Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 8: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy organised the ‘Kaavyaam Vhaalo – 9’ poets’ meet at the Academy hall on December 6. The programme was presided over by academy president Joachim Stany Alvares. Delivering the introductory address, he said that the Academy has been implementing various projects since the beginning of the year, and the poets’ meet is one among them. He said the event provides a platform for poets and encourages new writers. “Today’s poets’ meet is dedicated to the memory of renowned poet the late Cha Pra D’Costa on his 33rd death anniversary. May this gathering inspire both youth and elders to compose more poetry,” he said while welcoming the gathering.

The chief guest, Fr Steven Alvin Pereira, director of the Infant Jesus Shrine, said that people and writers from different regions speak different languages, and many languages are flourishing on social media. He noted that although the number of people writing Konkani in Kannada script online is very small, it is not impossible. He warned that if Konkani is not seen or read on social media, the language may weaken, and urged everyone to begin and continue writing Konkani in Kannada script online. This, he said, would motivate both writers and readers.

Renowned poet Andrew L D’Cunha conducted the poets’ meet, providing detailed insights into the poets and their works. In memory of the late Cha Pra D’Costa, poems composed by him were recited by academy president Joachim Stany Alvares, Angel Cutinha, Rishon Nazreth and Anya Danti. Other poets including Vincent Pinto Anjelor, Krutika Kamath, Raymond D’Cunha, Elson D’Costa Hirgan, Sonia D’Costa and Laveena Danti also presented their poems.

Academy member Sapna Mae Crasta compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks. Members Naveen Lobo and Samarth Bhatt were also present.