Litterateur Irene Pinto bestowed with Konkani Literary Award

Mangaluru: Konkani Lekhaka Sangha (KLS) bestowed Konkani Literary Award -2023 on renowned writer Irene Pinto. The award conferring ceremony was held on Feb 25 at Sandesha premises, Sandesha Foundation, Bajjodi, Nanthoor.

Former editor of ‘Raknno’ weekly Fr Francis Rodrigues graced the function as the chief guest and Prof Radhakrishna Bellur, government college Kasargod attended as the guest of honour for the award conferring ceremony. Receiving the award, Irene Pinto said, “I am thankful to the entire Konkani literary world for recognising me as a Konkani writer and novelist. It gives me immense pleasure to receive the award from KLS which is very active in the Konkani community. Meanwhile, I am thankful to my supporters, literary friends and my family members. I wish many more prosperous years ahead to the KLS.”

The award comprised a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a citation and a memento. Jossie Pinto read out the citation.

In his keynote address, Prof Radhakrishna Bellur said, “A litterateur only can write imaginary concepts without any experience of the real subject, incident or time. But out of extraordinary imagination he can also reflect the truth in his writings. Ramayana was also written by many and all of them tried to get closer to the truth in various angles. When a poet, writer or artist tries to tackle or narrate a subject in a normal way and tries to address it by giving it a different angle then only can he get success that also reflects truth in his writings. The truth finding mission of a writer paves the way to point out the limitations, mistakes of society and encourage a course correction.”

Fr Francis said, “As per records so far we have 81 women writers in the Konkani literary circle. The women of the Konkani community have not shown much interest in penning literature. They have engaged themselves in many other activities such as managing family and tilling agricultural lands that they own. But Irene Pinto has done a miracle in Konkani. She never restricted herself to the kitchen and her family. She expressed her thoughts, her opinions and about society in general through her writings. She is an inspiration for all women and the entire Konkani literary world.”

Dr Edward Nazreth, Eric Ozario, Andrew L D’Cunha, Joyce Ozario and, Valley Quadros were also felicitated by the KLS for their achievements in their respective fields.

As a part of the event, a book titled ‘Bhagavan Yesu Krista’ (Tulu-Third Edition) written by Mark Walder, former editor of Raknno was released by former editors of Raknno weekly Fr Eric Crasta, Fr Francis Rodrigues and designated editor of Raknno Fr Rupesh Madtha. Dolphie F Lobo spoke about the book and applauded the writings of Fr Mark Walder.

Richard Moras gave the introductory speech. Core committee member Edward Nazreth introduced the literary works of Irene Pinto. Macha Milar rendered the vote of thanks.

Anil and Irene Rebello rendered the prayer song. Lavi Ganjimatt compered the event.

Konkani Lekhaka Sangha Karnataka is a voluntary association that was exclusively formed with the sole intention of promoting Konkani language and literature in the year 2018. From the year 2022, Konkani Lekhaka Sangha decided to select and honour a Konkani writer who has immensely contributed to Konkani literature.