BY ALBERT FERNANDES
POINGUINNIM: Mr Kamlakar Mhalshi, who is the present coordinator of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Canacona block, is the author of several literary works.

His books include  Monisponnacho Taj - Jamnalal Bajaj, Chadnneachem Zhadd, Rutuchakra (Konkani essays), Ganesh Sharda, Gaun-Kanni, Samba-Shiv (translated from Kannada to Konkani), Tha-Thai-Tha (folklore drama),Basango Raja (folklore Drama), Vitho Rakhumai (Konkani translation - Drama), Paulvatevarti (Marathi book), Satascharya ani Ithar (Marathi 7 wonders) and Mariali Kudal which is yet to be published.  
Apart from this, Mr Mhalshi is also a writer and editor of several Text-books/Reference books/Supplementary Reading. He also has to his credit Shama Chataicha Vyasavay Karte (Marathi project book), Ramayan Mahabharata Goshti (Marathi), Gomant Bharti from I-IV (text books), Teachers’ Guide - all these books for the State Institute of Education. Amachem Shikshan, Ratshala (both Konkani)- for State Mission, Panaji, Konkani Vachanpath in Konkani for Std VIII and IX - for Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Porvorim. He is also a writer for special issues which include, Gomant Kankonn Taluka Visheshank, Rashtramath Konkan Puravani, Adhipurush, and others.
Mr Mhalshi has been a recipient of the Late Narsinha Damodar Nayak Konkani Sahitya Puraskar for Monisponnacho Taj, awarded by the Konkani Bhasha Mandal in 1992. He was also awarded other puraskars like Kullagar Puraskar by Kullagar Prakashan, Margao in 2004, Late Ramnath Matha Bal Sahitya Puraskar by Konkani Kala Sahitya Kendra, Curchorem, Serafin Cota Puruskrut, Sorgest Felicio Cardozo Yadasthik Shikshak Puraskar, by Konkani Bhasha Mandal in 2008. Apart from this he was also presented awards in the filed of social service and also received the State Cultural Award in the field of folk art, awarded by the Directorate of Art and Culture in 2005-2006.  
Speaking on the literary culture, Mr Mhalshi said that in the pristine days, reading was the only means of communication. He said later radio and then television and later other means of mass communication came into the picture. He said the reading habit slowly began to wane following this; however, this does not mean that children have given up the habit of reading; only the medium has changed. Now, he said, they indulge in E-reading. The present generation has their selection of reading and that is through attractive covers, he informed. 
He further opines that reading today is selective and hence the present generation opts for pictorial as well as informative books. In Maharashtra and Karnataka, such books are available in plenty and so the children there choose such books to develop their reading habit and knowledge. Mr Mhalshi is also of the opinion that the reading habit should be develop in a child at a tender age, and pointed that the best way to develop this habit is through story-telling and recitation. If we do this, then the lost habit can be regained, assures Mr Mhalshi.  
As regards the love and liking for writing, Mr Mhalshi is of the opinion that writing has not diminished, however it has been rather reduced. Considering the facilities available today, including the government support, writing should have increased in leaps and bounds but this is not happening, because there is no seriousness among the youth of today. “They take things lightly, so developing a career in lyrics and writings have gone down. However, he points that the generation of today is definitely brilliant and intelligent.  
Mr Kamlakar Mhalshi said, “Today’s writing has become commercialised. A good writer writes directive writings. His writings are meant to give inspiration to others, so that it brings about a positive outcome in the reader. A well-established writer will write what the society needs, that is, his writings will be dependent on the issues of the people’s choice.”
I personally feel that those who want to put their ideas in writing should not hurry but they need to take their own time, because things written hurriedly become aimless and directionless.  A writer should on the contrary take inspiration from others.  If he does this, then his writings will be quality-writings and more adaptable for others.  Mr Mhalshi also adds that a reader should read al the languages to develop himself/herself into a good reader and ultimately a good writer.