India News

By Fr. Elvis Fernandes, SFX

Pilar, Goa, Dec 22 : The 90th anniversary celebration of Vauradeancho Ixtt (Worker’s friend), the oldest and largest circulating Roman Konkani weekly, was held on 20th December 2022 at the Seminary Annex hall, Pilar, Goa. Adv. Carlos Alvares Fereira, MLA of Aldona Constituency, was the Chief guest, while Shri Damodar Mauzo, noted Konkani literary figure and Shri Menino de Bandar, the president of Tiatr Academy Goa (TAG) were the guests of honour. Speaking on the occasion Shri Damodar Mauzo, praised Vauradeancho Ixtt for the tremendous contribution towards the growth of the Konkani language especially during the Portuguese rule. “This Weekly has maturity and experience. It has to prepare itself for the upcoming challenges as it marches towards a century” expressed the 57th Jnanpith Awardee. He further said that the protagonists of the Konkani language should work unitedly and avoid division on the basis of script.

The Chief Guest Adv. Fereira in his speech lauded the work of the members of the Society of Pilar towards the promotion and preservation of the Konkani language through this weekly.

Guest of honour, Shri Menino de Bandar, a well-known tiatrist of the Konkani theatre, in his speech promised the patronage of TAG through advertisement to defray the expenses of the publication. Guest speaker, Rev. Fr. Jose Silveira, a member of the Society of Jesus and director of Thomas Stephen Konkani Kendra presented a paper on the history of Konkani literature and the contribution of famous writers towards Konkani literature.

Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, the Superior General of the Society of Pilar fondly remembered the founders of this weekly and gratefully acknowledged their decision to hand over the weekly to the Society of Pilar to carry forward the apostolate of the print media.

An important part of this evening was the presentation of the V. Ixtt awards. Mrs. Gaudalupe Dias from Majorda, a prolific writer and author of several books, was awarded the “Shennoi Goembab Award” for her contribution to the Konkani Language. Fr. Jose Dias, a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Goa, was awarded the “Fr. Lactantio Almeida Award '' for regularly writing on V. Ixtt on important social issues. “Fr Nicolau Pereira Award '' for scoring highest marks in MA Konkani literature for the academic year 2021-22, was awarded to Mansi Dauskar from Mapusa.

On this occasion several persons were recognized and presented mementos for their contribution, in various capacities, to the Konkani language and for their collaboration and support to Pilar Media (V. Ixtt, Fr. Agnel’s Call and Pilar YouTube channel). Roseferns, a well-known Konkani drama writer and director, was recognised for his contribution to Konkani Drama. Song writer and Singer Edwin D’Costa was recognised for his contribution to Konkani songs. Shenaya Pereira was recognised as an upcoming actor of the Konkani Theatre. Fr. Maverick Fernandes, as Director of Caritas Goa, was recognised for his contribution to social work, especially towards the Prison Ministry. Social activist Abhijeet Prabhudesai was recognised for his social activism, especially in protecting the environment.

To mark the 90th anniversary of V. Ixtt, a special song dedicated to V. Ixtt was composed and set to tune by Fr. Dominic Alvares and it was sung by seminarians. A monologue directed by Fr. Milton Rodrigues emphasising the need to promote the Konkani language was presented by seminarian Chrison Pereira. The Scholastics of the Mission Seminary presented a few melodious carols. At the outset of the programme Fr. Glen D’Silva led the gathering into prayer through a Konkani bhajan based on Raag Bhupali. Fr. Elvis Fernandes, the editor of Fr. Agnel’s Call welcomed the gathering while Fr. Peter Fernandes, the manager, expressed his thoughts on this occasion. Fr. Milton Rodrigues, a member of the management committee introduced the awardees while Fr. Seneto Peixot delivered the vote of thanks. The entire programme was compered by Britney, Lancy, Nacy and Lanisha, students of Fr. Agnel College, Pilar.

A brief Note:

Vauradeancho Ixtt (Worker’s friend), the oldest and the largest circulating Roman Konkani weekly, celebrated 90 glorious years of its existence. The first edition of the weekly was published from Margao, Goa on December 20, 1933. Late Fr. Joao Francis Fernandes was the first editor and Late Fr. Arsenio Lucio Fernandes was its manager. They worked tirelessly to keep it going. However, due to some difficulties, in 1940, it was published from the Rachol Seminary and was edited by Late Fr. Gracian Morais with the support of Late Fr. Joao Francis Fernandes and Late Fr. Arsenio Lucio Fernandes. With added difficulty to stand the production cost, the then Archbishop D. Jose Costa Nunes handed it over to the Society of Pilar in 1944. From then onwards the Society of Pilar strived to sustain this Roman Konkani weekly.