The journalists, literates, teachers, activists and karyakartas that were awarded by Konkani Bhasha Mandal.
PANAJI
Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) that celebrated its 60th anniversary, presented its annual awards on Saturday in Margao in the presence of Indian writer Arun Kamal. Goan writers Meena Kakodkar and Narayan Mauzo, former president of Goa Board Jose Rebello, Konkani activist R B S Komarpant and director (training) and secretary, GIPARD Society Michael D’Souza (IAS) who were the guest of honours, presented the awards for literature, translation, teaching, journalism, activism and selfless contribution to the conservation and promotion of Konkani language.
Arun Kamal in his keynote address lauded the struggles of those who fought for the preservation of their language and said that Konkani should get its due place of respect in the Indian languages. “As Bangladesh celebrates ‘Bhasha Divas’ remembering the struggle done to save their native language, Konkani should also be remembered for its long struggle to preserve its identity, especially during the Portuguese era when it was banned. All languages across the globe have a history of battling for their existence,” said Arun Kamal.
Pointing out that Konkani activists have a prime role in the formation of Konkani State, Arun Kamal appealed that more books should be written, translated, and published in Konkani. “In the process of globalisation, one can embrace the food habits and dressing styles of others, but language becomes a barrier here. Each language has its own beauty, nature, and culture and if the primary education is provided in mother tongue, the language will remain alive. The language is preserved if folklore and folk music is preserved in the written form and Konkani Bhasha Mandal can work on this front,” said Arun Kamal.
Veteran Goan writer Meena Kakodkar recalled the work of Konkani Bhasha Mandal and its staunch workers in the initial years. Recalling the contribution of stalwarts like Ravindra Kelekar, Gurunath Kelekar, Chandrakant Keni, Manoharrai Sardesai, Uday Bhembre, Felix Cardoso for uplifting the language, Kakodkar thanked the KBM for shaping her as a writer.
Konkani Bhasha Mandal Service Award was given to Martin Menino Fernandes, Gurudas Samant, Uday Deshprabhu, Prabhakar Bhide and Archana Kamat. Prudent Media editor Pramod Acharya received Ligorio Furtado Trust Award for Journalism. The Serafino Cotta-sponsored Felicio Cardozo Memorial Teacher Award was given to Krishnabai (Beena) Nayak. The Juje Piedade Quadros Memorial Activist Award was given to Gopinath Gawas, Aparna Garudi, Revansidh Naik, Rajdeep Naik and Adv John Fernandes.
