Joachim Stany Alvares officially assumed the role of president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy for the 2024-2027 term at the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) building on Tuesday, June 18.
Speaking on the occasion, Alvares expressed his deep commitment to the Konkani language, stating, “I am a representative, reader, and audience of the Konkani language. For the past 35 years, I have worked towards the growth of the Konkani language through Mandd Sobhann. As president of the Konkani Sahitya Academy, I now have an even greater responsibility to promote and uplift the Konkani language.”
Alvares emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated Konkani Bhavan, noting that its construction is currently incomplete. “The construction of Konkani Bhavan is halfway done. It is my utmost priority to secure an additional Rs 3 crore in funding to complete the building by the end of this year and dedicate it to the Konkani people,” he said.
He also mentioned his plans to discuss the future of the Konkani Sahitya Academy with the office bearers. “The government has appointed capable office bearers and has placed its faith in our team. We will work diligently over the next few years,” he added.
The event saw the presence of MLC Ivan D’Souza, district Congress president Harish Kumar, former president of the Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelino, registrar Rajesh, and other dignitaries. NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Ronald Colaco was also present to congratulate the new president.
The state government appointed Joachim Stany Alvares as the president of the Konkani Sahitya Academy on March 15. He officially took charge on June 14 at the Konkani Sahitya Academy office at the MCC building. The office bearers of the Konkani Sahitya Academy include Sunil Siddi, Pramod Pinto, Sapna Saldanha, Samarth Bhat, Ronald Crasta, Prashanth Madtha, Naveen Lobo, James Lopez, Dayanand Madkekar, and Praveen Pinto.