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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Mamata demands PM's apology over 'Bankim da' remark in Lok Sabha
Cooch Behar (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he has insulted novelist Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay by calling him "Bankim da".
Addressing a rally in Cooch Behar district, Banerjee said the PM was not even born when the country achieved Independence and yet chose to address one of Bengal's greatest cultural icons casually.
"You did not even show him the minimum respect he deserves. You should apologise for this, to the nation," she said.
The flashpoint was PM's reference to the author during a discussion in Lok Sabha on Monday to commemorate 150 years of the national song, Vande Mataram, written by Chattopadhyay.
TMC MP Saugata Roy objected to the use of the suffix 'da' and urged the PM to say 'Bankim babu' instead.
Modi immediately accepted the sentiment, saying, "I will say Bankim 'babu'. Thank you, I respect your sentiments," and asked in a lighter vein whether he could still address Roy as 'dada'.
Targeting the BJP, Banerjee claimed that it will destroy Bengal's culture, language and heritage if it comes to power in the state.
She also claimed that the assembly elections in the state will be declared soon after publication of the final electoral rolls following the SIR exercise, so that no one can challenge it in court.
