Mangaluru: Noted Konkani writer and journalist H. M. Pernal of Mangaluru has been selected for the Sahitya Akademi Award for 2025 for his acclaimed literary criticism work Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam (2021).

The prestigious award is presented annually by the Sahitya Akademi, recognising outstanding literary works in 24 Indian languages, including the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution along with English and Rajasthani.

First Konkani literary criticism work to receive award

Pernal’s book Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Konkani work in literary criticism to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award.

The book previously won the Best Book Award from the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi in 2021 and the Best Book Award from the Goa Konkani Akademi in 2023.

The work carries an extensive foreword by renowned Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo and was published by Kavita Publications in Mangaluru.

Fourth writer from Karnataka to receive honour

With this recognition, Pernal becomes the fourth Konkani writer from Karnataka to receive the prestigious national literary honour.

Earlier awardees from Mangaluru include Cha. Fra. D’Costa (1992) and Melwyn Rodrigues (2011) for poetry collections, and Edwin J. F. D’Souza (2016) for a novel.

The Sahitya Akademi has been recognising Konkani literature since 1975 and presenting awards in the language since 1977.

Journey from journalism to literary prominence

Born in Pernal village in Udupi district, Henry Mendonça completed his schooling and undergraduate education at Hindu Junior College, Shirva and MSRS College, before pursuing postgraduate studies in Mumbai.

Professionally trained as a commercial accountant, he began his writing career in Kannada magazines such as Taranga, Sankramana, and Shudra.

In the early 1980s, he entered the Konkani literary world as a cartoonist for the magazine Yuvak and gradually established himself as a writer, poet, critic, editor, and publisher.

Pioneer of digital Konkani literature

In 2011, Pernal founded the online literary magazine Kitaal, which has been continuously published for over 14 years and has played a pioneering role in promoting digital Konkani literature by encouraging both senior and emerging writers.

He also launched the literary periodical Arso in 2013 as a fortnightly magazine. Currently published monthly under the editorship of poet Wilson Kateel, the magazine has gained recognition for its annual special issues.

Through his publishing initiative Kitaal Publications, Pernal has published more than 15 original literary works, contributing significantly to the growth of contemporary Konkani literature.

Author of poetry, fiction, and criticism

Pernal has authored several works across multiple literary genres. His poetry collections include:

  • Chalyank Chatray (1999)
  • Kaydyacho Kavita (2004)
  • Bhamunanchem Chedum (2006)
  • Janel (2025)

He has also written two short story collections — Devak Sodullo Pado (2002) and Big Ani Bigat (2016) — in addition to the award-winning literary criticism work Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam (2021).

His short story collection Big Ani Bigat received the Smt. Vimala V. Pai Best Literary Work Award (2017) instituted by the Vishwa Konkani Kendra.

Contributions to Konkani literary development

Over the years, Pernal has received numerous honours including:

  • Mathias Family Endowment Poetry Award (2018) from Kavita Trust
  • Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi Best Book Award (2021)
  • Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi Literary Honour (2022)
  • Dakshina Kannada District Rajyotsava Award (2023)

With over 850 poems, more than 100 short stories, and over 2,000 articles, Pernal has played a significant role in nurturing Konkani literature through both print and digital platforms.

Supporting emerging writers

Since 2012, Pernal has also instituted the Kitaal Young Writer Award, sponsored by Abu Dhabi-based entrepreneur Leo Rodrigues, to recognise emerging Konkani writers annually.

The award carries a citation and a cash prize of ₹25,000, encouraging young literary talent.

Pernal currently serves as Chief Editor of the Michael D’Souza Vision Konkani Book Grant Scheme, a major literary initiative sponsored by philanthropist Michael D’Souza. The project provides financial assistance of up to ₹40,000 for the publication of books by Konkani writers, with the goal of supporting 100 books over five years under the supervision of the Vishwa Konkani Kendra.

Active leader in Konkani literary organisations

A respected figure in the Konkani literary community, Pernal served as Executive President of the All India Silver Jubilee Konkani Literary Conference held in Mangaluru in 2023.

He currently serves as Treasurer of the All India Konkani Parishad and has previously been President of the Konkani Writers’ Association. He is also a member of the Konkani Advisory Board of the Sahitya Akademi.

His recognition with the Sahitya Akademi Award marks another significant milestone for Konkani literature and the literary heritage of coastal Karnataka.