----------------------------------------------------------------- Goanetter Francis Rodrigues (Vasco/Toronto) unveils his book, The Greatest Konkani Song Hits. Launch dates: Goa (Kala Academy) on 9 Aug. 4 pm. U.K. (Staines) on 15 Aug. Canada on 20 Aug and US on 30 Aug. Details http://www.konkanisongbook.com/
----------------------------------------------------------------- 08/08/2009 To The Editor, Sir, Kindly publish the following press note in your esteemed daily. Thanking you, * (Jose Salvador Fernandes) * Secretary (Mob: 9881810832) * Press Release * In the untimely death of Dr. (Prof) Olivinho Gomes, Goa has lost a prolific research-oriented writer. This was the refrain at the meeting jointly organised by Goa Konkni Akademi (GKA) and Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) at GCCI Hall, Panaji on Friday, August 07, 2009 to condole the death of Dr. Gomes, ‘a great Konknni stalwart who was equally at ease in Romi as well as Devnagori script.’ N. Shivdas, president of GKA said that Dr. Gomes was a widely-travelled writer and stated that Goa will always ‘feel his absence’ in the field of reaserch-oriented writing. Shivdas also made a mention of Dr. Gomes’ celebrated story, *Mon Oddtta, Mon Oddonam*, set in St. Estevam, his native village. Premanand Lotlikar, President of DKA said that in the passing away of Dr. Gomes, DKA has lost a fatherly figure and spoke about the DKA-commissioned book, *The History of* *Konknni Literature in Romi Script*. Authored by Dr. Gomes, Lotlikar disclosed that the eminent writer did not live to see the book, to be released soon, in print. Adv Radharao Gracias spoke of his association with Dr. Gomes during the days of the Konknni Movement and made a reference to *Village Goa*, Dr. Gomes’ ‘intensely written book on village life.’ Although *Village Goa* is a study of Chandor, the well-researched book is a mirror of any village in Goa, he said. Dr. Gomes’ love for Konknni was immense, Gracias declared, and also reminded about his decision to let go a lucrative IAS posting in the Customs. Tomazinho Cardozo, President of Tiatr Akademi of Goa said that although Dr. Gomes received the Sahitya Akademi Award for translation, the ‘crab mentality’ in the Konknni world was responsible in denying him the award for ‘creative writing’. He proposed that both GKA and DKA institute a scholarship in memory of Dr. Gomes for Konknni research as also a book on his life, which he truly deserved. Dr. Bicaji Ganecar, Cyriaco Dias and Estev Varella from St. Estevam also spoke on the occasion. A message received from Fr. Pratap Naik, Director of TSKK, Porvorim was also read. Prominent among those who attended the condolence meet were Pandharinath Lotlikar, former director, Doordarshan Kendr, Alexyz, cartoonist and the family members of Dr. Gomes. Floral tributes and a minute’s silence were observed at the beginning of the meet. Jose Salvador Fernandes, Secretary, DKA compered and proposed the vote of thanks. PHOTO CAPTION: GKA President N. Shivdas seen sharing his thoughts on Prof. Dr. Olivinho Gomes