Media Release
Bengaluru, Feb 3: Life time achievement award in Konkani literature was presented to Edwin J F DSouza, reputed Konkani novelist and writer in the presence of Siddaramaiah, the chief minister of Karnataka on February 1 at St Joseph's Indian High School grounds, opposite Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.
The Bengaluru-based Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA), a premier umbrella organization representing Konkani Catholics of Karnataka presents this award every year. It was also FKCA's 16th year celebration -'Federation Day-2015'
Archbishop Bernard Moras presided over the function. Also present were MLA J.R.Lobo, MLC Ivan D'Souza, Home minister K.J.George, Roy Castelino, President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi, FKCA President Victor Edward D'Souza were also present during the function.
The FKCA Professional Excellence Award was presented to ASSOCHAM Karnataka state council chairman Jacob Crasta and the FKCA Entrepreneur of the Year award was presented to founding member of the prestigious Ferns Group, Austin Roach on the same occassion.
About Edwin J F D'Souza
The current executive director of Institute of Konkani, St Aloysius College (Autonomous) Mangaluru and editor of ‘Amar Konkani’ a bi-annual research journal in Konkani (both Nagari/Kannada scripts), Edwin Joseph Francis D'Souza fondly called as Vasu Valencia, was born in June 1948. He’s a product of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) Mangaluru and holds a degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in Konkani.
His first short story in Konkani was published in 1964. Since then he has come a long way with 33 published novels, over one hundred short stories, columns, satires etc. His famous works include ‘A Cup of Hot Tea’, ‘Chocolates’, ‘Kallem Bhaangaar’, ‘Poinn’ and many more. His contributions have been highly lauded when it comes to the Translations of English books, biographies, novels, short stories etc into Konkani and vice-versa. He’s been a proud recipient of some of the renowned awards such as ‘Best Books of the Year 2013’ award (for his novel - 'Kallem Bhaangaar') from both Konkani Sahitya Academy and Vimala V Pai Vishwa Konkani Academy.