N. Shivdas

Shivdas Sonu Naik (born 17 March 1949), known by the pen name N. Shivdas, is an Indian writer and social activist from Goa. He is a prominent figure in Konkani literature, known for his short stories, novels, and plays that often address social inequality and the caste hierarchy. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2005 for his short story collection Bhangarsall.

Early life and education Shivdas was born in Nageshi Bandoda, Ponda, to Sonu Subha Naik and Shantabai Naik. His father died when he was young, and he was raised by his mother, a farmer. He attended Almeida High School in Ponda, completing his matriculation under the Pune Board in 1970. Due to financial constraints, he began working as a government primary teacher in 1971 while pursuing higher education. He eventually graduated in English Literature from Bombay University.

Literary career Shivdas began writing as a schoolboy, initially in Marathi and Portuguese before finding his primary creative voice in his mother tongue, Konkani. His first short story was published in the Pormol Diwali issue, followed by "Ant Eke Zinnecho" in Novem Goyem. He gained further recognition through story writing competitions held by the daily Rashtramat. and another of bus commuters.

Positions and honours N. Shivdas receiving the Goa State Cultural Award from Shyam Benegal Shivdas has held several leadership roles in literary organizations: President of the Goa Konkani Akademi (appointed by the Goa Government). Founder President of the Konkani Lekhak Sangh (re-elected for a third term in 2015). President of the 23rd session of the All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan held in New Delhi (2017). Member of the Sahitya Akademi's Konkani Advisory Board (2003). Vice-President of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC)

Reception In 2012, a poem of his written in titled Chedi was criticised by women's rights organisations in Goa. The poem compared life with a commercial sex worker.

Selected bibliography Short story collections Gallsari (1981) Naklami (1995) Maharukh (1999) Bhangarsall (2003) Shivkatha (2015)

Novels Oh Babush (2014) Mhazan (2015) Hindu...? Mahajan (Konkani and Marathi)

Plays Pissatt (1979) Foreign Zavoi (1983) Bundd (1985)

Children's literature Babu (1983) Zhoro Zalo Mahasagar (1995) Hanv Panchavi Pass (2007)

Translations Bhavyatra (2017) – Konkani translation of Gujarati poems by Narendra Modi. Mantra aani Her Katha (2014) – Konkani translation of short stories by Premchand.