Winners of Divo Sahitya Puraskar 2009 announced

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 27: The Divo Sahitya Puraskar 2009, which includes a cheque of Rs 50,000, a citation, and a memento, will be conferred on 3 eminent Konkani figures from Mumbai--Rev. Fr. Baptist Pais SVD, Mr. Felix D’Souza, and Mr. Kenny Zuzarth. The Divo Life Time Achievement Award of 2009 will be conferred on Mr. Victor Concesso, a popular Konkani composer and singer. 

Fr. Baptist Pais SVD, a great Konkani singer, has lent his voice to a number of CDs and cassettes. Mr. Kenny Zuzarth, who has been a stage singer for more than 40 years, gained great popularity for his female roles. Mr. Felix D’Souza is a stage artiste and Konkani activist. 

The panel of judges comprised Mr. Francis Fernandes of Cascia, Mr. Navin Kulshekar, Mr. S. Lobo, Mr. Cypri Sampige, and Mr. John G. Mendonca. The selection has been done on the basis of their contributions to Konkani. 

The awards will be conferred during a grand function, which will be held at the Francis Fernandes Cascia Matov at Karnataka Sangha Auditorium on July 25, 2010 at 4 p.m. A cultural programme will also form part of the awards ceremony. 

Earlier winners of the DIVO awards are Ronald Periera, Mrs. Molly Lobo, Late P. D’Souza, Eddie Netto, Rev. Fr. Norbert Fernandes, Late Amiyar Bombay, Rev. Fr. Pratap Naik S.J., Vally Quadros, Cyprian Albuquerque, Mrs. Concepta Alva, Rev. Fr. V. J. Menezes, Wilfred Fernandes, Wilson Olivera, Dr. Gerald Pinto, Leo Fernandes, and Rons Bantwal.