Konkani Kutam-Bahrain Award conferred on Herolpius
The 15th Konkani Kutam-Bahrain Award has been conferred on Gratian Pius D’Silva aka Herolpius, popular writer for his immense contribution for the cause of Konkani language and literature.
Mangaluru: Richard Moras – Local Convener of Konkani Kutam-Bahrain addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangalore Press Club said, ” Konkani Kutam-‘ Bahrain is a voluntary forum exclusively formed for promoting Konkani language, literature and culture in the year 2000. In its endeavor to support Konkanki Writers and Artists, Konkani Kutam has introduced ‘KONKANI KUTAM AWARD’ in 2002. The award consists of a citation, memento and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000/-. The award is conferred by analyzing and evaluating the significant contribution to the Konkani cause. The Executive Committee this year has selected Gratian Pius D’Silva (Herolpius), popular writer for his immense contribution for the cause of Konkani language and literature for this prestigious award”
The award will be presented in a glittering ceremony which will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 in Bahrain. Titus Noronha – Co-ordinator, CGS Taccode, and Stany Lobo (Manu Bahrain) – Committee Members were present on the dais during the press meet.
Profile of Shri Gratian Pius D’Silva (Herolpius) :
Gratian Pius D’Silva (Herolpius) was born in Kudupu, under Kulshekar Parish, Mangaluru on 14th August 1954. His first Konkani short story in Kannada script was published when he was 16. After graduation, he went to New Delhi, where he worked for Indian Council of World Affairs. He passed the Competitive Exams of Govt. of India and joined Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, where he worked for 37 years. He has secured P.G. Diploma in Konkani.
So far, his 197 short stories, 225 poems, 329 articles, 5 serial articles, 127 ‘theen khille’ – nano serial articles, Jokes and Crosswords were published in various Konkanni magazines and Konkani websites. A serial of 16 chapters on the ‘Kanara Konknni Christian Marriage traditions’ was published in 2012-13. His short stories were also translated in Kannada and published in various periodicals. He has written articles and stories in Hindi and English. His 8 novels and 2 collections of satiric stories were published in book form. He wrote and directed one drama and 5 One Act Plays in Konkani and acted as one of the leading actor.
One of his novel ‘Dhon Thembe Dhukhan’ (Two Drops of Tears) has won the Konkanni Bhasha Mandal, Goa Award. He is the recipient of ‘Mahan Vyakthi’ (2007) by Konkani Sahitya Academy & ‘Daiji Dubai – 2012’ Award. Presently he is living a retired life at Paldane, Mangaluru.