Art and Culture Minister Shri Ramesh Tawadkar released “Perni Zagor”, a book written by Dr. Pandurang Phaldesai, at a function organized by the Department of Art and Culture in Panaji. The event celebrated Goa’s vibrant cultural traditions and the continuing efforts to preserve its folk heritage through academic and creative works.
On the occasion, Minister Tawadkar felicitated Dr. Pandurang Phaldesai in recognition of his extensive contributions to the study and promotion of Goan culture. Dr. Phaldesai, a well-known cultural scholar and author, has worked for decades to document and promote various forms of Goan folk performance and traditions, with “Perni Zagor” being his latest contribution.
The event was attended by Director of Art and Culture Shri Vivek Naik and Deputy Director Shri Milind Mate, along with cultural enthusiasts and members of the artistic community. The book release underlined the Department’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing Goa’s artistic and cultural identity.
Through works like “Perni Zagor”, Dr. Phaldesai continues to bring attention to Goa’s traditional art forms, helping to ensure that future generations appreciate and preserve the region’s unique cultural heritage.
Khandola, Goa: Young Konkani poet Pruthvi Naik’s latest poetry collection Thode Bold Thoden Old was released at a literary gathering organised by the Government Arts, Science and Commerce College, Khandola, where noted author Hema Naik praised the poet’s courage and social depth.
Speaking at the function, Hema Naik remarked that Pruthvi’s work reflects “a strong social conscience and contemporary relevance,” capturing the struggles and spirit of today’s generation. “We were not permitted to express our thoughts as freely as today’s youth do. The way this generation articulates itself with openness is commendable,” she said.
Published under the Payalo Chanvar scheme of the Goa Konkani Academy and brought out by Sath Prakashan, the collection has already generated discussion for its fresh language and bold perspectives.
Director of the Directorate of Education Bhushan Sawaikar, Vice-President of the Goa Konkani Academy Ramesh Ghadi, and Principal Dr. Purnakala Samant graced the occasion alongside the poet’s parents Chanda and Chandrakant Naik.
Ramesh Ghadi highlighted the importance of encouraging young writers from Goa’s rural areas through literary initiatives like Payalo Chanvar. Dr. Purva Vasta, Assistant Professor at Goa University, provided a critical appreciation of the book, noting its linguistic innovation and emotional depth.
The event also unveiled a special artwork by the book’s illustrator Samir Naik, celebrating the fusion of art and poetry.
Principal Dr. Purnakala Samant welcomed the gathering, Vice-Principal Dr. Dilacta D’Costa proposed the vote of thanks, and Sneha Naik compered the programme.
Through Thode Bold Thoden Old, Pruthvi Naik has emerged as a fresh and fearless voice in Goa’s Konkani literary landscape — one that challenges conventions while embracing social truth.
Senior Konkani poet Madhav Borkar, also known as Veni Madhav Sridhar Sinai Borkar, has been named President of the 26th All India Literature Conference (Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Sammelan), organized by the All India Konkani Parishad. This prestigious literary gathering will be held on November 22 and 23 at the AJ Hall in Ernakulam, Kerala. The decision to appoint Borkar was taken at the recent general meeting of the Parishad.
Madhav Borkar is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Konkani literature. A poet of great depth and lyrical grace, his body of work includes acclaimed collections such as Chanwar, Vatache Savllyo, Ujvadacho Rukh, Parjalache Dar, Yaman, Avyaktachi Gaanni, Symphony, Mallbaache Janel, and Sukrut Fulam. His poetry is celebrated for its emotional intensity, philosophical insight, and connection to Konkani cultural roots.
Beyond his own writing, Borkar has contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Konkani literature. He has authored biographical works on renowned Konkani writers Pandurang Bhangui and Manohar Rai Sardesai, and translated Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry into Konkani, enriching the language’s literary heritage. His work Yaman earned him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award, and he has also received the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award. Other accolades include the Konkani Bhasha Mandal award, T. M. A. Pai award, Vimla Pai Award of the World Konkani Centre, the Goa State Cultural Award, and recognition from the Goa Konkani Akademi.
Borkar’s role as a mentor to young poets and writers has been a defining aspect of his career. His dedication to nurturing talent and expanding the reach of Konkani literature continues to inspire a new generation of literary voices. He has also held the post of station director at All India Radio and previously served as president of the Goa Konkani Akademi.
The upcoming literary conference in Ernakulam is being organized with the joint efforts of Konkani organizations in Kerala. Delegates from across the country are expected to participate, and registrations have already begun. While accommodation and meals will be provided for two nights, travel expenses will need to be covered by the attendees.
The selection of Madhav Borkar as the president of the 26th Sahitya Sammelan is a recognition of his enduring contributions to the literary world and a celebration of Konkani language and culture on a national platform.
Konkani writer, publisher, and teacher Zilu Gaonkar made a compelling appeal for citizens to adopt Konkani in their day-to-day lives and correspondence while encouraging greater awareness and use of government-supported language schemes. Speaking at a special Seva Pakhwada awareness program held at Government College, Khandola, he emphasized that the Directorate of Official Language provides Konkani language training for government employees and that it is now time for the public to follow suit by promoting and preserving the language through daily use.
The event was organized by the Directorate of Official Language in collaboration with the college and aimed to spread awareness of various language development schemes under the guidance of Goa’s Chief Minister and Minister for Official Language, Dr. Pramod Sawant.
Dr. Seema Salgaonkar, Vice Principal of Government College, welcomed the gathering and noted that preserving our mother tongue is a responsibility that lies with each of us. Meghnath Parab, Director of the Directorate of Official Language, cited the example of Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, a distinguished figure from Mashel who received his early education in his mother tongue and went on to achieve national prominence.
Deputy Director Anil Sawant provided detailed insights into key schemes run by the department including “Amcho Gãv, Amchi Parampara, Ani Amchem Daiz” (Our Village, Our Traditions, and Our Heritage), the Language Development Scheme, and the Language Awards Scheme.
Senior Translator Seby Fernandes discussed the opportunities available in language-related careers in India and explained the work being done at the Directorate. Junior Translator Sneha Sabnis highlighted efforts in terminology creation and the translation of knowledge-based books into Konkani, making academic and professional content more accessible in the regional language.
Anil Sawant also expressed his thanks to all participants and attendees. The event was anchored by Konkani Professor Kiran Palkar and Hindi Professor Sachi Naik, with a large presence of students, faculty members, and parents — showing that language revival and promotion remain a shared concern across generations.
The General Body Meeting of the All India Konkani Parishad is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 11th October 2025 at 3.30 pm at Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Konkani Bhavan, Vidyanagar, Madgao. A number of key decisions crucial to the organisation’s future will be made during this meeting.
A major item on the agenda is addressing the difficulties in the re-registration process of the Parishad, which is central to its legal and administrative continuity. Members will deliberate on possible solutions and determine the way forward.
Additionally, the meeting will focus on preparations for the upcoming 26th Sahitya Sammelan, slated for 22nd and 23rd November 2025, to be held in Ernakulam, Kerala. During the meeting, the welcome committee for the Sammelan will be formally approved.
Crucially, the President of the Sahitya Sammelan will also be elected. In this regard, the Secretary of the Parishad, Sneha Sabnis, has urged affiliated organisations to put forward names of senior Konkani writers, taking into account their literary excellence and contributions to the language. Nominations should either be brought to the meeting or submitted in writing by 5th October 2025.
Working President Chetan Acharya has also made an appeal to all members of the All India Konkani Parishad to attend the meeting. Members traveling from distant locations are encouraged to confirm their attendance by 5th October so that accommodation arrangements can be made.
If the quorum is not met by 3.30 pm, the meeting will be delayed by half an hour and commence at 4.00 pm. The gathering is expected to set the course for the Parishad’s next phase and the successful conduct of the Sahitya Sammelan in Kerala.
