Panaji: Noted Konkani literateur Ravindra Kelekar, the 2006 Gyanpith award winner, says that his writings have always been due to provocation.
"I do not need inspiration but provocation to write. Since that has not happened in recent times, I have stopped writing," Kelekar said when contacted for his reaction on getting the award.
The 83-year-old litterateur said he was happy and surprised at being bestowed the highest literary award.
"It is an honour for the Konkani language and a fitting reply to those who ridicule it," he said.
"I hope this award helps in getting due recognition and respect for Konkani language and literature," he added.
Kelekar was bestowed with the honour last week.
He is the first Konkani recipient of the prestigious award. Marathi literary giants who have been honoured with this award earlier are V S Khandekar, V V Shirwadkar alias Kusumagraj and V D Karandikar.
One of the pioneers of Konkani movement, Kelekar, who has also written many Marathi books, shares this award with Sanskrit litterateur Satyavrat Shastri.
