NT BUZZ
The annual Dalgado Puroskar 2025 were conferred at a ceremonial function recently held at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on seven individuals who have excelled in the literary and cultural fields and have contributed to the preservation and promotion of Konkani literature in the Roman script and the cultural heritage of Goa.
The chief guest for the event was writer, historian, and parish priest of Our Lady of Amparo Church, Mandur Fr. Manuel Gomes. The ceremony was graced by the presence of DKA office-bearers, including president Celso Fernandes, secretary Fr. Myron Jeson Barreto, and treasurer Afonso Braganza.
This year, the Dalgado Konknni Akademi introduced the Dalgado Jivon Gourov Puroskar (Lifetime Achievement Award) which was presented to Tomazinho Cardozo for his contribution to Romi Konkani across literature, culture, and service.
The Dalgado Sahityik Puroskar was awarded to Vincy Quadros, the Dalgado Romi Konknni Seva Puroskar to Fr. Alfred Judas Vas, the Dalgado Sonskrutik Puroskar to Platilda Afonso e Dias, the Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa Potrkarita Puroskar to Daniel F. de Souza, the Joel D’Souza Daiz Puroskar to Miguel Braganza, and the Berta Menezes Ostori Puroskar to Sandhya Angeli Fernandes.
Fr. Gomes in his address called upon everyone to work and serve Romi Konknni and remarked at the need for both readers and writers. He emphasised on digitisation of literature. He further stated that one should not oppose other scripts and stressed the importance of working together while simultaneously protecting Romi Konkani.
President Fernandes in his speech, said that promoting Konkani does not require positions of authority, but rather the use of individual talents. The programme concluded on a patriotic note with the collective singing of the national anthem.
