Ravinadra Kelekar

Ravindra Kelekar was a freedom fighter, noted author who bagged prestigious jnanapitha award for Konkani Literature. He was born on 7th March 1925 in Cuncolim villege of Goa State. His Father Dr Rajarama Kelekar was a famous physisian. Ravindra Kelekar completed his studies in Panaji. In 1946 student Ravindra Kelekar took active participation in Goa Liberation movement.

Literary works
Deeply influenced by Gandhian philosophy, In 1949 Ravindra Kelekar left Goa and went to Wardha and joined another Gandhian activist, writer Kakasaheb Kalekar. Later he joined as a librarian at Gandhi Memorial museum, New Delhi. Within a year he left the job and again he joined Goa Liberation Movement in Goa. He published Gomanta Bharati in Latin script. Being an active participant in Goa’s struggle for freedom, he was imprisoned by the Portuguese. After Goa’s independence Kelekar took to literary activism. During this period he wrote some of his most important works promoting Konkani language. Amchi bhas Konkanich, shallenth Konkani kityak?, and a Bibilography of Konkani Literature in Devanagari, Roman and Kannada charecters. In 1992 Konkani was included in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution as official language. He also took important role in founding Konkani Bhasha Mandal. He authored nearly 100 books in Konkani language. Bahu Bhashik Bharatant Bhashenche Samajshastra and Himalayant were his famous books. He also edited Jag magazines for more than 20 years.

Honours
Kelekar received the Prestigious Padmabhushan award in 2008, Gomant Sharada award of Kala Academy, Sahitya Academy award in 1977, Sahitya Academy Fellowship in 2007, Sahitya Academy award and Jnanapith award in 2006.