NT BUZZ Educationist and writer Suresh Amonkar’s two Konkani books--‘Christha Purana’ and ‘Goenchem Savasarikikan’ -- were recently released by art and culture secretary, Daulat Hawaldar along with Goa University vice-chancellor Varun Sahni, Fr Francis de Britto of Shirlai (Vasai) Church, writer and environmentalist, director of Art and Culture Department Prasad Lolayekar and Kiran Budkule, former HoD of English department, Goa University at Institute Menezes Braganza, Panaji.
Director of Art and Culture, Prasad Lolayekar in his welcome address stated that these books are a perfect representation of merger of Marathi and Konkani (Devnagri and Romi script) language. The book Christha Purana was originally written by Fr Thomas Stephen S J around 400 years ago in Romi Marathi and it has now been translated in Devnagri Konkani by Amonkar. This is the seventh edition of Fr Stephen’s Christha Purana as the original was written in 1616 in Rachol. Amonkar in his address stated that he is paying homage to Fr Thomas Stephen who was known as Apostle of Salcete. He added: “But now Goa has forgotten him [Fr Thomas Stephen] and I don’t know why. He deserves a feast which we need to celebrate every year.” While speaking about the history related to Christha Purana he said it was used for 70 years in churches of Bardez, Tiswadi and Salcete but then it was withdrawn in 1684. Fr Stephen had learnt the Konkani/ Marathi from Brahmins of Salcete in order to write the *Christha Purana* in Romi Marathi. Amonkar informed that at that time Marathi was the written language and Konkani the spoken language in Goa. The new converts had only two prayers in Konkani. So, there was lot of vacuum. In the year 1907 the fourth edition of the Purana was released in Mangalore. Amonkar described Fr Stephen as the real author who understood the need of the time. The second book ‘*Goenchem Savasarikikan*’ throws light on the socio-religious conditions prevailing in Goa during the 16th and 17th century. While speaking about it he said: “I have looked upon the encounter between East and West as a process of globalisation. I would like people to consider the encounter in the context of indirect influence of Renaissance, Reformation and counter-Reformation, not just conversions.” Budkule while analysing these books in her address stressed that Amonkar has imported the mind and creativity of Fr Stephen while writing these translations. Hawaladar in his speech spoke at length about the role of translators and the original writers. He said: “Fr Stephen in *Christha Purana* is telling story of Christ in a receiving language and in a receiving culture. When we remember great writers we also remember their translators. Amonkar is translating from dominant language to vernacular language which takes techniques from oral traditions. It is to communicate a thought. It is adding value to his and our lives.” Varun Sahni in his address stated that due to this book there is a communication between various ‘*bhashas*’ or languages of the country, which is very important in today’s times. Fr Francis de Britto said that this book is an example of inter-religious dialogue. He focused on the current climate of polarisation and hate and that’s why we need to celebrate such literary works. He said that Amonkar is a real Goenkar as he has done this job of translation. He said that *Christha Purana* was possible in Goa as this place is a cradle of many religions like Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. He stated that basic human values are nurtured here. He also emphasised on the role of mother-tongue and its promotion. These books were released on March 22, which also happened to be Amonkar’s 82nd birthday, which was celebrated with the dignitaries and his well wishers. http://www.navhindtimes.in/christha-purana-and-goenchem- savasarikikan-released/ -- _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/ _/ Frederick Noronha http://about.me/noronhafrederick http://goa1556.in _/ P +91-832-2409490 M 9822122436 Twtr @fn Fbk: fredericknoronha _/ Goa,1556 shared audio content https://archive.org/details/goa1556 _/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/
