-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Add your name to the CLEAN GOA INITIATIVE | | | | by visiting this link and following the instructions therein | | | | http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/033926.html | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr. Suresh Gundu Amoncar of Dattawadi Mhapsa had the rapt attention of the audience at the release function of the Konkanni rendition of the magnum opus Sant Jnaneshwar's Jnaneshwari at the Kala Academy today. The function was organised by GEETA PRASAR: Friends of Jnaneshwari Publication Committee, chaired by Mr. Surendra Sirsat, Principal of DM's PVS Sarojini Kushe HS School, Assagao, former MLA of Mhapsa and Ex-Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly. Ms.Amita Nayak Salatry, former teacher and presently TV talk-show anchor and Konkani film personality is the Secretary.
A Souvenir entitled " Shri Jnaneshwar- Shri Jnaneshwari" edited by Mr.Jagdish Wagh, former Bureau Chief of UNI in Goa and well-known newspaper columnist, was also released on the occasion. The galaxy of well-known names present on the occasion included Rev. Allwyn Barreto, the new Bishop of Sindhudurg and former student of New Goa High School [ now renamed as "Gundu S.Amoncar Vidya Mandir" ], Mhapsa, Alban Couto IAS [Retd], Dr. Tanaji Halarkar, former editor of the Konkani Encyclopaedia, Mr. Ravindra Kelekar and the sister of Baki Bab Borcar. On stage was the Mr.Digambar Kamat, Minister for Power, as the President of the function, Mr. Pundalik Naik, Chairman of Goa Konkani Academy as Chief Guest[ in lieu of CM Mr.Pratapsingh Raoji Rane, who was away in Delhi], Dr. Kiran Budkuley to deliver an introduction to the Jnaneshwari,Mr. Ashok Kamat of Pune University ,Ms. Sudha Suresh Amoncar and Ms. Amita Salatry. Dr.Kiran Budkuley, a former student of Mr.Suresh Amoncar, compared the translation of the Jnaneshwari from the ancient Prakrit Marathi [in Modi script?] to the current Konkani language to the emptying of the ocean into a well. Sant Jnaneshwar wrote the Jnaneshwari when Marathi was still a nascent language 750 years ago. He wanted the wisdom of the Bhagwad Geeta [written exclusively in Sanskrit] to be available in Marathi, the common man's language in his area, Maharashtra. He differed in opinion with two concepts in the Geeta in 1. Freedom of Will and 2. Knowledge of the contemproary world. The difference is clear in the commentary on the Geeta that the Jnaneshwari inevitably is. Contrary to the Geeta, Jnaneshwar beleives that Will can overcome destiny. It challenges one to be revolutionary, yet humble; knowledgeable and yet open to other points of view. Mr. Pundalik Naik, President of GKA, stated that we know the rosall ponos [juicy jackfruit] and the rosant'le fov [pounded rice cooked in coconut milk] served at Diwali. Relishing the rosall konkani Jnaneshwari should come as simply to us in Goa. The word for 'juicy' normally used in Konkani is "rasall" but Suresh-bab has used literary licence to make in "rosall". It is an intentional change which we need to appreciate, he said. An obviously emotional Mr.Suresh Amoncar spoke as the author of the Jnaneshwari who was moved to do so by his destiny. When such a magnum opus sees the light of day, emotion is but a natural upswell in the human chest. He said that the rendition was not an effort just to build a bridge between two regional languages, Marathi and Konkani, but to bridge the thoughts and hearts of the people who knew these languages. Today, Konkani readers will read an original work from Marathi. Tomorrow, Marathi readers will be able to understand Konkani better. What better thoughts than these when there is a war between the protagnists of the two scripts of just one language, Konkani?? Mr. Suresh Amoncar remembered his parents for the values they inculcated in him through his childhood and said that the books that his father,Gundu [who founded the school known as "Amoncar's" even when it was officially the "New Goa High School"!],gave him were his greatest wealth. Mukhesh Thali, formerly a Researcher at the "Konkani Encyclopaedia" section of the Goa University and now an Executive of the All India Radio, ably compered the function. For me it was an evening with friends, seniors and role models. I have been associated with Dr.Tanaji Halarnkar and Mukesh Thali for the Konkani Encyclo paedia, which has a few enties submitted by me on things agricultural. Mr. Suresh Amoncar and Ms Sudha Amoncar are almost family to me. So is Ms.Amita Salatry. Mr.Suresh Amoncar's classmate and my mentor in Agriculture , Dr.Heman Y. Karapurkar was with me, too. I have been associated with Mr.Jagdish Wagh in the Plant and Press kingdoms for long. The audience was full of known faces from my childhood days to the present, including Sandesh Prabhudesai Editor of the Konkani daily, SUNAPARANT. The launch of the Jnaneshwari was almost a family event for me. The Jnaneshwari is reasonably priced, thanks to the financial support from GKA and a host of generous sponsors. Those who love Konkani and can read Devanagri script would do well to own a copy with pride. Should you wish to own a copy, please email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] . Help is at hand. Feel free to email to me in case you want. For those who are not conversant with the Devanagri script, we may have to find a way. Perhaps, some verses can be transliterated into Roman Script [Romi lipi] and even posted on the Netgroups. Translation into English is another cup of tea , altogether. Non-Konkani readers please excuse. The Marathi readers can read the original text. Viva Goa. Mog Asundi Miguel