‘Every writer is an activist’: Damodar Mauzo

Damodar Mauzo, the outspoken Jnanpith Award-winning Konkani writer from Goa, remains unfazed by the threats to his life

Goa’s Damodar Mauzo won the 57th Jnanpith Award in November, becoming the second Konkani writer to win India’s highest literary prize. The 77-year-old writer, who spent many years running a shop, has been a part of Goa’s contemporary roller-coaster history, having fought for its Statehood and the constitutional recognition of Konkani. Winner of several awards, including the Sahitya Akademi for his 1981 novel Karmelin, Mauzo has written two other novels, short stories, essays, criticisms and an award-winning script for a Konkani film. His stories are chiefly about people, the sea, and his predominantly Catholic village, all exuding a simple and realistic charm.

Mauzo has always stood for free speech — he had dashed off a letter to the Sahitya Akademi demanding zero tolerance to any threat to freedom of expression. Since 2018, he has been provided with police security following intelligence inputs about a threat to his life from the investigation team probing the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh. But he remains resolute in what he believes, famously saying, “No bullet can defeat a thought.” Mauzo is co-founder and co-curator of Goa Arts and Literature Festival. Excerpts from an interview:

What does the Jnanpith mean to you and for the Konkani language?

I never wrote for any award; this award will not change my style of writing or thinking or standing. Language is a major component of any culture. In a way, awards are very important for my language Konkani, which has suffered for centuries due to Portuguese rule.

Konkani acquired literary status in 1975, when it was recognised by the Sahitya Akademi. In less than 50 years, two Konkani writers have won the Jnanpith. It has given countrywide recognition to a local language. I hope this will encourage the younger generation to take up writing in Konkani.

This award came to you in the 60th year of Goa’s liberation. Is that a coincidence? Is it late in coming?

It is a coincidence because I am not sure the jury in Delhi was aware that 2021 was the 60th year. Personally, I am happy to get the award in this significant year, as it gives some meaning to Goa’s liberation. Frankly, I never expected the Jnanpith. Konkani has a small readership and there are so many good writers in India who deserve the award.