Goa Raj Bhavan Launches 'Nayi Pahal' Project to Support Emerging Goan Writers

Raj Bhavan's "Nayi Pahal" project as part of an innovative book-sponsorship plan designed to support young Goan writers.

on May 30, 2023

Goa Raj Bhavan Launches 'Nayi Pahal' Project to Support Emerging Goan Writers | Frontlist

Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai on Monday unveiled the first batch of books produced under the Raj Bhavan's "Nayi Pahal" project as part of an innovative book-sponsorship plan designed to support young Goan writers.

Five novels altogether, written in Konkani, Marathi, and English, were presented today in front of Jnanpith Award-winning Goan author Damodar Mauzo.

The program, credited to Governor Pillai as its originator, was initially made public by him in February of this year with the aim of supporting great local authors in getting their debut books published, with the Raj Bhavan covering all printing costs.

Currently, Mr. Pillai added, "The road to reward and recognition in the literary world is always a hard struggle, especially for people from weaker sections of society."

According to the Governor, the Raj Bhavan intends to produce and publish 100 books over the course of the upcoming year while also funding works in each of the 22 languages listed.

Even though the Raj Bhavan won't be engaged in the book-selling process, the program is meant to assist aspiring authors in showcasing their literary prowess.

According to a release from the Goa Raj Bhavan, the books launched today are written in Konkani by Sanjay Ramesh Salelkar, Marathi by Pallavi Polekar, Marathi by Advocate Manohar Adpaikar, and English by Pachu Menon for two of the volumes.

The books may be collections of short stories, poetry, autobiographies, or works of non-fiction. It is intended that this program would eventually become a permanent fixture, allowing hundreds of new aspirant writers to fulfill their dreams while also strengthening the roots of our togetherness in diversity via the power of writing, according to Mr. Pillai.

The Goa Raj Bhavan got 22 submissions from potential authors following an initial advertisement in newspapers earlier this year. Ten of the proposals were sent in Marathi, nine in Konkani, and three in Hindi, according to Raj Bhavan officials.

More rounds of book releases will be announced as and when the texts of the applicants are recommended for approval and accepted, according to Raj Bhavan sources.