Educationist Sumant Kelekar passes away

The well-known Goan educationist, Konkani protagonist and publisher of the ‘Jaag’ periodical, Sumant Kelekar passed away on Sept 3rd morning, at his Priol (Panaji) residence. He was 79.

Kelekar was ailing for quite some time. He is survived by his wife and five married daughters. The funeral took place this evening.

He had played a prominent role during Opinion Poll with his forceful writings.

Kelekar, a cousin of the Konkani litterateur, Ravindra Kelekar, also founded Jaag Publications, a book publishing house which brought out 68 books in Konkani.

A seasoned educationist, Sumant Kelekar was instrumental in reviving the Centro Educador Society at Priol. He founded the Shiksha Sadan High School at Priol. Later more schools were founded in the neighbouring villages of Keri, Panchwadi, Gaune and Kundaim. Kelekar has served as the principal of Shiksha Sadan High School, Priol as well as of Damodar D Ed College, Margao.

Kelekar was also a stage actor and had good sense of music. His role in the Konkani version of ‘Samshaykallol’ is remembered by the connoisseur audience. He had won publisher’s award from a New Delhi-based Apex Publishers institution in 1996 for which Konkani Bhasha Mandal had feliciteted him. ‘Jaag’ has bagged six national awards from Kendriya Sahitya Academy.

He was also awarded the national award in book publishing at New Delhi, few years ago.

A staunch supporter of Konkani language, he had participated in the Konkani movement, especially when he was in Mumbai, along with other protagonists of the language. Kelekar was of the view that primary education must be imparted in the mother tongue. He has played a crucial role in the formation of Konkani textbooks.