Jnanpith Awardee Damodar Mauzo Releases HM Pernal’s Poetry Book ‘Zanel’

By Alphonse Mendonca
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 27 June 2025: A collection  of poetry by HM Pernal titled “Zanel” was released on Friday, 27 June 2025 at a programme organized at 05pm at PFX Saldanha Memorial Auditorium, MCC Bank, Hampankatta Mangalore.

 

Damodar Mauzo-Jnanapith Awardee  Konkani writer released the book.  Melvyn Rodrigues-Convener, Konkani Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi introduced the book. Michael D’Souza-Promoter of Vision Konkani presided over the function.

 

Speaking after releasing the book, Damodar Mauzo said that today’s readers have changed their taste. They now look for themselves in literature — their lives, their voices, their truths. Writers must become their voice. It is not easy, but it is the pressing need of the literary world today. He further said that life is a continuous conflict between nature and distortion. This struggle is full of choices and every human being moves through these choices. H M Pernal’s poetry reflects this conflict. 

 

Michael D’Souza, the chief guest at the programme and promoter of Vision Konkani appreciated HM Pernal’s dedication to preserving and promoting Konkani literature. 

Renowned poet Melvyn Rodrigues introducing the book lauded the contribution of HM Pernal and  described Zanel as a poetic journey that transforms ordinary experiences into profound truths. He said that H M Pernal does not merely observe but he interprets. His poetry is filled with observations drawn from daily life.

 

HM Pernal in his welcome address acknowledged the support of Konkani Vision mission and its contribution to the preservation of Konkani literature.

 

Nandagopal Shenoy, president of World Konkani Centre, and Kishoo Barkur, president of Kavita Trust, were present on the dais.

 

Titus Noronha compered the programme.