Mangaluru, Aug 20: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy celebrated Konkani Manyata Divas and the Konkani Pustak Puraskar-2024 on Tuesday, August 20, at Town Hall, Mangaluru.
MLC Ivan D'Souza spoke at the event, highlighting the significant contributions of Eric Ozario to Konkani music and culture. "Today we celebrate Konkani Manyata Divas and the contributions of Eric Ozario in Konkani music. We feel proud of our achievements and hope to one day present these contributions to Parliament in Konkani," D'Souza said.
He praised the Academy’s leadership and noted Ozario’s steadfast support for the Konkani language. Reflecting on a past interaction, D'Souza recalled Ozario’s remarks about ignoring those who create problems for Konkani programmes, which led to a translation request from former chief minister Veerappa Moily.
D'Souza emphasised the Academy’s potential for growth and stressed the need for more Konkani language books, fair award distribution, and better facilities for teaching Konkani in colleges. He also mentioned his experience addressing Parliament in Konkani and his commitment to establishing an MA programme in Konkani at Mangalore University.
Eric Ozario, Gurkar of Maand Shoban, expressed his gratitude for the honour from the Konkani Academy. "I am pleased that the Konkani Academy has honoured me. I have repeatedly reminded the government that this is not just a Sahitya Academy but a Konkani Academy. We should encourage students to adopt an MA in Konkani and initiate talks with the vice-chancellor of Mangalore University to implement this programme," Ozario said.
The Konkani Book Award-2024 was presented to Roshan Melki Sikkera and Fr Francis Rodriguez.
Jochim Stany Alvarez, president of the Konkani Sahitya Academy, welcomed the gathering.
The event was attended by Roy Castolino, former president of the Konkani Sahitya Academy; Prof Stevan Quadrus of SPM College, Puttur; Rajesh G, registrar of the Konkani Sahitya Academy; Ronald Crasta, member moderator, and others.