Prestigious ‘Divo Sahitya Puraskar 2009’ Declared

Media Release

Mumbai, 27 May 2010:  This years Prestigious ’Divo Sahitya Puraskar 2009’, a Rs. 50,000 Cash Award Goes to three Konkani eminent figures all from Mumbai, Rev. Fr. Baptist Pais SVD, Mr. Kenny Zuzarth and Mr. Felix D’Souza-Malwani. The award has been shared equally among the three. The cash award will be presented along with ’Mann Potr’ and Memento.

Rev. Fr. Baptist Pais SVD, Mr. Kenny Zuzarth and Mr. Felix D’Souza- Malwani

Rev. Fr. Baptist Pais SVD, has been an ardent Konkani supporter and singer and has sung in several CDs and cassettes. Mr. Kenny Zuzarth a Konkani Stage singer for over 40 years. He is popular specially for his female roles. And the third one is Mr. Felix D’Souza- Malwani, a Konkani activist and stage artiste.

This years ’DIVO Life Time Achievement Award’ goes to Mr. Victor Concesso, A popular Konkani composer and singer.

Mr. Victor Concesso

They have been selected from the several entries received earlier, by a specially appointed selection panel comprising Mr. Francis Fernandes-Cascia (Dramatist), Mr. Navin Kulshekar, (Konkani Writer), Mr. S. Lobo (Konkani Writer), Mr. Cypri Sampige, (Konkani Activist) and Mr. John G. Mendonca (Konkani Activist). Selection of candidates for the award is made on the basis of those who have made excellent contribution towards Konkani.

Rev. Fr. Baptist Pais SVD., (51) is strong supporter of Konkani and a Konkani Singer. He lent his voice to several CDs and Cassettes. Currently he serves as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Andheri East. Mr. Kenny Zuzarth (47) a Konkani singer, stage artiste. He is popular for his female roles. Mr. Felix D’Souza, Malwani (50), is Konkani activist and Konkani stage artiste.

The cash amount of Rs. 50,000 is raised by reserving a portion of advertisement revenue in the ’Divo Mt. Mary Special Issue’ published during 2nd week of September 2009. The award will be presented to the winners at a grand function which will be held at specially decorated ’Francis Fernandes Cascia Matov’ at Karnataka Sangha Auditorium on July 25, 2010, at 4.00 p.m.. The award presentation ceremony also includes Konkani Cultural items by talented youth of Mumbai in Konkani, English, Hindi etc.

The earlier award winners are Ronald Pereira, Mrs. Molly Lobo, Late P. D’Souza, Eddie Netto, Rev. Fr. Norbert Fernandes, Late Amiyar Bombay, Rev. Fr. Pratap Naik S.J., Valley Quadras Ajekar, Cyprian Albuquerque, Mrs. Concepta Alva, Rev. Fr. V. J. Menezes, Wilfred Fernandes, Wilson Olivera, Leo Fernandes, Dr. Gerald Pinto and Rons Bantwal.

’Divo’, a popular Illustrated Konkani Weekly having largest readership is published from Mumbai since sixteen years in Kannada script and is widely read in Karnataka, Mumbai and in Gulf countries as well. The award of this nature is being given successively for the tenth year in continuity. ’Divo’ is a sister publication of The Secular Citizen.

Selection Committee members

Mr. Francis Fernandes-Cascia (Dramatist), Mr. Navin Kulshekar, (Konkani Writer), Mr. John G. Mendonca (Konkani Activist)

Mr. S. Lobo (Konkani Writer), Mr. Cypri Sampige, (Konkani Activist)