PANAJI
Noted Goan story writer, novelist, critic and script writer Damodar Mauzo has been conferred the 56th Jnanpith Puraskar for 2021.
He is the second Konkani writer who received this prestigious award after veteran Goan writer late Ravindra Kelekar received it in 2006.
Known for his stories, novels, essays, critical appreciation, scripts and dialogue writing, Mauzo has numerous books to his credit. He has also edited many books and his books have been translated in other languages too.
Expressing happiness over this highest honour in literature, Mauzo stated, “it gives me immense pleasure to have this award, as a person, but as a writer I want to note here that I am happier for the Konkani language. There were those who were not even willing to recognise Konkani as a language 60 years ago, and today the language has been conferred with two Jnanpith awards.”
Mauzo further said, “I am accepting this award on behalf of all the Goan people. All those who are active in Goan literary field, this honour is for all of them.”
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant congratulated Mauzo for calling him Goa’s son and writer par excellence who propagated Konkani in literature.
Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat also congratulated Mauzo saying, “has strengthened the foundation of Konkani all the more.”
Noted writer Datta Damodar Nayak, Devidas Kadam, Konkani Bhasha Mandal president Anwesha Singbal, former KBM president Prashant Naik, Chetan Acharya also called on Mauzo at his residence in Majorda.
The veteran writer has been conferred with many State and national level awards too. His novel ‘Carmeline’ has been translated into 22 languages.
The Konkani Bhasha Mandal also hailed the recognition for Mauzo with its president Anwesha Singbal saying “this award has offered Konkani recognition on the national level.
