Shenoi Goembab Jayanti Utsav Begins in Divar; CM Sawant Hails Konkani Legacy
Bicholim: Shenoi Goembab Jayanti Utsav Begins in Divar; CM Sawant Hails Konkani LegacyPanaji: Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, along with Bicholim MLA Dr. Chandrakant Shetye and other dignitaries, inaugurated the 14th Jayanti Utsav of Shenoi Goembab at Hirabai Zantye Memorial Hall, Divar. The event was organized by Goa Konkani Akademi in collaboration with Divchal Konkani Seva Kendra and Lions Club of Bicholim.
Born Vaman Raghunath Shenoi Sardesai, Shenoi Goembab 1877-1946 is known as the “Father of Modern Konkani Prose”. He fought to get Konkani recognized as an independent language, not just a dialect of Marathi. His book Khatarani Konkani and essays like Aboli laid the foundation for modern Konkani literature. He also championed the Roman script for Konkani, making literature accessible to Catholics in Goa.Dr. Pramod Sawant paid tribute to Shenoi Goembab’s contribution to Konkani identity and stressed that Goa’s culture and language are inseparable.
He said events like this keep the legacy alive for younger generations and reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting Konkani in education and administration. Dr. Chandrakant Shetye highlighted Divar’s cultural importance and assured that Bicholim constituency will continue supporting Konkani literary initiatives
.The 3-day utsav includes literary seminars, book releases, poetry recitals, and student competitions on Shenoi Goembab’s works. Goa Konkani Akademi said the focus this year is “Konkani for Youth” to bridge tradition with modern expression. Senior Konkani writers and teachers were also felicitated for their contributions to language preservation.
Shenoi Goembab’s Jayanti falls on April 26. The annual utsav at Divar is significant because Divar Island has deep ties to Konkani heritage and was once a center of learning. Hirabai Zantye Memorial Hall has hosted the event for multiple years, drawing scholars, students, and Konkani lovers from across the state.
The Lions Club of Bicholim and Divchal Konkani Seva Kendra supported logistics and community outreach, making it one of the largest grassroots Konkani literary gatherings.
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