Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) marked another milestone in promoting Romi Konkani literature with the release of a new book titled “Nouchalok ani Tachi Kola” (Notes on the Elements of Shipping). The book was formally released by Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju in the presence of Guest of Honour Kaushik Seal, Presiding Officer Sudhir Kumar Shrivastava, Shivram Kamat, DKA President Fr. Myron Jesin Barreto and author Capt. Eddie Viegas.
The function was jointly organised with the National Maritime Day Celebration Committee, Goa, on the occasion of the 63rd National Maritime Day at Ravindra Bhavan.
The publication is a unique contribution to Konkani literature focusing on the fundamentals of shipping and maritime knowledge. Written in an accessible style, the book aims to introduce students and aspiring seafarers to basic concepts, navigation skills and elements of shipping. The work is presented in Roman Konkani, making technical maritime knowledge more approachable for local readers.
Speaking about the initiative, Capt. Eddie Viegas said the marine industry has grown significantly over the decades, but training and knowledge upgradation for inland vessel crew has not kept pace. He noted that the book seeks to fill this gap by providing practical guidance in the mother tongue, enabling crew members and operators to understand their responsibilities and perform duties with greater safety and efficiency.
Capt. Viegas, who hails from Loliem in Canacona, trained as a cadet on the Training Ship Dufferin (1965–67) and later sailed as Master with the Shipping Corporation of India. Over a career spanning nearly six decades, he has served as ship and marine surveyor, flag state inspector, insurance surveyor, examiner for inland vessel masters and visiting lecturer in maritime institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Fr. Myron Jesin Barreto praised the author’s contribution to Roman Konkani, stating that writing technical knowledge in the script helps preserve linguistic heritage while making specialised information accessible to future generations.
The book “Nouchalok ani Tachi Kola” is now available for sale at the Dalgado Konknni Akademi office in Panjim.
