Press Release

Mangalore: Late Victor Rodrigues, a stalwart of Konkani Literature was remembered on his second death anniversary which was observed on Sunday, July15, 2012 at Samanvaya Hall, Urwa Stores, in the presence of well-known Konkani writers of the city. On his first death anniversary last year, family of Victor Rodrigues had installed a Memorial Fund with an intention of rewarding one deserving individual involved in contributing towards Konkani literature on annual basis.

Dolphy Cascia invited honorable guests to the dais and introduced them to the audience. Director of Samanvaya, Rev Dr Ronald Cutinha paid homage to late Victor Rodrigues in his brief address and welcomed his family.

Dr Edward Nazareth who was closely associated with Victor Rodrigues as personal friend as well as his physician, spoke about their relationship as well as his dedicated and tireless contribution to Konkani literature.   He was a household name among Catholic Konkanis for his simple and make-believe stories for all age groups.  During his free time his only passion was for writing.  People used to long for weeklies carrying his stories, especially when they were of suspense in nature.  Even after 2 years of demise, his stories still appear in Konkani weekly “Kutaam”, and monthly magazine “Amcho Sandesh” said Dr Nazareth.  He appreciated the gesture of his family in forming a memorial fund in his name and setting up an Annual Award.

Managing Trustee, Rev Dr Pius Fidelis Pinto in his short address remembered Victor Rodrigues for his simplicity and humility despite being a prominent writer.  He also expressed his desire to co-operate with local Konkani writers in order to bring out a combined literary work and trainings depending on the interest of the writers in this venture.

The trustees of the Memorial Fund selected  Stany Lobo  for the first Victor Rodrigues Memorial Award . Lobo was invited to the dais and honoured  with the Award which also consisted of cash and citation besides shawl and fruits.  He accepted the honour with all humility and assured to carry on working for Konkani literature with added dedication.   Well-known writer Edward Netto and voracious reader Gracy Roche felicitated Stany Lobo for the award and wished him all success in his future.

Wife of late Victor Rodrigues, Celine Rodrigues thanked' Samanvaya ' Managing Trustee and Director for organizing the memorial function which also coincided with the birthday of her daughter, Lolita which was also celebrated during the function.

Dolphy Cascia conducted the programme with his usual humour and proposed vote of thanks.  There was an audience of 56 people involved with Konkani Literature.