Writers must echo the readers' voice: Jnanpith awardee Damodar Mauzo at Konkani poetry book launch
Poet and critic H.M. Pernal’s poetry collection Zanel released
Mangaluru: “Literature is not merely a reflection of life; it is a force that helps readers navigate the dilemmas of existence,” said Jnanpith award-winning Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo, stressing that writers must become the voice of their readers. He was speaking at the launch of Zanel, a poetry collection by noted Konkani poet and critic H. M. Pernal, held at the MCC Bank auditorium in Mangaluru on Friday.
Reflecting on the deeper purpose of writing, Mauzo said, “Life is a constant battle between nature and distortion, and it is filled with choices between affirmation and denial. Every human being carves their path through these decisions. Literature serves as a guiding light in this struggle. Today’s readers are not passive—they search for themselves in what they read. Writers must rise to this expectation and become their voice.”
Praising Zanel, Mauzo remarked that Pernal’s poems resonate with the tension and turmoil of modern life. “His verses often carry the shadows of darkness, yet hidden within that darkness are unspoken truths, delivered with a distinct satirical sharpness,” he noted.
Vision Konkani founder and chief guest Michael D’Souza lauded Pernal’s commitment to language and literature. “There are three things we must never forget—our parents, our mother tongue, and our motherland,” he said. “Through his literary journey, H. M. Pernal has stayed rooted in these values. Along with his colleagues, he continues to uphold and promote the essence of Konkani. Vision Konkani has already published works by 21 Konkani writers, and this movement must gain further momentum.”
Introducing the book, poet Melvyn Rodrigues, Director of the Konkani Advisory Board at the Sahitya Akademi described Zanel as a collection that transforms personal and everyday experiences into deeper philosophical insights. “At first glance, the poems may seem cloaked in darkness, but within them lie unsaid truths that strike the reader with quiet force,” he observed.
The event also saw the presence of Nandagopal Shenoy, President of the World Konkani Centre, and Kishoo Barkur, President of Kavita Trust, both of whom shared the dais.
The gathering began with a welcome address by H. M. Pernal, while noted poet and thinker Titus Noronha anchored the event.
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Women’s Reservation Bill: K'taka CM accuses PM Modi of adopting 'double standard'
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of adopting a “double standard” on women’s reservation, alleging that the Centre had delayed implementation despite having the opportunity to act earlier.
Addressing reporters here, Siddaramaiah said the BJP and Modi had earlier opposed welfare guarantees and were now replicating them, while also questioning the timing and intent behind the women’s reservation move.
“That’s what I call double standards. Narendra Modi is not for social justice. If he was, this would have been done long ago. How many years has he been in power? It’s been 12 years. Why hasn’t it been done so far?” he asked.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Congress had consistently supported women’s reservation and accused the Centre of "politicising" the issue.
“We spoke about women’s reservation. The Prime Minister asked me what our stand was. I said we are in favour of women’s reservation,” he said, referring to recent discussions with the PM.
He maintained that delimitation should only be carried out after a fresh Census to ensure equitable representation among states.
“In my view, delimitation should be done after a new census. That is why we opposed it. We have not opposed women’s reservation. We have always supported it,” he said.
Highlighting Congress’ past role, he said, “Who brought the 73rd and 74th amendments? Rajiv Gandhi and the Congress party. Those amendments ensured 50 per cent reservation for women in local bodies. Why would we oppose it?”
Siddaramaiah further questioned the union government’s delay in implementation. “Narendra Modi indulged in politics and got it passed in 2023. Why didn’t he implement it immediately? Then why did he wait so long? He could have implemented it immediately. If he is committed to women’s reservation, he should have implemented it,” he said.
On the linkage between delimitation and reservation, he asked, “Why did the Centre link it with delimitation? Why did it go for a constitutional amendment?” adding that such a move could disadvantage southern states that have successfully controlled population growth.
“Southern states have controlled population well, but northern states haven’t. Naturally, it benefits them and disadvantages us,” he said.
Responding to BJP’s criticism that women would “teach Congress a lesson,” Siddaramaiah said, “They are doing politics. If Modi had brought this earlier, who would have opposed women’s reservation?”
On electoral prospects elsewhere, he said he had no direct information on Tamil Nadu but was optimistic about ruling DMK's victory.
"According to the information I have, DMK and its alliance are likely to win,” while asserting that Kerala would also be won by the opposition.
In a major setback to the BJP-led Central government, a Constitution Amendment Bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 was defeated on Friday, with the ruling dispensation asserting that the struggle to give the rights to women will continue.
While 298 members voted in support of the bill in Lok Sabha, 230 MPs voted against it. Out of 528 members who voted, the bill required 352 votes for a two-third majority.
According to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, Lok Sabha seats were to be increased to 816 from the current 543 to "operationalise" the women's reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census.
Seats were also to be increased in state and Union territory assemblies to accommodate 33 per cent reservation for women.
