In Goa, all kinds of efforts are made to promote the local language, Konkani. To that effect, annual awards are also presented to those who do their bit for their mother tongue.
In order to promote the growth of the Konkani language, the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK), Porvorim, has been hosting the annual 'Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar' awards for several decades, and the 35th edition took place earlier this week.
On the occasion, the education secretary, Prasad Lolayekar, graced the event as the chief guest, while several Konkani luminaries were honoured for their contributions to Roman Konkani. Scholarships were also awarded to deserving students from various institutions.
AWARDS & RECIPIENTS
The Dr. Jack Sequeira Konknni Puroskar 2024 award, instituted by playwright, Pio Esteves, in honour of his mother, Victoria Rego e Esteves, was presented to Marcos Cosme Andrade, while Dr Glenis Mendonca was the recipient of the Valerio Carvalho Konknni Puroskar 2024, instituted by Roque Carvalho.
The Maria Afonso Konknni Puroskar 2024, instituted by Fr Ave Maria Afonso, in honour of his mother was presented to Sr Amaline Fernandes, while the late Fr. Casimiro De Mello Konknni Puroskar 2024 (instituted by Marjorie D'Sa) was awarded to Fr Vital Miranda.
The ‘Martir Floriano Vaz Puroskar 2024’ (Book of the Year award, instituted by the Centre) was presented to Fr Roman Rodrigues for his book, Dhage. And, the ‘Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar 2025’ was presented to Ashok R Chodankar for his service to Konkani in the Roman script for over 15 years.
Speaking on the occasion, Prasad Lolayekar appreciated the various literary works carried out by the TSKK towards the growth of Konkani, irrespective of the script.
In order to promote the growth of the Konkani language, the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK), Porvorim, has been hosting the annual 'Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar' awards for several decades
WHAT THEY SAID
“The centre's contribution extends beyond literature to art, culture, theatre and the Konkani community, deserving recognition and applause. May its work continue for generations to come,” said Lolayekar.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Dr Glenis expressed her gratitude, saying she was deeply honoured and overwhelmed to receive recognition for her contribution towards the Konkani language.
She further emphasised, "These awards should motivate us to work with greater enthusiasm for the growth of Konkani through our literary efforts. It should also motivate those working tirelessly for the development of the language."
"Let the good work of the past continue selflessly, without any expectations in return," she added.
Meritorious and deserving students from various institutions who were awarded scholarships, included:
Joaquim & Cynthia Scholarship: Gaverly N Sequeira (Holy Cross High School, Bastora)
Helen Baptista Scholarship: Ujwalla Basappa Harijan and Shlok Mallappa Halage (Government High School, Alto-Betim)
Late Lourdes Baptista Scholarship: Jason Xess and Cassilda Raju (Spring Valley High School, Pilerne)
Quadros Family Scholarship: Jizal D’Silva (SFX High School, Mapusa)
Joao and Ilda Aguiar Scholarship: Waverly Marushka Viegas (highest marks in Konkani in Porvorim)
Lourenco and Umbelina De Souza Scholarship: Kellyann Rodrigues (highest marks in Konkani at the HSSC exam, Bardez level)
The annual TSKK research bulletin, SOD - 27 was also released at the hands of the chief guest.
Folklorist, former member secretary of Kala Akademy and director of TSKK, Dr Pandurang Phaldesai, welcomed the gathering, while Fr Jose Silveira SJ (co-ordinator of the centre) proposed the vote of thanks.
The ceremony was compered by Pio Esteves and Cristina Esteves, celebrating the dedication and spirit of those advancing the Konkani language.