Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai (SP)

Dubai, Dec 20: Jerry Niddodi, a prominent Konkani writer, has been chosen for ‘Daiji Literary Award’ for 2011. This announcement has been made by Daiji Dubai, renowned forum of Konkani writers in Dubai, in a press statement.

Jerry Niddodi was chosen for the award from a list of three candidates, who were short-listed, during the general meeting of the forum, held at Shezan Restaurant on Thursday December 16 at 8 pm. The names of the three candidates were recommended by a committee headed by Dayan D’souza, of which well-known writers like Stany Nirude, Linus Moras, Robert Fernandes, Vincy Pinto, Dinesh Correa and Stan Ageira were members.

Jerry Niddodi, an immensely talented writer, was born on May 25, 1957, to Joseph David Pinto and Mary Celestine Pinto. He is a professor in Milagres College, and lives in Kalianpur with his wife, Marceline Sera, and two daughters Deepa and Divya.

Jerry Niddodi richly deserves ‘Daiji Dubai Puroskar – 2011’ and Daiji-Dubai has picked him for this award, taking into account his all-round achievement towards the development of Konkani literature. He has written novels, short stories, poems and over 600 articles in Konkani. His novel ‘Tisri Takli’ had bagged the Konkani Sahitya Academy Award for 2007. In addition, he has won Danti-Smarak award in 1997, Divo Sahitya Prashasti in 2007 and Konkani Star award in 2007. The distinguished writer’s accomplishments also cover a broader spectrum, including research in physics, social work and journalism.

The highly rated ‘Daiji Dubai Literary Puroskar – 2011’ will be conferred on Jerry Niddodi during the annual day celebrations of Daiji Dubai scheduled to be held on April 29, 2011. The award carries a cash component of Rs 50,000, apart from a shawl, citation and certificate of honour. Daiji Dubai, a premier forum of Konkani writers based in Dubai, salutes Jerry Niddodi with pride and joy on his accomplishment.