Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Announces Annual Awards for 2025; Gala Ceremony Scheduled in Udupi

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Mangaluru : The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy has officially announced its prestigious Honorary and Book Awards for the year 2025, recognizing six distinguished personalities for their exceptional contributions to Konkani literature, art, and folklore. The Honorary Awards will be conferred upon veteran writer Ron Roche Cassia for Literature, multifaceted theatre veteran Ramdas Dattatreya Gulwadi for Art, and seasoned folk exponent Sairu (Muralidhar) Puttu Naik for Folklore. These veterans have been selected for their lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting the unique cultural identity of the Konkani-speaking community through various creative mediums.

In the Book Awards category, the Academy has chosen three significant works published during the year. Andrew L. D’Cunha’s poetry collection “Ujwadachye Vengent” has secured the award for Poetry, while “Konkni Circus” by Roshan Melki Sequeira (popularly known as Roshu Bajpe) was selected in the Essays category. The award for Short Stories will be presented to Richard Alvares (Kulshekar) for his compelling collection titled “Fithuri.” These authors represent a blend of experienced and contemporary voices that continue to enrich Konkani letters with diverse themes ranging from detective fiction to social satire.

The grand presentation ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Udyavara Church premises in Udupi district. The event will be inaugurated by Shri Shivraj S. Tangadagi, Minister for Backward Classes Welfare and Kannada & Culture, and presided over by Academy President Shri Joachim Stany Alvares. The ceremony promises to be a cultural spectacle, featuring traditional performances such as Kharvi, Siddhi, and Kudubi dances, alongside a brass band and a Konkani musical programme. The announcement was made during a press meet in Mangaluru attended by Academy members Navin Lobo, Ronald Crasta, and media advisor Elias Fernandes.