Mangaluru: Mandd Sobhann, the premier Konkani cultural organisation, through its literary wing Mittakonn Academy, will host ‘Parag’ – Konkani Children’s Literary Festival for high school students on Sunday, 7 December 2025, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Kalangann grounds in Shaktinagar. The festival aims to nurture a love for reading, writing, and storytelling among young Konkani speakers.
Festival inauguration and keynote
The Festival Procession will be inaugurated by Mr Joachim Stany Alvares, President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy. The programme will be presided over by noted educationist and Karnataka Rajyotsava Award-winning litterateur Rev. Fr Prashant Madtha.
A 9th-grade student, Ms Sanjana Riva Mathais, will deliver the keynote address, symbolising the festival’s focus on children’s voices and perspectives.
Sessions, symposium, and literary activities
A symposium on ‘The Future of Children’s Literature’ will be conducted, featuring papers by:
• Mr Alwyn Danthy, Pernal – President’s Address
• Mrs Felcy Lobo, Derebail – Grandmother’s Tales and Modern Children: The Bridging
• Mr Venkatesh Nayak – Dimensions of Children’s Literature in the Future
A special lecture titled ‘Poetry: Creation and Presentation’ will be delivered by poet Mr Andrew L. D’Cunha.
Children will take centre stage throughout the event by handling programme compering, presenting poetry, and managing cultural performances. A quiz competition has also been organised for participating students.
Book releases and cultural highlights
The festival will feature the release of three notable works:
• ‘Mhonva-Polli’ (Honeycomb) – a children’s story collection translated into Konkani by students and elders during a Mittakonn translation workshop
• ‘Konkani Christian Folk Culture’ by Prithuma Monteiro, produced under the Eric Ozario Amruthotsava Research Grant
• ‘Vhoddlimanychyo Kanniyo’ (Grandmother’s Tales) by Sylvester D’Souza, Mysore, newly digitalised by Keron Madtha and released as an e-book
A colourful procession, along with arrangements for snacks and lunch, will add vibrancy to the day. Participation certificates will be distributed during the valedictory ceremony.
Registration details
High school students may register individually or through their schools until 29 November.
For details and registration, contact 8105 22 6626.
The information was shared at a press meet held on 20 November 2025 at the Press Club, Mangaluru, in the presence of Viona Janice Pinto, Louis J. Pinto, Rony Crasta, Naveen Lobo, and Arun Raj Rodrigues.
