Fr Royson Joel Fernandes, a talented priest from the Diocese of Udupi, has received the prestigious Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy 'Book Award - 2023' for his debut short story collection Poili Bhet. The book, consisting of 16 short stories written over the past two decades, reflects his deep engagement with Konkani literature. Many of these stories have already been featured in various Konkani periodicals and earned accolades in literary competitions.
Poili Bhet was launched on May 28, 2023, by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, and was published by Uzvaad Prakashan. Fr Royson's contributions to literature are well-recognized, with this award marking a milestone in his literary journey.
Fr Royson, currently pursuing a Licentiate in Social Institutional Communications at Holy Cross Pontifical University in Rome, also has an impressive background in the arts. His Konkani feature film Passport and Kannada short film Christa Kirana have garnered critical acclaim.
Adding to his achievements, Fr Royson has served as the editor of the Uzvaad Fortnightly, the diocesan magazine, for four years. The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy will honor him with the Book Award on November 10, 2024, at Shanbagh Residency, Kasarakod, Honnavar. The award will be presented by Mankala S. Vaidya, Karnataka's Minister for Fisheries, Ports, and Inland Transport, along with other dignitaries.
The Diocese of Udupi celebrates Fr Royson's remarkable success and contributions to Konkani literature.