Daijiworld News Network –Udupi/Manipal(VM)

Udupi, Apr 9: Konkani writer Prakash Padgaonkar from Bardez Goa received the Dr T M A Pai Best Konkani Book Award 2005 instituted by Dr T M A Pai Foundation, Manipal.

His book ‘Vhaunti Nhai Kallachi’ bagged the award, which was presented to Padgaonkar at a ceremony held at Manipal on Saturday, April 8.

Speaking after receiving the award the writer said that language can unite people and thus Konkani literature has the power to unite all the Konkanis spread over the world.

Commenting on the Konkani script row, Padgaonkar said that it did not matter which script one adopts to write Konkani, but Konkani must be popularised. Konkani must be spoken by parents and also be taught to their children, he added.

The award was presented by chairman of T M A Pai Foundation K K Pai.

Konkani Book Appreciation Award 2004-05 were also presented to Balachandra P Gaonkar for his book ‘Dongrache Avonde,’ Nayana Adarkar for her book ‘Man Sanvar,’ Jyothi Kunkolikar for her book ‘Kannyadaan,’ and posthumously to George Pinto for his book ‘Porot Porot’. Gracy Pinto received the award presented to George Pinto.

Prasar Bharathi president M V Kamath was the chief guest on the occasion.