Mangalore: Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of Raknno, Konkani Weekly Concludes in City

By Robert D’Costa
Pics by John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 16 Dec 2013: The valedictory of seventy-fifth jubilee celebration of Raknno, Mangalore diocesan Konkani weekly was held at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Hall, Bendore, here on Sunday December 15.

 
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore presided the function here on Sunday evening. 

MLA J R Lobo, Vishwa Konkani Kendra chairman Basti Vaman Shenoy, Goan Konkani activist advocate Uday Bembre, Akashwani senior announcer and Konkani litterateur Shakuntala R Kini were the chief guests of the occasion.

Raknno diamond jubilee celebration Committee convener C J S Taccode, Raknno – Konkani weekly editor Fr Francis Rodrigues was present on the dais.

 
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Lobo said that Raknno – as the name suggests for Angel with the motto, convey truth and propagate faith has indeed educated the past generation of Catholics when there were hardly any reach of newspapers especially in remote villages across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, said MLA Lobo. 

MLA Lobo also expressed concern over the city-folks who are taking back seat in reading Konkani as they are more influenced by western culture.  Meanwhile, he urged the Konknai speaking community to sustain the mother tongue that they inherited from their forefathers since generations, urged MLA Lobo.

 

Bishop Dr Aloysius and Shakuntala R Kini conveyed best wishes for Raknno to celebrate centenary and beyond with sustained efforts of publishers, writers and of course the readers. 

Advocate Uday Bembre provoked serious thought over the sustenance of Konkani that is threatened by dominant cultures in the majority of Konkani speaking states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa.  He also suggested a satellite news service to telecast Konkani programmes linking Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra to be informed of situation of Konkani speaking communities in respective states, because it would strengthen the unity and take swift actions when there is imminent threats because of regime change and other cases.

Bishop Dr Aloysius conferred the seventy-fifth Raknno Literary Award on Raknno former editor Fr Mark Walter on the same occasion.  The award comprised cash of Rs 50,000, a citation letter and memento.

Bethany Provincial Superior Sr Marriot read the citation letter of Fr Walder.
The Raknno former editors Fr Eric Crasta and Fr Vincent Menezes were felicitated by the dignitaries on the occasion.

All the dignitaries filled a large ink pen hoping Raknno completes many more fruitful years in the future. 

Three new Konkani books were released by the dignitaries on the same occasion. 

Earlier, Bishop Dr Aloysius concelebrated the Thanksgiving Holy Mass at St Sebastian parish along with 33 clergies.

 
Kelarai – St Ann’s parish priest Fr Joachim Fernandes delivered a meaningful homily emphasizing the professional ethics of Konkani publications, especially Raknno that was founded to convey truth at the outset of religion.

Avil D’Souza led the Kalakul artistes who presented a welcome dance.  Fr Francis welcomed the gathering.  C J S Taccode proposed vote of thanks.  Titus Noronha compered the programme.

Uprantch Kalche, Konkani social play was staged by the artistes of Kalakul repertory that is promoted by Mandd Sobhann, by playwright and directed by Nellu Permannur as part of entertainment programme.

The sumptuous food was served to all the gathering.