Contribution of Coastal Christians for the growth of Art, Architecture, Journalism and Literature

Presented during Silver Jubilee Celebration of Mangalore Diocesan Chair in Christianity 
Date:21-11-2012 
Venue: Milagres Hall Complex Mangalore

  

1.  Most of the Coastal Christians who have settled in coastal Karnataka from 16^th century speak Tulu (CSI) and Konkani. Recently Kerala Christians have also settled in some parts of Udupi and D K districts and speak Malayalam. All these people have contributed to the all-round development of the people of this region. I will concentrate on the contribution of Coastal Christians  for the growth of art, architecture, journalism and   literature

       1.1 Kannada Literature

    In coastal belt the mother tongue of Christians is either Tulu or Konkani.  More than 90% of literature present today in Konkani is the contribution of Christians. Christians also contributed substantially to tulu literature, drama, songs and cinema.  Christians of this part of Karnataka   have also enriched Kannada and English literature.

        Basel missionaries have given their invaluable contribution  to Kannada literature and journalism.   First doctorate in Kannada literature was obtained by Herman Mogling for his thesis  Bibliyothia Karnatika from Tubingen University Germany.  Dr Ferdinand Kittel published first Kannada dictionary. Even to  this day it is rated as one of the best dictionaries  in Kannada. Basel missionaries have also published  books in  Kannada grammar, riddles and idioms, Jaimini Bharat, Basava Purana, Kumara Vyasa Bharatha and many other valuable books.

    It is a general notion that Christians specially catholics  prefer  English and that they do not speak in kannada in the coastal belt.  But catholics of this region have great contributions for the growth of Kannada language. Dr NA. D Souza is the one of the famous Kannada literary figures today. He has written a number of Novels and short stories in Kannada and he is given Honorary doctorate by Kuvempu University for his contribution. His novels have become award winning  Kannada movies.   Fr. Prashanth Madtha former principal of St Aloysius college is another great scholar in  Kannada. His book Padanidi is a great contribution to Kannada language.  Late Francis Dante of Udupi has written valuable book Aliyada Mahachetana Yesu and  number of articles and devotional songs on the theme of Holy Bible.

     DR Edward Noronha former professor of Kannada of Mysore University is a famous kannada poet. Fr Pius Fidelis Pinto has written historical books in Kannada.  Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh gives Danti memorial awards for the books written in Kannada to encourage people to write in Kannada.  The awardees and the books written by them in Kannada are as follows.

Year	Book	Author
1995	Mysoru samstanada itihasa	Fr Dayananda Prabhu
1996	Collection of Articles about politics	Dr Valerian Fernandes
1997	Experience of German Tour	Anitha Pinto
1998	Unnatha Sikhsna hagu Udyogavakashagalu	Dr Gerald Pinto
1999		Richard Alvaris
2000		Fr Valerian Fernandes
2001	Book on Histroy of Christianity in Karnataka	Fr Pius Fidelis Pinto
2003	Araluva Hostinalli	Fr Maxim Rosario
2005	Arogya Darshini	Victor Rodrigues
2007	Padanidi	Fr Prashanth Madtha
2010	Tuttu muttu	Yashavath D S
2012	Divige Thomas Dsouza

1.2 English Literature:

       Christians of Mangalorean origin have enriched Indian English literature.  Former IAS officer Richard Crasta’s book Revised Kamasutra is very well known.  Late Louella Lobo Prabhu has written a number of poems and articles in English.  Her daughter Gissel Mehtha’s  novel Blossom Showers is appreciated by literary persons.  Dr Michel Lobo has written a number of English books of great literary value. Important among them are : Distinguished Mangalorean Catholics, Mangalorean worldwides, The Mangalore catholic Community-Professional history/directory. The Land Called South Kanara, written by Willaim Pais and Vincent Mendonca gives the social and cultural background of undivided south Kanara. Saraswatis children by Allan Machado, Flora of Karnataka by John Saldanha are some of the important books published in English by Christians of coastal Karnataka. English one act play Mother of New India written by J M Lobo Prabhu was published by Thacker and Co in Mumbai  in the year 1944. His experience in various countries in published in 1950 by name Inside One world. Louella Lobo Prabhu was a great poet, writer and journalist. In 1971 she received Chamanlal National award for journalism.  In 1994 she received best journalist award by New leader magazine in Chennai. In 1993 she was given life membership  International Women writers association I.W.A.A.  Her poems were also published in World poetry 1993 . For her numerous writings on peace in Middle east her name featured in Indo Arab who’s who 1993. Her name is also in The Worlds who’s who in poetry 1997.  In 1953 Fr.Jerome D Souza S J wrote a book called Sarda Panikkar and Christian Missionaries. In 1971 his old students have published all his articles in the book Dr Jerome D’Souzas speeches and articles. Indian Govt has published his articles in Indian Gazzetier in 1967  Christianity in India.   Many research scholars have published research articles in Science, social science, literature in National and international journals and many of them have published as books.  Many professors Dr.Valerian Rodrigues, Dr Richard Pais , Stephen Quadros  have written books for colleges and universities.  

Edwin j F D Souza’s collection of short stories Chocklets is published by Readers Digest publication and his one story is published by Kushvath Singh in his My Favourite Indian Stories.  Stan Agera’s short stories are also published in English.

1.3 Konkani Literature

     “ Even though there are more than 36 Konkani speaking communities  most of the literary contribution to the Konkani literature is by  Catholics” said Khasargod Chinna the president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy recently at Karkala.  Jesuit missionary Fr.Angelo  Mafe can be called as the father of Konkani literature in Karnataka.  In 1882 he published a book on Konkani grammar, in 1883 he published English-Konkani dictionary.  In 1885 he published Konkani-English dictionary.  Founder of first Konkani weekly Konkani Dirvem,  Louis  Mascarehnas was a great poet.  His long poem the Abramachem Balidan  is a master piece in Konkani poetry.

      In 1940s the second editor of Konkani Dirvem Peter John D Souza has published translated short stories and Novels . Alex Pais has also written the life stories of saints and translated serial stories. Msgn.  Rymond Mascarenhas  was the first one to translate New Testament into Konkani. Fr.Victor Pinto also has translated New Testament into Konkani. At the same time Msng Sylvester Menezes the founder editor of Rakno has written 37 biographies  of saints and translated New Testament into Konkani.  He has  written 37 books which are used during liturgy. Konkani dictionary is his another great contribution to Konkani literature. 

              Jochim Santhan Alvaris  authored first Konkani Novel In Kannada script in 1950 and it was published by Konkani Natak Sabha Mangalore. He  authored 57 Konkani Novels and also wrote autobiography Atma Katha  and laid foundation for Konkani novels in kannada script.  Founder president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy V J P Saldanha,  has written 35 dramas, several historical Novels under the pen name of Khadap. He is known as father of Historical Konkani novels.  A. T Lobo is another great literary figure in Konkani who has written several novels including the longest novel Vel  Ghadi which is classic in Konkan literarure which has 1265 pages and 134 chapters first published in 1965 and second edition in 1980.  He has written 17 novels and also authored large number of short stories.  Victor Rodrigues Angelore is another great Novelist who has written several serials in Konkani, many of them run into more than 225 chapers.  His book Bolaike  Daij a book on Home  medicine is very popular.  Edwin J F D Souza is one of the greatest novelists and short story writers in Konkani today.  He has written 33 novels and more than 100 short stories. His short stories are translated into Hindi,English and tamil.  His short story finds place in Kushwanth Singh’s My Favorite Short story writers of India. He also received book seller award from Chennai for his contribution of Konkani which contains cash prize of rupees one lakh.  Dolphy Cassia has written 47 novels and published more than 167 novels from his Punov publication. Jerry Kulshekar has written 53 novels and Manu Bhrain has authored 33 novels.  Stan Agera has written 18 novels and Lancy Pinto Nayak published 10 novels.  Evlalia Alvaris translated several English novels to Konkani. Walter Lasrado is another person who has translated several novels into Konkani. More than 300 novels and 1000 books are written by Konakni Christians in the last 120 years in Karnataka.   Four Mangalorean Konkani poets have received Kendriya  Sahitya  Acdemy awards for their poetry collections. They are J B Moraes for the book BitarlemTufan( Inner Cyclone), J B Sequeira for Kaljache Umale( Emotions of Heart), Cha Fra. De Costa for Sosyache Kaan( Ears  of Rabbits) and Melwin Rodrigues for the Poetry book  Prakraticho paas. These poets have given great contribution to Konkani poetry.  Cha  pra de Costa gave great contribution to modern drama.  His one act plays have great artistic values and are equivalent to Kannada or any English plays. The other important poets are Jossi Pinto Kinigoli, Andrew D Cunha, Titus Noronha, Raan Udyavar, CGS, Kishoo Barkur, Ancy Paladka, Wilson Kateel,  Maridas, Rev Fr.  P.L.Buthello, Felix Paul Nronha, Fr Raymond Miranda the author of Riglo Jesu Molyanth, Gladys Rego, Kavyadas and others. There is poetry in the songs of Wilphy Rebimbus, Melwin Peris, Henry D Souza,  Wilson OLivera, Lawrence saldanha and in the hymns of Fr Valerian Mendnca, Fr Clement Mascarenhas and many other devotional CDs. In the leadership of Melwin Rodrigues kavitha trust is formed to promote Konkani poetry.

         Many Christians have contributed a  lot to Konkani novels, short stories,  language and poetry.  Fr Pratap Nayak J S,  Fr Mathew Almeida J.S Fr Swami Supriya s J, Fr Valerian Fernandes Fr J P Nazreth,  Willi D Silva, Dr Rockey Miranda Dr Willaim Madtha , A A Saldanha,  and many others have worked for the improvement of the language as linguists.

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       The other important Novelists are Gabbu Urva,  Jerry Kulshekar,  , Manu Bahrain, Lancy Pinto Nayak,  Gladys Rego  Irene Pinto, Jerry Niddodi , Ronald Pereira, Manu Bahrain, Stany Nirude,  Hemacharya,   and others.

  In prose and research  writtings some prominent contributors are: Paul Moras ( Mogrem  karan), J B Lobo (Sambardo), Dr Edward Nazreth ( Books on meciacal field)  Stephen Quadrs,  FR  Sylvester Menezes,  Fr   Maxi Rosario, Fr Victor Pinto, Fr Victor Menezes, Fr Francis Rodrigues, Fr Valerian Fernandes,  Fr Swami Supriya, Irene Rebello( Research on Vovio) , Eddi  Netto, Heralpius, Jerry Niddodi, Vitori Karkal, Fr Pius Fedelis Pinto, Fr Jochim Fernandes, Richard Alvaris, Tony Ferros, Gladys Rego,  Macha Milar,  Fr.(Dr) Richard Rego,   and many others. Advoctes  Shirthady William Pinto and Stanly D Costa have published books in Konkani in law for common people.

The important short story contributors are Sirivanth, Vally Vagga, CGS, Eddi Netto, Herolpius, Sylvester D Souza, Dr Edward Nazreth, Stan Agera, H M pernal, Clarence Kaikamba, David D Souza Vamanjoor, Jerry Niddodi , Kevin D Mellow Karkal, Liyab, Nandini, Ron Roche Cassia, Shalini Valencia, Sonia D Costa, Vally quadras Ajekar, Stan Ro Ajekar, Gladys Rego, Catherine Rodrigues, Panchu Bantwal.

       Former bishop of Mangalore late Rt. Rev. Dr Basil Salvadore D Souza will be remembered for implementing the language policy of second Vatican council and used Konkani in liturgy and other  required books, necessary  material was prepared in Konkani through Mangala Jyoti  besides starting many instituions of higher educaton. Despite of globalisation  Konkani is alive because of using it liturgy.

Institutions: Christians have built institutions that promote Konkani  Language, culture and literature. Important  of them are Jeppu  Natk Sabha, Konkani Natak Sabha, United Youngsters Jeppu, Konkani Prachar Andolan and now Mand Sobann  in the fore front of the conservation of Konkani culture. It has Guinnes record performance in music and now it is sponsoring Jagatik Konkani Sangatan which is a federation of Konkani organisation world over.  Konkani people have built organisation abroad and these orgaisations  help people to promote culture and  language.  Important of them are Daiji Dubai, Konakni Kutam Bahrain, etc   

2. Contribution of Christians in Journalism

2.1 Kannada Journalism:

The first kannada news paper  MangaluruSamachara was published in Mangalore by Basel missionary Rev. Dr Herman Mogling in the year 1843.  Basel mission also published the news papers Satya depike and  Karnataka Krisya bandu. Basel Mission established first press in Mangalore before 1882 and Codialbail Press was established in the year 1882. From this paper daily Chintamany was published . From Both these press number of News papers and books were published by the people of all castes and in creeds in English,Kannada and Konkani.  V J P Saldanha had published a daily Kannada Vani in 1950s and also was the sub editor of Navabharatha Daily, Mic  Max was the sub editor of Navabharatha Kannada daily.   Janamadyama prakashana a public limit company under the managing directorship of Mr Ronald Colaco and editor Samuel Sequeira published Janavahini which palyed a major role in reshaping journalism in D K.  Mr Rymond D Cunha publishes a weekly called called Pingara.  People of Mangalore edited  Kannada news papers from Mysore,  Doota (Msng nas Lobo editor for 43 years, Fr Valerian D Souza,Fr Dayananda Prabhu editor), Karnataka Tare from Bangalore ( Fr Antony D Souza and Fr S J Veigas),Navajyothi Cickmagalur( Fr Marcel Pinto and Fr George D Souza) and from Shimoga and other dioceses. Mr John D Souza, Stephen Rego  and Hilary Crasta are some of Kannada journalists.  Dr Gerald Pinto is the editor of the quarterly  magazine published by Udupi District Minority forum Samparka.

 2.2 Konkani Journalism

  This  is the centenary year of Konkani Journalism in Karnataka. In 1912 Louis Mascarenhas  started the first Konkani news paper  Konkani  Dirvem.  In 1938 Rakno weekly was started and it is the highest subscribed Konkani weekly in India today. In 1948 J M B Rodrigues started the newspaper called Suk Duk and in 1950 V J P Saldanha started Poinari , 1953 Jochim Santan Alvaris started Mithr which were published for many years and were prominent Konkani periodicals. St Alyosius Konkani Institute publishes Konkani Research magazine      in Kannada and Devnagari script.

Many parishes publish parish bulletins at least thrice in a year during Easter,  Monti Fest, and X Mas.

 Today the following Konkani periodicals are published in Konkani. The names of Magazine and editors are as follows

Rakno  Weekly                        Fr. Francis Rodrigues

Divo  Weekly                         Mr.  Lawrene Coelho

Kutam Weekly                   Mr.    Henry   D Paula

Dirvem  Monthly                 Mr.  John Monis

Amcho Sandesh                Mr.   Wilfred Lobo

Daivik Amruth                    Mr.   Santhu Omzoor                          

Naman Balok Jesu                Fr. Steven Pereira                

Sevak                                        Fr. Derel  Fernandes

Amchi Mai                             Fr. Francis d Souza

Amar Konkani                     Mr.  Edwin J F D Souza            

2.3 English Journalism

     J.M Lobo Prabhu founded the News Paper Insight and was its editor till his death and later his wife Louella Lobo Prabhu continued the publication.  The magazine Mangalorean is published by CASK Mangalore.

The Mangalore was published by St Aloysius college from 1897 and later it was taken over by Catholic Association of South Kanara.

        In 1943 Jochim Alva started a news paper called  Forum. He used this paper in freedom struggle  and was arrested for the same. He has written many articles in Economics Times.  Violet Alva started the periodical Indian Woman. Stephen herald Mascrenhas is editing Daiji World Weekly published by Daiji Worldcom. . Mr Lawrence Coelhlo is publishing Secular Citizen weekly from Mumbai. Mr Gabriel Vaz , Dr Ronald Fernandes are some of the English journalists. MSSadhya D Souza and DR. Ronald Fernandes have won Sarojini Naidu National awards for journalism.

3. Contribution of Christians in Cinema

3.1 Hindi and English  Cinema:

Lawrence D’Souza is one of the important Hindi cinema producer. Freeda pinto the heroine of Slumdog Millionnaire is shining in Hindi cinema too. Genelia DSouza is another famous actress in Hindi cinema. Sandeep  Melani has also directed hindi movies.

3.2 Konkani  Cinema

GMB Rodrigues produced Sukhi kon in 1949 but this film was never released. Peter Gonsalves produced the film thisri chit based on Wify Rebimbus story in 1973 but it was released later than Mog ani maipas which was produced by United Youngsters under the leadership of Melwin Pinto based on the story of Wilfy Rebimbus and it was a first  coloured movie in Konkani. It was released in the year 1977.  In 1995 dr Richard Castelino produced the film Bogsane and it has received best regional film award. In 2005 Raymond Quadras produced the film Padri. The film Kajar  produced by Frank Fernandes in  has received best regional film award but it is yet to be released.

3.3 Tulu Cinema

           Dr Richard Castelino has produced Banger Patler and September 8 out of which Bunger Patler has received best regional film award.

4. Contribution of Christians to Art

4.1 Paintings

  Christian community has produced great artists. Peter Lewis Brahmavar stands out among them He was also the former president of Karnataka Lalita Kala Academy. His painting exhibitions are held world over.

National Awards
1996 Rorich Memorial Award
1992 Rajyotsava Award
1990 Lalitkala Awards
2000-2004                                Chairman of the Karnataka Lalitakala Academy

Paintings of St Aloysius chapel are famous and it attract tourists. It was built by the Italian Jesuit Antonio Moscheni in 1884, during the Mangalore Mission.  Sandesha an institution of Mangalore diocese trains youngsters in music, dance and also runs a college in fine arts. Eddi Sequeira, Jochim Pinto Vamanjoor  are some of the  the famous painters.  Wilson D Souza Shirva has won many awards for photography.

Wooden statue of Our Lady of Rosary Mangalore, Our Lady of Milagres Kallianpur and many others are craft in them selves  which are more than 300 years old. Many of the churches have beautiful wooden altars which were made by local carpenters and craftsmen.

     Wilson Karwar, Wilson Kayyar are some of the famous artists produced by Mangalorean Christian community.  Pinto brothers of Vamanjoor are famous for artistic Grotto building. Simon company Mangalore is very famous for paintings of churches, statues and carving  of statues of saints.

  4.2 Music and singing:

  Konkani   Songs and music: Joseph Rego had compiled Chaltim Podam in 1920s. Lawrence Vas had written Ruchik  Amrath, Fr Thomas Stephens composed Christa Puran.  Wilphy Rebimbus through his 238 musical  NITEs and 38  cds and cassetes music to over 500 dramas  composing  music for 2800 songs has given a new trend to Konkani songs.  His songs are published Vimcnar podam in 9 volumes and Kogul Gayta in two volumes and the  songs are sung by common people young and old.  Mand Soban under the leadership of Eric Ozario  has given a new dimension is  to Konkani songs specially folk songs and old traditional songs. Songs of Henry D Souza, Wilson Olivera, Melwin Peres  Presented more than 25 Nites and two volumes Suvalo Vol  1 and 2,   Jerome D Souza , are vary famous.  Prof Banet Pinto, Joel Pereira, Jochim Pereira, Harys Braas Band and many are remembered because of their contribution to music.  Fr. J.S.T Rodrigues,  Fr Walter  Albuquerque,  Fr  Charles Vaz , Fr Clement Mascarenhas,  Fr Valerian Mendonca have given great contribution to Konkani devotional songs.

4.3 Drama

      Jeppu Natak Sabha established in the year 1926  contributed a lot to Konkani drama. Every year  the  Sunday before  ash wedneday is celebrated as Intrujacjo Aitar and one drama is played. Many people have written dramas and many have acted in these dramas. Great musicians like Wilfy Rebimbus have come to light due to these dramas.  He has written 8 dramas and composed music to 500 dramas.

Konkani Natak Sabha Mangalore was established with the aim of spreading spiritual values through dramas in the year 1943. Even today drama competitions and regular drama shows are given by Konkani Natak Sabha. It has built Don Bosco Hall exclusively for this. Natak Sabha also conducts competitions in Drama every year.  A.T Lobo has wriiten 13 dramas out of which Amkar Avoi had 19 shows and it was adopted for Hindi film later. 

         Among the modern drama writers Cha Pra de Costa stands out as the father of modern Konkani drama.  Dolphy Cassia has written several dramas. His Di Maka Bogsane has 149 shows so far.  J B Kulshekar, Edward Quadras, Mabel Kent, Simon Rasquina, Arthur Rasquina, Richi Pereira, Benna Rujai, Sanni D Souza, Baptist Mendonca Kirem, Mick Max,  Harry D Souza, Henry D Silva Suratkal, Dolla, Felix, Charli , Pintam Derebail, Betty Naz, Nellu Permannur, John Permannur, Walter Monteiro  Udupi,  Vinod Gangolli,  Joe DSouza Karkala,  Fransis Fernades Cassia have enriched Konkani Drama. Francis Ferndes Cassia’s Mataro Charbela has seen 60 shows world over. Mand Sobann’s Kalakul has presented more than 100 dramas so far.

5. Contribution of Christians in Architecture

Christians of this part have enriched art, music, dance and architecture

Dr. Oscar G Concesso, who has studied M S in architecture in the University of Oklahoma in USa has done his doctorate in modern architecture and is the recipient of Indian building congress National awards four times. He has also won Rachana award this year.

5.1 Churches

      With the arrival of East Indian Christians, new churches were built most of them in the Portuguese architecture. Rosario church in Mangalore was built in the year 1570. Gangolli church was built in the year 1630. Milagres Mangalore,  Milagres Kallianpur, Rosary church Kundapur , Pezar Curch were built around 1680. Church at Agrar, Modankaup,Shirva, Byndoor,Hospet,Omjoor,Attur-Karkal,Mogarnad, Mulki, Barkur Panir,Kirem were built aound 1750s. All these churches have brought Portugese architecture to Mangalore. All these churches have beautiful wooden Alters and wooden statues which have great artistic value. Modern churches in puttur, Udupi(diamond shape), Bajpe(Aroplane shape), Infant Jesus shrine Bikkarnakatte and Bela are very artistic. St Aloysius chapel in Mangalore attracts tourists because of its paintings and architecture.

 CSI churches in Balmatta  Mangalore, Udupi, Mulki and Malpe also have artistic value.

  The old houses of Christians in Kundapur, Kallianpur and Mangalore are modelled after Portuguese architecture with broad windows, verandah etc.

Conclusion:

     Even though Christians are small in number, their contribution in education and health is significant. But with the commercialisation of education specially in medical and professional education Christians are left behind.  The contribution of Christians to art, literature and journalism is slowly forgotten.  There is a systematic effort to undermine the good work done by Christians in literature in coastal Karnataka.  The Konkani literature developed by Christians in last 150 years in coastal Karnataka will be slowly forgotten since  Kendriya  Sahitya academy recognises  the Konkani  literature written only in Devanagri script. In journalism and mass media Christians are nowhere. Youth should be encouraged to take up courses like Journalism and mass communication  since Journalism is the  fourth pillar of democracy and they can highlight the contributions made by the Christians. Unfortunately Christians have the habbit to destroy and rebuilt as result many monuments, churches are  destroyed and concrete jungles are built. We must preserve old structures and monuments.

                                                      Referenses

1.     20vya shekdyache konkni maan munis  part-1, published by  Karnataka Konkani  Sahitya Acdemy  2007

2.     Catholic sabechi charitra- published by Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh-2008

3.     Kurpechi pavlam-Mangalore Diocese post silver jubli Souvenir 2012

4.     Rakno Silver Jubili issue-1963

5.     Rakno Golden Jubilee issue -1988

6.      Konkani Natak Sabha dimond Jubilee issue 2003

7.     Kala jyoti -2004

8.     Souvenir of Canara Konkani world convention- 2004

9.     Konkani Bhase-Sahitya published by Govinda Pai Research Centre, Udupi1995

10.  Histroy of Christians in coastal Karnataka  Fr (Dr) Pius Fidelis Pinto