Media release

Mangaluru, Dec 13: Palia Agni, a student of 7th standard at Ravindra Kelekar Dnanmandir, Madgaon, bagged the first place in the 12th Charles and Theresa Rodrigues memorial All India Konkani Poetry Writing Contest organized by Kavita Trust, which works for the promotion of Konkani Poetry. Shynel J Pinto, 7th standard student from Ladyhill English Higher Primary School, Mangaluru, came second and Shervani Naik, 8th standard student at Ravindra Kelekar Dnyanmandir, Madgaon got the third prize.

Palia Agni, Shynel J Pinto and Shervani Naik

209 students from 6th to 10th standard from various schools of Kerala, Karnataka and Goa participated in the contest. Considering their age, creativity and the control over the language, Sahitya Akademi award winning poet Melvyn Rodrigues judged the entries and selected Palia’s 'Mhajem Asthithv’ (My Identity), Shynel’s 'Naka Thanchebari Zanvchem' (Do not want to become like them) and Shervani’s 'Nakhethram' (Stars) poems for the prizes. 

A cut down tree speaks in Palia’s 'Mhajem Asthithv' and expresses its concern over mankind bent on destroying the nature. Shynel Pinto’s poem warns about comparing ourselves with others and get deceived and also tells us to be contented with our own unique talents, while Shervani’s 'Nakhethram' depicts a beautiful conversation of an innocent toddler with the stars in the sky.

2289 students have participated in this poetry writing contest organized by Kavita Trust for the last 12 years. Each and every participant is receiving a certificate of participation from Kavita Trust. Apart from certificates, memento and cash prizes, all winners with their parents are invited for the 13th edition 'Kavita Fest 2019' to be held on January 13, 2019 at World Konkani Center, Shakthinagar, Mangaluru with their travel, and full board accommodation being looked after by Kavita Trust.