Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje/Alphonse Pangla
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Kasargod, Jan 10: Kavita Fest, a unique celebration of poetry and gathering of Konkani poetry lovers from Karnataka, Goa, Kerala and Maharashtra was held at Bela, in Kerala on Sunday, January 8.
Eminent Konkani author and journalist Austin D’Souza Prabhu, Stany Bela, Konkani author, and Anwesha Singbal, president, KBM Goa inaugurated the 17th edition of the Kavita fest by strewing rose petals. The trustees of Kavita Trust accompanied along for the inaugural ceremony.
In his inaugural speech, Austin Prabhu said, “It is nice to hear that Kavita Trust is celebrating Konkani poetry on the soil of Kerala in the form of ‘Kavita Fest'. By this, we can blindly say that Kavita Trust is the true organization which is completely involved in spreading the fragrance of Konkani poetry across the country without any regional borders. Definitely, it will help to know the cultural variations prevailing within us and its richness among the Konkani speaking community.”
Addressing the gathering Anwesha Singbal said, “I have been attending Kavita Fest regularly and I know its essence. These types of celebrations make it possible for all of us to come under one umbrella and sit together like members of the same family. Kavita Trust has actively participated in this mission and successfully attracted people towards Konkani poetry and poets. In the recent years, participating in poetry related competitions organized by Kavita Trust has become a trend. The organization itself grooms the participants and makes them known in the Konkani world."
The final round of the Nelson and Lavina Rodricks - 9th Cha Fra DeCosta memorial Konkani poetry recitation competition for children and the 4th All India Konkani poetry recitation competition for seniors was held during the event.
An interactive session was held with Santhosh Perla, author from Kerala and Wilson Kateel, known poet, author and editor. William Pais and Titus Noronha, trustees, Kavita Trust, moderated the session.
In his interaction, Santhosh Perla highlighted issues faced by the Konkani community in Kasargod and appealed for support from Konkani institutions and organisations which are engaged in Konkani related activities. Poet Wilson Kateel narrated his social views and its reflection on his poems.
In the closing ceremony, Prashanth Naik, president, Nirakar Education Society and former president, KBM, Goa and Rathnamala Divakar, author, lyricist and former vice-president, KBM, Kishore Gonsalves, president, Kavita Trust, and Averyl Rodrigues, secretary, Kavita Trust were present on the dais.
'Chiturleche Acche Din', a collection of poems written by Wilson Kateel and published by Kavita Trust was released by the guests.
Prashanth Naik said, "We cannot restrict Konkani to a particular state or region. It has spread across coastal India and across the globe as a community. There was a time when poems were written on the basis of a literary meter (Chandbhaddh or Chandassu) and its own regulations. It was a difficult job to write poems on the meter. But our poets never lagged behind. They produced immense literature which we consider rich in words and its narrative form. But when poetry was freed from its meter, we started to call it 'Chandhmukth Kavyam'. This paved the way for new ideas and the exploration of thoughts. Poets started to give importance to the subject and made it easy to understand too. In Goa, at the time of its liberation, poetry became a weapon to exhibit the richness of Konkani and its culture. The revolution of poetry started during this period. Poetry starts to reach villages and homes.
“Today Konkani poetry is making noise in Kerala too. We are lucky to attend Kavita Fest which is being held far from Goa. But it reminds us that under the flagship of Konkani, we are not far, but together,” he said.
Congratulating Kavita Trust, Rathnamala Divkar said, “I appreciate the children who attend Kavita Fest to recite poems in a competitive way. I can say, all participants are the winners and champions of this event. By organizing these types of competitions, Kavita Trust is not only encouraging the children but also putting a strong base for our future.”
During the event, poetess Indu Ashok Gersappe was bestowed with the Mathias Family Poetry Award 2022. In her absence, a shawl, memento, citation, and Rs 25,000 award money were presented to Jyothi Pai, her representative. Melvyn Rodrigues read the citation. Shweta Pai Manjeshwar read the message of Indu Gersappe which she conveyed to the gathering.
Later, prizes were distributed to the winners of the poetry reciting competition.
In the children's category, Ninisha Prisha Monteiro, Mangaluru, Aayan Mangaldas Bhat, Goa and Aaradhya S Pai Raiturkar won the first, second, and third prizes respectively, while Sana Satelkar, Goa and Nishel Pearl Monteiro, Mangaluru won the consolation prizes.
In the senior category, Ambesh Talwadkar, Goa, Preethan Renita Pereria and Neeta M Parab, Goa won the first, second, and third prizes respectively.
Margret Crsata, Veena Violet and Staveno Sheldon were felicitated by Kavita Trust for hosting the Kavita Fest with grand arrangements.
Kishoo Barkur, president, Kavita Trust, welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering, and briefed about the mission and activities of the trust and its various competitions during inaugural session. Averyl Rodrigues, secretary, Kavita Trust spoke during the closing ceremony. Vitori Karkal proposed the vote of thanks.
Veena Violet D’Souza, Vani Martis, Priyal Crasta and Risha Martis rendered the theme song of the event. Vitori Karkal, trustee, Kavita Trust compered the event.