-By Gasper Crasto
Kuwait: Goa has produced a number of eminent writers over the centuries. While some have perished
into oblivion, some have achieved world recognition for their commendable works.
Marcos Gonsalves is a young Goan Konkani writer hailing from Raia, Goa -- on a visit to Kuwait, as a special guest for the Goan traditional ‘Khell’ staged by Kuwait Konknni Mogi on 20th April 2014.
Born in 1977 to Vitorin and Rosalina Gonsalves, Marcos is the 3rd child among 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He is married to Sandra and has 2 sons – Sparsh and Vihaan.
Marcos has written a number of books, articles, essays, poems, one-act plays, etc. Some of his illustrious works include ‘Zoglam’ and ‘Songhorx’, collection of one-act plays. ‘Thembea-Thembeant’, ‘Sruxtti’, collection of poems, ‘Konnsam’, a collection of short stories, etc.
His works are regularly published by Sunaparant – Konkani daily where he works as a Sub-Editor. He articles are also a regular feature on Gulab, Goan Review, and Jivit, Vavraddeancho Ixtt, Dor Moineachi Rotti, etc.
Marcos has also presented poems at Akasvanni - Panjim and staged one-act plays all over Goa.
Fluent in both Romi and Devnagri Konkani, Marcos has recently released a book on Goan ‘Zagor’.
Konkani Bhasha Mandal has awarded the young writer for his book ‘Zoglam’ while Goa Konknni Academy awarded him for ‘Songhorx’.
Other awards bagged by the writer include Fr. Antonio Pereira Yadostik Puroskar’, TSKK’s award for the book ‘Tornni Xim’, etc. He is also felicitated with awards by Dalgado Konkani Academy, Margao Front, Gulab and Jivit magazines.
In a short tête-à-tête with Gasper Crasto, the young writer shares his thoughts.
Is this your first trip abroad?
Yes, 'poilech pautt hanvem India-che bhair paim dovorleat'. I am grateful that my friend from Raia bab Domnic Fernandes made this trip possible.
Which has been the toughest book that you have written so far?
‘Kristavancho Zagor’ has been the toughest. It involved extensive research on a tradition which is on the brink of extinction, about which little is known or can be found in Goan archives. I delved deep into the subject for almost 3 years before publishing the book.
What is a Zagor?
Zagor is Goa’s rich cultural heritage. Basically, it is a ‘zagronn’ -- keeping awake all night and celebrating in a traditional way. This is the first time that anyone has succeeded in getting an account of this rich, centuries-old custom, chronicled.
The book is being translated in Devnagri Konkani as well as into Marathi and English. Dalgado Konkani Academy, my publishers who have assisted me in all this endeavor, aim to present this book as a piece of national art to the treasures of our traditions. We feel there is a need to protect the ‘Zagors’ for posterity.
We also feel there is a need to revive the ‘mand’ and bring together some of the lively artists performing at ‘Zagors’.
Zagor can be termed as an originator of the modern day ‘Tiatr’.
Where can the readers find this book.
Readers can buy the book at any Goan book stall and it is available at all government libraries within Goa.
What inspired you to right this particular book.
My interest in ‘Zagor’ developed when I was a kid. At that time, I’d only heard of this festival, never got to see what it was. About 4 years back, I heard about a ‘Zagor’ being held at Sao Jose de Areal, I went to see it in the night. What I saw was amazing and exceptional. I immediately decided to dig deep into it and write a book about it.
What did you see?
A ‘Zagor that I have extensively described in the book after exploring the roots of this unique art, past history and present day customs in other parts of Goa as well.
Any society can lose its language, art and culture if it loses its traditions and character. I feel there is a need to bring about a cultural revolution in our State to protect not only art and culture, but the very identity of Goa.
As a writer, who encouraged you on your way?
Initially, I started writing to Sunaparant, Goan Review, etc. Mr. Tarkeshwar Naik, Bab Fausto Da Costa have widely guided and encouraged me. Vincy Quadros, Guadalupe Dias, etc, have also been very helpful in directing me in the field of Konkani literature.
However, my biggest source of encouragement and critic too, till date, is my wife.
You have been awarded for Zoglam and Songhorx. What are these books?
Zoglam consists of 5 one-act plays on different subjects which were staged all over Goa and bagged many awards. Songhorx (Struggle) is also a collection of one-act plays which has been published in 2 editions and is among the most famous of my works.
What do you say about the new generation of Konkani writers.
There is no dedication by young writers towards the Konkani language, it is difficult to have writers like Damodar Mauzo, Pundalik Narayan Naik, Tomazinho Cardozo who started their careers at a young age and went on to become world class writers.
What are your upcoming projects?
I plan to write a book on Konkani words which have become obsolete or are no more in usage. Am sure it would be beneficial to everyone, most of all to our mother-tongue.
How do you feel visiting Kuwait?
It is nice to see so many Goans here, faces so friendly, and a lot of people speaking in our mother tongue. I feel so great for the respect shown all around towards me, and admire me for being a writer. May God bless everyone.
Marcos Gonsalves, a Goan writer on a visit to Kuwait
Marcos Gonsalves is a young Goan Konkani writer hailing from Raia, Goa -- on a visit to Kuwait, as a special guest for the Goan traditional ‘Khell’ staged by Kuwait Konknni Mogi on 20th April 2014.
Born in 1977 to Vitorin and Rosalina Gonsalves, Marcos is the 3rd child among 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He is married to Sandra and has 2 sons – Sparsh and Vihaan.
Marcos has written a number of books, articles, essays, poems, one-act plays, etc. Some of his illustrious works include ‘Zoglam’ and ‘Songhorx’, collection of one-act plays. ‘Thembea-Thembeant’, ‘Sruxtti’, collection of poems, ‘Konnsam’, a collection of short stories, etc.
His works are regularly published by Sunaparant – Konkani daily where he works as a Sub-Editor. He articles are also a regular feature on Gulab, Goan Review, and Jivit, Vavraddeancho Ixtt, Dor Moineachi Rotti, etc.
Marcos has also presented poems at Akasvanni - Panjim and staged one-act plays all over Goa.
Fluent in both Romi and Devnagri Konkani, Marcos has recently released a book on Goan ‘Zagor’.
Konkani Bhasha Mandal has awarded the young writer for his book ‘Zoglam’ while Goa Konknni Academy awarded him for ‘Songhorx’.
Other awards bagged by the writer include Fr. Antonio Pereira Yadostik Puroskar’, TSKK’s award for the book ‘Tornni Xim’, etc. He is also felicitated with awards by Dalgado Konkani Academy, Margao Front, Gulab and Jivit magazines.
In a short tête-à-tête with Gasper Crasto, the young writer shares his thoughts.
Is this your first trip abroad?
Yes, 'poilech pautt hanvem India-che bhair paim dovorleat'. I am grateful that my friend from Raia bab Domnic Fernandes made this trip possible.
Which has been the toughest book that you have written so far?
‘Kristavancho Zagor’ has been the toughest. It involved extensive research on a tradition which is on the brink of extinction, about which little is known or can be found in Goan archives. I delved deep into the subject for almost 3 years before publishing the book.
What is a Zagor?
Zagor is Goa’s rich cultural heritage. Basically, it is a ‘zagronn’ -- keeping awake all night and celebrating in a traditional way. This is the first time that anyone has succeeded in getting an account of this rich, centuries-old custom, chronicled.
The book is being translated in Devnagri Konkani as well as into Marathi and English. Dalgado Konkani Academy, my publishers who have assisted me in all this endeavor, aim to present this book as a piece of national art to the treasures of our traditions. We feel there is a need to protect the ‘Zagors’ for posterity.
We also feel there is a need to revive the ‘mand’ and bring together some of the lively artists performing at ‘Zagors’.
Zagor can be termed as an originator of the modern day ‘Tiatr’.
Where can the readers find this book.
Readers can buy the book at any Goan book stall and it is available at all government libraries within Goa.
What inspired you to right this particular book.
My interest in ‘Zagor’ developed when I was a kid. At that time, I’d only heard of this festival, never got to see what it was. About 4 years back, I heard about a ‘Zagor’ being held at Sao Jose de Areal, I went to see it in the night. What I saw was amazing and exceptional. I immediately decided to dig deep into it and write a book about it.
What did you see?
A ‘Zagor that I have extensively described in the book after exploring the roots of this unique art, past history and present day customs in other parts of Goa as well.
Any society can lose its language, art and culture if it loses its traditions and character. I feel there is a need to bring about a cultural revolution in our State to protect not only art and culture, but the very identity of Goa.
As a writer, who encouraged you on your way?
Initially, I started writing to Sunaparant, Goan Review, etc. Mr. Tarkeshwar Naik, Bab Fausto Da Costa have widely guided and encouraged me. Vincy Quadros, Guadalupe Dias, etc, have also been very helpful in directing me in the field of Konkani literature.
However, my biggest source of encouragement and critic too, till date, is my wife.
Another photo of Marcos Gonsalves - in a Kuwait mall
File Photo: Marcos Gonsalves receiving Gulab Award
Zoglam consists of 5 one-act plays on different subjects which were staged all over Goa and bagged many awards. Songhorx (Struggle) is also a collection of one-act plays which has been published in 2 editions and is among the most famous of my works.
What do you say about the new generation of Konkani writers.
There is no dedication by young writers towards the Konkani language, it is difficult to have writers like Damodar Mauzo, Pundalik Narayan Naik, Tomazinho Cardozo who started their careers at a young age and went on to become world class writers.
What are your upcoming projects?
I plan to write a book on Konkani words which have become obsolete or are no more in usage. Am sure it would be beneficial to everyone, most of all to our mother-tongue.
How do you feel visiting Kuwait?
It is nice to see so many Goans here, faces so friendly, and a lot of people speaking in our mother tongue. I feel so great for the respect shown all around towards me, and admire me for being a writer. May God bless everyone.