Mangaluru Author H.M. Pernal Bags Prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for Konkani Literary Criticism
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Renowned Mangaluru-based Konkani author H.M. Pernal (Henry Mendonca) has been honored with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for Konkani. The award recognizes his acclaimed work of literary criticism, Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam, published in 2021.
Konkani, a scheduled language since 1992, was recognized as a literary language by the National Academy of Letters (Sahitya Akademi) in 1975. Since 1977, the Akademi has annually awarded excellence in Konkani literature. Spoken across five Indian states—Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Gujarat—this is the fourth Sahitya Akademi Award for a Mangaluru-based Konkani writer. Previous recipients include C.F.D. Costa (1992, poetry), Melvyn Rodrigues (2011, poetry), and Edwin J.F.D. Souza (2016, novel).
Pernal’s book marks a historic milestone as the first Konkani work in the genre of literary criticism to receive the award. It previously earned the Best Book Award from the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in 2021 and from the Goa Konkani Akademi in 2023. The volume features an elaborate foreword by Jnanpith Awardee Damodar Mauzo and was published by Kavita Publications, the publishing arm of Kavita Trust®️, dedicated to promoting Konkani poetry since 2001.
Originally from Pernal in Udupi district, Henry Mendonca began his literary journey in Kannada as a young writer, with poems featured in journals such as Sankramana, Shoodra, and Tainudi. In the early 1980s, he transitioned to Konkani, starting as a cartoonist for Yuvak monthly before establishing himself as a short story writer, poet, and critic.
To date, Pernal has authored four poetry collections—Chalyank Chotrai (1999), Khaidyachyo Kavita (2004), Bamunnachem Cheddum (2006), and Zanel (2025)—two short story collections—Devaak Sodullo Paddo (2002) and Beg ani Bigaath (2016)—and one book of literary criticism, the award-winning Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam (2021).
His contributions have been widely recognized with numerous accolades, including: Vimala V. Pai Vishwa Konkani Literary Award for Beg ani Bigaath (2017), Kavita Trust N. Mathias Family Poetry Award (2018), Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Book Award for Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam (2021), Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Honorary Award for Literature (2022), Dakshina Kannada District Rajyotsava Award for Konkani Literature and Journalism (2023) and Goa Konkani Akademi Best Book Award for Konkani Kavyem: Rupam Ani Rupakam (2023)
With over 850 poems, 100 short stories, and 2,000 articles to his credit, Pernal continues to nurture Konkani literature through innovative platforms. In 2011, he launched the Konkani literary portal kittall.com, which has run uninterrupted, digitally empowering veteran and young writers. In 2013, he founded the monthly ARSO, now in its 12th year. Through Kittall Publications, he has released more than 15 titles and currently heads the Michael D’Souza Vision Konkani Publication Grant, providing up to ₹40,000 per title to emerging authors. The ₹40-lakh initiative is fully sponsored by NRI philanthropist Michael D’Souza.
Pernal also champions young talent annually via the Kittall Youth Award, sponsored by NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Leo Rodrigues, which includes a ₹25,000 cash prize.
A dedicated leader in the Konkani literary community, Pernal served as Working President of the All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan in 2023 and currently holds the position of Treasurer at the All India Konkani Parishad. He has also served as President of the Konkani Writers Forum and is a member of the Konkani Language Advisory Board at Sahitya Akademi.
This Sahitya Akademi Award underscores Pernal’s enduring impact on Konkani literature, blending sharp critique with a lifelong commitment to cultural preservation and innovation.
