Gantalkatte: The 41st edition of Poetica Kavigoshti, along with an exotic traditional food festival, was celebrated on 27th July, 2025 with great enthusiasm and joy at the Nithyadhar Sabha Bhavan of Gantalkatte Church.

The event began with the inaugural ceremony, where esteemed guests graced the dais. Present among them were Rev. Fr. Ronald Prakash D’Souza, the Parish Priest of Gantalkatte; Sunil Miranda, Vice President of the Church Pastoral Committee; Naveen Pereira from Suratkal, Chief of Poetica; Pramila Pereira, President of the Women’s Organization Gantalkatte Unit; Alwyn Rodrigues, President of Catholic Sabha Moodbidri Varado; Ida Menezes, President of the Women’s Organization Moodbidri Varado; Roshan Miranda, President of Catholic Sabha Gantalkatte; Lydia D’Cunha, Secretary of the Pastoral Council and Women’s Organization; Prescilla Pereira, Secretary of the Catholic Sabha Gantalkatte Unit; and Anitha Correa, Coordinator of the Women’s Organization Silver Jubilee Committee.

Pramila Pereira warmly welcomed all present. The dignitaries on stage inaugurated the programme by preparing the traditional delicacy Shevai, symbolizing the essence of local culture and heritage.

Rev. Fr. Ronald Prakash D’Souza, who presided over the event, spoke about the roots of Poetica and its significant achievements over the years. He commended the initiative and fondly recalled his long-standing friendship with Poetica head Naveen Pereira.

The poetry gathering that followed featured 28 poets presenting their original compositions. Children of Gantalkatte, along with members of YCS and ICYM, showcased a delightful cultural performance that added charm and colour to the evening. Poets such as Lilli Cardoza from Gantalkatte, Sunitha Shanti from Taccode, Maria Pinto from Kulshekar, Sunil Gonsalves from Madantyar, Peter D’Souza from Taccode, Edward Lobo from Tokkottu, Lolla from Ujire, Vincent B. D’Mello, Valerian Moras from Taccode, Avita Santumayer from Shirthady, Edwin Pinto from Gantalkatte, Neeta Fernandes from Belvai, Antony D’Souza from Ninnikallu, Fr. Ronald D’Souza, Henry Mascarenhas from Ganjimat, Maxim Rodrigues from Bondel, Vinod Pinto from Taccode, Eddy Cardoz from Taccode, Alwyn Menezes from Gantalkatte, Stanislaus DSouza from Kirem, Lloyd Rego from Taccode, Roshan Castelino from Paladka, Dr. Flavia Castelino from Manipal, Lavi Ganjimata, Jossy Pinto from Kinnigoli, and Poetica chief Naveen Pereira from Suratkal shared their soulful poetry with the audience.

The Kavighoshti was presided over by two renowned artists Alwyn Danti from Pernal and Preetha Miranda Valencia, who added elegance and spirit to the occasion.

In the concluding session, all participating poets were honoured with tokens of appreciation. Naveen Pereira, President of Poetica, took the opportunity to congratulate Rev. Fr. Ronald Prakash D’Souza for his extraordinary support  towards literary events across Mangalore Diocese and praised the vibrant literary culture of Gantalkatte. He also highlighted the importance of traditional cuisine in preserving cultural identity.

The Popular Poetry Award sponsored by Rovin D’Souza of Shanthipura was presented to poet Lloyd Rego from Taccode in recognition of his outstanding work.

The event also honoured Wilma Rodrigues from Gantalkatte, who was recently awarded the First Runner-Up in the Super Mom Season 7 competition held in Mangalore.

Roshan Miranda, President of the Catholic Sabha Gantalkatte, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was skillfully compered by Alwyn Menezes from Gantalkatte.