On August 15, the fourth edition of the respected grammar book Konkani Vyakran was formally launched by renowned writer and grammarian Suresh Borkar at a private ceremony held at his residence in Porvorim, Goa.
The event marked a significant moment for Konkani literature and language preservation, aligning symbolically with the celebration of India’s Independence Day.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The launch was attended by an esteemed gathering of literary figures and Konkani scholars:
Damodar Ghanekar, renowned Konkani expert
Ratnamala Divkar, President of Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM)
Chetan Acharya, Working President of the All India Konkani Parishad
KBM executive members Prachi Prabhavalkar and Palash Agni
Members of Suresh Borkar’s family
Behind the New Edition
According to KBM President Ratnamala Divkar, the updated edition was meticulously proofread by Damodar Ghanekar, with Sneha Sabnis and Chetan Acharya extending support in the reprinting efforts. The publication reflects a collaborative commitment to maintaining high standards in language documentation.
Why Konkani Vyakran Matters
Konkani Vyakran remains one of the most authoritative works on Konkani grammar, offering readers — from students to scholars — a structured and comprehensive understanding of the language’s grammatical principles.
The fourth edition builds upon previous iterations with updates that support both educational curricula and linguistic research.
A Step Forward for Language Preservation
The re-release of this foundational text reinforces ongoing efforts by organizations like Konkani Bhasha Mandal and the All India Konkani Parishad to preserve and promote Konkani in academic and cultural contexts.
In a landmark initiative to promote Indian narratives and boost content creation, the Publications Division under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting today launched a brand-new Chhota Bheem comic series. The unveiling took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of key stakeholders from the media and animation industries.
The comic series has been developed in collaboration with Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd., creators of the iconic Indian animated series, Chhota Bheem. The launch marks a significant step in India’s cultural content strategy and aligns with the government’s vision to promote indigenous storytelling traditions in children’s literature.
Speaking at the event, Principal Director General, Bhupendra Kainthola, said:
“The stories we tell, especially to our children, should have an Indian connection. In a land like ours where our grandparents told bedside stories with Indian characters, Publications Division cannot but look at those storytelling traditions. The more we talk about them in the mother tongue, the more rooted would be the growth story of our new generation. As Indian stories leave a message of values and courage, they ought to reach all corners.”
Chhota Bheem, the protagonist of the series, is a symbol of strength, integrity, and kindness. Set in the fictional kingdom of Dholakpur, the comics follow Bheem and his friends as they navigate exciting adventures filled with life lessons inspired by Indian folklore and values.
Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation, emphasized the government’s role in nurturing India’s animation and creative sectors:
“The Government of India has been actively promoting Indian content creation in animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics through initiatives such as WAVES 2025. With this continued support, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in these sectors.”
The comic series also aligns with the outcomes of the recent WAVES Summit held in Mumbai, where thought leaders highlighted the need for culturally resonant content to strengthen India’s creative economy. As the country rises as a key player in AVGC-XR sectors, such efforts represent the government’s commitment to not only preserving but evolving Indian storytelling for the digital age.
With its universal themes of friendship, teamwork, courage, and moral values, the Chhota Bheem comic series is designed to inspire children while reinforcing a sense of cultural identity. It aims to engage readers across India through relatable characters and storylines rooted in Indian tradition.
This initiative is a celebration of homegrown content, encouraging young readers to discover Indian heroes and values through an entertaining and educational medium.
Award-winning Konkani writer Damodar (Bhai) Mauzo is set to release his latest literary offering, Panchkhadai — a collection of five long short stories that delve into human emotions, Goan culture, and contemporary issues with his signature narrative brilliance.
The launch event will take place on August 1st, 2025 at 5:00 PM, at the esteemed Ravindra Bhavan in Madgao, Goa. The evening promises to be a confluence of literature and celebration, as leading literary figures grace the occasion.
Senior poet Madhav Borkar will deliver the presidential address, sharing insights into Mauzo’s contribution to literature and the impact of his latest work. The event will also welcome Principal Dr. Bhushan Bhave as the chief guest, highlighting the academic and literary resonance of Mauzo’s new book.
Published by Sanjana Publications, Panchkhadai marks a significant addition to contemporary Konkani and Indian short fiction, offering stories that are both introspective and engaging.
Dinesh Manerkar, owner of Sanjana Publications, has extended a heartfelt invitation to all lovers of literature, students, and readers to attend the event in large numbers and show support for one of Goa’s most celebrated literary voices.
The soulful spirit of Goa was on full display as the celebrated singer Smt. Hema Sardessai inaugurated the Monsoon Expression program at Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji. This vibrant cultural initiative, organized by the Directorate of Art and Culture, aims to celebrate the essence of Goa’s artistic traditions during the monsoon season.
The program brings together diverse artistic expressions including music, theatre, dance, folk art, literature, and visual arts, culminating in a striking painting exhibition by local talents.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries including Shri Sagun Velip, Director of Art and Culture, and Shri Milind Mate, Deputy Director, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Hema Sardessai applauded the Department for its sustained efforts in nurturing Goan heritage and creating platforms for emerging artists. The event was met with enthusiastic participation and appreciation from attendees across the cultural spectrum.
Monsoon Expression is not just a program—it is a movement to reinforce Goa’s vibrant artistic roots and create meaningful engagement between artists and audiences.
With its inspiring blend of performances and exhibitions, the event is set to run through the monsoon, turning rainy days into moments of artistic celebration.
~ As part of MOG Sundays, Goan filmmaker Ronak Kamat screened his documentary ‘I Am Nothing,’ chronicling the life of reclusive artist Vamona Navelcar, whose journey spanned Goa, Mozambique and Portugal.
~ Kamat talks about his experience directing the film, eight years in the making, that included candid conversations with artists and collaborators.
Panaji, July 2025: According to Goan director and writer Ronak Kamat, the late Vamona Navelcar was a reclusive, but exceptional Goan artist from Pomburpa, whose life spanned stories from Goa, Mozambique and Portugal. An exclusive screening of I Am Nothing, Kamat’s documentary on Navelcar, was held at the Museum of Goa, Pilerne, followed by a discussion with the director as a part of its MOG Sundays series.
Navelcar, who died at the ripe old age of 91 in 2021, wasn’t someone who opened up easily to others and Kamat did not want to make him feel uncomfortable in the course of his interviews. “Instead of aiming for a swankier film, I thought, why not go for an honest film (with) Navelcar, two members of the crew and a simple setup where he could speak freely,” says Kamat, adding that the process of filming lasted eight years, which included engaging with various individuals associated with Navelcar.
In the course of his lengthy career as an artist, Navelkar twice received Gulbenkian Fellowships and won an international award in Monte Carlo. A master of line, his murals and bas-reliefs feature in collections across the world.
It all started when Kamat was in his second year of college, in the middle of filming his previous project Caazu, when Anne Ketteringham, author of Vamona Navelcar: An Artist of Three Continents, invited him to visit the artist’s home. “So we went and met him. I thought he was a great artist. I had heard about him, but I didn’t expect to be sitting and talking with him for four hours,” Kamat recalls. After that meeting, the director began asking around, speaking with family members, abstract artist based in Goa, Suhas Shilker, his initial introducer Anne Ketteringham and several others to learn more about the artist.
As Kamat dug deeper, he realised that, while many people knew of Navelcar, no one was making an obvious effort to preserve his story. “He’s not going to be around forever. He has so much to tell us about his life and his art, which is impeccable. So that was the impulse.”
During the shooting process, there were days when Kamat would arrive at the artist’s house with a plan and find Navelcar not wanting to shoot. “We would start chatting and after an hour, he would gesture to bring out the camera,” he narrates.He emphasises the importance of ethical filmmaking, saying, “I think that’s a big part of creating documentaries. Because otherwise everyone is so focused on just getting a film made.”
After completing a draft of the documentary, Kamat sought guidance from various producers, including Arindam Mitra, producer of Black Friday, a popular 2004 Indian crime film, but soon realised the need for an artist’s viewpoint to shape the film more thoughtfully. He then consulted Viraj Naik, an artist known for his printmaking and paintings.
Kamat is also known for his writing work for OTT platforms. His works have reached numerous film festivals worldwide and have won the ‘Best Documentary’ and ‘Best Short Film’ awards. His last short film, ‘Bare’, won the ‘Best Film on Women’ Award at the Calcutta International Cult Film Festival (CICFF) in 2021 and an ‘Honourable Mention for Best Director’ at the Eastern Europe Film Festival in Romania. I Am Nothing is now set to be screened in Portugal on September 5.
