Media Release
Udupi, Sep 10: Konkani Manyata Divas 2026 was celebrated as ‘Konkani Sambhram, KANAPA-2026’, a parish-level inter-ward cultural competition organised by the Konkani Sahitya Kala and Samskrutik Sanghatan, Udupi District, in association with ICYM Udyavar and Mandd Sobhan, at St Francis Xavier Church Hall, Udyavar, on Sunday, September 6.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 15 wards, with youngsters showcasing their talent through poetry, singing, dance, gumta and other Konkani cultural performances. The hall resonated with Konkani music and cultural expressions throughout the seven-hour programme.
The inaugural ceremony began with a welcome by Rishan D'Souza and was compered by Conrad Quadros. Parish priest Fr Anil D'Souza formally inaugurated the celebrations by hoisting the flag. In his inaugural address, Fr Anil described Konkani as a precious heritage handed down by ancestors and stressed the responsibility of the present generation, particularly youth, to cherish, preserve and promote the mother tongue.
Chief guest Anil D'Sa (Anil Pangla) spoke on the significance of Konkani Manyata Divas and called upon the community to recognise, respect and preserve Konkani so that it continues to flourish among future generations. Dr Flavia Castelino, president of the Sanghatan, members of the Parish Pastoral Council, animators and ICYM office bearers were present. Disha Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.
Singer and musician and Karavali Kogul Awardee Anil D'Sa Pangla, Konkani drama writer, poet and anchor Walston D'Sa of Shankerpura, and choreographer Leywin Noronha of Karkala served as judges for the competition.
The valedictory programme was presided over by Sanghatan president Dr Flavia Castelino and welcomed by Delina Aroza. Chief guest Walston D'Sa appreciated the richness of Konkani culture and praised the unity, dedication and teamwork of the youth behind the event. Guest of honour John M D'Souza stressed that the mother tongue brings people together, strengthens community bonds and should be proudly passed on to future generations.
In her presidential address, Dr Flavia Castelino highlighted the responsibility of youth to preserve, promote and use Konkani in their daily lives. She felicitated Sanghatan secretary Ritesh D'Souza for his dedicated service and coordinators Glanish Pinto and Delina Aroza for their efforts in organising the event.
The judges were felicitated during the programme. Sanghatan founder-president Dr Gerald M Pinto was also felicitated after being honoured as best writer of the year by Raknno Weekly on the same day.
In the competition, Vailankani Ward won the first prize, followed by Rosary Ward in second place and Conception Ward in third place. Anil Menezes of Saud B Ward won the special prize for Best Anchor among the 15 participating wards.
Glanish Pinto proposed the vote of thanks, bringing the celebrations to a close. The event served as a vibrant tribute to Konkani language and culture, highlighting the role of youth in keeping the mother tongue alive and carrying its rich heritage forward.