Mangaluru: “The role of literature is to guide humanity through the moral crossroads of life,” said Jnanpith Award-winning Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo, while speaking at the release of Zanel, a poetry collection by noted poet and critic H.M. Pernal. The event was held at the MCC Bank Auditorium and witnessed the convergence of leading figures in Konkani literature and cultural thought.
Mauzo, known for his deeply reflective and socially resonant writing, addressed the shifting role of writers in the modern era. “Today’s readers search for themselves in stories. They are not distant spectators but active participants. Writers must become their voice,” he said. He lauded Pernal’s poetry for capturing the “conflict between nature and distortion”—a thematic struggle present in everyday human decisions.
“His poems are often shaded with darkness,” Mauzo added, “but in that darkness lies a raw truth, delivered with sharp sarcasm and poetic clarity.”
Vision Konkani’s cultural commitment
Michael D’Souza, a prominent patron of Konkani literature and the chief guest of the evening, applauded Pernal’s unwavering commitment to the language and its preservation. “There are three things we must never forget—our parents, our mother tongue, and our motherland. Pernal’s work, along with his contemporaries, exemplifies this ethos,” he remarked. He also noted that Vision Konkani, the platform he promotes, has released 21 titles by Konkani writers and intends to sustain this publishing drive.
Introducing ‘Zanel’
Melvyn Rodrigues, poet and Convenor of the Konkani Language Advisory Board at Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, offered an insightful introduction to Zanel, describing the collection as a transformative work. “Pernal’s verses capture the extraordinary in the ordinary,” he observed. “What may appear sombre or heavy at first glance, reveals layers of reality when looked at closely.”
Rodrigues noted that the poems are not melancholic for their own sake but offer a mirror to the subtler truths of human existence. His comments set the tone for a deeper appreciation of the collection among the audience.
Eminent literary presence
The event also featured Nandagopal Shenoy, President of the World Konkani Centre, and Kishoo Barkur, President of Kavita Trust, both of whom shared the dais in support of the poetic milestone.
H.M. Pernal, whose real name is Herald Monis, welcomed the gathering and shared reflections on his journey as a poet and literary critic. He thanked the community for encouraging his creative pursuits and dedicated the work to the evolving identity of Konkani literature.
Cultural expression in its purest form
The evening’s programme was anchored by Titus Noronha, a poet and cultural thinker known for his engaging oratory. His role as compere added literary depth to the proceedings.
The event concluded with informal interactions among writers, readers, and cultural patrons. Copies of Zanel were made available for purchase, with many in the audience appreciating its blend of realism and poetic innovation.
