Tag: Konkani Language

Human Interest

Goan Women Break Barriers: Samiksha Velip and Gauri Mavlinkar Appointed Konkani Interpreters in Lok Sabha

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji | July 2025 — Goa has added another feather to its cap as two of its daughters — Samiksha Velip from Canacona and Gauri Mavlinkar from Mapusa — have been appointed as Konkani Interpreters in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament. This achievement represents not only a personal triumph for the two women but also a major step forward in the representation and recognition of the Konkani language on a national platform.

Samiksha Velip, who hails from Bhupar-Gaondongrim in Canacona, is one of two selected candidates for the prestigious role. A postgraduate in Konkani from Goa University, she began her academic journey at Shri Mallikarjun & Chetan Manju Desai College, Canacona, which proudly celebrated her achievement. College Principal Dr. Rupa Chari stated, “Samiksha’s appointment is a matter of immense pride and inspiration for our students. We wholeheartedly wish her success in her parliamentary role.”

Joining her is Gauri Mavlinkar, a scholar from Mapusa, who successfully cleared the Consultant Interpreters Empanelment Test to secure her place in the Lok Sabha’s interpretation team. Her selection reflects not only academic merit but also a passion for language and public service.

The appointment of these two trailblazing women underscores the growing recognition of regional languages like Konkani in India’s administrative and legislative spheres. It also highlights the important role of women in shaping public discourse and policy from behind the scenes.

This milestone is not just about language — it’s about identity, representation, and empowerment. As Goa celebrates this achievement, it also shines a light on the institutions and educators nurturing such talent at the grassroots level.

From classrooms in Canacona and Mapusa to the chambers of the Indian Parliament, the journeys of Samiksha Velip and Gauri Mavlinkar serve as powerful reminders that with passion, education, and perseverance, no goal is too far.

Books & Literature

Noted Konkani Writer Nayana Adarkar Wins Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025

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Honoured for her celebrated children’s story collection Belabaicho Shankar Aani Haer Kanyo

New Delhi | June 18, 2025 — In a proud moment for Konkani literature and Goa’s literary community, Nayana Adarkar, an acclaimed writer and storyteller, has been awarded the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 for her collection of Konkani short stories for children, Belabaicho Shankar Aani Haer Kanyo. The award was announced by the Sahitya Akademi as part of its annual celebration recognizing literary excellence across 24 Indian languages.

📚 A Voice for Young Minds in Konkani

Adarkar’s award-winning book, Belabaicho Shankar Aani Haer Kanyo, is a compelling collection of short stories that capture the innocence, curiosity, and inner world of children, while subtly weaving in themes of identity, family, and social values. Written in authentic, lyrical Konkani, the book has been praised for its emotive storytelling and cultural rootedness, making it a standout contribution to Indian children’s literature.

“This honour reflects the timeless relevance of storytelling in one’s mother tongue. I dedicate this award to the children of Goa and every reader who sees a piece of themselves in my stories,” said Nayana Adarkar in a statement following the announcement.

🏅 About the Bal Sahitya Puraskar

The Bal Sahitya Puraskar, awarded annually by Sahitya Akademi, celebrates outstanding works of literature for children published in Indian languages. The 2025 award includes a cash prize of ₹50,000 and an engraved copper plaque, and is decided by a language-specific jury panel.

For the Konkani category, the jury comprised:

  • Kumud Bhiku Naik
  • Rajay Pawar
  • Louis Rodrigues

The jury praised Adarkar’s work for its “original narrative style, emotional depth, and its ability to meaningfully engage young readers through culturally relevant themes.”

🧒 Writing for the Young, In the Language of Home

Nayana Adarkar’s literary career has long been marked by a passion for preserving and enriching Konkani literature, especially for children and young readers. Her latest accolade is not just a personal milestone but also a significant step in elevating the status of Konkani as a vibrant language of creative expression.

🖋️ A Double Honour for Konkani

The announcement also brought recognition to another emerging voice in Konkani literature — Glynis Dias, who was conferred the Yuva Puraskar 2025 for her short story collection Gaavgaathaa. The Yuva Puraskar celebrates literary excellence among writers under the age of 35.

The Konkani jury for the Yuva Puraskar included:

  • Anant Agni
  • H. J. Goveas
  • Madhav Borcar

Both awards highlight the creative momentum in Konkani literary circles, particularly in children’s and youth genres.

🎉 Award Ceremony to Follow

The official award presentation ceremony for the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya and Yuva Puraskars will be held at a later date, where the recipients will be honoured in the presence of distinguished authors, scholars, and Akademi officials.

🏆 In Summary:

  • Recipient: Nayana Adarkar
  • Award: Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025
  • Language: Konkani
  • Work: Belabaicho Shankar Aani Haer Kanyo (Short Story Collection)
  • Prize: ₹50,000 + Engraved Copper Plaque
  • Recognizing: Outstanding literature for children published between 2019–2023
Books & Literature

Directorate of Official Language declares ‘Bhasha Puraskar’

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The Directorate of Official Language, Government of Goa has announced the Bhasha Puraskar for the years 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.

The 2022-2023 ‘Dnyanpeeth awardee Ravindra Kelekar Konkani Bhasha Puraskar’ has been declared to Shri. Manikrao Ram Nayak Gaunekar, 2023-2024 ‘Dnyanpeeth Ravindra Kelekar Konkani Bhasha Puraskar’ has been announced to Shri. Suresh Ramchandra Pai, 2024-2025 ‘Dnyanpeeth Ravindra Kelekar Konkani Bhasha Puraskar’ has been declared to Shri. Bhiku Bomi Naik, has been declared.

The 2022-2023 ‘B. D. Satoskar Marathi Bhasha Puraskar’ to Shri. Shambhu Bhau Bandekar. 2023-2024‘B. D. Satoskar Marathi Bhasha Puraskar’ to Shri. Anil Gajanan Samant has been declared. 2024-2025 ‘B. D. Satoskar Marathi Bhasha Puraskar’ to Shri. Ramesh D. Onskar has been declared.

A five-member selection committee of experts appointed by the government has selected the above persons for their outstanding contribution for the promotion and development of Konkani, Marathi languages from the several nominations received by this Directorate.

The ‘Bhasha Puraskar Yojana’ is implemented for the development of languages through the Directorate of Official Language. The award is given to individuals who have worked for the Konkani, Marathi languages throughout their lives. The objective of the Government is to put the example of such great personalities before the people and to honour the writers and recognise their work for the growth of the language. The awards will be presented at a special function at the hands of Honourable Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on 30th May 2025 at                 10:00 am at Kala Akademy, Panaji Campal Goa.

Books & Literature

Mohini Smriti Puraskar declared to Konkani activist Anthony Vaz

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The Mohini Smriti Puraskar for 2024 has been declared to Konkani activist Anthony Vaz. This award is given in memory of the wife of veteran writer and freedom fighter late Nagesh Karmali. This award is given to Konkani leaders who have made notable contributions to the Konkani language, literature, movement and education.


Anthony Vaz has worked in the field of Konkani theatre. He has worked in more than 15 Tiatr in Goa and Mumbai. He has also worked in Konkani plays and films. He has actively participated in the 555-day official language movement to make Konkani an official language. In literature, he has written two tiatr, ‘Sukh and Dukh’ and ‘Keed’, as well as the novel ‘Rakhno’. He is also fond of writing plays and poetry.
To promote folk arts, he established his Neez Kala Kendra organisation and organised Konkani folk art programmes all over Goa. He has worked for Konkani Bhasha Mandal and the Kala Academy Goa. His awards include the Konkani Bhasha Mandal Award and the Konkani Bhasha Seva Samman.
The Mohini Smriti Puraskar ceremony, sponsored by Nagesh Karmali’s family, will be organised soon, said Dinesh Manerkar of Sanjana Publications.

Social

All India Konkani Parishad to Hold Annual General Meeting on June 1 in Margao

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The All India Konkani Parishad (AIKP), a leading cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Konkani language and heritage, will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 1, 2025. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM and will take place at Konkani Bhasha Mandal, located in Vidyanagar, Margao.

This important gathering will serve as a platform to review the organization’s progress over the past year. The AGM agenda includes the presentation of last year’s activities and financial accounts, providing members with insights into AIKP’s initiatives and fiscal discipline. The meeting will also outline plans and programs scheduled for 2025-2026, marking a roadmap for the Parishad’s continued contribution to the Konkani community.

A key highlight of the meeting will be the preliminary discussions surrounding the 26th Sahitya Sammelan—a prestigious literary conclave organized by AIKP. The venue and tentative dates for this major cultural event will be deliberated upon, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark occasion in the Konkani literary calendar.

Chetan Acharya, Working President of the All India Konkani Parishad, has issued a heartfelt appeal to all members to participate in the AGM. “Your active involvement is crucial for shaping the direction of the Parishad and for preserving the vibrancy of our Konkani heritage,” he said.

Members of AIKP, as well as those passionate about Konkani language and culture, are encouraged to attend the meeting and contribute to the discussions that will shape the future of the organization and its initiatives.