Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru 

Mangaluru, Nov 17: The grand finale of Kani Kani Kantha 2025, a popular Konkani storytelling competition, was held on Sunday, November 16 at 2 pm at the Infant Jesus Shrine Hall, Mangaluru. The event drew an enthusiastic audience of participants, parents, well-wishers, and admirers of Konkani literature.

Finalists from Mangaluru, Udupi, Kundapur, and Puttur captivated the gathering with expressive and imaginative storytelling. Each presentation showcased originality, confidence, and a strong love for the Konkani language, making the programme lively and engaging.

The prize distribution ceremony, held at 4 pm, was presided over by Fr Rupesh Madtha, while noted poet and film director Stany Bela was the chief guest. Other dignitaries on the dais included Fr Melvin D’Cunha, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery; Praveen Tauro; shrine director Fr Stifan Perera; Fr Joseph Cyril D’Souza, president of Daij Dubai Mangalore Unit; writer Flavia Albuquerque; and Fr Ivan D’Souza, editor of NBJ.

MC Elson Hirgan introduced the dignitaries, after which Fr Ivan D’Souza welcomed them with a shawl. In his address, chief guest Stany Bela encouraged youth to keep Konkani alive through creativity, literature, and active community involvement.

Judges Asuntha Priya Danthy, Edward Sequeira, Sapna Crasta of Vamanjoor, and Molly Miranda of Kulshekar were felicitated with mementoes for their contribution.

Fr Ivan D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks, and Elson Hirgan compered the programme. Premitha D’Souza, along with members of the Secular Carmel, assisted in organising the event. The programme concluded with the announcement of results in all categories.

Grand finale results

Category 1 (KG to 1st Std)

1. Preethal Pinto, Bajjodi – First place

2. Rihanna Sarah Lasrado, Derebail – Second place

3. Anvil Gonsalves, Puttur – Third place

Category 2 (2nd to 5th Std)

1. Shannon Reeve Crasta – First place

2. Angel Meghan Cutinha, Hospet – Second place

3. Tivona Lenita Sequeira, Puttur – Third place

Category 3 (6th to 12th Std)

1. Preemal Pinto, Bajjodi – First place

2. Nimisha Prisha Monteiro, Bondel – Second place

3. Jenisha D’Souza, Piusnagar – Third place

Category 4 (18 years and above)

1. Neeha Neola Rodrigues, Loretto – First place

2. Shwetha D’Souza, Kollangana – Second place

3. Irene Pinto, Bajjodi – Third place