'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.
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Fire erupts at plastic factory in Ahmedabad; no casualties
Ahmedabad (PTI): A fire broke out at a plastic granules and mould manufacturing factory in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Sunday morning, an official said.
No casualties were reported in the incident, he said.
The blaze erupted around 8 am at Processo Plast Enterprise in the Bapunagar area, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's Additional Chief Officer (fire) Mihir Rana told PTI.
Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing into the sky, visible from a considerable distance in the area.
"The unit closed after the night shift and the fire broke out in the morning in the ground floor's storage facility section due to unidentified reasons," Rana said.
Nine fire tenders and several other firefighting vehicles were rushed to the spot, and the blaze was brought under control by 11 am, he said.
Firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to the first floor. However, machinery and plastic materials were damaged on the ground floor, he said, adding that the exact cause of the blaze was under investigation.
