Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
Pics: Pachu Ferar

Mangaluru, Jun 4: Fr Valerian Fernandes, a Konkani scholar took over as the editor of 'Raknno' Konkani weekly on Thursday, June 4 at Bishop’s house in city. On the same occasion two books by Raknno publications were released.

Lampyanv' (Lantern) a collection of socio- religious analytical articles based on scriptures and church teachings by Fr Victor A Pinto, Kirem and `Mirsang Millibai' (Chilly Millibai) collection of stories for children by Charlie Kulshekar were released on this occasion.

Fr Valerian Fernandes will also be the editor of Kajulo Konkani children’s monthly magazine.

Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu, the vicar general of the diocese of Mangaluru presided over the programme. Roy Castelino, the president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy was the chief guest and Venkatesh Baliga, the editor of `Kodiyala Khobara' Konkani fortnightly was the guest of honour.

Fr Francis Rodrigues, editor hitherto welcomed the gathering. He thanked all the people including the bishop and management of Deepthi trust which owns Raknno and Kajulo. Fr Francis held the post for past ten years. He has been appointed as the parish priest of Vorkady, a parish in the Kasargod district of Kerala state. Fr Francis Rodrigues, a humourist par excellence spoke in his usual witty manner making the people and himself to forget that it was a farewell function for him.

Roy Castelino asked all the Konkani speaking people to unite and walk in the same direction. He briefed about the work of academy in this regard. “We have published more than 25 books in the past one year. I want to make sure that good work is done for Konkani during my tenure, which the next president can continue. I invite all Konkani speaking people to attend the programme at University College on June 12 when the Konkani chair in the University of Mangaluru will be installed.”Roy said.

Venkatesh Baliga said that Raknno is a role model for him. His fortnightly which is less than a decade old always took inspiration from Raknno, the oldest existing Konkani newspaper and from its past three editors. He thanked them for selflessly advising him in various matters. He requested Raknno to take leadership in making uniform orthography for Mangaluru Konkani.

Fr Valerian Fernandes who took over as the editor of Raknno said “I have already received many suggestions. Some people want changes. Changes obviously will take place as and when necessary. Changes are need based and a decision on them cannot be taken at once. Raknno is a periodical owned by the diocese. Emphasis on religious matters will remain. But the matter of Konkani, orthography, grammar and readers’ interest will always be kept in mind. A meaningful balance will be maintained in all matters including that of advertisements. I am unable to specify the proportions now.”

Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu said “I wish all the best for Fr Francis who is going to Vorkady and Fr Valerian who is joining as editor. Fr Francis is always available for Konkani work. All the past editors have been helpful in advising for Raknno. Fr Francis will also do the same.“

Fr Mark Walder, Fr Vincent Victor Menezes and Fr Eric Crasta, all former editors of Raknno, Fr William Menezes , PRO of Mangaluru diocese, Edi Netto, Gladys Rego senior writers, Devdas Pai registrar of Konkani Sahitya academy were present among others.

Fr Francis Rodrigues was felicitated by the staff members of Raknno during the occasion.

The writers of the new books were present on the dais. Sub editor Pachu Ferar introduced the books as well as the writers. Vithori Karkal compered the programme and Benedicta Rosario proposed vote of thanks.