Dr Eugene D'Souza
Pics: Alphonse Mendonsa & Julian D'Mello
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 18: The Kudmul Ranga Rao Auditorium in Mangaluru hosted a felicitation ceremony honoring the distinguished Konkani writer, poet, and critic, H M Pernal, who was awarded the prestigious 2025 Kendra Sahitya Academy Award for his remarkable work, 'Konkani Kavyam: Roopam aani Rupakam', on Friday, May 15. The event was organized by several literary and cultural associations.
The program commenced with Eddie Sequeira reading three poems from H M Pernal’s recently published collection, 'Zanel' (Window), in Konkani. Following this, well-known journalist Muhammad Muad G M presented an additional three poems from the same collection, which had been translated into Kannada by prominent poet Wilson Kateel.
A significant highlight of the evening was a dialogue with H M Pernal conducted by Wilson Kateel and Shakuntala R Kini, centered on Pernal's literary journey. He recounted how, during his schooling, the passion for literature instilled by his teachers ignited his interest in reading narratives across Kannada, English, and Konkani. He began his creative journey with cartoons and gradually transitioned into storytelling, poetry, and journalism. Pernal acknowledged the profound influence of his teacher, Somayya Sir, who shaped his understanding of society and literature. Initially writing in Kannada, he later embraced Konkani as his medium of expression. When asked about any regrets regarding this linguistic shift, Pernal asserted that he has never felt constrained by his choice; writing in Konkani allowed him to reach audiences not only in Karnataka but also in Goa, Maharashtra, and Kerala. He emphasized that literature should foster interconnectedness among humanity, arguing against the division of writers and their work along the lines of caste and creed.
Following the dialogue, the formal felicitation commenced under the presidency of Michael D’Souza, a prominent NRI businessman and advocate for the promotion of Konkani culture. Renowned Kannada litterateur Jayant Kaikini served as the chief guest, while members of the Vision Konkani editorial team, including poet Melwyn Rodrigues and Titus Noronha, joined H M Pernal on the dais.
H M Pernal was officially honored by Michael D’Souza and Jayant Kaikini after a welcoming address and introduction by Titus Noronha. Members of the Michael D’Souza Vision Konkani family, including Rev Fr Denis D’Sa, parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church in Udupi, along with Oswald Rodrigues and others, also participated in the tribute, accompanied by Pernal’s wife and two daughters.
In his heartfelt response to the accolades, H M Pernal remarked on the power of sharing to amplify joy and alleviate sorrow. He expressed his gratitude for being recognized by the Kendra Sahitya Academy and thanked Michael D’Souza for his commitment to advancing Konkani literature, cinema, and music through his Vision Konkani initiative.
Jayant Kaikini, in his keynote address, expressed delight at the presence of representatives from Goa, Kerala, and Maharashtra for H M Pernal's recognition. He remarked that poetry is a profound expression of humanism, residing in the hearts of individuals. Kaikini considered Pernal a multifaceted talent—cartoonist, poet, storyteller, critic, journalist, and editor—and drew parallels with great figures like Satyajit Ray, who ventured into diverse artistic realms. He emphasized the importance of mentorship in literature, stating that the legacy of writing must transition seamlessly from one generation to the next. A true writer, he noted, remains acutely aware of contemporary social issues, nurturing humanity's voice in their work. Kaikini lauded H M Pernal for his literary contributions and extended his best wishes for his future endeavors.
In his concluding remarks, Michael D’Souza urged attendees to remain connected to their roots, heritage, and mother tongue. He commended H M Pernal for bringing pride to the community through his accomplishment and praised his consistent contributions to Konkani literature over the past four decades. He encouraged the audience to support the Konkani language and its literature in any capacity possible.
The event featured a musical interlude prior to the stage program, with world-renowned sitar maestro Ustad Rafiq Khan, accompanied by Sanjay Rodrigues on keyboard, Rajesh Bhagwat on tabla, and Vaman Karkala on rhythm, presenting a captivating "Sitar Fusion" performance.
Melwyn Rodrigues delivered the vote of thanks, while Manoj served as the program's emcee. Following the conclusion of the stage festivities, twenty cultural and literary organizations honored H M Pernal with bouquets of flowers and shawls, celebrating his extraordinary achievements in literature.