Pics by Ganesh Perla
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SB)

Mangalore, Mar 8: Wilma Bantwal of St Aloysius College emerged winner at the inter-college Konkani poetry competition conducted by Konkani Sangh, St Aloysius College in association with Kavita Trust during the `poetry celebrations' held at the Eric Mathias Hall of the college on Saturday March 6. Clement Fernandes of the same college was the runner-up, while third prize was won by Darryl Jeevan D'Souza of the SDM Law College.

Fr Alwy Karmelit who was the chief guest of the function distributed certificates, gifts and mementos to the winners. “Poetry cannot be defined. It is like silence. It is a great experience to be amidst some of the great talent of the future,” he said and added that one must inculcate the habit of reading books. “Without reading we cannot become good poets,” he advised.

Fr Walter, financial controller, St Aloysius College presided. He applauded the efforts of the students and thanked Kavita Trust for joining hands with the students.

Earlier in the afternoon, Konkani poetry recital competition was conducted wherein 22 students from different colleges of Mangalore participated. Andrew L D'Cunha, William Pais and Kishore Gonsalves were the judges for the competition. The competition was held in two phases. In the first phase students had sent in their poems, which were evaluated prior to the recital competition. The marks of the recital competition were then added to the marks of the first round and thus the winners were selected. 

Five consolation prizes too were given. These prizes were won by Nelson Prasann Vas, Srinivas Institute of Management Studies, Denzil Jaison Fernandes, Sharon Olivera, both St Aloysius College, Rohan D'Souza, St Joseph's Pre-university College, Bajpe and Venkatesh Nayak, Canara College.

Andrew L D'Cunha spoke on the occasion. Severine Pinto, lecturer and president, Konkani Sangh welcomed the gathering. Melvyn Rodrigues, president, Kavita Trust gave the introductory speech. There was variety entertainment programme by the students.