Media Release
New Delhi/Udupi, Mar 16: In a historic moment for Konkani literature, the Central Sahitya Akademi has announced the 2025 Annual Award for H M Pernal’s seminal work of literary criticism, Konkani Kavyem: Rupam ani Rupakam (Konkani Poetry: Forms and Metaphors). This recognition marks the first time in history that a book of criticism in the Konkani language has been honoured with this prestigious national award. Published by Kavita Publications in both Devanagari and Kannada scripts, the book features an insightful foreword by Jnanpith Award-winning author Damodar Mauzo.
The recipient, Henry Ignatius Mendonca, who has written under the pen name H M Pernal for over 35 years, hails from Pernal in Udupi district. This award brings the Sahitya Akademi honour back to Karnataka after a gap of eight years, following previous laureates from the region such as Chafra D’Costa, Gokuldas Prabhu, Melvyn Rodrigues, and Edwin J F D'Souza. Besides, J. B. Moraes and J B Sequeira, Mangaloreans resided in Mumbai also got this award. Pernal is a prolific figure in the literary circuit, having previously published acclaimed poetry collections such as Chalyank Chatray, Kaydyachyo Kavita, and Janel, as well as short story collections including Devak Sodlo Pado and Beeg ani Bigath.
In his evaluation of the work, Jnanpith laureate Damodar Mauzo noted that Pernal’s book represents a monumental step towards viewing Konkani literature as a singular, unified entity despite its distribution across various scripts and regions. Mauzo praised the author for his rare ability to transcend the divide between Canara Konkani and Goan Konkani, offering a comparative study that includes legendary and contemporary poets like Manohar Rai Sardesai, R V Pandit, and Wilfy Rebimbus. He further highlighted that Pernal’s deep authority and vast reading make this book an invaluable gift to scholars and a defining guide for the future growth of Konkani poetry.
H M Pernal currently serves as the editor of the literary portal Kittall.com and the publisher of the monthly magazine Arso. His previous accolades include the Vimal V Pai Best Book Award from Vishwa Konkani Kendra and the Mathias Kutam Kavita Award.