Mangaluru: Renowned Konkani litterateur Cyril G Sequiera well known as CGS Thakode, artist Vasudeva Balakrishna Shanbagh from Sirsi, Uttara Kannada and folk expert Clara Anthon Siddi of Yallapura in Uttara Kannada have been chosen for the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Honourary Award 2016. The trio will receive the awards during the valedictory of “Konkani Lokotsav -2017” at the Town Hall on February 12.

Konkani Academy Chairman Roy Castelino announced the names of honourary and book award winners and said the awards carried cash prizes of Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 each.

Sr B S Agnesia Frank, author of “Amrut Thujya Hathim”, Umesh Nayak, author of “Sri Srinivasa Kalyanam” and Kasaragodu Chinna for translating “Kannadachyo Thees Kaniyo” had been chosen for book awards, Castelino stated.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree have consented to present the awards to the recipients on February 12, he disclosed.

Castelino highlighted the influence of Konkani language which had been recognised under the eighth schedule of the constitution in all states along the west coast of the country and said nearly 41 communities had been using Konkani as their mother tongue.

To project the Konkani culture of unity in diversity, Konkani Lokotsav 2017, a national level Konkani literary cultural festival is being organised in Mangaluru from February 10 to 12. The festival will be in three parts with first day dedicated to children and women, followed by “Yuvajanotsava” on February 11 for youth. On the final day, a procession showcasing Konkani folk arts and culture as part of “Samastha Konkanigara Utsava” will be taken out from Balmatta to the Town Hall. The Konkani Lokotsav will provide an opportunity to Konkani speaking communities to showcase their literary and cultural talent, he said.