Noted Konkani poet Sardessai passes away

Panaji, June 23: Noted Konkani poet Dr Manoharai Sardessai, popularly known as 'Lok Kavi', passed away after a brief illness here late last night.

He was 81 and is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

Hailing from Savoi Verem village in Goa, Dr Sardessai was the son of Konkani and Marathi author late Laxmanrao Sardessai. He pursued his education in Goa, Mumbai and Paris, according to family sources.

He did his doctorate in French with distinction from Paris University. He also worked as a French lecturer in Wilson college and Ruparel college in Mumbai and was the head of French department at the Goa University.

He was also the recipient of the Sahitya Academy award for his collection of peoms - Pissolim (1980).

Dr Sardessai also bagged the Kala Academy's award for his collection of poems 'Zaio Zuio' and has several books to his credit.

UNI