Mangaluru: Renowned Mangaluru-based Konkani author H.M. Pernal (Henry Mendonca) has been honoured with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for Konkani for his acclaimed literary criticism work Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam, published in 2021.

The award marks a historic milestone as it is the first Konkani work in the genre of literary criticism to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Significant recognition for Konkani literature

Konkani has been recognised as a literary language by the National Academy of Letters (Sahitya Akademi) since 1975, while the language received Scheduled Language status in 1992.

Since 1977, the Sahitya Akademi has been honouring excellence in Konkani literature annually. H.M. Pernal becomes the fourth Mangaluru-based Konkani writer to receive the prestigious recognition after:

  • C.F. D’Costa (1992 – Poetry)
  • Melvyn Rodrigues (2011 – Poetry)
  • Edwin J.F. D’Souza (2016 – Novel)

Award-winning literary contribution

Pernal’s award-winning work Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam had earlier received:

  • Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Best Book Award (2021)
  • Goa Konkani Akademi Best Book Award (2023)

The book features an elaborate foreword by Jnanpith Awardee Damodar Mauzo and was published by Kavita Publications, the publishing wing of Kavita Trust®, which has been promoting Konkani poetry since 2001.

Journey from Kannada literature to Konkani writing

Originally from Pernal in Udupi district, Henry Mendonca began his literary career in Kannada, contributing poems to journals such as Sankramana, Shoodra, and Tainudi.

In the early 1980s, he transitioned into Konkani literature, initially working as a cartoonist for Yuvak monthly before establishing himself as a poet, short story writer, and literary critic.

Major literary works and achievements

H.M. Pernal has authored:

Poetry collections:

  • Chalyank Chotrai (1999)
  • Khaidyachyo Kavita (2004)
  • Bamunnachem Cheddum (2006)
  • Zanel (2025)

Short story collections:

  • Devaak Sodullo Paddo (2002)
  • Beg ani Bigaath (2016)

Literary criticism:

  • Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam (2021)

He has also received numerous literary honours, including the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Honorary Award for Literature (2022) and the Dakshina Kannada District Rajyotsava Award for Konkani Literature and Journalism (2023).

Contribution to Konkani literary ecosystem

With over:

  • 850 poems
  • 100 short stories
  • 2,000 articles

to his credit, Pernal continues to play a major role in nurturing Konkani literature.

In 2011, he launched the Konkani literary portal kittall.com, providing a digital platform for both veteran and emerging writers.

He also founded the monthly ARSO in 2013, which is currently in its 12th year. Through Kittall Publications, he has released more than 15 titles and currently heads the Michael D’Souza Vision Konkani Publication Grant, supporting emerging authors with publication assistance.

Felicitation ceremony announced

To celebrate the historic achievement, a grand felicitation ceremony for H.M. Pernal will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Town Hall, Mangaluru.

Prominent NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Shri Michael D’Souza will preside over the function, while renowned Kannada poet and writer Shri Jayant Kaikini will attend as the Chief Guest.

The programme will feature:

  • High Tea celebration
  • Sitar Fusion performance by Ustad Rafique Khan and team
  • Poetry recital sessions
  • Literary interaction with H.M. Pernal
  • Official felicitation by literary and cultural organisations

Literary leadership and community involvement

H.M. Pernal previously served as Working President of the All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan in 2023 and currently serves as Treasurer of the All India Konkani Parishad.

He is also a former President of the Konkani Writers Forum and a member of the Konkani Language Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi.

Conclusion

The Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for H.M. Pernal marks a proud moment for Konkani literature and the literary community of coastal Karnataka, recognising decades of dedicated contribution towards enriching and promoting Konkani language and literary criticism.