Media release
Alto Porvorim, Mar 3: Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) is a research institute, which promotes research in Konknni language, literature, education and culture. It completes 25 years on Thursday March 29, 2007.
A public function to celebrate the Silver Jubilee Year will be held in the TSKK premises on the day at 6 pm sharp. Prof Newman Fernandes, principal of St Xavier College will be the chief guest.
Guest of honours will be director of Information and publicity Menino Pires, member secretary of Kala Academy Dr Pandurang Phaldessai, head of the Konknni Department of Goa University Dr Chandralekha D'Souza,
The formal function will be followed by a cultural programme presented by Eric Ozario's Mandd Sobhann group. The function is open to the public.
TSKK was registered on March 29, 1982. From 1982 to 1985 TSKK collected Konknni books, periodicals and other material to build up its research library. In September 1985 it began its work at the premises of Xavier Centre of Historical Research.
In 1986 the institute was shifted to Loyola Hall, Miramar. In 1998 it moved into its own building at Alto Porvorim. Since 1986 it has been serving Konknni and it is run by the Jesuits of Goa Province.
TSKK has 16 staff members. TSKK's activities for the promotion of Konknni can be summarized as follows:
TSKK has done research on Konknni linguistics, and have published books, and articles in scientific periodicals.
TSKK has worked to standardize Konknni orthography in Roman, Devanagari and Kannada scripts, in which Konknni is being written.
TSKK has published 19 Konknni books related to Konknni research and to Konknni language learning from pre-primary to university level. TSKK conducts various Konknni courses for beginners, students and teachers.
TSKK has produced 6 audio CDs as teaching materials.
TSKK publishes its bi-annualResearch Bulletin 'Sod', and so far 10 issues have been published.
Every year TSKK gives Antonio Pereira Puroskar, Carvalho Ghorannem Kola Puroskar of Rs 25,000 each, and Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz Puroskar of Rs 5,000.
It grants scholarships to MA and BEd. students who have opted for Konknni as a subject.
TSKK has been given recognition by Goa University as a Postgraduate Research Institute.