Media Release
Panaji, Jan 13: This year Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) will honor the veteran Konknni writer of medical literature Dr Bicaji Ganecar as the twentieth recipient of TSKK’s prestigious Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar (APKP).
Dr Bicaji Ganekar will receive this award for the year 2010 for his valuable contribution to Konknni literature in the field of medical literature in Devanagari and Roman script. The award consists of a shawl, memento and cash Rs. 25,000/-.
Dr Bicaji Ganekar was born on 20th of June 1942 at Panaji, Goa. He completed his studies in medical field (MEDICO CIRURGIAO) in 1966 from Panaji. He has worked as Medical Officer to Deputy Director of Health Services at Campal, Panaji from 1968 to 2000. He has written 22 Konknni books which include poems, stories, medical dictionary and health issues. He has also translated one book. Some of the important books are Tumchi Bholaiki Tumchea Hatant, Dream Flower, Goa in Lighter Vein, Ranfulam, Sorkos, etc.
Dr Bicaji held many responsible positions in Goan society. He has served as the President of Goa Cultural Social Center for 8 years. He was a secretary of Konkani Bhasha Mandal for 3 years and also a member of Kala Academy for 3 years. He has been delivering medical talks from All India Radio since 1963. He is an approved lyricist for All India Radio songs, musical features from Goa and Doordarshan poems. He gas written many articles on Health in Navhind Times, Sunaparant, Gomantak, V. IXTT, Gulab and Dor Mhoineachi Rotti.
Every year TSKK gives an award Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz Puroskar for the best Konknni book of the calendar year written in Roman script. For the year 2009 Jinnechi Vatt, essay book of Br. John M. Alfonso from Loliem, Goa has been selected. He is a member of Goa – Karnataka Province of the Carmelite order. He regularly writes to various Konknni journals. He has written two Konknni books. At present he is doing his theology studies at St. Joseph Seminary, Mangalore. The award consists of a memento, citation and cash Rs. 5,000/-.
The award giving function will be held on Wednesday 27 January 2010 at TSKK premises at sharp 5pm. At this occasion Mr Aaron Jack Fernandes, a XI standard student from Salcete will be given Lourenço Umbelina scholarship.
Fr Conçesão D’Silva, the Parish Priest of Carambolim will be the Chief Guest and will confer both the awards and Lourenço & Umbelina de Souza scholarship. The function is open for the public. All are cordially invited for the function.