the goan I network
Porvorim
Stating that Konkani language is the identity of Goans, Provincial of Goa Jesuit Province Fr Roland Coelho said it is the duty of every Goan to preserve it as well as the culture of Goa for posterity.
“Konkani writers have played a vital role in enriching the Konkani language and hence, it becomes the duty of social and cultural organizations to recognize the hard work of these writers,” said Fr Coelho.
He was speaking at Porvorim at the annual Fr. Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar ceremony organized by Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendra (TSKK) t o award those contributing to the growth of Konknni language and culture.
“The TSKK deserves complements for taking the initiative to felicitate Konkani writers who has made a significant contribution to Konkani literature. These awards will encourage them to continue writing on different subjects with more zeal,” said Fr Coelho.
Fr Roland spoke of the steps taken by Jesuits of Goa Province, former and the present, to promote Konkani language and to preserve Goan culture.
Fausta V Da Costa was awarded the prestigious Antonio Pereira Kon knni Puroskar, while other award winners were Dr Cosma Fernandes (Dr Jack Sequeira Konkanni Puroskar), Fr Dominic Fernandes (Maria Afonso Konknni Puroskar), Guadulupe Dias (Valerio Carvalho Konknni Puroskar) and Anthony Correia (Casmiro D’Mello Konknni Puroskar).
The TSKK also gave a few sponsored scholarships to selected deserving students.
Fausto V Da Costa and Guadulupe Dias later spoke on behalf of the recipients of Konkani awards and expressed the gratitude for the honour.
Da Costa spoke of his acquaintances with late Fr Antonio Pereira and added that, in recognizing their contributions for the language and culture by the TSKK, they get a boost to continue to work for it.
On the occasion, Fr Coelho released the Sód 22, the TSKK’s annual research bulletin. Among those present for the ceremony were also the earlier recipients of the various Kendr puroskars.
TSKK Director Fr Apolinario Cardozo welcomed the gathering while Fr Jose Silveira, the administrator, delivered the Vote of Thanks.
Children of Holy Family Parish, Porvorim, performed a Prayer Dance and also sang a few Konkani songs. Fr Kelwin Monteiro, Linda Cardozo, Susana Sampayo and Chelsea Rodrigues gave a brief introduction on the award recipients. Fr Ave Maria Afonso, parish priest of Mother of God Church, Majorda, and Dr Janet Fernandes, lecturer at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, compered the programme.
