Uday Bhembre

Uday Laxmikant Bhembre (born 27 December 1939) is an Indian lawyer, Konkani writer and politician who served as member of the Goa, Daman and Diu Legislative Assembly, representing the Margao Assembly constituency from 1984 to 1989. He is noted for his role as the editor of the Konkani daily, Sunaparant, and as a Konkani language activist. Bhembre is also widely known as the lyricist of the famed Goan Konkani language song "Channeache Rati".

Early life Uday Laxmikant Bhembre was born on 27 December 1939 in Margão, Goa, Portuguese India during the Portuguese Empire (now in India). He is the son of independence activist Laxmikant Bhembre.

He completed his primary and secondary education across various locations in Goa, including Zambaulim, Rivona, Curchorem, and Vasco. Due to the lack of higher education facilities in Goa at the time, he pursued further studies in Bombay. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree from Siddharth College and subsequently obtained an L.L.B. degree from the Government Law College.

Career Legal and early career Bhembre began his professional career in Mumbai, working as a staff artist at the Mumbai center of Akashvani from 1961 to 1963, where he gained foundational experience as a poet and lyricist. As a lawyer by profession, he began his legal practice in Mumbai in 1971. He returned to Goa shortly thereafter, establishing his legal practice there in 1973, which he continued for decades. He defeated Naik and became a member of the legislature. His legislative work was noted for being analytical and well-researched.

Bhembre was also a leader of the Konkani language agitation. He participated in the campaigns aimed at securing recognition for Konkani from the Sahitya Akademi, declaring it the official language of Goa, and obtaining its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

Institutional roles Bhembre held several leadership positions in literary and language institutions: Bhembre has been honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award in Konkani language for the year 2015. He was awarded the prestigious award for his play, Karna Parv.

He has also been appointed the Chair Professor of Poet Bakibab Borkar Chair of Goa University.