Goa state governor P S Sreedharan Pillai presents the Jnanpith Award, the nation’s highest literary distinction, to renowned Konkani author Damodar Mauzo. The Governor referred to him as the “Indian Charles Dickens” because most of his creative works dealt with orphans. The Goan government’s art and culture department sponsored the event, which took place in Raj Bhavan.

After giving the prize, the Governor addressed the audience and praised Mouzo as the “epitome of Konkani literature.” “ Konkani is qualitatively rich in its literature though it is spoken by a few lakh people. I feel proud and happy to bestow this great award on the great Goan writer Damodarji”, the Governor said.

One book in English and 25 in Konkani were released by Mouzo. Additionally, several of his books have been translated into other languages. The renowned book “Karmelin” by Mouzo won the Sahitya Academy Award in 1983. Second Goan to earn the Jnanpith Award is Mauzo. Earlier, in 2008, the honour was given to Ravindra Kelekar of the coastal state.

Prominent figures from the worlds of art, literature, and politics attended the event at the Raj Bhavan, including the poet Gulzar, Justice Virendra Jain, Govind Gaude, the state minister for arts and culture, and authors Prathibha Rai, K L Jain, and Akhilesh Jain.