Prakash Damodar Padgaonkar

Prakash Damodar Padgaonkar (4 December 1948 – 29 April 2021) was an Indian poet known for his works in the Konkani language. He also wrote poetry in Marathi. He was a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in Konkani.

Early life and education Padgaonkar was born on 4 December 1948 in Bombay, India. His parents were Damodar and Vijaya. He was raised in a Dalit family and faced poverty and significant hardships during his childhood.

He completed his schooling through the Marathi medium at the Mushtifund School in Panaji, and through the Portuguese medium at the Masanu de Amorin School. He later pursued higher education by attending evening classes at the Dhempe College of Arts and Science.

Career Padgaonkar worked in the administrative department of the All India Radio (AIR) center in Panaji from 1968 to 1974. Later, he served as a manager for MMTC Ltd in the city of Vasco da Gama. 2005: Dr. T.M.A. Pai Foundation Best Book Award for Vhaunti Nhai Kallachi. 2007: Goa State Reward 'Rajya Sanman' for Cultural Excellence. 2009–10: State Cultural Award for Cultural Excellence in the Field of Literature.

He also received State Awards from the Kala Academy and the Konkani Bhasha Mandal (Goa) for his works Uzvaddachim Pavlam and Vascoyan.

Personal life and death He was married to Sanjeevi. The couple had four children: three daughters and one son.

Padgaonkar died on 29 April 2021 due to COVID-19.