The 24th edition of the Shenoi Goembab Storytelling Competition, organised by the Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM), Goa, will take place on August 2, with enthusiastic participation expected from students across the state. The competition, which celebrates storytelling in Konkani, has seen such a strong response over the years that it now includes district and state-level rounds.
This year, the district-level competition will be conducted at KBM’s Margao centre on August 10 at 9:00 am, followed by the state-level final on the same day in the evening.
The central-level competition will be held across 19 centres in 12 talukas of Goa, with additional locations in Cuncolim, Bardez, Ponda, Tiswadi, Shiroda, and Margao. Schools from Salcete and Quepem talukas have been grouped under the Cuncolim centre, while the Borim and Panchwadi panchayats will fall under the Shiroda centre.
To ensure smooth conduct, the event will be supported by over 160 judges and 500 volunteers, according to Ulhas Gaonkar, coordinator of the storytelling competition.
In a bid to raise awareness about the competition’s purpose, KBM will also hold special workshops for teachers, parents, judges, and taluka-level coordinators.
The competition will be conducted in three age-based groups:
- Group A: Classes 1st to 4th
- Group B: Classes 5th to 7th
- Group C: Classes 8th to 10th
KBM has urged schools to conduct preliminary competitions and send their top contestants to the central-level round. School-level winners will receive certificates, and participation is also open to students with special needs, who may join by submitting an entry at any storytelling centre.
“This is a festival of stories, language and inclusion,” said Gaonkar, adding that KBM’s aim is to foster a love for Konkani storytelling among young minds.
The event is being organised in association with the Official Language Department of the Government of Goa, with Millenium Bakers serving as the refreshment partner.
For further information, schools and participants can contact:
- Ulhas Gaonkar (Coordinator): 9923765741
- Gaurang Bhandiye (Co-coordinator): 8552883808
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