Writers must echo the readers' voice: Jnanpith awardee Damodar Mauzo at Konkani poetry book launch
Poet and critic H.M. Pernal’s poetry collection Zanel released
Mangaluru: “Literature is not merely a reflection of life; it is a force that helps readers navigate the dilemmas of existence,” said Jnanpith award-winning Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo, stressing that writers must become the voice of their readers. He was speaking at the launch of Zanel, a poetry collection by noted Konkani poet and critic H. M. Pernal, held at the MCC Bank auditorium in Mangaluru on Friday.
Reflecting on the deeper purpose of writing, Mauzo said, “Life is a constant battle between nature and distortion, and it is filled with choices between affirmation and denial. Every human being carves their path through these decisions. Literature serves as a guiding light in this struggle. Today’s readers are not passive—they search for themselves in what they read. Writers must rise to this expectation and become their voice.”
Praising Zanel, Mauzo remarked that Pernal’s poems resonate with the tension and turmoil of modern life. “His verses often carry the shadows of darkness, yet hidden within that darkness are unspoken truths, delivered with a distinct satirical sharpness,” he noted.
Vision Konkani founder and chief guest Michael D’Souza lauded Pernal’s commitment to language and literature. “There are three things we must never forget—our parents, our mother tongue, and our motherland,” he said. “Through his literary journey, H. M. Pernal has stayed rooted in these values. Along with his colleagues, he continues to uphold and promote the essence of Konkani. Vision Konkani has already published works by 21 Konkani writers, and this movement must gain further momentum.”
Introducing the book, poet Melvyn Rodrigues, Director of the Konkani Advisory Board at the Sahitya Akademi described Zanel as a collection that transforms personal and everyday experiences into deeper philosophical insights. “At first glance, the poems may seem cloaked in darkness, but within them lie unsaid truths that strike the reader with quiet force,” he observed.
The event also saw the presence of Nandagopal Shenoy, President of the World Konkani Centre, and Kishoo Barkur, President of Kavita Trust, both of whom shared the dais.
The gathering began with a welcome address by H. M. Pernal, while noted poet and thinker Titus Noronha anchored the event.
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Karnataka: Home Department asks motorists to drive on highways with caution to avoid robbery
Belagavi: The Home Department has advised motorists to stay alert while travelling on national and state highways, warning that gangs involved in robbery and extortion have been active in several stretches. It said people should be extra cautious if anyone tries to stop their vehicle in isolated areas.
Replying to an unstarred question on Thursday, the department said Karnataka has recorded 403 highway robbery cases in the past three years. According to the data, national highways saw 81 extortion and 23 robbery cases in 2023, followed by 66 extortion and 16 robbery cases in 2024. Until November 15 this year, 51 extortion and 14 robbery cases have been reported.
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On state highways, 39 extortion and 17 robberies were reported in 2023, while 2024 saw 35 extortion and 22 robbery cases. In 2025 so far, 20 extortion and 19 robbery cases have taken place. The department noted that curbing highway robberies remains a major challenge for the police.
To tackle the issue, police stations have been directed to set up regular checkpoints on stretches of highways passing through their limits. Suspicious individuals and vehicles are being checked. Two-wheelers have been allocated to every station for night patrol, and staff have been instructed to conduct night rounds using vehicles fitted with sirens and red lights.
