Black Day for Romi Konkani Lovers.

Just three day back there was news in the local dailies that he along with
some prominent Romi Konkani leaders would renew and revive the Dalgado
Konkani Akadami. Me too had the invitation for the meeting at T.B. Cunha
hall Panjim. Some of the newspapers are yet to publish this news. But sadly
there is yet another shocking news that awaits tomorrows papers for the Romi
Konkani lovers/readers. That's the gruel news of the tragic death of our
friend and guide Rev. Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa along with yet another
prominent Romi Konkani writer - Mr. Felicio Cardozo. This is the real Black
day for Konkani lovers. This is almost the repeat of what had happen in
1978 when we lost two great Konkani leaders in Evagrio Jorge the then Editor
of Chowgule owned daily UZVADD and Mark Fernandes from Calangute near
Tourist hostel in Panjim when a private bus knocked them down on the
footpath.

Enthusiastic Fr. Freddy was alway on the front track for the love of
Konkani. Knowing very well that the Romi readers and writers are lost with
no much literature available, he had taken this great step to revive the
Dalgado Konkani Akadami along with Tomazinho Cardozo and Prabhakar Tendulkar
for the love of Romi Konkani and to reach the needs of Romi readers.
GULAB - the monthy magazine published by him had reached the 22nd year.
Earlier GULAB was his baby as an in-house monthly magazine for the
seminarians at Saligao Seminary. Fr. Freddy was one of the members of the
board for decision making as far as konkani literature was concerned. A
creative writer. He has written several books, dramas and conducted mandos
too. His dramas NIZ MOG, DOXEA, UTT GOENKARA etc were great hits not only in
Goa and Bombay but also in Gulf countires. He has won several awards for
Mando festivals held at Kala Academi - Panjim. NIZ MOG musical cassette was
such a hit that one could hear it at every nook.

Fr. Freddy was also a good footballer. He has played for Churchill Brothers
in the early 70s when this team was neither 2nd nor 1st division team.

Fr. Freddy is gone - with lots of Konkani's work pending. Hope the Konkani
pundits carry forward the work in the right direction.

As I salute this noble soul. I ask fellow konkani reader and writer to
create awareness and make florish the Romi Konkani which was Fr. Freddy's
dream.

May his Soul Rest in Peace.

ALFONSO BRAGANZA (Mapusa-Goa)
Sarabond sarabond at sancharnet.in