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Mangaluru : The Konkani Writers’ Association Literary Award 2024 was conferred on Konkani writer and former principal of Milagres College, Kallianpur Dr. Gerald Pinto, (known by the pen-name Jerry Niddodi) at a grand function organized at Sandesha Prathishtan, Bajjodi here on Saturday, February 17.

Rev Fr. Ronald Serrao, Rector of St Joseph’s Seminary Jeppu, Mangaluru was the chief guest and Prof. T A N Khandige, Alva’s College, Moodubidri was the guest of honor.

In his welcome address, Dr. Edward Nazareth informed that Konkani literature in Kannada script has a history of less than 75 years but voluminous literature had been produced thanks to selfless efforts of writers and publishers of yesteryears who did it without anticipating any awards or rewards.

“Konkani writers themselves formed the associations and the first one being Daijidubai which started conferring literary awards on Konkani writers and artistes in year 2000 which is continuing to honor prominent Konkani writer or artiste every year thereafter,” Dr. Nazareth said.

He said, “Another organization, Konkani Kutam from Bahrain started awarding writers from 2002 and 18 awards have been presented by them so far. 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 artistes due to the generous contribution by Konkani philanthropists.”

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

Dealing with various topics of script, literature and awards, Prof. T A N Khandige expressed his happiness on the association’s decision to recognize and award the writer. He stressed upon the importance of literature to spread humanity and empathy among fellow human beings.

Rev Dr. Ronald Serrao in his address highlightened the richness of Konkani culture, language 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 and 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,  he said.

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

Konkani poet Naveen Periera was honoured for conducting 25 poets’ meetings (Kavi Gosti) of Konkani poets and Vally Quadros for the Sanesha Literary award.

Felcy Lobo read out the citation and Henry Mascarenhas introduced Dr Gerald Pinto. Ligory D’Souza proposed vote of thanks. Laveena Mascarenhas (Lavi Ganjimatt) compered the programme.

Senior Konkani Writers Fr Mark Valder, Dolphy Lobo, J F D’Souza, Irene Pinto, Fr Rupesh Madtha(Editor of Raknno) Fr Chetan Lobo, OFM (Editor, Kutmacho Sevak) and several Konkani Writers, editors, artistes and well-wishers were present