The Shenoi Goembab School of Languages and Literature, Goa University is organising
a one-of-a-kind two-day national symposium on the life and works
of Dr. Manohar Rai Sardessai on March 13 and 14
Danuska Da Gama | NT BUZZ
Dr. Manohar Rai Sardessai’s poetry is hailed for adding a dimension to Konkani literature. Indeed, for many his works continue to be inspirational. The 90s children in particular remember the poem ‘Magnem’ which was taught in class 5 that was about little children being thankful to God for nature and its many blessings. Other favourites include ‘Bebeamchem Kazaar’.
A few months ago, the same poetry was recited in the British Parliament by Goan-origin oncologist Dr. Bernadette Pereira to mark the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and
Development.
Sardessai’s poems always described Goa very vividly. He took to the pen to create a vast resource of Konkani poetry, and these verses played a role during the Opinion Poll. Some other poetry that stand out include ‘Goema Tujya Mogakhatir’, ‘Jayat Jage’, ‘Jay Punnyabhui’, ‘Jayo Juyo’, among others. It was also Sardessai who introduced the two line poems called ‘tikli’.
And so in honour of the great Goan poet and to commemorate his birth centennial year, Goa University is hosting a two-day national symposium on his life and works on March 13 and 14 at the Conference Hall, Administration Building, Goa University.
The symposium is being convened by professor Anuradha Wagle, Dr. Hanumant Chopdekar, and Anthony Gomes. Speaking to NT BUZZ Wagle says, “Dr Manohar Rai Sardessai was a world class Goan poet of rare genius and brilliance. His writings are a delightful mélange of works in various languages and across several genres and for diverse audiences. This symposium is to celebrate his place in world heritage writing.”
The event will begin with an inaugural ceremony to be graced by professor at the Centre for French & Francophone Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Vijayalakshmi Rao. She researched for almost a decade before publishing ‘Ecriture indienne d’expression frangaise’ (2008), an anthology of Indian writing in French, during which time she met Sardessai a number of times and included his poems and short stories in the anthology.
Sardessai’s education at the Sorbonne University gave his works a cosmopolitan flavour and established him, through his remarkable writings in French, as a world class poet. In fact, apart from receiving the the Sahitya Akademi Award, Sardessai was also conferred the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des PaImes Academiques bestowed by the French Government.
He was also the first Head of Department of French in Goa University and thus this symposium is a tribute to his achievements as an academician, researcher and writer in the French
language.
In keeping with this, there will be a paper presentation titled, ‘Dr. Manohar Rai Sardessai and French’ by Dr. Frederick Noronha, Dr. Edith Noronha Melo Furtado, and Prof. Wagle. It will be followed by ‘Mogachi Yaad’, a tribute to Dr. Sardessai by his daughter Maya Sardessai, Dr. Shakuntala Bharne, and Sarojini Antao e Sousa. Later, there will be a round table discussion on the topic ‘Dr. Manohar Rai Sardessai: Echoes of Wisdom’, that will have Sandesh Prabhudesai, Shashikant Sardessai, Abhay Sardesai, and Fr. Joaquim Loiola Pereira on the panel. This will be followed by the screening of a documentary on the poet.
Day two will commence with paper presentations on ‘Dr. Manohar Rai Sardessai and Konkani’ by Vasant Bhagwant Sawant (chair), Dr. Purnanand Chari, Umesh Sardessai and Gorak Srisat followed by sessions on multilingual poety recitation by the faculty members of Goa University.
There will then be poetry visualisation, which is a contest for the students of Shenoi Goembab School of Languages and Literature where they will take any poem by Dr. Sardessai and portray it through a painting, photograph, collage or digital art. The symposium will conclude with a concert.
Wagle mentions that it is essential to host this symposium which brings together the academic as well as social relevance of his works. “His contribution to the development of Konkani language is precious in the context of his times. His poems not only celebrate the spirit of Konkanism and Goanness but also express a dream and vision for Goa. His works transcend religious barriers, are liberal yet spiritual, and above all, are optimistic for the future of the state. His humility and humanism are legendary and his contribution to Goan literature and culture remain invaluable.”
The chief guest for the valedictory ceremony will be writer Adv. Uday Bhembre Laxrnikant Bhembre who is a fervent Konkani language activist. Bhembre’s association with Dr. Sardessai dates back to 1958, during their time in Mumbai at Wilson College where
Dr. Sardessai served as a professor and Adv. Bhembre was a student. Despite belonging to different generations, together they contributed to the Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Goa Konkani Akademi, and the Konkani Advisory Board of Sahitya
Akademi.
The symposium that is open to all has received registration from people of all walks of life. Students, faculty members and research scholars of Goa University and its affiliated colleges as well as his admirers and family members will be participating.