Tag: Konkani poetry

Books & Literature

Launch of John Aguiar’s Konkani Poetry Collection “Thembe” on February 28 in Panaji

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

PANAJI, GOA – Writer, poet and lyricist John Aguiar is set to release his latest collection of Konkani poems, titled Thembe (Drops), further strengthening his contribution to contemporary Konkani literature.
The book release ceremony will be held on February 28, 2026, at 3.30 pm at Shenai Goembab Sabhaghar, Goa Konkani Akademi (BSNL Building), 5th floor, Patto, Panaji. The book will be released at the hands of Dr Purnanand Chari, Chairman of the Konkani Akademi. Smt Aparna Garudi will speak on the book, while Shri Ramesh Ghadi, Vice Chairman of the Konkani Akademi, will attend as Guest of Honour. Poet Prakash Naik will be a special guest at the event.
The function is organised by Ugtem Molob. Shri Vivek Pissurlekar, President of Ugtem Molob, has appealed to writers, poets and literature enthusiasts to attend the function in large numbers.
John Aguiar is widely recognised for his versatility, writing across Romi and Devanagari Konkani, English and Marathi. His works are known for their deep engagement with Goan culture, social realities and the subtleties of everyday life.


A retired officer from the Government of Goa’s Department of Information and Publicity, Aguiar brings a journalist’s clarity and precision to his creative writing. Beyond literature, he is also a well-known lyricist, with several of his songs regularly aired on All India Radio.
His published works span multiple genres. His poetry collections include Paulam, Gulmohar, Sanz and Olyo Yadi, which won the 2017 Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s Rock Barretto Literary Award. His essay collections include Offside (English) and Mandovichea Dege Voilean (Roman Konkani), while his dramatic works include Sonvgam, a collection of one-act plays in Roman Konkani.
One of the early milestones in his career was the publication of the booklet Jinn in 1982–83, which was released by noted writer, poet and lyricist Advocate Uday Bhembre, then President of the Konkani Bhasha Mandal, at Chowgule College during Aguiar’s student days.

Books & Literature

Dr. Rajay Pawar’s Research Book ‘Kavyakriya’ Released at St. Aloysius University, Mangalore

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Mangalore: The book Kavyakriya, the latest research work by renowned Konkani poet, essayist and playwright Dr. Rajay Pawar, was released on Monday at St. Aloysius University, Mangalore.


The book was formally released by Rev. Dr. Pravin Martis, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of St. Aloysius University, in the presence of Registrar Dr. Ronald Nazareth.

Kavyakriya focuses on the intricate process of poetry creation and offers an in-depth academic exploration of how poetic expression evolves from thought to form. The book carries a blurb written by eminent critic and educationist Dr. Bhushan Bhave.

Dr. Rajay Pawar is a prolific Konkani writer with several acclaimed works to his credit. His poetry collections include Pavsfula and Aajol Album, while his essay collections include Girmit and Oli-Suki. He has also written a number of popular plays such as Jamle Re Jamle, Anta Anta Shirimanta, Amcho Hat Jagannath, Darne Ka Nay, and Tension Free. His research work Konkani Ksvitecho Itihas is also widely recognised in Konkani literary circles.

The book release event was attended by Sahitya Akademi awardee and Goa University professor Dr. Prakash Parienkar, along with members of the academic and literary community.

Events in Goa

Manohar Rai Sardessai’s Poetry Brings Goan Soul to Christmas Concert at Museum of Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Words from iconic Goan poet Manohar Rai Sardessai lent a rich regional and literary depth to the Concerto De Natal, a Christmas concert held at the Museum of Goa that celebrated the state’s multicultural identity while honouring its indigenous roots. The evening brought together poetry, music and tradition in a format that reflected both reverence and renewal.

The concert featured the release of newly composed Christmas carols set to Sardessai’s poetry by international opera singer and composer Oscar Castellino, created in collaboration with the poet’s son, Umesh. The compositions offered fresh musical interpretations while retaining the emotional and cultural resonance of the original verses.

Among the poems performed were Ball Jesus Zolmolo, Mari Matek Ballok Zala and Jinnen Mhaka Sogle Dile, alongside Ailim Natalam penned by Umesh Sardessai. These were presented after blending Konkani and Portuguese musical traditions with familiar English and French carols, creating a seamless and immersive concert experience.

According to curator Nilankur Das, reimagining Sardessai’s poetry through music brought a deeply Goan sensibility to the evening. The programme also featured original Konkani compositions for violin and ghumot, as well as traditional carols in Portuguese, English, French and German, grounding the concert in cultural diversity while honouring literary legacy.

The Concerto De Natal featured a distinguished ensemble of musicians including Oscar Castellino, vocalist Chelsea D’Silva, pianist and arranger Jason Quadros, ghumot percussionist Nahil Flores, and violinist Senon de Souza. Together, they performed compositions inspired by Sardessai’s work, alongside pieces by Micael Martins, Gabriel Pais, Castellino and classical composer Adolphe Adam, making the evening a celebration of Goa’s enduring artistic spirit.

Books & Literature

Pruthvi Naik’s Poetry Reflects a Strong Social Conscience: Hema Naik

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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.

🔗 Read more at allycaral.com – Connecting Global.

Books & Literature

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

Tanisha Cardozo

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.