Rich tributes paid to Konkani poet Shanti

Tributes were paid to the memory of well-known Konkani activist and poet, Ms Shanti Tendulkar Ghatwal at a condolence meeting organised jointly by Apurbai Prakashan and Sakhi Sangati at Konkani Academy’s conference hall, here this evening. Noted Konkani poet and freedom fighter, Mr Naguesh Karmali presided over the meeting.The speakers highlighted the qualities and organizational skills of late Shanti and recalled her contribution to Konkani movement in Sattari taluka. Late Shanti had established nearly 30 women’s institutions in different parts of Goa and was instrumental in giving inspiration to rural women to take up social issues.

Well-known folk artiste, Mr Kanta Gaude said the departed Konkani activist had pushed him into writing poems and also helped in uniting Gauda community members in Sattari taluka during the Gauda youth movement.

Mr Karmali said late Shanti grew up in a family that was committed to social work and in view of this background, she strengthened the Konkani movement and educated women folks in Sattari. “The word ‘impossible’ was not in late Shanti’s dictionary,” Mr Karmali said.

Ms Vinanti Kansar said that late Shanti was instrumental in according prime place for fugdi, a folk dance at the state-level competitions and recalled her contribution to various Mahila Mandals.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Ms Hema Nayak, Ms Nirmala Sawant, Ms Shakuntala Bharne, Mr Prakash Paryenkar, Ms Jayanti Naik and others. Ms Nutan Sakhardande compered the meeting. The president of the Goa Konkani Academy, Mr Pundalika Naik and editor of Sunaprant, Mr Sandesh Prabhudessai were also present.