Daijiworld Media Network – Dharwad (SP)
With Inputs and Pics by Fr Steve Pereira
Dharwad, Jun 23: Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy presented its annual Honorary Awards, Books Awards, and Youth Awards for the year 2013 in a glittering ceremony held at Dr Patil Puttappa Auditorium of Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha premises here on Sunday June 22.
Minister for Kannada and culture Umashree presented the awards to nine eminent personalities in recognition of their service to the promotion and preservation of Konkani language, culture and literature.
The Honorary Awards were conferred on N B Kamath, John M Permannur, and Babugouda. Books Awards were presented to Andrew L D'Cunha, Edwin J F D'Souza, and Fr Francis Rodrigues, while Joseph Cyril D'Souza, Shanta Kolle, and Nivedita Sawant received the Youth Awards.
Addressing the gathering, Umashree advised the linguistic academies of Karnataka to put up proposals to the government for increasing the cash components of the awards being given by them.
"I am aware that the amount of awards being given through linguistic academies are less. There is an order which makes it mandatory for academies to get government permission for enhancing the monetary part of the awards. Therefore, I will do the needful if proposals are sent by the Academy for this purpose," she said.
Academy president Roy Cyastelino too urged the minister to raise the cash award given with the awards to support writers.
Prior to the felicitations, a programme consisting of Konkani traditional songs and folk dances, Konkani Yakshagana, Janapada dance and magic show was held.
Academy registrar Dr B Devadas Pai, Sr Elcy, and many others were present.
Prior to the programme, the awardees were brought to the venue in a colourful procession flanked by traditional bands and dances. In the morning, a discussion programme with the awardees was held.