Mangalore : Renowned Konkani writer Valerian D’Souza known as Vally Vogga, was conferred with the prestigious Konkani Kutam Award 2012 at St. Sebastian Hall in Bendore on July 28, Saturday.

The Konkani Kutam of Bahrain conferred this award on Vally Vogga for his contributions to Konkani language and literature. He was honoured with a shawl, citation and cheque of Rs. 50,000

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Kasargod Chinna, presided over the event and Fr. Francis Rodrigues, editor of the Konkani weekly Raknno was the chief guest.

After receiving the honour, Vally Vogga said that all Konkani speakers always give significance to their mother tongue and thanked the organizer Konkani Kutam of Bahrain for recognizing him.

During the occasion, Richard Moras released ‘Nidon Poddollo Ganv’ written by Walter Dantis’ anthology of poems. Kavita Trust President Melwyn Rodrigues introduced the book.

Lidera D’Souza, wife of Vally Vogga, Max Sequeira, president of Karnataka Social Club, J. R. Lobo, former commissioner of MCC and Congress member and Eric Ozario, gurkar of Mandd Sobhann, were present.