Two-Day ‘Vishwa Konkani Samaroh’-2026 Celebrates Konkani Literature, Art, and Culture in Mangaluru

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Mangaluru : The two-day grand cultural and literary extravaganza, “Vishwa Konkani Samaroh-2026,” successfully concluded at the Vishwa Konkani Kendra, celebrating the rich heritage of Konkani literature, art, and culture. The event commenced with a warm traditional welcome featuring the vibrant folk dance and instrumental music of the Konkani Kudubi community. Smt. Sulaksana Sawant, a distinguished patron of art, culture, and education from Goa, officially inaugurated the convention by lighting the traditional lamp. CA Nandagopal Shenoy, President of the Vishwa Konkani Kendra, delivered the welcome address and provided a comprehensive overview of the two-day activities. In her inaugural message, Smt. Sulaksana Sawant emphasized the crucial role of technology in accelerating the growth of the Konkani language, highlighted the significance of its varied dialects, and lauded the Kendra’s dedicated efforts in strengthening the socio-cultural bonds between Goa and Karnataka. Adding national perspective to the inaugural session, Shri H. M. Pernal, a member of the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, introduced the audience to the various ongoing cultural initiatives of the Akademi.

The academic sessions of the convention commenced with a seminar on “The Significance and Methods of Literary Analysis,” presented by Melvin Rodrigues, the Convener of the Konkani Advisory Board of the Sahitya Akademi, alongside an insightful introductory speech by Dr. Kiran Budkuley. This was followed by a series of paper presentations and panel discussions. A session titled “Balanced Growth Across Literary Genres – An Analysis” was chaired by Gokuldas Prabhu, featuring a detailed discourse by Dr. B. Devadasa Pai. Another academic session, “Crucial Elements in Literary Analysis,” was chaired by H. M. Pernal, where Dr. Hanumant Chopdekar and Prof. Ramita Gurav presented their research papers. The afternoon session, organized in collaboration with the Kavita Trust, commemorated the birth centenary of the legendary Konkani poet from Kerala, late P. G. Kamath. In the presence of the poet’s son, Anand Kamath, and family members, a touching poetry recitation session was beautifully rendered by Smitha Shenoy, M. R. Kamath, Dr. Venkatesh Nayak, and Minisha Monteiro. Presiding over this commemorative event, CA Nandagopal Shenoy, Melvin Rodrigues, and H. M. Pernal highly praised the poet’s timeless contribution to Konkani literature. The first day concluded with captivating cultural showcases, including a dramatic dance recital of ‘Narasimha Avatara’ by Laxminarasimha Kala Mandala of Kumta, a comedy show by the Sadhana Balaga troupe, and a historical play titled ‘Veeranari Ahalyabai Holkar’ performed by the talented child artists of the Ankita Kamath group, all of which thoroughly enthralled the audience.

The second day of the convention began with the inauguration of three specialized folklore sessions by Dr. Prakash Parienkar, a renowned folklorist and Vice-Dean of Goa University. Prominent philanthropist Michael D’Souza, the driving force behind the ‘Shata Konkani Pustaka Prakatana Yojana’ (a project to publish 100 Konkani books), and Usha N. Shenoy, Director of Vardhani Pratishthan, attended as guests of honor and extended their best wishes to the gathering. This was followed by an engaging literary segment called “Konkani Nano Stories,” presided over by the acclaimed storyteller Vivekananda Kamath, where micro-narratives were read aloud by Jayashree Shenoy, Vandana Nayak, Kasturi Pai, Shakuntala R. Kini, and Basti Shobha Shenoy. Simultaneously, a unique symposium titled “Yakshagana and Konkanis” was held under the expert guidance of the legendary Yakshagana artist and critic Dr. Prabhakar Joshi, featuring analytical presentations by Argodu Mohandas Shenoy, M. R. Kamath, and Shantharam Kudva. Additionally, a folk singing session presided over by Shakuntala Kini saw Sabitha Kamath Maroli, Juliet Fernandes, Dr. Vijayalaxmi Nayak, and Narayana Nayak perform traditional oral-tradition songs unique to their respective communities.

Later in the afternoon, a vibrant youth writers’ panel discussion was organized jointly by the Sahitya Akademi, Vishwa Konkani Kendra, and Kavita Trust. Presided over by Stany D’Souza, this interactive forum became a platform for young Konkani writers including Wilma D’Souza Bantwal, Lavita D’Souza, Dr. Venkatesh Nayak, Glanish Martis, and Shwetha Pai M. to captivate the listeners with their contemporary poetry recitations. The grand convention concluded with a formal valedictory ceremony in the evening. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Additional Solicitor General of India for the High Court of Karnataka, Shri K. Arvind Kamath, highly commended the Kendra for organizing such impactful literary, artistic, and educational programs in their magnificent auditorium. The special attraction of the valedictory session was an enlightening speech by senior advocate K. Jagadish Kamath on “Opportunities Available to Linguistic Minorities under the Constitution of India,” wherein he pointed out the current underutilization of these constitutional safeguards. Marking the conclusion, CA Nandagopal Shenoy honored the dignitaries with mementos. The valedictory stage was shared by the Kendra’s Treasurer B. R. Bhat, and Vice-Presidents Dr. Kiran Budkuley and Ramesh D. Nayak. The convention witnessed massive participation from the students of Goa University, local colleges, and budding young writers. Vice-President William D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks, while Suchitra Shenoy and Dr. Vijayalaxmi Kamath meticulously anchored the event, and Vaishnavi Kini sang the soulful Konkani anthem.