By Alok S
Team Mangalorean

Mangalore: Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Kasaragod Chinna speaking to mediapersons in the press club here on Monday, June 18 said that the 'Konkani Sahitya Ratha' would be flagged off on Thursday, June 21.

Chinna said, "The Sahitya Rath will be a mega book donation campaign wherein 18 thousand books of Rs 10 lakh worth will be distributed free to about 120 schools. The campaign will kick off at 10:00 am on Thursday at Lourdes Central School . Expert Educational Trust president Prof Narendra L Nayak will inaugurate the campaign. Kasargodu Chinna will preside over. Mannd Sobhann gurkar Eric Ozario and DK district deputy director of public instruction (DDPI) Moses Jayashekar will be the chief guests. Lourdes Central School correspondent Dr Victor Machado and principal Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves will be present. "

He further said, "The campaign will halt on Friday at 3.00 pm in Canara Girl's High School Dongarkeri, after going to 19 schools. Suratkal MLA and former minister Krishna J Palemar will deliver the closing message. Kasaragod Chinna will preside over. Social leader Shrikar Prabhu and Sri Krishna Dairy managing director Pradeep Pai will be the chief guest. Canara Girls' Higher Primary School correspondent Vaman Kamath will be present."

Speaking about the activities of the Academy, he said "The academy will take up many activities in the coming two years. In a month's time the chief minister will be inaugurating the academy's official website. A state convention of personalities in the film industry belonging Konkani origin will be organized. A special monthly programme 'Konkani Sugandha' - an initiative to promote local Konkani talent including the physically challenged artistes will be held at the academy, which can now accommodate about 100-strong audience."

We are happy to announce that the academy is ready to sponsor Rs 1 lakh as fellowship amount to up to five persons who choose to write their thesis on Konkani research. The academy will also have 'Khan-Jevann', a Konkani a food festival organized," he added

Konkani Academy registrar Dr Devdas Pai, Ashok Shet, Mahesh R Nayak and Rajaram Nayak were also present during the press meet.