Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Awards Ceremony Held in Mysuru
Mysuru, March 23, 2025: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy organized its annual Honorary Awards and Book Awards Ceremony at Konkani Bhavan in Mysuru. The event was inaugurated by Shri K. Harish Gowda, MLA of Chamaraja Constituency, who lit the ceremonial lamp and felicitated the awardees. Expressing his appreciation, he congratulated the recipients and lauded the authors for their contributions to Konkani literature in Kannada script. He also assured the gathering of his support for the preservation of the Konkani language and promised to advocate for government funding to complete the Konkani Bhavan.
The Academy President, Shri Joachim Stanly Alvares, presided over the ceremony, welcoming the esteemed guests and attendees. A moment of silence was observed to pay respects to a member of the Siddhi Cultural Troupe who had tragically passed away in an accident.
Honorary Awards
The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy presented Honorary Awards to the following achievers:
Shri Patrick Kamil Moras: Recognized for his significant contributions to Konkani literature through numerous stories, novels, and poems.
Shri Joel Pereira: Honored for his excellence in traditional Konkani musical instruments and his dedication to the field of arts.
Smt. Sobina Mothesh Kambrekar: Awarded for her efforts in preserving and promoting the Siddhi cultural heritage.
Book Awards
Book Awards were presented to:
Smt. Felsy Lobo: Awarded for her poetry collection “Paalva Ponth.”
Shri Valerian Siqueira: Honored for his collection of essays titled “Shetan Bhatam Totanni.”
In their acceptance speeches, Joel Pereira and Felsy Lobo expressed gratitude to the Academy and thanked everyone who supported their literary journeys.
Guest of Honor
Shri V.N. Mallikarjuna Swamy, Joint Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture (Mysuru Division), released a commemorative booklet. He praised the dedication of Konkani writers and artists in preserving their linguistic and cultural heritage.
Dignitaries Present
The event was graced by prominent personalities, including:
Shri Valerian D’Souza (Valli Vagga): Karnataka Rajyotsava Awardee
Shri John D’Souza: President of the Konkani Christian Association
Shri Joyce Siqueira: Secretary of the Konkani Christian Association
Academy members including Shri Naveen Lobo, Shri Ronald Crasta, Shri Samarth Bhat, Shri Dayanand Madkekar, and Smt. Akshata Nayak were present on the dais.
Cultural Performances
The program featured vibrant cultural presentations, including a brass band performance led by Antony Kirthan James and a musical ensemble by Elron Rodrigues and team, celebrating the rich heritage of Konkani music.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri John D’Souza, while Smt. Sapna May Crasta gracefully anchored the proceedings. The Konkani Christian Association extended its support in organizing the successful event.
