18th edition of Kavita Fest held with the rich poetic elements

Bellevision Media Network

Puttur, 15 Jan 2024: Kavita Fest, a prominent one-day celebration of poetry and a gathering of Konkani poetry enthusiasts from Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, and Maharashtra, unfolded at St Philomena Campus, Puttur on Sunday, January 14.

 

Commercial Tax Officer, Amline D’Souza, and Konkani author, poetess Flavia Albuquerque, inaugurated the 18th edition of the Kavita Fest by strewing rose petals, accompanied by the trustees of Kavita Trust.

 

In his inaugural speech, Amline stated, "In my college days, I also participated in Kavita Fest as a delegate and experienced the fragrance of Konkani poetry and its related literary forms. Kavita Trust has done a commendable job in promoting Konkani poems and training young poets. To my knowledge, Kavita Trust continuously recognizes young poets and encourages them through various competitions, TV shows, and gatherings. Today, Kavita Trust has reached every major part of the Konkan region with its unique programmes. I wish the entire trustees of Kavita trust all success in their future projects. At the same time, I appreciate all of you gathered here for your interest in poetry and commitment to your mother tongue."

 

 

Following the inaugural session, the team members of GG100 performed traditional singing of Vovyo and Verse, essential components of Konkani weddings. Raina Sequeira Kulshekar, Neil D’Souza Valencia, Verna D’Souza Kelarai, Hayden Sequeira Kulshekar, Sharon Rodrigues Bejai, accompanied by Sanjay Rodrigues on music, rendered their voices to well-known folklore numbers. Stany Bela provided insights into the background of the songs.

 

The Kavisandhi programme, in collaboration with Kendra Sahitya Academy, featured Noothan Sakhardande as the center of attraction. She shared her poetic journey and interacted with the audience about poetry and its various classifications.

 

The poetry session, another highlight of Kavita Fest, was presided over by Dimple Fernandes. Poets such as Aradhya S Pai Raiturkar, Saharsh Naik, Ninisha Montheiro, Sidhanth Khadekar, Suveda Palkar, Danica D’Souza, Mukund Malgoankar, Vanitha Vani Crasta, and Neeta Parab presented their poems.

 

During the event, the collection of poems titled ’Utrabitram,’ penned by Kashinath Shamba Lolienkar, was released. Additionally, the prize distribution for the winners of the Nelson-Lavina Rodricks - Cha-Fra De Costa memorial all India Konkani poetry recitation competition for children and seniors took place.

 

In the afternoon session, the young and sensational singer Jason Lobo showcased his talent by rendering songs written by known poets such as Melwyn Rodrigues, Kishoo Barkur, and Wilson Kateel. The session was directed by the renowned music director Sanjay Rodrigues.

 

During the closing ceremony, Sandesh Prabhu Desai, Author and journalist, Prashanthi Talpanakar, translator and actress, Kishore Gonsalves, president, Kavita Trust, and Andrew D Cunha, Treasurer, Kavita Trust, were present on the dais.

 

Author and poet Prakash Dattaram Nayak was honored with the Mathias Family Poetry Award 2023. Guests felicitated Prakash with a shawl, memento, citation, and Rs 25,000 award money. Trustee William Pais read the citation, and Trustee Vitori Karkal introduced Prakash Nayak and his literary works to the audience.

 

Expressing gratitude upon receiving the award, Prakash Dattaram Nayak thanked Kavita Trust and all his readers for their support and encouragement towards writing poems.

 

 

Appreciating the mission of Kavita Trust, Prashanthi Talpanakar said, "Kavita Fest is a unique experience, and Kavita Trust creates an ambiance to feel Konkani poetry. Literature highly influences society and insists people be creative. Today’s generation is not much interested in literature, losing the power of imagination. When we imagine ourselves as others, needy, exploited, depressed, we can understand the reality of current society. We should teach our children how to imagine and become the voice of the voiceless. Literature is the best way to express imaginary things and become the voice of the voiceless. Kavita Trust is very much engaged in the mission of making the generation a literary generation."

 

In his speech, Sandesh Prabhu Desai said, "A poem is a feeling and an experience, but the presentation of a poem is an art. A presenter should know the actual theme of the poem, its message, and the time in which it was written. Kavita Trust is teaching these things to the current generation and bringing them close to the poetic world. This should be continued and requires the support of society and the entire Konkani community."

 

Kishoo Barkur, president, Kavita Trust, welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering, and briefed about the mission and activities of the trust and its various competitions during the inaugural session. Andrew L D Cunha, treasurer, Kavita Trust, spoke during the closing ceremony. Vitori Karkal proposed a vote of thanks, and Floyd Kiran Nirkan compered the event.