Konkani writer Kelekar accorded Jnanpith Award

Konkani writer Kelekar accorded Jnanpith Award
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JULY 31
Renowned Konkani writer Ravindra Kelekar was awarded with the Bhartiya Jnanpith Award for his contribution in the world of literature on Saturday. Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumari presented him the award, which carried a cheque of Rs 7 lakh, a citation plaque and a bronze replica of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati).
Speaking at the ceremony, Kelekar rued that regional languages were marginalised in India. “English in India has shaped several ‘bonsai’ experts, ‘bonsai’ authors and ‘bonsai’ scholars. The miniature ‘Bonsai’ looks beautiful but does not bear fruits… The country (India) has produced such great personalities. Are we intending to bend India into a Bonsai?” Dr Ravindra Kaliaji articulated Kelekar’s speech due to latter’s decrepit old age.
A recipient of several State and national awards, Kelekar questioned on how many read books authored by Indian writers here. He recalled his books in Konkani attracted limited readers, for, a stock of 1000 copies were sold in 10-long years.
“In the last 25-30 years, some 25 Konkani books were published. Most of these were printed in 1000 copies and it took nearly 10 years to sell the stock. As a result of which, we cannot gather courage to publish more copies as it may take minimum 20 years to find readers,” said the author.
Not just Konkani books, but, Kelekar lamented that books authored in other regional languages including widely spoke national language-Hindi are least read. “In the democratic country, all functioning and businesses are carried out in English. High profile jobs are attained only if a job seeker knows English. It has become a status-symbol…Everybody is carving itself into English style,” said the Padma Bhushan awardee.
He added that no educated men read books in regional languages, but rather opt for English books. He stated imitation will not fetch results but will distance from motherland.
“You will be uprooted in your country…Out of place everywhere, at home nowhere. English has certain limitations. It networks you with the world but distances from your own people,” he stated in an overcrowded Kala Academy auditorium attended by outsized number of students and invitees.
In the same breath, Kelekar supported knowledge of English is essential though not for the development of the country. Citing instance of excelling countries like Germany, France, Japan, China and Russian, he said India can also develop in all sectors via its varied languages.
Meanwhile Kumari said that she was quite influenced by Kelekar’s speech. She suggested reading regional language books to widen the knowledge of Indian culture, history, literature and other sections.
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, also present for the ceremony, applauded the awarded writer for his efforts to elevate Konkani at a recognition level. Chairman of the selection board of the 42nd Jnanpith Award Ceremony Dr Sitakant Mahapatra, Dr Manwar Singh and others were also present on the occasion.