Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy announces 2023 awards

Team Udayavani, Oct 16, 2024, 10:23 AM IST

Mangaluru: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy has selected senior individuals who have made notable contributions to Konkani literature, arts, and folklore for its 2023 honorary and book awards. The awards cover categories like poetry, short stories, novels, and translations.

This year’s recipients include:

• Konkani Literature (Honorary Award): Marcel M D’Souza, Mangaluru. His works include stories, poetry, and comedy. He has served as the president of the Konkani Writers’ Forum Karnataka-Mangaluru.
• Konkani Art (Honorary Award): Harry Fernandes, Mumbai. He has contributed to cinema by writing and directing films in Konkani and other languages, including Bhojpuri and Hindi. His Konkani film Sophiya won the Karnataka State Award in the regional category.
• Konkani Folklore (Honorary Award): Ashok Damu, Kasarakod. He has worked for over 25 years to preserve the Kharvi folklore songs sung during Holi and has contributed to Konkani folk drama.
• Konkani Poetry (Book Award): Atvo Sur by Mary Salomi D’Souza, Bantwal. She began her creative journey by contributing cartoons to children’s magazines and has since become known for her poetry on platforms like Kavita.com.
• Konkani Short Story (Book Award): Poyli Bhet by Fr Royson Fernandes, Hirgan. He has served as the editor of the Ujwaad fortnightly and is a public relations officer for the Udupi Diocese.
• Konkani Translation (Book Award): Eklo Eksuro by Stephen Mascarenhas (Hemacharya), Mangaluru. He has been actively involved with the Daiji Dubai Konkani Writers’ Association and is known for his translation work.

Each honorary award includes Rs 50,000 in cash, while the book awards carry Rs 25,000. Both awards also come with a certificate, shawl, memento, and other honors. The award ceremony will take place on November 10, 2024, at Shanbagh Residency, Kasarakod, Honnavar, with the presence of key dignitaries including Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister Mankala S Vaidya and others.