Mangaluru
H M Pernal, the noted Konkani writer from Mangaluru, will be felicitated on May 15 following his selection for the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for Konkani literature.
Pernal received the national literary honour for his acclaimed work of criticism, Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam, published in 2021. The book has created history by becoming the first Konkani literary criticism work to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award.
The felicitation programme will be held at the Town Hall on May 15, beginning at 5:45 pm. The event will be presided over by Michael D’Souza, while renowned Kannada poet and writer Jayant Kaikini will attend as chief guest. The programme is being organized by the felicitation committee led by convener Melvyn Rodrigues.
The evening celebrations will begin with a high tea gathering, followed by a “Sitar Fusion” performance featuring Ustad Rafique Khan along with Rajesh Bhagwat and Vaman Karkala. A poetry recital of Pernal’s works by Eddie Sequeira and Mahammad Muaad G M will follow, before an interactive session on Pernal’s life and literature hosted by Shakuntala R Kini and Wilson Kateel.
The formal felicitation ceremony, titled “Celebrating the Pen,” will include speeches by the awardee, chief guest Jayant Kaikini, and president Michael D’Souza. Various Konkani organizations are also expected to honour Pernal during the programme.
Originally from Pernal village in Udupi district, Henry Mendonca began writing in Kannada before shifting to Konkani literature in the 1980s. Over the decades, he has emerged as a prominent poet, short story writer, critic, editor, and literary organiser.
His literary contributions include four poetry collections, two short story anthologies, and the award-winning criticism work. He has also received several honours, including awards from the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and Goa Konkani Akademi.
Pernal is also credited with strengthening Konkani literary platforms through initiatives such as the literary portal kittall.com and the monthly publication ARSO. With more than 850 poems, 100 short stories, and over 2,000 articles to his credit, he continues to play a major role in promoting and nurturing Konkani literature and young writers.
