Media Release
Panaji, Apr 13: Eminent Konknni stalwart and scholar and former acting Vice-Chancellor of the Goa University, late Prof. (Dr.) Olivinho Gomes was posthumously honoured with Dalgado Puroskar 2009 for his lifetime contribution to Konkani literature in Roman script by Dalgado Konkani Akademi (DKA). The award, consisting of a shawl, a memento, a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 25,000/-, was received by his wife, Islinda Gomes at an impressive function attended largely by Konknni lovers held recently at Tiatr Academy, Goa's Conference Hall, Campal Panaji.
Other personalities and institution which were similarly honoured for their contribution to the development of Konkani in Roman script are as follows:
Dalgado Puroskar 2009 for Culture: Minguel Jacob Carmo Luis Fernandes, popularly known as 'Prince Jacob'.
The awardees of 'Dalgado Puroskar 2009' with their awards, which included (L-R) Fr. Pratap Naik, Mrs. Eslinda Gomes, Prince Jacob, Mr. Isidore Dantas, Miss Nevena Furtado and Antonio da Piedade Morais are seen with the chief guest Derek Almeida, guest of honour Paresh Joshi, DKA President Premanand A. Lotlikar and Secretary Jose Salvador Fernandes.
Dalgado Daiz Puroskar 2009 for preservation of Goa's literature, culture and identity: Antonio da Piedade Morais
Dalgado Puroskar 2009 for institutions furthering the cause of Konknni in Roman script: Thomas Stephens Konkani Kendr (TSKK), Porvorim.
Dalgado Konknni Akademi's Fr. Freddy J. da Costa Puroskar for journalism in Konknni in Roman script : Isidore Dantas, a Goan settled in Pune.
Dalgado Puroskar 2009 for youth contribution to Konkani in Roman script: Nevena Furtado
Derek Almeida, editor of Gomantak Times who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He mooted the idea of setting up of a Devnagri Cell by DKA with a view to standardize Konkani language, while Paresh Joshi, Vice-Chairman of Kala Akademi expressed the need for better co-operation and co-ordination between the various Academies and Government departments working for preserving the rich cultural heritage of Goa in order to avoid duplication of works.
Premanand Lotlikar, President of DKA also spoke on the occasion.
A book titled Bholaikechi Zotnay ani Piddevontache Hok'k published by Voluntary Health Association of India concerning the rights of patients was released, followed by a brief speech by Dr. G A D'Costa.
Earlier Thomas Fernandes, Treasurer of DKA welcomed while Jose Salvador Fernandes, DKA Secretary proposed the vote of thanks. The function was compered by Mrs. Brenda Menezes.