Wilma Bantwal bags 'Kittall Yuva Puroskar'

[email protected] (Press Release)
February 21, 2013

WilmaBantwal
Mangalore, Feb 21: Promising young writer Wilma Lavina D'Souza, widely known as Wilma, Bantwal in Konkani literary circles, selected for Kittall Yuva Puroskar - 2012. Kittall Yuva Puroskar carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a citation.

The selection was made by the jury committee chaired by poet-thinker Titus Noronha comprised of Melvyn Rodrigues, Sahitya Academy awardee, Kavita Trust president and Guru Baliga, poet, assistant director, Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation.

Wilma, Bantwal started writing while in grade 8. Today she has more than 50 poems and 75 essays and articles to her credit. Presently she is the editor of Ballok, parish magazine of Infant Jesus Church, Bantwal. She also served in the editorial board of Amcho Yuvak, diocesan monthly magazine published by ICYM. She was actively involved in the activities of Konkani Sangh of St Aloysius College, Mangalore and served as the editor of the magazine of Konkani Sangh. She has been participating in literary meets in Goa regularly for the past three years and won the first prize in the Poetry Recitation competition organized by Kavita Trust in the year 2009. She regularly contributes essays to column Ankri on Kittall.com poems to konkanipoetry.com and other magazines in print.

After completing her post graduation, M.Sc in Mathematics, with first rank from St Aloysius College (autonomous) she is now teaching at Canara Engineering College, Benjanapadavu.

This Award will be presented to Wilma on Saturday March 2 at a programme at Valencia Church Hall at 7 pm. Community leader and entrepreneur Rohan Monterio, MD, Property Infratech Pvt Ltd will be the chief guest on this occasion. In the annual lecture series, poet and thinker, Titus Noronha will deliver a lecture on the topic, 'Culture and Youth'. The topic gains significance because of the escalating attacks in the name of culture in the region, especially by youth. Ace compeer Leslie Rego will host and moderate discussion.

About Kittall.com

Kittall.com a unique Konkani literary site is the dream of writer, critic Henry Mendonca, popularly known as H M Pernal in Konkani. The site was inaugurated on February 5, 2011 by Sahitya Academy awardee Konkani poet, president, Kavita Trust, Melvyn Rodrigues. In his inaugural address Melvyn had said, “We have seen and experienced that small sparks carry tremendous energy to ignite a burning fire. We also know that the ash from the fire has the ability to spring fresh shoots in a plant or tree. I hope H M will be able to create a better society by igniting "Kittall" to its fullest energy."

Kittall.com is the only complete literary site in Konkani which publishes short stories, novel series, essays, poems, book reviews, interviews, special reports and news related to literary activities and events. Edwin J F D Souza, Melvyn Rodgrigues, Dr Austin D'Souza Prabhu, Chicago, Hemacharya, Stan Ageira, Mulky, Ron Roche Cascia, Kishoo, Barkur, Prof Stephen Quadrose, Fr Denis Castelino, Dr Na D'Souza, Sikeram Suratkal, Avina Miyar, Wilma Bantwal, Vinod Colaco are regularly contributing columns on Kittall. Edwin J F D'Souza's sensational and controversial novel 'Reventle Fathor' has already completed 29 episodes. This novel series is updated on 1 and 15 of every month.

Kittall.com has become a platform to host of young writers, thinkers and new talents. It has successfully bridged the gap between young and old writers in Konkani in past two years. Apart from this, Kittall has introduced new experiments in internet based visual media first time in Konkani and striving for more under the leadership of Kishoo, Barkur. Kittall Café, Kittall Time Out, Kittall Sandesh, Kittall Close up are some of the unique programmes produced and presented on Kittall Konkani Channel.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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