Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 24: “Damodar Mauzo bridges complexities and simplicity of literature in Konkani for the benefit of common reader and connoisseur equally. He is an icon of the composite culture of Goa and he lives and practices the ethos of his writings. He has maintained Konkani identity and distinctiveness in his literature,” said Dr M Prabhakar Joshi, eminent thinker and Yakshagana scholar, after unveiling the portrait of Jnanapith Awardee and celebrated Konkani novelist Damodar Mauzo at World Konkani Hall of Fame of World Konkani Centre, Mangaluru in a ceremony held on Tuesday August 23.

Present on the occasion, Damodar Mauzo, expressed his humility in accepting this honour. He said, “World Konkani Centre is like a second home to me. It is true embodiment of Basti Vaman Shenoy, as I always saw both are none the same.” His wife was also present on the occasion.

President of World Konkani Centre, Nandagopal Shenoy, welcomed the guests and the gathering. Konkani poet and trustee of World Konkani Centre, Melvyn Rodrigues hosted the event, and secretary Giridhar Kamath delivered the vote of thanks.

Gilbert D’Souza, vice president, B R Bhat, treasurer and trustees of World Konkani Centre Ramesh Naik, Shakuntala R Kini, CEO Gurudath bantwalkar, Dr B Devadas Pai, director (Research), philanthropist James Mendonca, Konkani writers H M Pernal, Titus Noronha, Kudpi Rajanikanth Shenoy and others were present.