BY PRATIMA ACHREKAR | NT NETWORK
Goan writer, Pundalik Naik, has handled almost every literary form - plays, short stories, poetry, one-act plays, radio plays, tele plays, and children’s literature.

Some of his literary creations are landmarks on the Goan literary scenario. He is the recipient of many prestigious awards like the Sahitya Akademi Award, Kala Academy Sahitya Puraskar, etc. His writings have drawn the younger generation to the literary field. Many of his literary works have been translated into other Indian languages and English. Today as the ‘Gomant Sharada Puraskar’ (Lifetime Achievement Award) of the Kala Academy is conferred on him ‘The Navhind Times’ brings you more …
* How did you feel when the Kala Academy announced your name for the prestigious ‘Gomant Sharada Puraskar’?
Well, it was such a nice feeling. It so happens that many litterateurs were conferred this award at a late age and hence I am happy that compared to them I am receiving the award much earlier.
* A great personality like Dr S S Noor will be honouring you…
I am lucky to be honoured at the hands of Dr S S Noor who has been in the literary field for many years. He is a great Punjabi poet. In fact, we are both looking forward to conducting one workshop. I enjoy his company because more than being a writer of renown he is a good human being.
* What does this award mean to you?
For me the award itself is an achievement, however, that will not make any difference to my writing. I am writer and will continue to be one. In fact, I am thinking of writing on how Konkani got recognition as the official language of Goa. I lead the agitation in the year 1987 that led to its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India as per the Seventy-First Amendment.
* What message do you have for the young writers of Goa?
Looking at the present situation I would suggest that they stick to one profession and commit themselves fully to that job. Let me give an example of the famous poet, B B Borkar, who had committed himself to the world of poetry. Budding writers do not have to worry about publisher today as there are grants being provided.