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Margao, Dec 24: A teacher by profession and a well-known writer N. Shivadas has been chosen for the prestigious award by the Kendriya Sahitya Akademi for his anthology of Konkani short stories entitled "Bhangarsall''. He is among 22 authors whom the Sahitya Akademi has chosen for its annual awards. Konkani writer N Shivdas is seen with his Sahitya Akademi award-winning collection of short stories 'Bhangarsall Shivdas has been writing over the last four decades on various topics. He has also become a public figure as he has started a movement to make access to Goan temples free for all sections of the Hindu community, over the past 25 years. He has written a book called 'Devlle Khuli Kara' in Marathi and Konkani, literally meaning, 'Throw open the doors of the temples to everyone'. He is the lead activist of this movement, one who has been trying to give a place for tutelars and commoners to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temples. The lower caste members are not allowed into the sanctum sanctorum by the Mhajans (members of general body of temples). It is their belief that if Tutelars enter it, the temple would turn unholy. Shivdas so far has 12 books of literature, including children's literature, to his credit. About 300 short stories and poems are yet to come out in book form. "I am not writing for the sake of giving any message to my readers. I am always very keen to narrate life through which I and the people surrounding me are passing. But my readers somehow find some messages in them," said N Shivadas joyfully, while speaking to Daijiworld correspondent. Shivdas with wife Rajani and daughters (from left to right) Sanika and Dr Urba He had been expecting the Sahitya Akademi award for some time, and his dream has come true this year, as this award means the value of his work has been recognized. He considers this book as his favourite work. He said that he was very happy to know that his name appeared in the awardees' list. He opines that translation gives real light to literature. As it reaches worldwide, translated works give readers a chance to know the cultures and lifestyles of other states and countries through reading. His Konkani short story 'Posko' has been translated into French, and also a few others into Portuguese and English. He also says that every new writer should make a beginning with children's literature. "I have come to know the significance of children's literature and henceforth I will continue writing it," Shivdas said. He has received several state awards to his literary works. Also NCERT has bestowed on an award for literature. Finally, he says: "I have got everything in my life. Now I will work to get a place for tutelars and commoners in the sanctum sanctorum of temples. This is my dream. Some people have been trying to break my dream, but I won't give up this battle. I am very determined about it. I will turn that dream true." -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
