Media Release

Udupi, Jun 16: "Change in society is a natural law. Many social movements have taken shape through literature, and poets and writers have often been the catalysts for such transformation. In today’s age of one-minute reels, where people rarely find time to reflect on themselves, it is commendable that poets and writers are contemplating on social issues and expressing their concerns through poems and articles," said Fr Anil D’Souza, parish priest of St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar.

He was delivering the inaugural address at a literary camp and poetry gathering organised on the occasion of the foundation day of Niranthar, a cultural organisation in Udyavar known for its tireless work in the field of literature and culture.

The workshop, conducted in collaboration with Aankri, a Konkani digital platform, and Arso, a Konkani literary journal, was specially designed for youths and students.

Renowned poet and member of the Konkani Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, Melvyn Rodrigues led a session on poetry, while H M Pernal, editor and critic from the Kitall e-journal, conducted a training on article writing.

A poetry reading and dialogue session chaired by noted poet and Arso editor Wilson Kateel featured senior poets including Catherine Rodrigues (Katapady), Sannu Monis (Belle), Pius James (Karugalnadi), Jeeta Gonsalves (Barkur), Pramila Flavia (Karkala), and Stany Bela, who presented their original works.

At the valedictory session, Wilfred D’Souza, vice president of the pastoral council of St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar, was the chief guest and distributed certificates to the camp participants.

Also present on the dais were Sr Leena, superior of Snehalaya, Pallotti Convent, Fr Stephen Rodrigues, assistant parish priest, and Rovin Pereira, president of ICYM Udupi Deanery.

Niranthar president Roshan Crasta welcomed the gathering, while founder-president Steven Colaco compered the event. The vote of thanks was delivered by Aankri director Sannu Monis.