Dattaram Krishna Sukhthankar (11 December 1924 – 29 August 2005) is a Konkani writer and medical practitioner from Goa. He is known for his humorous essays and is a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award.
Early life and education Sukhthankar was born on 11 December 1924 in Mashel, Goa. He completed his primary schooling in his hometown of Mashel, followed by secondary education at the Almeida High School in Ponda. For higher education, he attended Rajaram College in Kolhapur. In 1953, he graduated with a medical degree from the Escola Médico Cirúrgica de Goa.
Career Activism During the Portuguese rule in Goa, Sukhthankar participated in activities opposing the colonial regime, leading to his imprisonment by the Portuguese authorities for a period. He eventually left Goa and relocated to Mumbai.
Medical practice Professionally, Sukhthankar served at the Gandhi Leprosy Rehabilitation Center in Warde and the Acworth Leprosy Home in Mumbai. Later in his career, he established his own private medical practice.
Literary work Sukhthankar is a noted writer in Konkani, known for a writing style characterized by simple language and fine humour. His work has been featured in various magazines. His collection of essays, titled Manni Punav, received critical acclaim. In 1968, the book won the Sahitya Akademi Award. It was also awarded by the Kala Academy.
Awards and recognition In addition to the Sahitya Akademi and Goa Kala Academy awards for Manni Punav, Sukhthankar was honoured by the Government of Maharashtra in 1990. He received the "Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar," a distinction awarded to Sahitya Akademi awardees residing in the state of Maharashtra.
Personal life Sukhthankar has traveled within India and internationally. As of 1999, he was retired and residing in Mumbai. He was married and had two children, a son and a daughter.
Death Sukhthankar died on 29 August 2005 at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai.
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