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{{Short description|Indian writer (1948–2023)}}
{{Infobox writer
| name = Edwin J. F. D'Souza
| image =
| caption =
| birth_name = Edwin Joseph Francis D'Souza
| birth_date = 1948
| birth_place = Valencia, [[Mangalore]], [[Mysore State]], [[British India]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2023|09|13|1948|df=yes}}
| death_place = Mangaluru, India
| occupation = Writer, editor, academic administrator
| language = [[Konkani language|Konkani]], English
| education = [[St. Aloysius College (Mangaluru)|St. Aloysius College]]
| notable_works = ''Kallem Bhangar'' (novel)
| awards = [[Sahitya Akademi Award]] (2016)
| spouse = Jane D'Souza
| children = 1
}}

'''Edwin Joseph Francis D'Souza''' (1948 – 13 September 2023) was an Indian writer and editor from [[Mangaluru]], recognized for his extensive contributions to [[Konkani literature]]. Over a career spanning nearly six decades, he published 33 novels and more than 100 short stories. In 2016, he received the [[Sahitya Akademi Award]] for his novel ''Kallem Bhangar'' (Black Gold).<ref name="Hindu_MotherTongue">{{Cite news |date=2016-12-23 |title=For Edwin D'Souza, mother tongue always comes first |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/For-Edwin-D%E2%80%99Souza-mother-tongue-always-comes-first/article16927325.ece |access-date=2025-12-31 |work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref name="TOI_Kutam">{{Cite news |date=2015-09-22 |title=Edwin J F D'Souza to receive Konkani Kutam award |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/edwin-j-f-dsouza-to-receive-konkani-kutam-award/articleshow/49072479.cms |access-date=2025-12-31 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

==Early life and education==
D'Souza was born in 1948 in the Valencia area of Mangaluru. He attended [[St. Aloysius College (Mangaluru)|St. Aloysius College]], where he earned a degree in commerce. He later pursued post-graduate studies in the arts.<ref name="Hindu_MotherTongue" /><ref name="TOI_Kutam" />

==Career==
===Literary work===
D'Souza began his writing career in 1964 with the publication of his first short story, titled "Aasha". His literary output eventually grew to include 33 novels and approximately 100 short stories, alongside various columns and articles. He wrote primarily in Konkani using the [[Kannada script]], though he also wrote in English and translated some of his own short stories for English publications.<ref name="Hindu_MotherTongue" /><ref name="TOI_Kutam" />

Among his most prominent works are the trilogies ''Vajrakant'' and ''Aashellem Raj''. His novel ''Kallem Bhangar'' gained national recognition, earning him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2016. Other notable books include ''Hanv Jiyetan'' and ''Poinn'', the latter being a collection of short stories.<ref name="Daiji_Obit">{{Cite web |date=2023-09-13 |title=Obituary: Edwin J F D'Souza (75), Mangaluru |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/index.php/chan/obituaryDisplay?obituaryID=15859 |access-date=2025-12-31 |website=Daijiworld}}</ref><ref name="TOI_Kutam" />

===Academic and editorial roles===
In his professional life, D'Souza served as the executive director of the Konkani Institute at St. Aloysius College. He held editorial positions for several publications, including the monthly ''Bhakti'' and the journal ''Amar Konkani''. He was also a member of the General Council of the [[Sahitya Akademi]] in New Delhi and served on the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.<ref name="Daiji_Obit" /><ref name="Hindu_MotherTongue" />

==Personal life==
D'Souza resided at ‘Vailankanni’ in the Lower Bendore area of Mangaluru. He was married to Jane D'Souza, a retired principal. The couple had one son, Navin, who became a physician.<ref name="Daiji_Obit" />

==Awards and honors==
* [[Sahitya Akademi Award]] (2016) for the novel ''Kallem Bhangar''.<ref name="Hindu_MotherTongue" />
* Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Award (received eight times).<ref name="Hindu_MotherTongue" />
* Konkani Kutam Bahrain Award (2015).<ref name="TOI_Kutam" />
* Dr. T.M.A. Pai Foundation Manipal Award for the book ''Hanv Jiyetham''.<ref name="TOI_Kutam" />
* Goa Konkani Bhasha Mandal Award for ''Aashellem Raj''.<ref name="Daiji_Obit" />

==Death==
D'Souza died on 13 September 2023 at the age of 75.<ref name="Daiji_Obit" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:D'Souza, Edwin J. F.}}
[[Category:1948 births]]
[[Category:2023 deaths]]
[[Category:Writers from Mangalore]]
[[Category:Konkani-language writers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sahitya Akademi Award in Konkani]]

Edwin J. F. D'Souza - Revision history

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