BIS #1703 TILAK KAVIVARYA AWARD FOR KRISTAPURANA


Sushma Shrivastwa
NASHIK, DECEMBER 31, 2009:
On December 25, 2009 the Kristapurana and its translation cum critical edition received the famous Tilak Kavivarya Puraskar which is annually given to one person. And this year it was given to Fr. Nelson Falcao sdb for his rigorous and painstaking research on the Kristapurana. The Award giving ceremony was combined with Prayer for World Peace on the Birthday of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. In the presence of people and dignitaries from all religions, in the Jesuit Church of Holy Cross, Nashik, the Prayer for Peace and the Tilak Award Ceremony took place.

Among the dignitaries were present Pujya Shree Narayan Guruji, an industrialist cum spiritual Guru from Baroda, Dr. Mrs. Vedashree Thigale, Shree Govind Shreenivas, Mr. J.P. Jadhav, Secretary of Bharatiya Ekatmata, Shree Beniwal, Fr. Tony George, S.J., the Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Nashik, Fr. Ivo Coelho sdb, Fr. Conrad Mascarenhas, S.J., Conrad Mascarenhas, S.J., Fr. John Misquitta, S.J. and others. Pujya Shree Narayan Guruji shared his experience and Darshan of Christ. He praised the work done by Fr. Nelson Falcao and explained how the Kristapurana is connected with Hindu Tradition. Dr. Mrs. Vedashree Thigale presented a very positive review of the work of Fr. Nelson and affirmed that it is a great contribution to the Marathi, Indian and world Literature.

This whole ceremony was called not just a Puraskar Ceremony but a Krutajnata Sohala which means Feast of Solemnity of Gratefulness. That is how Vanadhipati Vinayakdada Patil wanted to call it. It is gratefulness to the Kristapurana and to Fr. Nelson Falcao who has made it available to the common people.