MANGALURU: The Vishwa Konkani Centre will honour Father Mousinho De Ataide, a distinguished Konkani thinker from Goa, with the Vimala V Pai Vishwa Konkani Jeevan Siddi Samman during the Vishwa Konkani Samarroh-2024 and Awards Ceremony, taking place on November 5 and 6 at the World Konkani Centre in Mangaluru.
Among the awardees, poet and writer Prakash D. Naik will receive the Kavita Krithi Puraskar for his literary work ‘Modakul.’ Additionally, Mangaluru's Seva Bharathi will be presented with the Basthi Vaman Shenoy Vishwa Konkani Seva Puraskar – Organisation, recognizing its contributions to education, health, and social service. Mumbai’s Veena Adige will be awarded the Basthi Vaman Shenoy Vishwa Konkani Seva Puraskar – Women for her impactful social and cultural contributions. Entrepreneur Avdhut Timblo from Goa will present the awards.
The event will kick off on November 5 at 9.30 am, inaugurated by MAHE Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Dilip G. Naik. A portrait of celebrated film artist Pandharibai will be unveiled at the Konkani Kirtimandir.
The ceremony will also see the launch of the book "History of Konkani Theatre," edited by Pundaleeka Nayak and Dr. Hanumanta Choppekar, and funded by Michael D'Souza. Additionally, the first research report from Pai’s study on Konkani linguistics will be released.
As part of the World Konkani Literature Festival, discussions will be held on both days. Topics include a seminar on “Konkani in Post-Independent India’s Education,” chaired by Dr. Ashok Kamat, a discussion on “Humour in Konkani Literature,” led by writer HM Pernal, and a session on “Culture and Reading in Konkani,” chaired by veteran writer Gokuldas Prabhu.
From 4 to 6 pm each day, attendees can enjoy folk performances, including the Kudubi Gummata dance, a traditional Holi dance by Vidyaranga Mitra Mandi Kharvikeri from Kundapura, and Goa’s Diwali Nach dance presented by Katangal Dada Ponda.
On November 6 at 2 pm, dramatists Kasaragodu Chinna and H. Satish Nayak will showcase a humorous performance titled ‘Manantharanga.’ The symposium “Konkani Research: Achievements and Challenges” will also take place, featuring talks by Dr. Kiran Budkule and Dr. Tanvi Kamath Bambolakar.