PANAJI: Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA), in partnership with St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, organised a National Seminar on Konkani Novels at the college hall. Renowned Konkani promoter, novelist, and short story writer Valley Quadros was the Chief Guest at the inaugural function.
Dignitaries present on stage included Acting Principal Prof. Filipe Rodrigues e Melo, Administrator Fr. Antonio Salem, Head of the Konkani Department Prof. Dharma Chodankar, DKA President Celso Fernandes, keynote speaker Tomazinho Cardozo, and DKA Secretary Fr. Myron J. Barreto. The seminar focused on “The Development of Romi Konkani Novels in Konkani Literature.”
In his speech, Valley Quadros praised DKA and St Xavier’s College for their efforts in promoting Konkani literature. He encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully to Konkani literature through novels.
Tomazinho Cardozo, the keynote speaker, gave a detailed history of Romi Konkani novels. He highlighted the major contributions of Romi Konkani to literature, including the first Konkani novel, the first Konkani film, and the first Konkani newspaper. He urged participants to actively support and preserve Romi Konkani literature for future generations.
The first session, moderated by Prof. Cosma Fernandes from M.E.S. College, Zuarinagar, explored novels written in Romi Konkani, Devanagari, and Kannada scripts. Principal of Goa College of Art, Panjim, Willy Goes, opened the session with a presentation on the growth of Romi Konkani novels. Asst. Prof. Glynis Dias from Government College, Quepem, discussed Devanagari novels, while Valley Quadros from Ashawadi Prakashan, Mumbai, spoke about Kannada novels.
The second session was moderated by Associate Prof. Dharma Chodankar, Head of the Konkani Department at St Xavier’s College. Asst. Prof. Darshan Kandolkar from Vidya Prabodhini College, Porvorim, analysed Edward J. B. D’Souza’s novel Kristanv Ghorabo. Fr. Jose Silveira from Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, Porvorim, shared insights on Reginaldo Fernandes’ novel Vonaxi Put, followed by Asst. Prof. Fr. Roman Rodrigues from Rosary College, Navelim, who spoke on Willy Goes’ novel Kotrin.
The seminar highlighted the important role of Romi Konkani novels in the development of Konkani literature. Megan D’Souza, Reia Sequeira, and Nigel Pereira compered the event, while Dr. Fr. Luis Gomes played a key role in its organisation. Over 100 students registered for the seminar, making it a well-attended and successful event.
