Mangalore: Raknno Weekly celebrates 75 years, honours Fr Mark Valder
Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore(MD)
Mangalore, Dec 15: Raknno Weekly, that has created a niche for itself in Konkani print media, celebrated its Platinum Jubilee with a splendid ceremony at St Sebastian hall, Bendur here on Sunday December 15.
Fr Francis Rodrigues, editor, Raknno Weekly, welcomed the guests and narrated the journey of the Weekly through its 75 years.
"Raknno began its humble journey under the brilliant editorship of Msgr Sylvester Menezes. In the next fifty years Fr John Menezes, Fr Alexander F D’Souza, Fr Mark Valder, Fr Vincent V Menezes, Fr Samuel Sequeira and Fr Eric Crasta contributed their best. Though Raknno is an official organ of the diocese of Mangalore, it is also the voice of the Konkani people, and has stood by the people at all times," he said.
"In 1974 when the Land Reformation Act was introduced in Karnataka, Raknno took the initiative to publish a series of articles to enlighten, educate and create awareness among the people, especially among the farmers. Raknno had also brought out 20,000 copies of a booklet on Land Reformation Act, written by Advocate Shirtady William Pinto. When the floods caused heavy damages in Dakshina Kannada, Raknno went forward to promote a relief fund for the poor people," he added.
President of the ceremony Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangalore, inaugurated the programme. He congratulated the Raknno editor and said, "God's blessings will always be on Raknno. Through its 75 years it has done great work and set an example to all."
He also suggested everyone to read Raknno and improve their Konkani.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza presented the first 'Raknno Platinum Literary Award' to Fr Mark Valder on the occasion. The award consisted of a citation, a shawl, a memento and a cheque of Rs 50,000.
After receiving the award, Fr Mark Valder thanked Raknno for the award and said, "Konkani is our first language. Our love for our language must grow every day."
Lauding Raknno for its work over the decades, he said, "Raknno has helped people so much and supported and pushed the growth of Konkani language. Everyone should subscribe to Raknno and spread the word." He also narrated a few stories related to Raknno.
Fr Mark Valder had served as Raknno editor for 13 years (1973-1985). In 1974 he worked with other Konkani leaders and writers to form a 'Konkani Bhasha Mandal Karnataka'. He motivated Raknno staff and Konkani writers to take active part when 'All India Konkani Sahitya Parishad' was held in Mangalore, Bangalore, Manipal and Kochi. He was the bridge between 'Sarasvats' and 'Konkani Catholics' during the literary movements.
Mangalore City South MLA J R Lobo who was the guest of honour congratulated the Raknno editor and staff on completing 75 years and commended their efforts. He suggested everyone to read Raknno Weekly.
Three books were released during the programme: ‘Vally Padryab’, a compilation of satirical writings by Fr Prashant Madtha, ‘Mitt Mirsang’ a compilation of editorials by Fr Francis Rodrigues and ‘Gadya Merer’, consisting of agricultural writings by Valerian D’Souza Bola.
Senior announcer of All India Radio Shakuntala R Kini, said, "Never thought I would be on this stage as a guest of honour for Raknno Weekly Platinum Jubilee celebration. I wish Raknno in advance on its centenary jubilee."
Basti Vaman Shenoy, president, World Konkani Centre released the 'Raknno Platinum Souvenir' and wished that Raknno reaches the sky.
Renowned Konkani activist from Goa, advocate Uday Bhembre said, "Raknno has been working since many years for our identity and I want to thank all the editors for their hard work."
Fr Vincent Victor Menezes and Fr Eric Crasta, former editors of Raknno Weekly were felicitated.
Fr Francis Rodrigues, editor, Raknno Konkani Weekly presented mementoes to all the guests and thanked them.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Cyril G Sequeira (C G S Taccode), convener of Raknno Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
A documentary on the growth of Raknno Weekly was presented. At the end of the ceremony, a new social Konkani comedy drama 'Upranth-ch-Kollchem' by Nellu Permannur and renowned artistes of Mangalore entertained the audience.
Fr Antony Serrao, parish priest, St Sebastian Church, Bendur and other priests from various parishes were present.