Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 28: The regional round of the 'Kani Kani Kantha 2025' storytelling competition was held on Saturday at Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte, with nearly 70 children taking part.

The event was organised by Konkani monthly Naman Ballok Jezu in association with Daiji Dubai, Mangalore Unit.

Inaugurating the programme, Praveen Tauro, president of Daiji Dubai (Mangaluru unit), said storytelling was a powerful medium through which forefathers passed on wisdom and values. He expressed happiness that children were helping preserve Konkani stories while honing their own talents.

Performances by participants across age groups impressed both the audience and the panel of judges comprising Konkani writer Molly Miranda, educationist Sr Reena Juliet, teacher-actor Aloysius D’Souza, and writer Andrew L D Cunha.

Fr Melwyn D Cunha, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery, Carmel Hill, was present on the occasion. Fr Ivan D’Souza, editor of Naman Ballok Jezu, welcomed the guests, while Fr Jocy Siddakatte conducted the proceedings. Daiji Dubai members joined the dignitaries in presenting prizes to the winners.

Results of Mangaluru round

Category 1 (KG–1st std)

• First: Bleston Jhon Masarenhas, Kirem

• Second: Preethal Pinto, Bajjodi; Rihanna Sarah Lasrado, Derebail

• Third: Sara Pinto, Shakthinagar

Category 2 (2nd–5th std)

• First: Vinola Lorenzo, Bendur; Shannon Reeve Crasta

• Second: Angel Meghan Cutinha, Hospet

• Third: Ashel Rego, Ladyhill

Category 3 (6th–12th std)

• First: Anvila Neora D’Souza, Bondel

• Second: Preemal Pinto, Bajjodi

• Third: Nimisha Prisha Monteiro, Bondel

Category 4 (18 years & above)

• First: Neeha Neola Rodrigues, Loretto

• Second: Rachel Rodney Crasta, Cordel

• Third: Irene Pinto, Bajjodi

Kundapur edition held at Carmel Ashram

The ‘Kani Kani Kantha 2025’ storytelling competition, Kundapur edition, was held at Carmel Ashram, Katkere, on Sunday, September 28. The event was hosted by Catholic Sabha, Koteshwar unit.

Fr Praveen Pinto, superior of the Carmelite Monastery at Katkere, graced the occasion, while Fr Joe Tauro was the chief guest. Ullas Fernandes, president of Catholic Sabha, Koteshwar unit, welcomed the guests of honour and participants. The competition was inaugurated by Fr Ivan D’Souza, editor of Naman Ballok Jezu Konkani monthly, who addressed the gathering.

Around 25 children participated, delivering impressive and heartfelt storytelling performances. The competition was judged by Alwyn Danti (renowned Konkani writer and teacher) and Judith Mendonca (social worker and literature enthusiast). Winners were felicitated by Fr Joe Tauro, Fr Ivan D’Souza, and Ullas Fernandes.

Winners of Kundapur edition:

Category 1 (KG – 1st Std):
First: Andrea D’Souza, Piusnagar
Second: Jolvia Melrita D’Souza, Basrur
Third: Princiya D’Souza

Category 2 (7th – 10th Std):
First: Valencia D’Souza, Kundapur
Second: Anoliya Theresa D’Souza, Piusnagar
Third: Jackline Olivera, Piusnagar

Category 3 (11th – 17 years):
First: Jenisha D’Souza, Piusnagar
Second: Carol Lobo, Byndoor
Third: Nesline D’Souza, Basrur

The storytelling contest was launched by Naman Ballok Jezu in 2018 and expanded to Udupi in 2019. In 2021, it was held online for participants worldwide. Daiji Dubai has partnered in the initiative since then.

The 2025 edition is being held at four centres — Mangaluru, Udupi, Kundapura, and Puttur — with the winners qualifying for the grand finale in Mangaluru.

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