored by Retired Judge Dhananjay Jog, this comprehensive guide aims to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities, empowering them to make informed decisions and demand better services.

Key Features of the Book

  1. Consumer Rights and Responsibilities: The book provides an in-depth understanding of consumer rights, including the right to safety, the right to information, and the right to redressal.
  2. Consumer Protection Laws: The book covers various consumer protection laws, including the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the rules and regulations governing consumer protection.
  3. Complaint Redressal Mechanisms: The book provides guidance on how to file complaints, the procedures for redressal, and the role of consumer courts and forums.
  4. Tips for Informed Decision-Making: The book offers practical tips on how to make informed purchasing decisions, including how to read labels, how to compare prices, and how to avoid unfair trade practices.

The “Graham Hakka Jagruti” book has the potential to make a significant impact on consumer awareness and protection in India. By educating consumers about their rights and responsibilities, the book can:

  1. Empower Consumers: The book can empower consumers to make informed decisions, demand better services, and report unfair practices.
  2. Promote Transparency: The book can promote transparency in business practices, encouraging companies to be more accountable and responsible.
  3. Reduce Consumer Complaints: The book can reduce consumer complaints by providing guidance on how to avoid unfair trade practices and how to resolve disputes.

The “Graham Hakka Jagruti” book is a valuable resource for consumers, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the marketplace with confidence. By promoting consumer awareness and protection, the book can contribute to a fairer and more transparent marketplace, ultimately benefiting both consumers and businesses.