Goan author Damodar Mauzo's Konkani novel gets Hindi version

Renowned Konkani writer, Damodar Mauzo’s novel, Jeev Diu Kai Chya Marun which is now translated into Hindi by Ramita Gurav titled, Jaan Di Jayein Ya Chai Ho Jaayein..., and published by Vaani Prakashan Group will be launched on April 29, 2025 at 5 pm at Multi-Purpose Hall, Sanskruti Bhavan, Panjim.

The book will be formally launched by writer, translator and critic, Prof Harish Trivedi along with the special guest of the program Fr Antonio Salema, who is the administrator of St Xavier’s College, Mapusa.

The event is being held in collaboration between Vaani Prakashan Group, New Delhi, and the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa.

ABOUT THE BOOK

This is the story of Vipin Porob, a teenager on a journey of self-discovery, shaped by a childhood spent in a loveless, lonely home behind closed and locked doors.

However, his bond with Martin Sir helps restore his faith in human connection. Through him, Vipin discovers the world of books, which soon become his closest companions — alongside Fatima and Chitra, who teach him the true meaning of love and friendship.

'Jaan Di Jaye Ya Chai ho Jaye' book cover, translated into Hindi by Ramita Gurav.

Yet, when confronted with life's complexities, Vipin often finds himself in a dilemma — unsure of which path to follow. The novel also reflects the evolving Goan socio-cultural landscape, while delving into the emotional and existential struggles of its protagonist.

This marks the fourth translation of the novel, previously rendered into Marathi by Shaila Mauzo as Jeev Dyava Ki Chaha Ghyava, into Kannada by Kishoo Barkur as Jeeva Kodale Chaha Kudiyale, and most recently into English by under the title Boy Unloved.

ABOUT THE WRITERS & GUESTS

 

DAMODAR MAUZO

Damodar Mauzo, fondly known as Bhai in Goa, is a celebrated Konkani writer and the recipient of the 57th Jnanpith Award. He is the second Konkani author, after Ravindra Kelekar, to be honoured with this prestigious recognition.

A true son of the soil, Damodar hails from the quaint village of Majorda in South Goa and has been writing for over five decades.

His contributions to Konkani literature are immense, with his acclaimed novel Karmelin — which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983 — standing out as one of the most widely translated works in the language.

His contributions to literature are immense, with his acclaimed novel Karmelin — which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983 — standing out as one of the most widely translated works in the language.

His acclaimed short story collections include Teresa’s Man and Other Stories from Goa, Tishthavani, Sapon Mogi, and Bhurgi Mhageli Ti, while his notable novels include Tsunami Simon and Jeev Diun Kai Cha Maru, among others. Known for speaking his mind, Damodar Mauzo firmly believes that a writer must also be a fighter.

RAMITA GURAV

Ramita Gurav is an associate professor at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, where she has been teaching Hindi for nearly thirty years. She holds a PhD in Contemporary Hindi .

Recently, Ramita Gurav translated a collection of short stories by Damodar Mauzo into Hindi, titled Mannat, published by Vani Prakashan. Before that, she translated Swapna Premi, published by RajKamal Prakashan, New Delhi.

She has also translated Konkani poems and Marathi short stories into Hindi. Additionally, Ramita is a thespian and a founding member of the cultural group Dhaee Aakhar Goa.

She has also translated Konkani poems and Marathi short stories into Hindi. Additionally, Ramita is a thespian and a founding member of the cultural group Dhaee Aakhar Goa.

HARISH TRIVEDI

Harish Trivedi is a former Professor of English at the University of Delhi. He has also served as a visiting professor at the universities of Chicago and London, and has lectured in around thirty countries worldwide.

He is the author of Transactions: English Literature and India (1993) and has edited or co-edited several works, including Kipling in India: India in Kipling (2021), Literature and Nation: Britain and India 1800-1990 (2001), and Post-colonial Translation: Theory and Practice (1999).

He translates between Hindi and English and edited a book in Hindi on the medieval bhakti poet Abdur-Rahim Khane-Khana (2019). He has also written a cultural history of modern Hindi , titled Hindi Sahitya mein Prayagvaad (2024).

Additionally, he has made significant contributions to the history of South Asian literature in Literature: A World History (2022, 4 volumes), edited by David Damrosch and others.

Through him, Vipin discovers the world of books, which soon become his closest companions — alongside Fatima and Chitra, who teach him the true meaning of love and friendship.

In 2024, he published 100 Years of A Passage to India: International Assessments and Indian Literary Historiography: Concepts, Languages, Histories.

A festschrift in his honour, titled India and the World: Postcolonialism, Translation and Indian Literature (2014), was edited by Ruth Vanita and features contributions from leading scholars, including Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Susan Bassnett, David Damrosch, Zhang Longxi, and Robert J C Young.

FR ANTONIO SALEMA

Fr Antonio holds an MA in Political Science and a Bachelor of Education. Ordained in 1980, he served for a decade as Secretary of the Diocesan Society of Education, and later, as Rector of the Seminary from 2009 to 2020.

In July 2020, he was appointed administrator of St Xavier’s College, Mapusa. In addition to being part of various educational bodies, he also serves as vice president of the Archdiocesan Board of Education, Goa.

DETAILS

WHAT: Jaan Di Jayein Ya Chai Ho Jaayein... (Hindi translation of Damodar Mauzo’s Konkani novel, Jeev Diun Kai Chya Marun by Ramita Gurav)

WHERE: Multi-Purpose Hall, Sanskruti Bhavan, Panjim

WHEN: April 29, 2025

TIMINGS: 5 pm

CONTACT: +91 9822983971