Ravindra Kelekar

Ravindra Kelekar, born on March seventh, nineteen twenty-five, was a distinguished Indian author celebrated for his contributions primarily in the Konkani language, alongside works in Marathi and Hindi. A passionate Gandhian activist and freedom fighter, Kelekar emerged as a pivotal figure in the modern Konkani movement, advocating for the recognition and preservation of the Konkani language.

His involvement in the Indian freedom struggle and Goa's liberation movement was significant, as he actively campaigned against the merger of Goa with Maharashtra. Kelekar was instrumental in founding the Konkani Bhasha Mandal, which spearheaded the literary campaign that ultimately led to Konkani being recognized as a full-fledged language and reinstated as the state language of Goa.

Throughout his prolific career, Kelekar authored nearly one hundred books in Konkani, including notable titles such as 'Amchi Bhas Konkaneech', 'Shalent Konkani Kityak', 'Bahu-bhashik Bharatant Bhashenche Samajshastra', and 'Himalayant'. He also dedicated over two decades to editing 'Jaag' magazine, further enriching the literary landscape of Konkani.

Ravindra Kelekar passed away at Apollo Hospital in Margao, Goa, on August twenty-seventh, two thousand ten, at the age of eighty-five. His remains were cremated with state honors in his native village of Priol, a testament to his lasting impact on the region.

In recognition of his literary and cultural contributions, Kelekar received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in two thousand eight, the Gomant Sharada Award from Kala Academy, the Sahitya Akademi Award in nineteen seventy-seven, and the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in two thousand seven. Notably, he was the first recipient of the Jnanpith Award in two thousand six, awarded to an author writing in Konkani, which was presented to him in July two thousand ten.