5th National Konkani Charoli Literature Conference Inaugurated in
5th National Konkani Charoli Literature Conference Inaugurated in Mangaluru
MANGALURU, July 19: The 5th National Konkani Charoli Literature Conference 2026 was inaugurated on Sunday at Sahodaya Hall, Balmatta, bringing together poets and literary enthusiasts from across the country to celebrate the rich tradition of Konkani Charoli poetry.
The conference was inaugurated by M. P. Noronha, Principal District Government Pleader and Senior Advocate.
In his inaugural address, M. P. Noronha highlighted the constitutional protection accorded to the Konkani language under Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution of India, which safeguard the cultural and educational rights of linguistic minorities.
Describing poetry as “the language of the heart and the mind,” he observed that modern society increasingly values brevity in communication. Referring to familiar expressions such as sugarless, wireless, harmless and fearless, he remarked that just as people today prefer simplicity and conciseness in everyday life, readers also appreciate the compact beauty of four-line Charoli poems.
He said that distilling the essence of a longer poem into just four lines is a demanding literary exercise requiring profound knowledge, mastery of language and exceptional creativity. Appreciating the efforts of Sri Raymond D’Cunha and his team, he commended their sustained commitment to promoting Konkani Charoli literature.
As a tribute to Raymond D’Cunha’s lifelong service to Konkani literature, Mr. Noronha recited a self-composed four-line Konkani Charoli, which was warmly applauded by the audience.
He further urged poets to use Charoli not only to express themes of life, nature, beauty and love but also to promote awareness of the rights and duties of Indian citizens and inspire society towards responsible living. Expressing confidence in the future of the literary form, he hoped that such conferences would encourage the younger generation to read, write and preserve Konkani Charoli poetry.
The conference was presided over by Sri Raymond D’Cunha, who welcomed poets from different parts of the country. In his presidential address, he called upon writers and literary enthusiasts to take Charoli literature to every household by encouraging young people to compose and appreciate the unique four-line poetic form. He also revealed that for the past six years he has been writing and publishing a Konkani Charoli every day through online platforms, making a significant contribution to its promotion.
On the occasion, Smt. Arundathi V. Rao of Mangaluru and Smt. Anni D. Kolwale of Goa were honoured with the National Konkani Charoli Award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Konkani Charoli literature.
Sri Elias Fernandes and Sri Gaurish Varnekar from Goa were present on the dais.
The programme commenced with a prayer service led by Rev. Fr. Jerald Lobo, OFM Cap., Superior of St. Ann’s Friary, Mangaluru, invoking God’s blessings on the conference.
Conference President Sri Raymond D’Cunha welcomed the gathering. Smt. Riana D’Cunha, Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks, while Mrs. Nathalia D’Cunha compered the programme.
Poets and literature lovers from Mangaluru, Udupi, Karwar, Goa, Kerala, Hyderabad, New Delhi, and several other parts of the country participated in the conference, making it a vibrant national celebration of Konkani Charoli literature.
