State grieves death of a noble son

PANJIM, AUG 27
Governor Dr S S Sidhu, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Archbishop-Patriarch Felipe Neri Ferrao led a grieving State in condoling the sad demise of noted litterateur Padma Bhushan Ravindra Kelekar.
Governor in his message said, “I am deeply grieved to learn about the sad demise of Padma Bhushan Ravindra Kelekar, a Dnyanpeeth Awardee and renowned Goan litterateur.
 “I would like to say that, Ravindra Kelekar has risen to great heights in the modern literary world and has created a prominent and special place for Konkani and its literature among other Indian languages. In fact, he was one of the chief architects in promoting Konkani language and literature. Through his creative literary works and achievements, Kelekar has undoubtedly left a rich legacy of pride for the people of Goa to draw their inspiration. In his death, Goa and the whole country, has lost a giant literary figure and a good human being,” reads the governor’s condolence message.
Kamat, in his condolence message, said that Goa has not only lost a great scholar but also a fighter who fought for the just causes ceaselessly.
Kelekar devoted his life to take Konkani language to the pinnacles of glory and worked untiringly for it, Kamat said.
Archbishop-Patriarch Felipe Neri Ferrao has expressed sorrow over the demise of veteran Konkani writer Ravindra Kelekar. 
“Goa has lost a luminary that dominated more than half a century of its history. And the Church in Goa cannot but make the grief of all Goans its own,” stated Archbishop Ferrao.
“Ravindrabab was much more than just a writer and a Konkanist. Through his writings and actions, he took part in the major struggles for Goa, including the liberation movement, the anti-merger campaign, the campaign for the inclusion of Konkani in the 8th Schedule of our Constitution and the recognition of Konkani as the State language of Goa.”
“A true Gandhian in spirit, he fought for true democracy, secularism and ethical probity. He was a leader like very few and, in stature, much larger than Goa. The Church in Goa offers his family heartfelt condolences,” Archbishop Ferrao added.
Pratapsing Rane, chairman of Kala Academy, expressing his grief over the death Kelekar, said that Ravindrabab was a veteran writer who took Konkani literature to new heights by winning national accolades.
Raju Nayak, editor of Marathi daily Lokmat, said Kelekar was the first writer who wrote against the environmental degradation caused due to mining activities.
“For many, he (Kelekar) was a prolific writer, but according to me, he was an environmentalist. He wrote on environmental issues even when many news dailies were owned by the mining companies in the State,” said Nayak.
Artist Subhodh Kerkar said: “I am married to Kelekar’s niece and since then I was in contact with Tato, as we fondly referred him. He was a true Gandhian and I learnt a lot from him. I met various personalities from the freedom struggle as well as literary world.”
Writer Shridhar Kamat Bambolkar said the death of Kelekar has left a deep void in the literary world. “It will be difficult to fill that gap. He was great man and to follow his foot steps will be real tribute to him,” he said.
Pandurang Phaldessai, Kala Academy Member Secretary, said Kelekar was an inspiration to young budding writers. “Kelekar not only took Konkani language to great heights, but also Marathi and Gujarati,” he added.
N Shivdas, Goa Konkani Academy President  said Kelekar devoted his entire life in service of Konkani language. Konkani, where it is today, is because of Kelekar. He will remain in our hearts forever,” remarked Shivdas.
Ravindra Kelekar: Condoling the death of Konkani playwright, Ravindra Kelekar, freedom fighter Gurunath Kelekar said though Ravindra has left this world, his writings and work for the Konkani language will continue to inspire Goans in the years to come.
He said that it was Ravindra who has helped Konkani to reach to the present level. “I am not ready to accept that he has left this world. His work will continue to inspire Goans and Konkani activists in the years to come”, he said, adding that Ravindra will be remembered for his contributions to Konkani after Shenoi Goembab”
PWD Minister Churchill Alemao said that Goa has lost a great son who had devoted his entire life for the promotion and enrichment of Konkani language. “May his soul rest in peace”, he added.
Vijay Sardessai, Kelekar’s nephew, said that Kelekar had a revolutionary mind and could not tolerate the injustice done to Konkani even as this age. “Kelekar’s life was full of achievement. His end has come in a peaceful nature”, he said.
Ravindra Bhavan, Margao has expressed deep sorrow at the sad demise of Padma Bushan Ravindra Kelekar.
Vice-Chairman Shridhar Kamat said Ravindrabab, as he was fondly known, contributed immensely to Goa through his Himalayan achievements in the field of literature and social leadership. “His value based leadership steered Konkani language through myriad of hurdles, in attaining the twin demands of recognition by Sahitya Akademi and inclusion in the eight Schedule of the Indian Constituency”, he added.
Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) also expressed its deep grief for the passing away of Kelekar.
It said that the death of this Jnanpith awardee and senior Konkani writer has been a great loss to Goa.
DKA said it prays for his departed soul and offers condolences to his bereaved family.