Chicago, March 5: It is shocking to read about the sad demise of A. V. Rego, a revolutionary Konkani activist and entrepreneur from Bangalore and a proprietor of Brilliant Printing Press, which earned a fame from all over the world for publishing millions of copies of Bible in different languages died at a young age of just 68 in Bangalore Hospital. What a wonderful community leader we lost!  We just read about him receiving Rachana Award and now he left us to receive his eternal award from God Almighty.   Our sincere prayers to Rego family and we pray that may A. V. Rego soul rest in eternal peace.   May God grant Rego family enough strength to bear this loss of their loved one.
 
Following is a brief history of this great Konkani Activist, Entrepreneur and Leader taken from "Jeevithachim Metam" a biography of A. V. Rego written by Valley Vogga, Mysore and Vithori Karkol and published by Lourdes Prakashan, Mysore.

A. V. Rego was a Konkani activist who staged a first ever Konkani play in Bangalore, called "Vel Uthorlo."   Since then his love for Konkani grow to the height of Mount Everest.  With the help of his friends, he founded Konkani Catholic Association, Mathikere and was the general secretary for 17 long years.  In 1984 he was the secretary of  15th All India Konkani Sahithya Parishad; General Secretary of Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Bangalore for four years – 1986-90; Member of Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy for three years – 1992-95; Member of All India Konkani Sahithya Parishad for three years – 1993-96; Founded Seva Jeevan Jyothi Social and Cultural Trust, Bangalore and was the trustee since 1993; Trustee of Konkani Cultural and Charitable Trust, Mysore; President of Konkani Catholic Organisation, Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore for four years – 1993-03; Member of Bharath Scouts and Guidess, Mangalore since 2000, etc.   His involvement in Konkani activities in Bangalore created a new wave of awareness in this land of capitol of Karnataka State.

A. V. Rego had started his own Konkani Publication called Rego & Sons Publication and printed several Konkani historical novels of Late VJP Saldanha (Khadap) and other writers.   It really showed his love towards Konkani language and culture. He donated lakhs of rupees to several institutions, associations and churches when they were in need.

A. V. Rego received several recognitions and awards for his successful missions in his life to uplift the needy and underprivileged.   Some of them are:   In 1985 Christa Charana Sharana award bestowed upon him by Chikmagalur Archdiocese Bishop Dr. Alphonse Mathias; Konkani Karbhari Award by Maandd Sobhann, which was presented by his best friend and Konkani novelist Late VJP Saldanha (Khadap); in 1999 he was recognized by then Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri H. M. Krishna and felicitated by then Governor of Karnataka Sri Kurshid Alam Khan; recognition in Nepal for publishing first ever Nepali Bible through his Brilliant Press in 1999; honored by Bible Training Centre of Pastors, Inc., USA for printing their Bible copies; Rachana Entrepreneur Award 2006, etc.

Because of A. V. Rego's initiative and leadership, Konkani Catholic Association, which he founded in 1984 now have their own dream house – Konkan Bhavan where community people hold their programs, etc.   A great legacy left behind in Bangalore by A. V. Rego for Konkani Community's future generation to come.  He was a revolutionary visionary and a dedicated missionary in his works.   He left behind his lovely wife Irene and three sons – Anil-Anita, Aron, Anston Ann; Sunil-Carol; Manil-Sangeetha, Avrelia and Sr. Roopa.

My sincere salute to A. V. Rego, who left a legacy in his foot prints for the future generations to follow.

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