Kavita Trust

Kavita Trust is an Indian non-profit organisation, dedicated to Konkani Poetry.^[1]

Origin and Organization[]

Although the Trust began its activities in Dubai in the year 2002, it registered as a Trust in Mangalore, India, in 2007. Sahitya Akademi awardee and Konkani language activist Melvyn Rodrigues is the Founder and first President of Kavita Trust.
Trustees are:
1. Melvyn Rodrigues
2. Kishoo Barkur (Kishore Gonsalves)
3. Averyl Rodrigues
4. Andrew L D'Cunha
5. William Pais
6. Victor Mathias (Vitori Karkal)

Awards[]

Joseph Mathias and Family Poetry Award^[2][]

Since 2008 every year, the trust confers "Joseph Mathias and Family Poetry Award" to the poets for their commendable contribution to [Konkani Poetry]. The award is sponsored by Joseph Mathias of Merit Freights Systems, Dubai.^[3]
List of Awardees:
2020:^[4] Maurice D'Sa, Shantipura, Mangalore
2019:^[5] Guadalupe Dias, Majorda, Goa
2018:^[6] Henry Mendonca, (H.M. Pernal), Mangalore
2017:^[7] Valerian Alwyn Quadras (Valley Quadras), Mumbai
2016:^[8] Nutan Sakhardande, Mapusa, Goa
2015:^[9] Marian Paul Rodrigues (M.P. Rodrigues), Mangalore
2014:^[10] Iqbal Sayeedi, Bhatkal
2013:^[11] Yusuf A. Shaikh, Goa
2012:^[12] Rajay Pawar, Goa
2011:^[13] Shivananda Shenoy, Kochi
2010:^[14] S. D. Tendulkar (Kashinath Shambha Lolienkar), Goa
2009:^[15] Leo D'Souza (Kavyadas), Mangalore
2008:^[16] Aruna Rao Kundaje, Mumbai

Endowment Lecture[]

James and Shobha Mendonca^[17] Endowment Lecture on Poetry is an annual feature. Eminent poets are invited to share their knowledge and views on various topics related to poetry.
So far, the following dignitaries have given the endowment lectures:

• 2019:^[18] K. Satchidanandan
• 2018:^[19]
• 2017:^[20] Sitanshu Yashaschandra
• 2016:^[21] Keki N. Daruwalla
• 2015:^[22] Arundhathi Subramaniam
• 2014:^[23] Jerry Pinto
• 2013:^[24] Ashok Vajpeyi
• 2012:^[25] Gulzar

Competitions^[26][]

All India Konkani Poetry Writing Competition for Students[]

Every year Trust conducts Poetry Writing Competition for Students to foster their poetry skills. This competition is open for students from 6th grade to 10th grade. This competition is in the memory of Late Charles and Theresa Rodrigues, the parents of poet and Sahitya akademi awardee Melvyn Rodrigues.

Every year, in the month of July, Kavita Trust, sends the intimation to the schools about the details of the competition. This competition has been conducted since 2007.

The following table provides the overview of the Competitions held so far, entries received (Totaling 2432 until 2019) and winners.

All India Konkani Poetry Reciting Competition for Youth[]

Every year the trust conducts Poetry Reciting Competition for Youth between ages 15 years to 30 years.^[40] The goal is to popularize konkani poetry among young. This competition is sponsored by Rohan and Lavita Monterio.

The following table provides the overview of the Competitions held so far, number of Youth participated (Totaling 719 until 2019) and winners in each year.

All India Konkani Poetry Reciting Competition for Children[]

Every year the trust conducts Poetry Reciting Competition for children from age below 15 years.^[50] The award was established by Nelson & Lavina Rodricks in the year 2014, in the memory of Konkani poet Cha. Fra. D'Costa.

The following table provides the overview of the Competitions held so far, children participated (Totaling 405 until 2019) and winners.

Kavita Fest / Sambhram (Konkani Poetry Festival)[]

Kavita Trust, conducts Kavita Fest / Sambhram, a celebration of Konkani poetry, every year. First such festival was held in 2007. From then on, every year, this festival is conducted, at different locations of Kanara region.
Kavita Fest 2020^[58] at Ravindra Bhavan, Madgaon, Goa.
Kavita Fest 2019^[59] at World Konkani Centre, Shaktinagar, Mangalore.
Kavita Fest 2018^[60] at Bodhi Tree, Jeppu, Mangalore.
Kavita Sambhram 2017^[61] at Gallerie Orchid, Mangalore.
Kavita Fest 2016^[62] at World Konkani Centre, Mangalore.
Kavita Fest 2015^[63] at Barkur, Udupi.
Kavita Fest 2014^[64] at Town Hall, Mangalore.
Kavita Fest 2013^[65] at Bantwal.
Kavita Fest 2012^[66] at Moodubelle.
Kavita Fest 2011^[67] at Nakre, Karkala.
Kavita Fest 2010^[68] at Barkur, Udupi.
Kavita Fest 2009^[69] at Shanti Kiran, Bajjodi, Mangalore.
Kavita Fest 2008^[70] at St Aloysius college, Mangalore.
Kavita Fest 2007^[71] at Kalangann, Mangalore.
Many Poets and poetry enthusiasts from Goa, Mumbai, Kerala, Karnataka and other places participate in this event.

Publications[]

Kavita Trust has so far published 30 Books in Konkani. Out of these 24 books are of poetry collections.

References[]