Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 18: As part of the silver jubilee celebrations of Ferarchem Preran, the bulletin of St Francis Church, Ferar, a Konkani Sahitik Sammelan (literary session), Poetica Kavighoshti-42, and the observance of Konkani Recognition Day were held at the church hall on Sunday August 17.

Presiding over the event, parish priest Rev. Fr James D’Souza called upon the gathering with the message: “If we do not preserve Konkani, who else will? If we do not nurture it, how will it grow?”

On the occasion, Richard Moras, director of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, hoisted the Konkani Recognition Day flag. Writer Dolphy Lobo delivered a lecture on Konkani literature and its various forms.

This was followed by the Poetica Kavighoshti, the 42nd poetry session organized in collaboration with Poetica, where twenty poets recited their works. The session was moderated by poet Henry Mascarenhas and poetess Dr Flavia Castelino of Manipal.

As part of the jubilee celebration, all writers, poets, and well-wishers were honoured with mementos from Ferarchem Preran. A souvenir sent by Dr Austin Prabhu, Chicago, was received by Rev. Fr James D’Souza on behalf of the organizers. The award for the best poem, sponsored by Rovin D’Souza, Shantipur, was presented to Lavi Ganjimath.

Editor of Ferarchem Preran Lavi Ganjimath welcomed the gathering, while Shalet Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Melwyn Alvares. Poetica head Naveen Pereira, Suratkal, expressed gratitude to all contributors and supporters. Parish council secretary Henry Mascarenhas was present on the dais.