Two women receive Sahitya Akademi awards for Konkani literature

Margao: Konkani writer Nayana Adarkar was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 for her collection of stories ‘Belabaicho Shankar Aani Haer Kanyo’. Glynis Dias received the Yuva Puraskar for her work ‘Gaavgaathaa’, a collection of short stories that captures the essence of rural Goan life.

Adarkar’s body of work spans multiple genres, including poetry collections such as ‘Pratima’, ‘Mansanvar’, and ‘Kisran’, alongside her story collections ‘Spandan’ and ‘Krishnachud’. Her literary essays ‘Povanam’, ‘Chanfo’, ‘Kantekunvar’, and ‘Batmogrim’ resonated deeply with readers and critics alike.

Her dedication to nurturing young minds through children’s literature is particularly noteworthy, with numerous storybooks that enriched Konkani literature for younger audiences. Her writings were incorporated into the curriculum of the Goa Board for Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, as well as the BA course at Goa University.

Earlier, Adarkar received Goa govt’s Yashodamini Puraskar and the Kerala Prachar Sabha’s Saraswatibai Sahitya Puraskar. The Konkani Akademi and Konkani Bhasha Mandal both awarded her their respective Sahitya awards. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Dr T M Pai Foundation Prashasti Puraskar.

Dias is an assistant professor of Konkani at the Govt College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Quepem. Her award-winning collection ‘Gaavgaathaa’ draws extensively from her intimate knowledge and observations of rural life. The title story of her collection holds particular poignancy, chronicling the tale of Kurdi village, which disappeared beneath the waters following the construction of the Selaulim dam more than three decades ago.

Dias, whose parents originated from Kurdi, crafted a touching narrative around this submerged village that briefly resurfaces during the summer months when water levels recede. The award presentation ceremony will be announced later.