“I was not into poetry, but recently Poetica WatsApp group gave me the good support to write Konkani poems said,” Tara Laveena Pinto, popularly known as Lavi Ganjimata, during Thaallo Umaallo live phone-in programme on June 27.

She is a Government High School teacher, teaching in Kinnikambla Government High School for the last 17 years. Currently she resides with her two children and husband in Ferar.

Lavi Ganjimata is one of rarest Konkani female writers. Her writings are sensitive and creative. She has participated in various poetry recitation programmes. So far she has written two Konakni novels - Chukulli Metam and Doskoth. Currently she is doing her post graduation in Konkani from Mangalore University.

“Hailing from a remote area called Ferar, which contains agricultural atmosphere truly influenced me to take pen and paper. My dad was my inspiration. He influenced me to think broadly and also helped me to write. My first story was Vidhichi Dhavli which is on an innocent girl. It was published in Amcho Yuvok. My husband Henry Mascarenhas is a good poet. He is a Hindi teacher. His support is great in my life,” she said.

“I always used to think that I am a descriptive writer, not a poet, but for the last one and half years I have discovered my poetic talent. My stories always have two types of scenarios – direct and indirect,” Ms Fernandes added.

She lamented that there is a scarcity of female writers in Konkani. She also expressed her sadness that poets and writers don't have enough time to write longer articles. This has resulted in the decline of the quality of Konkani literature, she opined.

Chukulli Metam, her novel describes how parents at times can ill influence their children.

Many callers interacted with Lavi Ganjimata.

- Roshan Crasta, Radio Sarang