The prestigious and highest literary award - The 42nd Jnanpith Award for the year 2006 was, on Saturday, conferred upon to the eminent Konkani Litterateur, Mr Ravindra Kelekar at the hands of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Ms Meira Kumar at the DMK hall of the Kala Academy, Panaji

in the distinguished presence of Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, chairman of Selection Board, Mr Sitakant Mahapatra, well-known Hindi writer and vice-chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Hindi Vidhyapeeth Vardha, Mr Namawar Singh.

The 42ndJnanpith Award carried a citation, shawl, srifal, a bronze idol of Vagdevi Saraswati and cash prize of Rs Seven Lakhs.

It is for the very first time that a Konkani writer has received this honour. Writer, Mr Namwar Singh, who spoke on behalf of Mr Kelekar, mentioned that this award is for all those people who for the past 50-60 years have worked hard to get the required recognition for the Konkani language, as many people didn’t even consider Konkani to be a language. “There is only one Indian literature but it is written in different languages,” he added.

Mr Kelekar also opined that it was high time the regional and national language got a lead as the English language was rapidly replacing it. He mentioned, “English unites the world but it breaks our own people. Also it has developed ‘bonsai’ writers, like bonsai coconut trees, who only look attractive but do not possess fruits,” concluded Mr Singh who narrated Mr Kelekar’s speech.

Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat mentioned that now was the time to introspect about one’s mother tongue. To prove his point he made his speech in Konkani. He also showed satisfaction that the Jnanapith Award ceremony was being held in Goa. “This award ceremony hardly takes place outside Delhi. Thus, Goa is just the fourth State where this award ceremony has been held. ”

Speaking about Mr Kelekar he hoped that he would continue to write. He mentioned that Mr Kelekar went through tremendous hardships so that Konkani could get recognition. “He is the one who didn’t leave his State and remained committed towards his writings,” stated Mr Kamat.

Chariman, Selection Board, Jnanpith Award, Mr Sitakant Mahapatra while speaking about Mr Kelekar stated he was a rare phenomenon in Indian literature. He added, “Some writers are bigger than their writings and Mr Kelekar is one of them.” He opined that his work is multi-generic as he has touched upon every genre of literature.

Director, Bhartiya Jnanpith, Mr Ravindra Kalia in his welcome address stated that Mr Kelekar was the father of Konkani literature. “He is not only a writer but also a fighter,” he concluded.

The event was also attended by the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Mr Pratapsing Rane, MP, Shripad Naik, Secretary to Governor, Mr Narendra Kumar, former chief minister, Ms Shashikala Kakodkar, former deputy speaker, Shambhu Bhau Bandekar.

Mr Debabrata Goswami of Bhartiya Jnanpith proposed the vote of thanks and Ms Rupa Chari compered the function.

The event was well attended by writers, artistes, school students and all lovers of literature.