“May the Goa arts and literature festival”remain a platform for fearless  discussion!” urges poet Ranjit Hoskote

Goa Khabar:  Sporting a Palestinian Keffiyeh (the traditional scarf which has become a  prominent symbol of  Palestinian nationalism in the light of the present Israel-Palestinian conflict) award winning poet, Ranjit Hoskote in his keynote address at the inaugural function of the 12^th Goa arts and literature festival (GALF) in Panaji  made an impassioned plea for a prayer for the estimated 12,000 Palestinan children who have been killed in the present conflict.

Hoskote said that the attacks on innocent women and children in Gaza were clearly aimed at destroying future generations of Palestinians. “Even as we take part in a festival here in peaceful circumstances, it is so hard to believe that in another part of the world, innocent children are being subject to death and destruction.”

According to Hoskote, poets and writers must not consider themselves at the margins. “We must raise our voices against tyranny. We must raise our voices against forces that seek to curtail the freedom of speech. May GALF remain a platform for fearless discussion,” Hoskote said.

Padma Shri awardee, Mamang Dai, the other keynote speaker from Arunachal Pradesh also spoke about the need to respect diversity in our society. “Differences must be acknowledged. We are a diverse nation. Paltforms like GALF help us tap into our invisible roots,” said Dai

The evening also saw some very spirited poetry reading by the charismatic, Tamil Nadu based poet Meena Kandasamy. Her recitation of poems by Tiruvalluvar,  the noted 6^th century Tamil poet against political tyranny of those times drew immediate applause.

The GALF artwork this year was made by the 24-year-old Goan artist, Sagar Naik Mule, who recently was felicitated by the prime minister of India for his “kavi art” which uses the local red soil and a unique, traditional style.

The evening came to a close with the release of  “Boy, Unloved” the latest translation of Damodar Mauzo’s  Konkani novel,  Jeev Divum Kai Chya Marum by noted translator and author, Jerry Pinto.

Pinto said that he very much cherished, the week he spent with Mauzo and his wife Shaila in their Goa home discussing the completed English translation of the book.

The festival is open and free to the public at the ICG on both February 16 and 17.