Margao: The concluding day of the birth centenary celebrations of Margao-born, great Goan and acclaimed cinematographer K. Vaikunth alias Vaikunth Kuncolienkar was organised by Madganvcho Awaaz at Imperial Hall, Margao. Speaking on the occasion, youth leader Prabhav Naik stressed that the contribution of K. Vaikunth to Indian cinema and Goa’s cultural identity deserves due national recognition and should be honoured with a Padma award posthumously.
The programme was graced by Amit Kunkalienkar and family, eminent filmmakers, artistes and well-wishers of K. Vaikunth. The function began with a keynote narration by Dr. Babita Angle Prabhudesai, who highlighted the life and cinematic journey of the legendary Goan. Floral tributes were offered to the portrait of K. Vaikunth by his family members along with Prabhav Naik, followed by a felicitation of the Kunkalienkar family by Madganvcho Awaaz in recognition of K. Vaikunth’s immense contribution. Tributes were also offered to A. Vaikunth who passed away last year.
Distinguished film personalities including Dharmanand Vernekar and Prasad Shinkre shared their memories and reflections on K. Vaikunth, recalling his artistry, simplicity and Goan roots. The event evoked nostalgia while underlining the need to preserve the legacy of a cinematographer who carried the name of Goa across Indian cinema. National Award-winning filmmaker Laxmikant Shetgaonkar appealed to the film fraternity to collectively demand the establishment of a lifetime memorial for the acclaimed cinematographer. Vaishnavi Pai Cacode compeered the function.
Members of the film fraternity including Dr. Pramod Salgaonkar, Jyoti Kunkalienkar, Prince Jacob, Christ Silva, Dinesh Bhosale, Miransha Naik, Dnyaneshwar Govekar, Rajdeep Naik, Suchita Narvekar, Mukund Shinkre, Swapnil Shetkar, Saiesh Panandikar and others were felicitated for their contribution to cinema. The function was also attended by former Margao Chairperson Ajit Hegde, M. K. Shaikh, Dilip Prabhudesai, Avadhut Kudchadkar, Vishal Pai Cacode, Anil Pai, Atul Naik and several other prominent citizens.
