Mangalore: Konkani litterateur Fr Mark Valder gets lifetime honour
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Apr 28: Goa Konkani Akademi, in association with Konkani Language and Culture Foundation, Mangalore, conferred the ‘Madhava Manjunath Shanbhag’ lifetime achievement award on Fr Mark Valder, veteran Konkani literatteur, at a ceremony held at Vishwa Konkani Kendra, Shaktinagar on Saturday April 27.
The ‘Madhava Manjunath Shanbhag Konkani Bhasha Jeevaman Seva Puraskar’ is annually given to achievers who have excelled in serving Konkani language, and who reside outside Goa. Pundalik N Naik, president, Goa Konkani Akademi handed over the award.
In his address, Naik said, “To recognize the contributions of people towards Konkani, the akademi introduced ‘Madhava Manjunath Shanabhag’ award. Manjunath Shanbhag, a writer and activist from Karwar, desired to spread and strengthen Konkani not just in Karnataka, and also in neighboring states like Goa, Kerala, and Maharashtra. More particularly, this aspect was the deciding factor while choosing the awardee,” he said and added, “Fr Valder truly deserve this award. Wherever he went, Fr Valder worked for Konkani.”
“The 25-year-old Goa Konkani Akademi introduced the Madhava Manjunath Shanabhag Award five years ago. Previously, K K Pai of Manipal, J B Moraes of Mumbai, Purushotham Mallya of Kochi, and Basti Vaman Shenoy were awarded this in Goa and this is the first time the function is being held in Mangalore,” added Naik.
Receiving the honor, Fr Valder recalled the early days of Konkani and its movement towards growth. “The introduction of ‘Konkani Bhasha Mandal’ was not only appreciated but it brought together many people during its formal inauguration. Subsequently, Akhil Bharathiya Konkani Parishat was held in Mangalore and more than 6000 people attended this conference from all the Konkan region. This was the beginning of the golden era of Konkani where writers came together, held discussions, and wrote on various issues. Today, Konkani has given birth to many associations”, he said and expressed his desire to see many youngsters take up Konkani writing seriously.
Earlier, introducing Fr Valder to the audience, Melvyn Rodrigues, Konkani poet said, “Fr Valder worked for ‘Raknno’ in various capacities including as editor, wherein he preferred writing to be centred more towards social than spiritual aspects. He initiated better remuneration for Konkani writers and also shaped young Konkani writers.”
The guests honored Fr Valder with a shawl, garland, citation, memento, and cash of Rs 25,000.
Basti Vaman Shenoy introduced the guests and welcomed the gathering. Mahesh R Nayak, representing Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and Judith Mascarenhas, former deputy mayor, were among others from the audience who also felicitated Fr Valder with shawls. Bhushan Bhave, vice-president, Goa Konkani Akademi, proposed the vote of thanks. Venkatesh N Baliga compered the programme.