Books & Literature

Madhav Borkar to Preside Over 26th All India Konkani Literature Conference in Kerala


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 Tagoreโ€™s poetry into Konkani, enriching the languageโ€™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.

Borkarโ€™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.

Books & Literature

All India Konkani Parishad to Hold General Body Meeting on October 11


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 organisationโ€™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 Parishadโ€™s next phase and the successful conduct of the Sahitya Sammelan in Kerala.

Books & Literature

All India Konkani Parishad to Mark Foundation Day in Pune with Tribute to Late Rocky Miranda


Pune, July 13, 2025 โ€“ The All India Konkani Parishad will celebrate its Foundation Day with a vibrant cultural gathering in Pune, Maharashtra, spotlighting the enduring spirit of the Konkani community across India. Organized in association with City Pride School, Nigdi, Chinchwad, and supported by the Directorate of Official Language, Government of Goa, the event promises a mix of honours, dialogue, and musical celebration.

This year, the prestigious Madhav Manjunath Shanbhag Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented posthumously to Late Rocky Miranda, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Konkani language and cultural identity. His family will receive the award at the inaugural ceremony.

Goa Konkani Akademi President Dr. Purnanand Chari will grace the event as the chief guest, while Melvyn Rodrigues, Sahitya Akademiโ€™s Konkani Advisory Board Convenor, will preside over the function.

Several other dignitaries will also be felicitated for their work in advancing Konkani language and culture, especially in Maharashtra. The honorees include:

  • Lexicographer Isidor Dantas
  • Researcher Vaman Naik
  • Educationist Dr. Ashwini Kulkarni
  • Writer Vijayanand Gaitonde
  • Konkani activist Alfi Monteiro

A special session titled โ€œUnity Among Indian Konkani Communitiesโ€ will bring together voices from Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra to reflect on shared identity and cooperation. The event will culminate in a Konkani musical programme, celebrating the regionโ€™s rich musical heritage.

According to Sneha Sabnis, Secretary of the Parishad, the event expects around 300 delegates and aims to deepen cultural bonds and linguistic pride among Konkani speakers nationwide.

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All India Konkani Parishad to Hold Annual General Meeting on June 1 in Margao


The All India Konkani Parishad (AIKP), a leading cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Konkani language and heritage, will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 1, 2025. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM and will take place at Konkani Bhasha Mandal, located in Vidyanagar, Margao.

This important gathering will serve as a platform to review the organization’s progress over the past year. The AGM agenda includes the presentation of last yearโ€™s activities and financial accounts, providing members with insights into AIKPโ€™s initiatives and fiscal discipline. The meeting will also outline plans and programs scheduled for 2025-2026, marking a roadmap for the Parishadโ€™s continued contribution to the Konkani community.

A key highlight of the meeting will be the preliminary discussions surrounding the 26th Sahitya Sammelanโ€”a prestigious literary conclave organized by AIKP. The venue and tentative dates for this major cultural event will be deliberated upon, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark occasion in the Konkani literary calendar.

Chetan Acharya, Working President of the All India Konkani Parishad, has issued a heartfelt appeal to all members to participate in the AGM. “Your active involvement is crucial for shaping the direction of the Parishad and for preserving the vibrancy of our Konkani heritage,” he said.

Members of AIKP, as well as those passionate about Konkani language and culture, are encouraged to attend the meeting and contribute to the discussions that will shape the future of the organization and its initiatives.