Media Release

Mysuru, Mar 23: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and the Konkani Christian Association, Mysuru, jointly organized the prestigious Honorary Awards 2024 and Book Awards 2024 at Konkan Bhavan, Mysuru, on March 23. The event, which blended spirituality, culture, and literature, honored the rich heritage of the Konkani community.

The program commenced at 4 pm with a solemn Konkani Mass, reflecting the essence of the Lenten season. Six priests led the congregation in prayer, fostering a peaceful and reverent atmosphere as attendees gathered for the evening’s cultural celebrations.

At 6 pm, the stage programs officially began. academy president Joachim Stany Alvares welcomed the dignitaries and participants with warm words in his opening address. The event was inaugurated by Chamaraja constituency MLA K Harish Gowda, who lit the lamp and honored the awardees as the chief guest. In his address, he praised the Konkani language for its role in preserving cultural identity and emphasized the need for continued efforts to promote regional languages and literature.

The Honorary Awards were conferred on:

• Patrick Kamil Moras for his contributions to Konkani literature through stories, novels, and poetry

• Joel Pereira for his expertise in various Konkani musical instruments and achievements in the arts

• Sobina Mothesh Kambraker for her efforts in preserving and promoting Siddi culture in the field of folk arts

The Book Awards were presented to:

• Felcy Lobo for her poetry collection Paalva Ponth

• Valerian Sequeira for his essay collection Shetam Bhatam Totanni

Both awardees expressed their gratitude to the Academy and supporters for encouraging their contributions to Konkani literature.

Joint director of the Kannada and culture department, Mysuru division, V N Mallikarjuna Swami, attended as the guest of honor. He released a book and paid tribute to writers and artists who have preserved Kannada and cultural languages, particularly those who have worked in their mother tongue. He extended his appreciation to the awardees and wished the event great success.

Among the distinguished guests were state awardee Valerian D’Souza, Konkani Christian Association president John William D’Souza, and association secretary Joyce Sequeira, who also graced the stage.

The evening featured cultural performances by Antony Keerthan James and his brass band, as well as a Konkani music presentation by Elron Rodrigues and his team. The Konkani Christian Association played a key role in supporting the successful execution of the event.