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Konknani Writers’ Association Literary Award Conferred on Dr. Gerald Pinto

The Konkani Writers’ Association Literary award 2024 was handed over to famous Konkani Writer , ex-Principal of Milagrace College, Kallianpur, Dr. Gerald Pinto,(known by the pen-name Jerry, Niddodi) at a grand function organised at Sandesha Prathishtan, Bajjodi, Mangalore on 17th February 2024. Rev. Fr. Dr. Ronald Serrao, Rector of St. Joseph Seminary Jeppu, Mangalore was the chief guest and Prof. T.A. N. Khandige, Professor, Alva’s College, Moddbidri was the guest of honour.

In his welcome address, Dr. Edward Nazareth informed that the Konkani literature in Kannada script has history of less than 75 years but voluminous literature is produced by selfless efforts of writers and publishers of yester years who did it without anticipating any awards or rewards. Konkani writers themselves formed the associations and first being Daijidubai which started literary awards to Konkani writers and artists in the year 2000 which is continuing honouring prominent Konkani Writer or artist every year. Another organisation,Konkani Kutam from Bhrain started awarding writers from 2002 and 18 awards were given by them. Konkani Writers Association, Karnataka, based in Mangalore is following this and Dr. Gerald Pinto is the third writer to receive the award. All these awards are instituted by Konkani writers and conferred upon prominent Konkani Writers or artists from the generous contribution by Konkani Philantropists.

In his introductory address, Mr. Richard Moras, convenor of Konkani Writers’ Association informed that other than literary activities, Konkani Writers’ Association has also taken up the task of naming a prominent road in Mangalore after late George Fernandes.

Dealing on various topics of script, lierature and awards, Prof. T.A.N. Khandige expressed his happiness on awarding the writer by the association of the writers. He stressed the importance of literature to spread humanity and empathy to fellow human beings.

Rev. Dr. Fr. Ronald Serrao in his address highlightened the richness of Konkani culture, langauge and literature and called upon the writers to preserve this richness. He applauded the love of Konkani people of this region towards Konkani language which they have not learnt in schools or universities. Even then Konkani people have immensely supported the Konkani language,literature and journalism. These types of awards are an encouragement to Konkani writers to support the language.

Dr. Gerald Pinto said the award from Konkani Writers’ Association is a great honour to him as it is from the writers’ fraternity to which he belonged to.

Konkani poet Mr. Naveen Periera was honoured for conducting 25 poets’ meetings(Kavi Ghosti) of Konkani poets and Mr. Vally Quadrose for Sandesha Literary award. Mrs. Felcy Lobo read citation to and Mr. Henry Mascarenhas introduced Dr.Gerald Pinto. Mr. Ligory D’Souza proposed vote of thanks. Mrs. Laveena Mascarenhas(Lavi Ganjimatt) compered the programme.

Senior Konkani writers Rev. Fr. Mark Valder, Mr. Dolphy Lobo, Mr. J.F.D’Souza, Mrs. Irene Pinto, Rev. Fr. Rupesh Madtha (Editor of Raknno) Rev. Fr. Chetan OFM(Editor, Kutmacho Sevak) and several Konkani writers, editors, artists and well wishers were present.