Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 5: An evening celebrating Konkani poetry, creativity and literary expression unfolded in Mangaluru as the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy hosted its poetry gathering, ‘Kavyaan Vhaalo-18’, at the Academy auditorium on September 5.

Academy president Joachim Stany Alvares presided over the programme and delivered the introductory address. Welcoming the poets and guests, he drew a parallel between poetry and teaching, saying that every poet and poetess is, in a way, a teacher.

“A poet carefully corrects and refines what is needed in a poem and gives it shape. This is no less significant than any teaching profession,” he said.

The chief guest, renowned Konkani actor, singer and activist M Muralidhar Kamath, highlighted the importance of time in everyday life. “We must give great importance to time. Every moment can contribute either to the progress or decline of our lives. Therefore, time is our close friend,” he said.

Senior Konkani activist Gerald Rodrigues, who was honoured by the Academy, expressed his delight at the recognition of his contribution to Konkani. “For a behind-the-scenes Konkani activist like me, being identified and honoured in this manner gives me as much pride as receiving the Padma Vibhushan award. I thank the president and members of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy for recognising my work,” he said.

Renowned poet Tara Lavina Fernandes (Lavi Ganjimath) conducted the poetry gathering and offered detailed insights into the participating poets and their compositions.

The gathering featured poetry recitals by Valerian Sequeira (Valli Bola), Shanon Reeve Crasta, Krithika Kamath, Jenisha Sharal Rodrigues, Edward Lobo Tokkottu, Violet J Pereira, Aloma Lobo Kateel, Godwin Pinto, Kantavar Shivanand Shenoy and Preetham Mijar.

Academy member Ronald Crasta compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks. Academy member Samarth Bhat was also present.