Mangalore: Vimala V Pai Vishwa Konkani Awards conferred on three litterateurs

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)
 
Mangalore, Feb 1: Vimala V Pai Vishwa Konkani Awards instituted by Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation, Mangalore were on Saturday February 1 conferred on eminent Konkani writer Sheela Kolambkar, Konkani poet Madhav Borkar and Goa liberation movement leader and poet Nagesh Karmali at TV Raman Pai Convention Hall here on Saturday, February 1.

Sheela Kolambkar was awarded Vimala V Pai Vishwa Konkani Literary Award for her outstanding Konkani book of the year 2013, ‘Sheela Lekh’, a collection of Konkani essays. Madhav Borkar received the Poetry Award for his Konkani poetry book, ‘Symphony’.

The Vimala V Pai Vishwa Konkani Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on Nagesh Karamali for rendering outstanding service to Konkani language.
 
Speaking after felicitating the literatteurs, renowned Kannada novelist Na D’Souza requested the Konkani Sahitya Academy to encourage translation of well-known Konkani literary works to Kannada. "The two award-winning works of Kolambkar and Borkar should be translated to Kannada so that they reach more people," he said.

Recalling his literary life, eminent Kannada novelist said, "Konkani language and culture have tremendously influenced my literary works, most of which are in Kannada."
 
In his speech, chairman, Manipal Global Education Services T V Mohandas Pai said, "It is important to recognize and honour those who work for the growth of Konkani language and its culture. By honouring such litterateurs, we are encouraging the youth to work for the same. Honouring them is equal to honouring ourselves."
 
Accepting the awards, Nagesh Karmali, Sheela Kolambkar and Madhav Borkar thanked Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation for recognising their works and honouring them. They also lauded the work done by the Foundation in promoting Konkani.

Vimala V Pai graced the occasion. President Basti Vaman Shenoy welcomed, secretary Venkatesh N Baliga the proposed a vote of thanks. Smitha Shenoy compered the programme.