Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)

Mangalore, Jul 21: The Late Victor Rordigues Memorial Award, given to writers who have rendered remarkable contribution to Konkani literature was conferred on eminent writer and orthopedic specialist Dr Edward Nazareth in a ceremony held at the Samanvaya hall Urwa Store on Sunday July 20.

The executive director of Samanvaya Dr Fr Fidelis Pinto presented the award to Dr Nazareth.

Dr Fr Pius Fidelis Pinto, who presided over the programme, recalled his memories with eminent Konkani writer the late Victor Rodrigues.

"We were blessed to organize many programmes along with him. He was a great writer, and his simplicity and humbleness always inspired us. I feel his presence at this moment," he said.

Dolphy Cascia, another Konkani writer lauded Dr Edward Nazareth.

"Dr Edward Nazareth is a gem to Konkani literature. Through his socially relevant and health oriented writings he has made remarkable difference in the community. Konkani language is lucky to have Dr Edward Nazareth. He is a skilled writer in most genres of Konkani literature, hence he deserves this felicitation."

Dr Nazareth after receiving the felicitation said, "With this award, my responsibility to serve the Konkani language has increased further. I thank everyone for being present at this auspicious moment."

Speaking about the late Victor Rodrigues he said, "Victor Rodrigues was a man of wisdom and simplicity. He never compromised with the bad elements in society. His writing was so effective that we used to wait for magazines to read his articles. If he had been present here he would surely have felt happy."

The award for the year 2014 consisted of cash prize of Rs 10,000, a citation and a memento.

The awards of 2012 and 2013 were conferred to Manu Bahrain and Dolphy Cascia respectively.

The benefactor of Samanvaya Antony Timothy D’souza, wife of the late Victor Rodrigues Celine Rodrigues, director of Samanvaya Fr Ronald Cutinho were among those present on the occasion.