Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 8: The atmosphere at Kalaangan was abuzz with youthful energy and enthusiasm for Parag, the first-ever Konkani children’s literature festival organised by Mittakonn Academy, the literary unit of Mandd Sobhann. The event aimed to ignite the fire of Konkani literature and nurture it among young minds.
Sponsored by Richard Rodrigues of Karnataka Agencies, It was christened with the term ‘Parag’ meaning ‘pollen’ to showcase the spread of literary talent through a small beginning, characteristic of pollen that can create vast gardens and orchards despite its microscopic nature.
The festival commenced with a vibrant procession from the nearby Muthappa Gudi to the premises of Kalaangan. Ninisha Prisha Monteiro hosted this. The procession was inaugurated by Stany Alvares, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy. “We did not have such opportunities as children, and I hope the children make use of this to the fullest”, he remarked and commenced the procession.
Children marched enthusiastically led by the Konkani flag aloft, as they carried cut-outs of butterflies and flowers symbolic to the title ‘Parag’ along with the rhythms of the brass band. Kids from the ‘Sur Sobhann’ musical troupe followed with Gumotts, adding a traditional Konkani flavour to the procession and arrived at the venue worthy of such a momentous occasion, decorated in all glory.
The inaugural commenced with openings from Chrishel Dalmeida and Arvin Neil Dsouza and with a soulful rendition of ‘Konkani Amchi Bhoromchi Bhas’ by the children of Sur Sobhann trained by Shilpa Cutinha. The pouring of ink into a large replica of a pen placed at the centre of the stage officially opened the literary festival.
Rony Crasta, Coordinator of the Mandd Sobhann led Mittakonn Academy introduced and welcomed the gathering. He highlighted how this was the first large scale event of its kind organised ‘by children, and for children’. He emphasized the intention to ‘bloom the garden of Konkani literature’ among children.
A representative of the children was chosen to provide insights on their perspective on literature. Sanjana Riva Mathias was introduced by Lenora Eva Mascarenhas. Sanjana meticulously narrated her own childhood where listening to stories from her father was a daily affair which eventually enlightened her to read. She urged her peers to move beyond mundane excuses of social media, content streaming and homework in order to make time for reading. She stressed that while school is for studying, reading other literature is crucial for personal growth, adding that ‘Love for literature begins at home’.
The chief guest, Fr Prashanth Madtha, a prestigious academic, renowned Kannada and Konkani writer, known for his efforts in initiating Konkani studies at St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, was introduced by Larissa D’Souza. He lauded the organisers from bringing out the event. He expressed his honour to be a part of the Konkani community, praising its ‘great authors and literature’.
Fr Madtha singled out the late Eric Ozario and the Konkani Sahitya Academy’s ‘revolutionary work’ noting how it has helped several authors, including many women, find their voices. Engaging the audience, primarily the children, with his witty anecdotes and catchy stories, he advised them to always strive to be more productive. “Always think of something more”, he said.
The inaugural also includes the launch of two new books. ‘Mhonva-Polli’ is a collection of children’s stories translated during the translation workshop conducted by Mittakonn Academy. This contains 36 stories translated by 26 participants, collected and edited by Vitori Karkal. The book was drawn out of a model of honey comb. ‘Konkani Christian Folk Culture: Origin and Evolution’ written by Prithuma Monteiro was launched under the ‘Eric Ozario Amritotsav Research Grant’ instituted by Mandd Sobhann. The book was drawn out of a model of telescope.
Simultaneously, the e-book editions of these books along with Sylvester D’Souza’s ‘Vhoddlimanychyo Kanniyo’ were launched on the online platform of Google Play Books. These were digitized by Keron Madtha. Lenora Chrishel D’Souza conveyed the vote of thanks.
Following the inaugural ceremony, the festival included an enriching session of talks by various renowned resource persons. Reenal Rincia Serrao hosted this session.
Alwyn Danthy, introduced by Delisha Marina D’Souza, engaged the children with an interesting session on children building the future of Konkani literature. “We should read more in order to write more,” he insisted and advised them to listen more intently, focus on critical thinking and swap the mobile phone to a magazine or a book to become more enriched.
Felcy Lobo, introduced by Jessica Shaina D’Souza, gave her insights on the impact of grandmothers’ tales on today’s generation. She spoke on the enduring charm of stories, noting their direct and indirect impact on children’s knowledge and vocabulary. She narrated one of author Sylvester D’Souza’s stories called ‘Pedda Pasku’ which kept the audience on their toes through the comical depiction of the characters.
Venkatesh Nayak, introduced by Ratan R Bhat, addressed the changing landscape of children’s literature and its future. While acknowledging the societal shift, he urged the younger generation not to forget their culture. He cited the irony of children knowing more about the Japanese character Naruto but not of the stories of Vikram Bethal. He challenged Konkani children to use technology to nurture their heritage and even “create our own anime-like characters in the future that have a global potential.”
The noon session culminated in a poetry segment led by renowned poet, Andrew L D’Cunha, who was introduced by Shona Pinto. He emphasized on the poetic nature of our surroundings stating, “Poetry enlarges every tiny aspect.” He underlined how the world itself is a huge poem and that we all are poets who are dormant. The children were made to write a short poem on Konkani using metaphors from nature.
A lively quiz was conducted, challenging the young attendees on their knowledge of Konkani literature, culture and general awareness, further embedding the day’s literary focus.
This was followed by a spirited cultural programme where children themselves took the stage. This part was hosted by Angel Viyana Pinto. Sur Sobhann kids presented a beautiful song, after which a couple of dances were performed by students of St Aloysius High School and Sacred Heart High School to add some vibrancy. Traditional Konkani flair was added with a dynamic Gumott song performance led by Samuel Miranda and coordinated by Ajay D’Souza.
The festival concluded with a valedictory programme hosted by Viyon Chris Martis. Louis Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann, addressed the gathering. He noted that Mandd Sobhann dedicated this past year to children. He highlighted the organisation’s consistent efforts throughout the year to foster children’s art-form through events such as Alani Melody Nite, Sur Sobhann Concert, Kazo’ll Summer Camp, the translation workshop by Mittakonn and today, through Parag.
Reiterating the viral message of the day urging children should read more, he announced two upcoming contests. Everyone was asked to submit an opinion or a report on the festival, for which the best submissions would receive cash prizes.
They were also asked to read four ebooks: Misterancho Bonglo, Vhoddlimainchyo Kanniyo, Illem Illem Illillem and Tiri Tupem. A contest will be held in the month of April based on the content of these books. Jenisha Nazareth proposed the vote of thanks. Critic Daya Victor Lobo and writer Jeyal Manjarpalke were present as observers for the festival.
Finally, the certificates for the participants were distributed and the prizes for the winners of the quiz were awarded. As many as 225 Konkani children from across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts not just served with intellect, but also got their tummies full with shevyo roce and veg bonda, watermelon juice, biryani, kebab, ice cream, laddoos, and ice candies. After a short dance session backed by the St Anthony Brass Band Anthonykatte, Parag successfully concluded, leaving the children with a renewed appreciation for their language and culture, and happy faces.