MARGAO
Rich tributes were paid to noted Konkani writer and Sahitya Academy award winner Late Madhavi Sardesai on her death anniversary, with speakers underscoring the need to carry forward the work initiated by her to take Konkani to greater heights.
Padmashree Suresh Amonkar called Madhavi a professor of linguistics and a global citizen as he unveiled the Madhavi Sardesai Square near BPS Club, Pajifond, on Saturday in the presence of TCP Minster Vijai Sardesai, thinker and Konkani writer Datta Damodar Naik, Lokmat editor Raju Nayak, Margao Municipal Council Chairperson Babita Angle Prabhudesai and citizens.
In his brief address, Prof Amonkar said that Madhavi not only carried out research on Konkani, but she went to the roots of the language. “She was indeed a professor of linguistics. She studied different languages. She did not confine herself to Goa, Konkani, Bharati, but she was a global citizen as her outlook was global,” he said.
Saying that Madhavi’s departure has left a big void in the Konkani movement, especially at the Goa University, Prof Amonkar made a fervent plea to budding writers and activists to take her work to its logical conclusion.
In his address, Datta Damodar Naik said that Madhavi was not just an eminent writer and activist, but a great human being. “I was shocked and saddened by her untimely departure. Her views need to be carried forward.”
TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai in his address said that Madhavi represented the values cherished by her family as she espoused the cause of Konkani, Goem and Goemkarponn. “We are ready to take Madhavi’s legacy forward by grooming young writers to take Konkani and Goa forward,” he added.
