The Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) commemorated the 171st birth anniversary of noted Goan scholar and linguist Mons. Sebastiao Rudolfo Dalgado by organising “Dalgado Dis 2026” at the Reginald Fernandes Conference Hall in Panaji on May 8.
The programme was attended by academicians, literature enthusiasts and members of the Konkani community, with Prof. Oscar de Noronha attending as the chief guest sharing the dais with DKA President Fr. Myron Jeson Barreto, Vice President Anthony San Fernandes, Secretary Agnelo Borim and Treasurer Willy Goes.
As part of the programme, a leaflet detailing the life and contributions of Mons. Dalgado was released by the Prof. Noronha. Speakers at the event highlighted the role played by Dalgado in strengthening Konkani literature and linguistic research.
Prof. Oscar de Noronha congratulated the Akademi for continuing to remember eminent Konkani literary figures and encouraging scholarly work linked to Dalgado’s legacy. He also spoke about the sacrifices and contributions made by Mons. Dalgado in the field of literature and linguistics.
Mons Dalgado was recognised for his command over multiple languages including Marathi, Sanskrit, Kannada and English. During his stay in Portugal and Rome, he is said to have mastered several other languages including Arabic, Persian, German, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, French, Italian and Spanish. Speakers noted that his writings and research helped establish Konkani as an independent language and gave fresh direction to Konkani scholarship. He was also credited with compiling the first Konkani-Portuguese and Portuguese-Konkani dictionaries.
A lecture on the life and works of Mons. Dalgado was delivered by former Goa College of Art principal Willy Goes, who reflected on the scholar’s contribution to Konkani studies and language preservation.
In his presidential address, Fr. Myron Jeson Barreto called upon participants to follow the path shown by Dalgado and work towards the promotion of literature. He stressed the importance of preserving literature through the efforts of readers, writers, thinkers and committed workers so that future generations continue to benefit from Konkani literary traditions.
Certificates were also distributed to participants of the “Quiz on Dalgado” competition organised by the Akademi. Monica Fernandes secured first place, while Ana Tereza Ferreira and Menosha Da Costa won the second and third places respectively. Sandhya Fernandes received the consolation prize. Certificates were distributed to all participants who took part in the competition.
A song based on the life and works of Sebastiao Dalgado was performed by Anthony San Fernandes during the programme.
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