'Michael D'Souza Vision Konkani' project launched in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The World Konkani Centre, Mangaluru on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NRI businessman Michael D’Souza to provide publication grants to 100 Konkani books.
The project is named “Michael D’Souza Vision Konkani”. The project is aimed towards promoting Konkani literature by encouraging independent Konkani writers and publishers.
Michael D’Souza who is also a patron of the World Konkani Centre signed the MoU with C. A Nandagopal Shenoy, President of the World Konkani Centre.
Speaking after signing the MoU, Michael D Souza said: “I always felt there is a great need to support Konkani writers to bring their creative writing to the light. The literature they painstakingly produce deserves to be read by the people. Due to escalating cost of production, Konkani writers find it difficult to publish their creative works. Therefore, we have decided to provide grants to publish quality books in Konkani. I request Konkani writers and publishers to make good use of this programme to enrich Konkani literature.”
“Konkani is a diverse language spread across various communities. Our founder and great visionary Basti Vaman Shenoy left us a great legacy of inclusive culture and oneness. It is our duty to continue his legacy,” said Nandagopal Shenoy said after signing the MoU.
As per the MoU, the 'Michael D’Souza Vision Konkani' will support the publication of 100 books over the period of five years at a cost of Rs. 40 lakhs. The books can be fiction, poetry, essays, drama and other creative works. The manuscripts will be invited periodically for review by the selection committee constituted by the Centre, a release from the World Konkani Centre said.
Gilbert D Souza, vice-president of the World Konkani Centre, B R Bhat, treasurer, poet Melvyn Rodrigues, trustee, Dr B Devadas Pai, director, World Konkani Research Centre, Sahana Kini, coordinator, World Konkani Centre, Poet – thinker Titus Noronha, senior theatre artiste Eddie Sequeira, treasurer of Konkani Writers Artists Association Roshan Madtha and Nasir were present during the signing of the MoU.
Gurudath Bantwalkar, CEO of World Konkani Centre welcomed the gathering. Chief – editor of Vision Konkani, H M Pernal briefed about the project. B R Bhat, treasurer of the World Konkani Centre proposed the vote of thanks.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
NIA conducts searches at 22 locations to probe human trafficking syndicate
New Delhi (PTI): The National Investigation Agency on Thursday conducted searches at 22 locations in six states to probe a human trafficking syndicate luring youth to work in call centres engaged in cyber frauds, officials said.
They said the searches were being conducted in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi among other places.
The case, which was registered by police in Gopalganj in Bihar, relates to an organised syndicate luring and trafficking Indian youth to foreign countries on the pretext of jobs and forcing them to work in fake call centres engaged in cyber fraud.
