Media Release

Sirsi, Aug 25: Konkani Manyata Divas 2025 was celebrated at Rangadhama, Nemmadi campus auditorium, Sirsi, on Sunday, August 24, jointly organized by the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and Konkani Kala Mandal (R), Sirsi.

The event began with the hoisting of the Konkani flag by parish priest of Don Bosco Church, Sirsi, Swami Peter Pinto.

Presiding over the programme, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Jokin Skanai Alvares spoke about the recognition given to Konkani and its importance. He stressed the need to learn other languages while continuing to speak Konkani with pride. “We must respect Konkani, keep speaking it, and pass it on to future generations,” he urged. He welcomed the guests and wished success to the participants in the speech and singing competitions as well as the cultural teams.
In his inaugural address, Swami Peter Pinto wished for the growth of Konkani through regular use and recited a Konkani poem to bless the occasion.

A poetry session chaired by Vasudev Shanbhag featured Konkani poets Dipali Samant, Nagesh Anekari, Srinivas Shanbhag, Krishna Padaki, Rajendra Kumar S Miranda, Ajit Bilgi, and Umesh Daivaj, who presented their works. The session was compered by Ravi Hegde from Gadihalli, Sirsi.

At the valedictory function, academy president Jokin Skanai Alvares once again addressed the gathering.

Chief guest Bheemanna T Nayak, MLA of Sirsi–Siddapur constituency, in his speech said, “Wherever you go in the country, you will find Konkani-speaking people. Among several languages, Konkani shines as a language of bonding. The government is extending several facilities for Konkani people, and everyone must make good use of them.”

Guest of honour, Ramakant M Bhatt, vice president of Sirsi City Municipal Council, also conveyed his wishes.

Winners of the Konkani speech and singing competitions were felicitated with prizes and certificates. In the speech competition, Pranamya Harish Bhat secured first place, Ritu Kiran Shet second, and Ritu V Karki third. In the singing competition, Priston D’Souza and Melvita won first place, Soujanya Anuti Sidhi second, and Giridhar Gokuladas third.

Academy member Naveen Lobo was present on the dais. Local convener Ram Kini compered the programme.

Cultural programmes such as Yakshagana Talamaddale, Lokaveda Vaibhava, Kala Vaividhya, and Vinodavali were presented by various cultural teams, adding colour to the celebration.