Charles Francis D’costa

Charles Francis D’costa was popularly known as Cha. Fra. He was a Journalist, dramatist and Konkani poet, born in Marnamikatta near Mangalore on 10-10-193 1. Marcel D’costa And Madta were his parents. He did his primary education in Cascia School and High School in Milagres school. He moved to Bombay and worked in the Election Commission for the first general election of Independent India. Later he became an employee of B.E.S.T.
Literary Work
Cha. Fra. was editor of Poinnari periodical. After leaving Poinnari he started Konkani periodicals such as Zag – Mag, Vixal Konkonn(1961) in his own printing press. Udev (1976) and Jivit (1983) are other periodicals which he started in Mangalore. Cha.Fra. was a famous dramatist. His famous dramas are Sobit Sounsar, Sunnem Mazor Hansta, Tomato, Vishenticho Bhav, Tornem Tornem Mornem, Poinnaryancho Mitr, Bhangar Monis, Jorji Buthel, Mankadacho Pai, Magirchem Magir, Boklaak Saat Jiv, Kuvalyanchi Val, Handdo Uttla, Boncho Bandh, Dev Polleit Asa, Doro, Them Tho ani Hanv, Shirigundi Shimaon, Dakther Dusman, Jillacho Novro, Moja Puthacho Kinkulo, Rojik Kazar, Avnkwar Mesthri, Zuze Dayal, Macho. Among them “Bhangar Monis, Avnkwar Mestri” were most popular dramas. He has written many poems. “Sonshyache Kan, Biri Biri Pavs, Hadgo Chedva, Budkulo, Mitha Kann, Motya” were some of his published collections. He played a very important role in forming Karnataka Konkani Bhasha Mandal. He founded Anti-dowri organisation to bring awareness against dowry problem in society.
Honours
Cha. Fra has bagged Central Sahitya Akademi Award for his “Sonshyache Kan” in 1989. He was honoured with the title “Konkani Sahitya Ratna”. He has presided over the Bharatiya Lekhakancho Sammelan held in 1987. He was also honoured by Bishop of Mangalore. 75th Mandd Sobhann was dedicated in the name of Cha. Fra. He was the founder president of Karnataka Konkani Bhasha Mandal.