Mangaluru: In a grand celebration of Konkani literature and youth empowerment, budding writer and poet Glanish Martis, Alangar, was conferred with the prestigious Leo Rodrigues Family Youth Award 2026. The presentation ceremony took place on Saturday, 3 October 2026, hosted at the PFX Saldanha Auditorium, MCC Bank, Hampankatta.
The evening commenced with Sahakar Ratna Mr. Anil Lobo, Chairman of MCC Bank, extending a warm welcome to the dignitaries and the gathering. Setting the tone for the event, Mr. H. M. Pernal, Editor and Publisher of Kittal, delivered an insightful introductory note.
He reflected on the remarkable journey of Kittal, recognized as the premier Konkani literary portal since 2011, highlighting its enduring contribution to the growth of Konkani language and literature, and its steadfast commitment to nurturing budding writers.
During the ceremony, the dignitaries also took the opportunity to recognize the stalwarts of the language, honoring Dr. Eugene DSouza, Boliye, and Mr. Eddi Sequeira, Bendur, for their extensive and lifelong literary contributions to Konkani language and literature.
The centerpiece of the presentation ceremony featured Mr. Wilson Kateel, from the Kittal.com team, reading a detailed citation honoring the literary contributions of the young awardee. Following this, prominent Abu Dhabi-based NRI entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader Mr. Leo Rodrigues officially presented the award to Glanish Martis.
He was joined on stage by the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis, Parish Priest of Derebail, and Mr. Ivan Dsouza, MLC, who joined the dignitaries in felicitating the young talent.
Addressing the literary gathering, Mr. Leo Rodrigues emphasized that the core purpose behind instituting this award through Kittal was to motivate the youth to contribute to their community and literature with a deep sense of responsibility. He issued a heartfelt call to action, urging senior writers and veteran literary artists to organize dedicated workshops.
These workshops, he noted, should aim to converge, orient, motivate, and inspire talented youth. Demonstrating his commitment to the cause, Mr. Rodrigues pledged his full support for such future initiatives.
In a moving response, awardee Glanish Martis acknowledged the foundational role his family played in his journey to becoming a writer and poet, citing his mother, father, and grandfather as his primary inspirations. Martis also expressed deep gratitude to the senior Konkani writers and poets who mentored him. Speaking on the current literary landscape, he observed that while today’s youth possess a strong interest in writing, there is a crucial need to cultivate a reading habit.
He stressed that amidst the prevailing mobile phone craze, it is imperative to find innovative ways to encourage Generation Z to read, adding that receiving this award has given him a renewed responsibility to contribute more to the language.
Delivering the Chief Guest address, Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis eloquently quoted Aristotle, stating, “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” He elaborated that every poet and writer experiences this wonder, which provides the spark to pen down their thoughts. “A poet is a mirror to reality and brings out his innermost reflections through his poetry,” Fr. Martis said, adding that a poet never truly dies but lives on immortally through their literature. He highlighted that truth-telling and storytelling are the essential arts cultivated by every writer.
Drawing a profound parallel, he described the Bible as the greatest and richest literature—encompassing history, poetry, storytelling, parables, knowledge, and wisdom—and urged the gathering to make it their source and light.
Fr. Martis further expressed his earnest desire to cultivate a new generation of readers dedicated to Konkani literature. He concluded his address by extending prayerful wishes to the Kittal family, the Leo Rodrigues family, Glanish Martis, and all the awardees.
The ceremony, meticulously organized by the Kittal team including Mr. Titus Noronha, drew a galaxy of celebrated Konkani personalities. Notable attendees included esteemed writers Mr. Melwyn Rodrigues and Mr. Kishoo Barkur, film director Stany Bela, and Mr. Raymond DCunha, all gathering to support the vibrant future of Konkani literature.
The memorable evening concluded with a fellowship meal, for which Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis led the gathering in praying the grace.
