Vision Konkani felicitates 2025 Kendra Sahitya Academy Awardee HM Pernal in Mangaluru
NRI Entrepreneur, Philanthropist Michael D'Souza urges community to support Pernal's literary work
Mangaluru: Eminent Konkani writer and 2025 Sahitya Akademi awardee H. M. Pernal was felicitated at a grand function held at the Town Hall on Friday evening. The programme brought together literary figures, community leaders and admirers to celebrate Pernal's contribution to Konkani literature.
The felicitation ceremony was organised by Vision Konkani and presided over by NRI Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Michael D'Souza. Renowned Kannada poet and writer Jayant Kaikini attended as the chief guest.
The evening began with a musical presentation titled "Sitar Fusion" by Rafique Khan on sitar, Rajesh Bhagwat on tabla and Vaman Karkala providing rhythm accompaniment.
This was followed by a recital of H. M. Pernal's poems by Eddie Siqueira and Mahammad Muaad GM.
A special interactive session on "Celebration of Life and Literature" was later held with H. M. Pernal. The discussion was led by Shakuntala R. Kini and Wilson Kateel, offering insights into Pernal's literary journey and personal experiences.
During his address, Jayant Kaikini struck a humorous note by saying that the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited should reserve seats for Konkani writers. He said he was delighted that H. M. Pernal had received recognition for his literary work through the Sahitya Akademi award.
Kaikini expressed concern that while many people are writing poetry today, fewer are reading the works of established and accomplished writers. He noted that great artists throughout history have always shown interest in multiple forms of art rather than limiting themselves to a single field. Describing Pernal as an important pillar of Konkani literature, he said the writer's achievements deserved to be celebrated.
Presiding over the programme, Michael D'Souza said that quality is more important than quantity, and added that the same principle applies to literature. He called upon the community to support H. M. Pernal in his literary work and encouraged the veteran writer to continue serving the Konkani language. He also thanked all those who attended the event.
In his response, H. M. Pernal thanked the organisers, his family, community members and all those who had supported him over the years. He also shared his personal journey and recounted key moments from his life and literary career.
The programme included an introduction to the awardee, felicitation by the organising committee, and honours from various Konkani organisations.
Titus Noronha delivered the introductory remarks, while convener Melvyn Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.
The event concluded with a celebration attended by members of the Konkani literary community and admirers of H. M. Pernal.
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Youngsters should be made aware of UP's condition before 2017: Adityanath
Gorakhpur (UP) (PTI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday urged intellectuals and opinion makers to educate the younger generation about the condition of the state before 2017 and the transformation witnessed in recent years.
Addressing the "Prabuddh Samvad" programme organised by the BJP's Rapti Nagar Mandal at a marriage hall in Gorakhpur, Adityanath said youngsters must be made aware of the "era of riots, curfews, lawlessness and appeasement politics", so that such a situation does not return.
He said many youngsters today were too young to understand the condition of Uttar Pradesh 10 years ago. "If we do not tell the present generation what the state faced earlier, they will forget the consequences of misgovernance and appeasement politics," he said.
The chief minister alleged that before 2017, the state suffered from "goondaism, corruption, anarchy and exploitation by regional parties". He claimed that traders were forced to pay the "goonda tax", women felt unsafe and employment opportunities were limited, forcing many to migrate.
Highlighting the changes under the present government, Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh now offers development, security and employment opportunities.
Referring to Gorakhpur, he said the fertiliser plant has resumed operations, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is functioning smoothly and the Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College has improved healthcare services.
The chief minister added that industrial projects worth Rs 15,000 crore have generated jobs for nearly 50,000 youngsters in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Adityanath said India has emerged as a global inspiration under his leadership.
Referring to global tensions and rising fuel prices, he appealed to people to conserve fuel and adopt alternatives, such as solar energy, public transport, electric vehicles and carpooling.
Calling intellectuals the "opinion makers of the society", he said teachers, doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs have a responsibility to guide people in the right direction. He also urged citizens to remain balanced during both favourable and challenging times.
Local MP Ravi Kishan and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC Dharmendra Singh also addressed the programme. Mayor Manglesh Srivastava and several BJP leaders, professionals and social workers were present.
