by Raknno Weekly
Pics by Tony Ferros

Mangalore, Nov 13: Raknno Publications of Raknno Konkanni Weekly together with Punov  Publications of Clara Lobo and Nazareth Publications of Dr Edward Nazareth  jointly organized a gathering of Konkanni writers and activists today November 13th Sunday at 10 a m at Bishop's House Hall, Kodialbail, Mangalore. Fr Mark Valder a well known Konkanni activist and former Editor of Raknno Konkanni   Weekly for   12  years (1973 to 1985) was felicitated on the occasion of Platinum Jubilee of his  life (75 years).

Basti Vaman Shenoy, the President of  World  Konkanni Centre  felicitated on behalf of all the Konkanni activists and promoters. In his address he spoke of Fr Mark Valder as an effective guide for the movement of  Konkanni promotion especially in 70s and 80s. ‘He led many into the sea of Konkanni richness.  He joined hands with Konkanni activists like B.V. Baliga, Dhamodhar Prabhu etc transcending the barriers of religions and creeds. While many have adorned the Konkanni mother   through   folk art, music etc Fr Mark has adorned her with his journalistic enthusiasm and activism for the language.  He has given a very big share in taking the language into national and international scenario. He is a religious as well as language ‘Guru’ whose guidance is acceptable to all’ said Mr Basti Vaman Shenoy.

Felicitating the priest activist  on behalf of all the Konkanni writers and novelists,  a renowned novelist and short story writer Edwin J. F. D'Souza presented his closeness to the priest as editor and friend. ‘Editors have taught me and many more like me to be editors of our own writings with the usage of a red pen in hand’ said Edwin. According to his FIR (first impression report)  Fr Mark is a person who has taken risk on number of occasions as editor and has created opportunities to new writings and writers.  His own scientific novel on flying saucers ‘Thae Aylyath’ (They have come)  was given a place in Raknno Konkanni Weekly by Fr Mark  in spite of the hard substance in the novel. While using his responsibility of censorship in necessary places Fr Mark has remained a clean saintly figure and person all throughout according to Mr Edwin.

Abraham Basil D’Souza (Aa. Baa. London), a Konkanni writer  from England honoured Fr Mark  with a shawl, garland and fruits.  Responding to the felicitation Fr Mark Valder confessed that he could write, edit and publish books because he learnt lessons from different people.  ‘I have learnt things as a student from many of you since years. I have grown with  and by the Konkanni people.  The language has taken me beyond the parameters of  dialect, religion and creed. The language has formed and informed me and  people. The medical writings and fictions like that of Dr Edward Nazareth have freed people from clutches of superstitious  beliefs and practices. That is the greatness and richness of writing and reading’ said Fr Valder.

A new Konkanni book 'Sotham Ani Kotham' (Truths and Dots) by Maxim Pinto Kelarai (Mexi Kelarai) was released by Fr Mark on the occasion.  Another book  'Malgodyanchi Bolaiki' (Health of the Seniors)  by Dr Edward Nazareth was presented to the society on the occasion. Both the writers acknowledged the role played by Fr Mark Valder in bringing out a writer in them. Dr Nazareth acknowledged priest's  presence in his birth place at Shirva as  an assistant pastor.

Presiding over the programme Fr Francis Rodrigues editor of Raknno Konkanni weekly paraphrased Fr MARK in four words. ‘M’ denotes Fr Mark as a master, formatter or ‘Guru’ to number of present and past writers. ‘A’ denotes Fr mark is still active and a full pledged activist for Konkanni.  ‘R’ stands for the relationship with balance that Fr Mark has sustained even to this date with every Konkanni person and group without prejudices. He has Konkanni ties from his own village till Delhi Sahitya Akademy. And the last letter ‘K’ stands for Konkanni by which Fr Mark was Konkanni  from the beginning, even now and he will remain man for Konkanni even after his retirement as an active Catholic priest.  He congratulated Dr Edward for  taking multi-specialty hospital into Konkanni houses through his writings and books and Maxim Pinto for making people to think with depth.

The look into the person, thinker, writer and editor of Fr Mark was presented through a power point programme by Fr Vijay Victor Lobo of Canara Communications Centre. Charles D’Souza Konkanni writer introduced the guests to the audience.  Dolphy F. Lobo (Dolphy Cascia) of Punov Publications compeer the programme. Tony Ferros, Chief sub-editor of Raknno proposed vote of thanks. Sr Flavia and associates led the prayer.  Number of senior and contemporary writers and activists came together on the occasion.