Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jan 12: The 20th edition of Kavita Fest was celebrated in a vibrant poetic atmosphere marked by literary debates, discussions and appreciation at Mother Teresa Peace Park, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), on Sunday, January 11.
The much-acclaimed festival commenced with a colourful procession from Gate 2 to Mother Teresa Peace Park. The inaugural session was graced by Fr Melwyn DÇunha SJ, pro-vice chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), and Prof Maria DeCosta as distinguished guests. The dignitaries formally inaugurated the festival by tossing rose petals in the air, accompanied by trustees of Kavita Trust and its supporters.
In her inaugural address, Prof Maria DeCosta reflected on the transformative power of poetry. “Poetry has influenced not only me but the entire world in many ways. It has addressed people on diverse subjects and often touched lives deeply. Reading or writing poetry itself is a celebration; hence, Kavita Fest becomes even more meaningful as it brings together poets and poetry enthusiasts,” she said. She also lauded the tireless efforts of Kavita Trust in promoting poetry through digital platforms such as television, YouTube and other media.
Appreciating the organisers, Fr Melwyn DCunha said the management of St Aloysius was happy to host Kavita Fest at the Peace Park, which aligned with the spirit of the institution. “Poets are vigilant, sensitive and close to nature. Though their thoughts may differ, if those differences work towards peace and environmental protection, they become invaluable in today’s world,” he remarked.
Following the inaugural session, an interaction session titled My Life, My Poetry' was held with noted Konkani writer and Mathias Family Poetry Award winner Valli Vagga. Poet Andrew L D Cunha moderated the session. Vagga shared insights into his journey in Konkani literature, his early life as a writer and personal experiences, narrating memories of his childhood, native place and migration to Mysuru.
The Kavisandhi programme, organised in collaboration with the Kendra Sahitya Akademi, featured poet Paresh N Kamat, who captivated the audience by sharing his poetic journey and engaging in discussions on poetry and its various forms.
Another highlight of the festival was the poetry sessions featuring finalists from the children’s and youth categories of the Biri Biri Pavs television reality show.
In the afternoon, members of Astitva and Ranga Adhyayana Kendra, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), presented Kavyarang, a unique poetic play that left the audience deeply moved. The play was directed by Christopher Ninasam.
The closing ceremony was graced by Jnanpith Award laureate Damodar Mauzo, his wife and translator Shaila Mauzo, and Konkani writer and educator Francis D’Cunha. On the occasion, the Dennis and Mary D’Cunha Memorial Best Poetry Book Award 2024 was presented to Felcy Lobo, the Mathias Family Poetry Award 2025 to Valli Vagga, and prizes to the winners of the Biri Biri Pavs poetry competition.
Expressing her happiness, Shaila Mauzo appreciated the children who recited hundreds of poems by various poets in the Biri Biri Pavs TV reality show. “The children achieved something meaningful by learning poetry and understanding poets. Kavita Trust has achieved something even greater by transforming literary tastes among the younger generation, breaking dialect barriers and building new connections,” she said.
Addressing the gathering, Francis D’Cunha said that although he could not attend Kavita Fest earlier, he had closely followed the activities of Kavita Trust for many years. “Together with my family members and my brother Andrew L D Cunha, we instituted an award in the name of our parents for a poetry book. I am extremely delighted that Felcy Lobo is the first recipient of this award. We hope it will inspire many more poets in the years to come,” he said.
Commending the mission of Kavita Trust, Damodar Mauzo said the trust had built bridges between Konkani-speaking communities across states, generations, and between poets and readers. “Literary bonds between Mangaluru and Goa are long-standing, and organisations like Kavita Trust continue to provide a platform for unity under the banner of Konkani, our mother tongue,” he said, while specially mentioning Felcy Lobo and the winners of Biri Biri Pavs.
Upon receiving the Mathias Family Poetry Award, Valli Vagga expressed gratitude to Kavita Trust and the Konkani community, acknowledging readers for shaping him as a writer.
Melvyn Rodrigues, president of Kavita Trust, welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering, highlighting the mission, activities and competitions of the trust. Andrew L D Cunha, secretary of Kavita Trust, proposed the vote of thanks.
Earlier, the procession was led by the band team of St Aloysius trained by Prem Moras. Ronald Nazareth and team rendered the invocation prayer during the inaugural session. William Pais introduced Valli Vagga, while Vincent Pinto read the citation. Manoj Fernandes compered the Biri Biri Pavs prize distribution ceremony, and Vitori Karkal compered the inaugural and concluding sessions.