Mangalore: Raknno Weekly Platinum Jubilee Year Gets off to Splendid Start

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Dec 22: The platinum jubilee celebrations of 'Raknno', the Konkani weekly managed by the diocese of Mangalore were inaugurated at Bishop's House here on Saturday December 22.

Kasargod Chinna, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy was the chiest guest while Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore presided over the function. The Bishop also unveiled the Raknno jubilee logo along with other dignitaries on the dais.

Monsignor Alexander D'Souza, former editor of Raknno; Fr Mark Walder, former editor of Raknno; Fr Francis Rodrigues, editor; C G S Taccode, convener, platinum jubilee committee shared the dais.

In his presidential address, Bishop Dr Aloysius D'Souza lauded the entire 'Raknno' team for the Weekly's achievements and for stepping into the 75th year. He said it was a small beginning in 1938 when the Weekly was first launched, but today it has grown into a big and important medium.

"Raknno's achievements are a result of the hard work put in by all the editors over the years," he added.

"Raknno has become a medium for Konkani language. Many other papers were started but most of them could not function for long. It is easy to start a work but difficult to continue and sustain it. But Raknno, through its motto 'Speak the Truth, Lead the Religion', it has lifted the true values of the religion, said the Bishop.

He also wished 'Raknno' team good luck in their future endeavours and asked them to keep up the good work.

Kasargod Chinna in his address lauded the team and said that throught their work 'Rakkno' has touched various cultural, social, religious and others aspects. "The periodical has also acted as a platform for writers and even taken Konkani to the next generation," he added.

As part of the programme, a seminar was held on the theme 'Contribution of Raknno to Religion, Society and Literature'. Dr Edward Nazareth, senior writer and orthopaedician; Hemacharya, Editor-in-chief Daijiworld Weekly and Edwin J F D'Souza, writer and executive director of St Aloysius College Konkani Institute presented papers while Fr Mark Walter, former editor moderated the discussions.

PRO of Mangalore diocese Fr William Menezes, Basti Vaman Shenoy, president of World Konkani Center, Judith Mascarenhas, Dolphy Cascia, Vitori Karkal among others were present.