Media Release
Udupi, Oct 5: The ‘Kani Kani Kantha 2025’ storytelling competition (Udupi edition) was held at Anugraha Pastoral Centre on Saturday, October 4, at 2:30 pm.
The programme began with a prayer led by Fr Ivan D’Souza. The event was graced by Leslie Arouza, director of the family commission, and Praveen Tauro, president of Daiji Dubai, Mangaluru unit.
Fr Ivan D’Souza, editor of Naman Ballok Jesu, welcomed the guests of honour and participants. The competition was inaugurated by Leslie Arouza, who also addressed the gathering.
Around 25 children participated, presenting impressive and heartfelt storytelling performances. The competition was judged by Dr Rayan Mathias and Laveena Fernandes. Winners were felicitated by Leslie Arouza, Fr Ivan D’Souza, and Praveen Tauro. Jenitha Fernandes compered the programme, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Nanu Marol Thottam, former convenor of Daiji Dubai.
Winners of the Udupi edition
Category 1 (KG – 1st Std):
First: Shaunit George Soares, Udupi
Second: Rian Neil Pinto, Santakatte
Category 2 (7th – 10th Std):
First: Sianna Almeida, Thottam
Second: Ancita Lewis, Sasthan
Third: Briona Andrea D’Almeida, Thottam
Category 3 (11th – 17 years):
First: Aashnan D’Souza, Rarappady, Karkala
Second: Robin Pinto, Kallianpur, Udupi
Third: Alvisha D’Mello, Udupi
Category 4 (18 years & above):
First: Melita D’Almeida, Udyavar
Second: Nathan Pinto, Udupi
‘Kani Kani Kantha 2025’ Puttur edition held at Mai De Deus Church Hall
The Puttur edition of ‘Kani Kani Kantha 2025’ storytelling competition was held on Sunday, October 5, at Mai De Deus Church Hall, Puttur, drawing enthusiastic participation from children and adults across Puttur, Kanajar, Kollangana, Bannur, and Manila.
The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas, parish priest of Mai De Deus Church, Puttur, and Sushanth Veigus, ICYM president, Puttur unit, who graced the occasion as chief guests.
Participants competed under four categories, showcasing their storytelling talents with creativity and passion. The performances were evaluated by Vincent Pinto (renowned Konkani writer) and Fr Wilson Tauro OCD. Flavia Albuquerque (Konkani poet and teacher) coordinated the event, assisted by Lianna Rodriguez and Jenish Martis. The programme was compered by Shery Mascarenhas.
Winners of Puttur edition
Category 1 (KG – 1st Std):
First: Anwil Gonsalves, Puttur
Second: Meven Mascarenhas, Bannur
Third: Llyda Pinto, Puttur
Category 2 (7th – 10th Std):
First: Tivona Lenita Sequeira, Puttur
Second: Raina Ashlyn D’Souza, Kanajar
Third: Joviel Cutinha, Puttur
Category 3 (11th – 17 years):
First: Clive Pinto, Puttur
Second: Ansel Gonsalves, Puttur
Third: Royline Angela Rebello, Maril
Category 4 (18 years & above):
First: Shwetha D’Souza, Kollangana
Second: Leena Pais, Maril
Third: Reshma Rebello, Puttur
The Kani Kani Kantha storytelling initiative was launched by Naman Ballok Jezu in 2018, extended to Udupi in 2019, and went online in 2021, offering opportunities for participants worldwide. Since then, Daiji Dubai has partnered in organising the competition. In 2025, the event is being held across four centres—Mangaluru, Udupi, Kundapura, and Puttur—with winners advancing to the grand finale in Mangaluru.
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