Poet and short-story writer Glanish Martis of Alangar conferred with the Leo Rodrigues Family Kittall Youth Award 2026
Mangaluru: Poet and short-story writer Glanish Martis of Alangar received the Leo Rodrigues Family Kittall Youth Award 2026, continuing a 15-year tradition of recognising and honouring young talent in Konkani literature. Kittall’s co-editor and poet Wilson Kateel introduced the awardee and read the citation. Stay updated with the latest Mangaluru news.
Leo Rodrigues said: “The purpose of this award is to instil a sense of responsibility among youth towards their community and literature. Fr Joseph Martis said, “A writer is a mirror to reality, expressing inner reflections through words. Receiving this award has placed greater responsibility upon him to contribute further to the language, he said.
Abu Dhabi-based entrepreneur and Konkani supporter Leo Rodrigues presented the award at a ceremony held Saturday at the PFX Saldanha Auditorium, MCC Bank, Hampankatta. Ivan D’Souza, MLC, Fr Joseph Martis, Parish Priest of Derebail, Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank, and HM Pernal, editor of Kittall, were present. In recent times, the number of young people actively contributing to Konkani literature has been declining. Konkani has rich literary resources and many senior, experienced writers among us. If senior writers organise literary or cultural workshops to attract youth towards literature, I will extend my full support. The ceremony also honoured veteran contributors to the Konkani language and arts, Dr Eugene D’Souza of Moodubelle and Eddi Sequeira of Bendore, on the occasion of their 80th and 75th birthdays, respectively. A writer never dies; he becomes immortal through his literature. In his acceptance speech, Glanish Martis acknowledged the inspiration of his mother, father, and grandfather and expressed gratitude to senior Konkani writers who mentored him. He noted that amid the craze for mobile phones, innovative ways must be found to encourage reading among the younger generation. Download the TOI App.
He emphasised that while today’s youth show keen interest in writing, cultivating a reading habit is essential.