Konknani Writers’ Association Literary Award conferred on Dr. Gerald Pinto
Mangaluru: The Konkani Writers’ Association Literary Award 2024 was handed over to famous Konkani writer and ex-Principal of Milagris College, Kallianpur, Dr. Gerald Pinto (known by the pen name Jerry Niddodi) at a grand function organized at Sandesha Prathishtan, Bajjodi, Mangalore on February 17, 2024. Rev. Fr. Dr. Ronald Serrao, Rector of St. Joseph Seminary Jeppu, Mangaluru, was the chief guest, and Prof. T.A. N. Khandige, Professor, Alva’s College, Moddbidri, was the guest of honour.
In his welcome address, Dr. Edward Nazareth informed that Konkani literature in Kannada script has a history of less than 75 years, but voluminous literature is produced by the selfless efforts of writers and publishers of yesteryear who did it without anticipating any awards or rewards. Konkani writers themselves formed the associations, the first being Daijidubai, which started literary awards for Konkani writers and artists in 2000 and is continuing to honor prominent Konkani writers or artists every year. Another organization,Konkani Kutam from Bhrain, started awarding writers in 2002, and 18 awards were given by them. Konkani Writers Association, Karnataka, based in Mangaluru, is following this, and Dr. Gerald Pinto is the third writer to receive the award. All these awards are instituted by Konkani writers and conferred upon prominent Konkani writers or artists for their generous contributions by Konkani philanthropists.
In his introductory address, Mr. Richard Moras, convenor of the Konkani Writers’ Association, informed that, other than literary activities, the Konkani Writers’ Association has also taken up the task of naming a prominent road in Mangalore after the late George Fernandes.
Dealing on various topics of script, literature, and awards, Prof. T.A.N. Khandige expressed his happiness at being awarded by the association of writers. He stressed the importance of literature in spreading humanity and empathy among fellow human beings.
Rev. Dr. Fr. Ronald Serrao, in his address, highlighted the richness of Konkani culture, language, and literature and called upon the writers to preserve this richness. He applauded the love of the Konkani people of this region for the Konkani language, which they have not learned in schools or universities. Even then, Konkani people have immensely supported the Konkani language, literature, and journalism. These types of awards are an encouragement to Konkani writers to support the language.
Dr. Gerald Pinto said the award from the Konkani Writers’ Association is a great honour to him, as it is from the writers’ fraternity to which he belonged.
Konkani poet Mr. Naveen Periera was honoured for conducting 25 poets’ meetings (Kavi Ghosti) of Konkani poets, and Mr. Vally Quadrose for the Sandesha Literary Award.
Mrs. Felcy Lobo read the citation, and Mr. Henry Mascarenhas introduced Dr.Gerald Pinto. Mr. Ligory D’Souza proposed a vote of thanks. Mrs. Laveena Mascarenhas (Lavi Ganjimatt) completed the program.
Senior Konkani writers Rev. Fr. Mark Valder, Mr. Dolphy Lobo, Mr. J.F. D’Souza, Mrs. Irene Pinto, Rev. Fr. Rupesh Madtha (Editor of Raknno), Rev. Fr. Chetan OFM (Editor, Kutmacho Sevak), and several Konkani writers, editors, artists, and well-wishers were present.
Photos by: Stanley Bantwal
