AWARD CONFIRMING FUNCTION AT TSKK “TSKK chooses the right people for its awards and TSKK awards are greater than the Sahitya Akademi awards because, they are given to deserving people and they are given by our own household institution.” said Mr. Pandharinath Lotlikar, the ex-director of Panaji Doordarshan. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr’s (TSKK) awards giving function. He further said “Devanagari and Roman scripts are twin children of a mother. A real mother cannot kill one child for the sake of another. A mother loves her both kids. Let both scripts flourish in Goa in unity. Let the government extend equal facilities to Roman script which are at present exclusively available to Nagari script”. He praised TSKK for its service to Konknni and said that TSKK instead of inviting politicians as Chief guests has set a good example by inviting only veteran Konknni stalwarts to felicitate its awardees. The function was held at TSKK premises at Alto Porvorim, Goa on 28 April at 5.30 pm. The Chief Guest confirmed the prestigious Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar (APKP) of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) on Fr. Almir de Sousa for his contribution to religious Konknni literature. Fr Almir has worked with passion and zeal for the last forty years to implement the Vatican Second Council’s vision to promote local languages in liturgy and para-liturgical domains. Since Konknni is the official language of the liturgy in the archdiocese of Goa, Fr. Almir worked tirelessly to promote Konknni in Goa through his books, articles and Konknni ministry. He is the nineteenth recipient of APKP. The award consisted of a shawl, memento and cash Rs. 25,000/-. The previous recipients of APKP Mr. Tomazinho Cardozo and Mr. Yusuf Sheikh and over hundred fifty people were present for the function.
Fr. Almir has written and edited 25 Konknni books. Some of the important books are *Utor ani Jivit* a Series containing of five books; *Magnneacho Turo* 6 booklets, *Somiachem Jevonn, Mis* and 8 books of Konknni Catechism. Fr. Almir held many responsible positions in the Goa Archdiocese. He has served as the prefect of Saligão Seminary, Pro-Notary in Archbishop’s House, Secretary of Diocesan Catechetical Centre, Secretary of Diocesan Liturgical Centre, and Director of Pastoral Centre. He has served as a Parish Priest at St. Estevão and Verna. At present he is the Parish priest of Ucassaim in Bardes taluka. He started the Parish bulletins *St. Estevanchi Zap* and *Vernechi Zap* at St. Estevão and Verna respectively. At Ucassaim he improved the parish bulletin *Zagruti*. Fr. Almir still continues to promote Konknni in liturgical and other religious services in Goa. In his speech Fr. Almir stressed that all Goans must contribute their mite to uplift Konknni by speaking, reading and writing. He expressed his desire that every household should subscribe at least one Konknni periodical and read it. At the same function Konknni poet Walter Menezes was given TSKK’s ‘*Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz Puroskar (KMFVP)’* for his poetry book *Zoit* as the best Konknni book of 2009 year written in Roman script. Walter Menezes is a noted Konknni writer. Besides Konknni, he writes articles in English. The award consisted of a shawl, memento and cash Rs. 5,000/-. Ms Shilpa Salvi and Ms Joanita D’Silva of TSKK recited two Konknni poems of Walter Menezes from his book *Zoit*. While replying to the award, Walter said that he would continue to serve Konknni in roman script and dedicate his next book to Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz and release it on his death day, namely on 20 December. Fr. Ave Maria Afonso, the executive editor of Konknni monthly *Dor Mhoineachi Rotti* for the last three years was felicitated by the chief guest during this function. Ms Preeta Naik Parab introduced Fr. Ave to the audience. The guest of honour and the Provincial Superior of Goa Jesuit Province Rev. Dr. Anthony da Silva, S.J. thanked Fr. Ave for his three years of dedicated service to Jesuits. At this occasion Ms Concy Fernandes, a XII standard student from Vasco was awarded Lourenço Umbelina scholarship by Mr. Walter Fernandes. Fr. Pratap Naik, S.J. the director of TSKK welcomed the gathering. Ms Netra Kundaikar gave vote of thanks. Konknni writer and last year’s KMFVP recipient Mr. Daniel D’Souza compered the function with his excellent style. Pratap Naik, S.J. Director
