Dharwad : Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree presented the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy annual awards at at Dr. Patil Puttappa Hall of Vidyavardhaka Sangh in Dharwad on June 22 at 4 pm.

Nine personalities received the award on the occasion. Babugouda Mainderi of Mudbidre and John M Permannur of Mangalore received honorary awards while Ankola-based writer N Balkrishna Kamat was not present to receive the award. Edwin D’Souza, Andrew D’Cunha and Fr. Francis Rodrigues of Mangalore received awards under the book category. Br. Joseph D’Souza, Carmelite (Mangalore), Shantha Kolle (Honnavar) and Kumari Nivedita Sawanth (Karwar) were given youth awards.

Speaking on the occasion, Umashree asked the academy president to send a proposal to the government about increasing the cash component of the awards and other demands of the academy.

Academy Chairman Roy Cyastelino urged the minister to raise the cash award given with these awards to support writers. Prior to the felicitations, a programme consisting of traditional songs and folk dances of Konkani forefathers, Konkani Yakshagana, Janapada dance and magic show was held.

In the morning a discussion programme with the awardees was held.