Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 28: Konkani Lekhak Sangh Karnataka, a voluntary association, was exclusively formed with the sole intention of promoting Konkani language and literature in the year 2018. From the year 2022, Konkani Lekhak Sangh decided to select and honour a Konkani writer who has immensely contributed to Konkani literature.

For the year 2025, Konkani Lekhak Sangh award committee has selected a well known Konkani writer Alice Fernandes (Shalini Valencia). The award will be conferred at a function on February 15, at 6.30 p.m., at Sandesha premises, Sandesha Foundation, Bajjodi, Mangaluru.

The award consists of a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a citation and a memento.

In 1965, at the age of 16, she took up writing. From 1965 to 1971 continued writing in various Konkani magazines like Mithr, Jhello, Raknno, Kannik, Vavradyancho Talo etc. After a 30-year break from literary service, she took up the pen again after 2002 and has been writing for Konkani newspapers Jhello, Divo, Kutmacho Sevak, Raknno, Dirvem, Naman Balok Jeju, Milarchem Milan for 22 consecutive years. In her nearly 28 years of literary career, 34 poems, 30 short stories, 200 articles have appeared in various Konkani newspapers. Held responsibility as vice-president of Konkani Writers' forum ‘Konkani Lekhakancho Ekvott’ for three years.

She has received honors from ‘Konkni Lekhakancho Ekvott’, Raknno and Dirvem magazines and won the consolation prize for short story in Raknno literary competition.

Convener Richard Moras, committee member Dolphy F Lobo, and advisory committee members Dr Jerry Niddodi and J F Dsouza were present.

About Shalini Valencia

Shalini Valencia, whose real name is Alice Fernandes, was born on October 14, 1948. A science graduate (BSc), she is widely known by her pen names, Shalini Valencia and Asha Milar.

Her literary journey began in 1965, at the age of 16, when she contributed a question for the July issue of the monthly magazine Mitr through a letter to the editor. Later that year, her first poem was published in the September issue of Mitr.
In 1966, she achieved another milestone when her first short story was published in the May issue of Jhello. From 1965 to 1971, she actively contributed her writings to various Konkani magazines, including Mitr, Jhello, Rakno, Kannik, and Vavradyancho Talo.

She expanded her repertoire by translating English novels into Konkani. To Taka Ashelo (1970) and Tum Sukhi Ja (1971) were published by Salak publication. Additionally, her stories appeared in notable Konkani story collections such as Phulam Ani Pakloyo, Gulob Ani Salkam, and Lharam Ani Taram, edited and published by Salak Prakashan.

After a hiatus of 30 years, she returned to writing in 2002 and has been a consistent contributor to Konkani newspapers such as Jhello, Divo, Kutmacho Sevak, Raknno, Dirvem, Naman Balok Jezu, and Milarchem Milan for over 22 consecutive years.

During her nearly 28 years of literary service, she has authored 34 poems, 30 short stories, and over 200 articles. Her contributions to the Ladies Section of Raknno Weekly in 2014-15 were particularly noteworthy.

Writing under the pen name Asha Milar, she has contributed articles to Dirvem magazine since 2006. She has also been translating and writing stories from other languages under the title Internet Kanyo.

Three of her articles were broadcasted by Mangalore Akashvani, accompanied by her own recitations. She has also served for eight years as a member of the editorial board of the church bulletin Milarchem Milan and held the role of Vice-President of the Konkani Writers' Association, Konkani Lekhakancho Ekvott, for three years.

Shalini Valencia has received several accolades for her contributions to Konkani literature, including:

• Being honored during the 10th anniversary celebrations of Konkani Lekhakancho Ekvott.
• Recognition alongside other authors by Raknno magazine.
• An award from Dirvem magazine during its fifth-anniversary celebrations.
• A consolation prize for a short story in the Raknno Literary Competition.

She takes immense pride in the fact that, throughout her literary career, none of her writings have ever been rejected by any newspaper editor.