Mangaluru: The World Konkani Theatre Festival and the Dr P. Dayanand Pai World Konkani Rangashreshtha Award were presented to senior Konkani theatre personality Francis Fernandes Cassia, while the Translation Award was conferred on translator Maya Anil Kharangate at a programme held at the T.V. Raman Pai Hall under the aegis of the World Konkani Centre.

After receiving the award, Francis Fernandes Cassia said that while theatre provides entertainment to audiences, artistes and writers face many challenges and hardships. He expressed pride and happiness at receiving the honour from the World Konkani Centre.

Accepting the Translation Award, Maya Anil Kharangate said she has been writing various literary works for the past 50 years and has received several awards, but this recognition gave her special joy.

Dr P. Dayanand Pai, in a video message, said he would extend full support to all activities of the World Konkani Centre.

World Konkani Centre president Nandagopal Shenoy welcomed the gathering, while Dr Kasturimohan Pai proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Dr Vijayalakshmi Nayak and Chetana Nayak.

Several eminent personalities, including B.R. Bhatt, William D’Souza, Prashanth Shetty, Shakuntala Kini, Narayana Nayak, Gilbert D’Souza, and Dr Devadas Pai, were present at the event.