Sahitya AKademi and Kayyar Art Nest jointly host ‘Grama-Lok’ Literary Programme

By Alphonse Mendonca
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Shirva, 26 May 2025: Sahitya Akademi and Kayyar Art Nest jointly organized ‘Grama-Lok’ literary programme on Sunday, 25 May 2025 at Kayyar Art Nest Pilar Shirva at 4.00pm.  The programme was presided over by Alwyn Danti, eminent MC and actor. The other participants included Dr. Eugene D’Souza and Dr. Melwyn Rajesh Castelino (Recitation of Short Stories), Mrs. Asumpta D’Souza (Presentation of Konkani Folk-songs) and Wilfred R. Pangala(Recitation of Poems).

 

In his introductory remarks, Henry Mendonca Pernal(HM Pernal) Editor of “Kittall” and Karnataka Representative on the Central Sahitya Akademi narrated in brief the history of Sahitya Akademi.

 

The Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, is an organisation dedicated to the promotion of literature in the languages of India. Founded on 12 March 1954, it is supported by, though independent of the Indian government. Its office is located in Rabindra Bhavan near Mandi House in Delhi.

 

The Sahitya Akademi organises national and regional workshops and seminars; provides research and travel grants to authors; publishes books and journals, including the Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature; and presents the annual Sahitya Akademi Award of INR. 100,000 in each of the 24 languages it supports, as well as the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship for lifetime achievement.

 

The Sahitya Akademi supports work in 24 languages, 22 of which are included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India, alongside English and Rajasthani: Konkani had been recognised by Sahitya Akademi in the year 1975.

 

It is a matter of great pride that Melvyn Rodrigues, an eminent poet and founder of Kavita Trust has been appointed on the Central Advisory Committee. The Sahitya Akademi organizes various programmes to promote literature and culture in various regions and sections. As part of this initiative the ‘Grama-Lok’ programme was organized.

The programme was formally inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the dignitaries. 

 

In the narration of stories section Dr. Eugene D’Souza presented his story published in the popular Konkani Weekly “Poinaari’ dated 14 September 1975 titled “Soryachem Karbhaar”. This story highlighted the impact of alcoholism on a poor and impoverished family. 

 

Dr. Melvyn Rajesh Castelino in his story “Sambhall” (Salary) highlighted the condition in educational institutions through a conversation between an office staff and the principal.

 

Mrs. Asumpta D’Souza analysed the folk songs in Konkani (Voviyo) sung during the marriage ceremonies and their varieties in the Konkani peaking regions right from Honnavar to Kasargod. While the content of these traditional Voviyos have meaningful and relevant information and explanation, in recent times due to double meaning verses floating in the WhatsApp  network the sanctity of these Voviyos has been compromised.

 

Wilfred R. Pangala recited some of his beautiful poetic compositions including ‘Montifesth’, ‘Morann’ (Death) and ‘Sui aani Sooth’( Needle and Thread).

 

Alwyn Danti in his presidential message presented a critique of each and every presentation.

 

The programme was attended by Melvyn Rodrigues, Kishoo Barkur,-Konkani writer, Prakash Noronha of Parichaya Pamboor,  Vincent Pinto, Anjelore, Roshan Belman of Humanity and others.

 

Wilson Kayyar welcomed the gathering and Stany Bela, representative of Kerala on Sahitya Akademi proposed the vote of thanks. Melvyn Rodrigues presented his book "Ugthem Mann" comprising of article published in Konkani Monthly ’Namak Ballok  Jeju’ as memento to the participants in the ’Grama-Lok’ programme.