News and pic: Sanjay Borkar
Daijiworld Media Network – Margao (SP)

Margao, Jul 27: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Saturday July 25, presented awards instituted by Goa Konkani Akademi to various personalities who have contributed in the field of Konkani literature and Konkani language at a function held at Margao. Noted English writer Sudhir Kakkar was the guest of honour.

The recipients of the Awards included Nilba Khandekar, Ramnath Gavde, Rajay pawar, Mukesh Thali, Dr Balkrishna Kanolkar, Gajanan Jog, Agnel Fernandes, Rajdeep Naik, Naguesh Karmali, Suresh Jaiwant Borkar, Babli Naik, J B Moraes and Konkani Kala ani Sahitya Kendra, Curchorem in the institutions category.

Babli Naik, while expressing his happiness at the honour conferred on him, announced that he would be donating the cash component of the award amounting to Rs 25,000, to Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ),  and appealed to GUJ to institute a journalism award in the name of late Felicio Cardoz, out of this donation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the recipients of the awards and the Goa Konkani Akademi for its praiseworthy work in the fields of the promotion of Konkani language and literature.

Kamat said, he has honoured his assurance given earlier, to extend financial assistance for the cause of Konkani language.

Sudhir Kakkar , noted English writer said, noted that a person is able to express his feelings more effectively in the mother tongue. Cogitation on issues is also more effective in mother tongue, he stressed.

N Shivdas, president of Goa Konkani Akademi, speaking on the occasion, requested the Chief Minister for constructing a Konkani Bhavan in Goa.

Vincy Quadros, vice president, Goa Konkani Akademi, welcomed the guests. Damodar Mauzo proposed vote of thanks.