World Konkani Awards Ceremony Celebrates Language Preservation and Cultural Achievement

The World Konkani Centre celebrated its annual awards ceremony in Mangaluru, recognizing individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting the Konkani language. Justice N Nagaresh of the Kerala high court presided over the event, presenting five prestigious awards that highlight the Centre's commitment to cultural preservation.

Among the honorees, Konkani activist Pundalik N Naik received the Vimala V Pai World Konkani Lifetime Achievement Award for his substantial contributions to Konkani language, literature, and culture. Poet Shashikant Poonaji was recognized with the Vimala V Pai World Konkani Poetry Award, while Professor Bhalachandra Gawankar received the Vimala V Pai World Konkani Literature Award for his literary accomplishments.

The ceremony also acknowledged service-oriented organizations, with the Basti Vaman Shenoy World Konkani Service Award presented to the Ishwarananda Mahila Seva Ashram and the Hosabelaku Seva Samsthe. In a special moment, the World Konkani Hall of Fame unveiled portraits of six achievers, including Mukund Prabhu, Rocky Miranda, and Eric Ozario, cementing their legacy in Konkani cultural history.