Though in US, Prabhu's heart beats for Konkani

Konkani writer Austin D’Souza Prabhu on Saturday said his decision to go abroad against plunging into politics brought a twist in his life for good.

Participating in an interaction programme organised by Konkani Writers and Artistes’ Association (KWAA) here, Prabhu, who has been staying in Chicago, USA, for close to four decades, was reacting to a particular query on why he declined a political offer, when he had all chances of tasting success.

Prabhu said soon after his marriage it had become inevitable for him to go abroad, probably at the same time when there was a constant pressure to contest Legislative Assembly elections. Being the editor of four newspapers in Konkani, Prabhu said he was actively associated with Konkani literary and cultural activities, one reason why he had maintained a good rapport with the people.

However, Prabhu said he continues to be besotted by the mother tongue that has given him wonderful moments in life.

Giving a call to the gathering, mostly from Konkani community, Prabhu said, ‘One should never forget mother tongue, matters close to heart and also good experiences, that promise a beautiful life blended with happiness.”

Citing his example, Prabhu said though he has been living in far away Chicago from the past 37 years, he never forgets to speak Konkani.

To a query on exploring the possibilities of bringing in uniform writing style among Catholics and Gowda Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) communities, who commonly speak Konkani, Prabhu dissuaded any such attempts as people are free to practise their own styles. Nobody should exert pressure in this regard as the people have equal freedom to make a choice, he said.

Walter Nandalike of Daiji World Group sang paeans of Prabhu, eulogising him for relentlessly working for the cause of the language. It was his leadership skills that brought not less than 60,000 people together for a movement when Morarji Desai was the prime minister, he recalled.

Prabhu also released ‘Garjek Podath’, a collection of short stories authored by KWAA President Ronald J Sequeira.

Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo, Vishwa Konkani Centre founder president Basti Vaman Shenoy and Florin Roache were present.