Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri
Moodbidri, July 28: The 41st edition of Poetica Kavighoshthi (poetry meet) and a traditional food festival were celebrated with great joy and community spirit on July 27 at the Nithyadhar Sabha Bhavan, Gantalkatte Church.
The inaugural ceremony was held in the presence of Fr Ronald Prakash D'Souza, parish priest of Gantalkatte Church; Sunil Miranda, vice president of the parish pastoral council; Poetica convener Naveen Pereira of Suratkal; Pramila Pereira, president of the Gantalkatte women's association; Alwyn Rodrigues, president of the Catholic Sabha Moodbidri deanery; Ida Menezes, president of the women's association Moodbidri deanery; Roshan Miranda, president of the Catholic Sabha Gantalkate unit; Lydia D'Cunha, secretary of the parish council and women's association; Priscilla Pereira, secretary of the Catholic Sabha Gantalkate unit; and Anita Correa, coordinator of the women's association silver jubilee committee.
Pramila Pereira welcomed the gathering. The dignitaries marked the inauguration by preparing a traditional dish, shevige (string hoppers), on stage.
Fr Ronald Prakash D'Souza, who presided over the event, praised Poetica for its growth and literary contributions and recalled his long-standing friendship with Poetica convener Naveen Pereira.
The poetry session featured recitations by 28 poets. Children of Gantalkatte and members of YCS and ICYM presented cultural programmes.
Renowned artistes Alwyn Danti Pernal and Preetha Miranda Valencia presided over the poetry session. In the concluding ceremony, all participating poets were honoured with mementos.
Speaking on the occasion, Naveen Pereira of Poetica lauded Fr Ronald Prakash D'Souza for hosting numerous literary events in the Mangaluru diocese over the years. He also spoke on the importance of preserving and promoting traditional cuisine. The Rovin D'Souza Shanthipur Sponsored Popular Poem Award was presented to poet Lloyd Rego of Thakode.
Wilma Rodrigues from Gantalkatte, who was the first runner-up in the Super Mom – Session 7 competition held in Mangaluru, was felicitated by the Catholic Sabha.
Catholic Sabha Gantalkatte unit president Roshan Miranda proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Alwyn Menezes of Gantalkatte.
The event concluded with the serving of a wide variety of traditional dishes prepared by parishioners. A large number of people took part and enjoyed the event.