Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy to present its honorary, book awards for 2024 in Mysuru on March 23

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy announces 2024 awards for literature, arts, and folklore categories, honoring talented individuals and their works.

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy has chosen M. Patric Moras and Joel Periera, both from Mangaluru and Sobina Motesh Kambrekara of Haliyal, Uttara Kannada, for its honorary award for 2024.

Palva Ponth, a collection of Konkani poems by Felsi Lobo of Mangaluru and Shetham Bhatam Totamni, a collection of Konkani articles by Valerian Sequeira of Karkala have been selected for the academy’s book award for 2024.

Announcing the awards at a press conference in Mangaluru on Thursday, Joachim Stany Alvares, president of the academy said that the awards will be presented at a function at Konkan Bhavan in Mysuru on March 23 at 5 p.m.

The honorary award comprises purse of ₹50,000, a memento and citation, and the book award will include ₹25,000 in purse, a memento and a citation.

He said that Mr. Moras has written over 400 stories, eight novels and two dramas in addition to articles on current affairs. He publishes books under Nityadhar Prakashan. He delivered Konkani books at the doorsteps of readers to promote Konkani literature. He was chosen for the award under Konkani literature category.

Mr. Periera who was selected for the award under arts category is a music instrumentalist. He plays violin, piano, mandolin, cornet, euphonium, accordions, ghumot and the likes. He has composed music for over 400 Konkani, Kannada, Tulu, Malayalam and English albums. Mr. Periera has also written books.

Ms. Kambrekara who belongs to Siddi tribal community has been selected for the award under folklore category. She is an expert in Damami, Pugadi and Sigmo dances. In addition, she also plays folk instruments. She has also involved herself in street plays creating awareness on untouchability and health issues.