Milestone: Raknno Weekly turns platinum, celebrations on Dec 15

By C G S Taccode

Mangalore, Dec 7: To commemorate the first ever Eucharistic Congress held in Mangalore in December 1938, Bishop Victor Fernandes started Raknno Konkani weekly newspaper under the able and scholarly editorship of Msgr Sylvester Menezes. This December 2013 Raknno turns platinum. 'Speak the Truth and promote the Dharma’ (Sot uloi Dharm choloi) was the motto of Raknno. This weekly is the forum for the Konkani people to express their thoughts and feelings, opinions and aspirations. Raknno weekly is the oldest and largest circulated Konkani newspaper in India and abroad, crossing all barriers of caste, creed and community in its news coverage.

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 have contributed their best.

Msgr Sylvester Menezes

Fr Francis Rodrigues

File Photos

At present Fr Francis Rodrigues, the managing editor of Raknno is carrying forward this tradition and trying to reach it to newer heights in Konkani journalism, social commitment and justice. Fr Francis Rodrigues is the present editor of Raknno, wellknown for his witty and humorous editorials.

Though Raknno is an official organ of the Diocese of Mangalore, it is also the voice of Konkani people, has stood by the people at all times. 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.

Raknno is the first Konkani newspaper to conduct workshops for budding young writers. To encourage young writers, poets and journalists, Raknno has organized ‘Raknno Lekhak Sammell’ (Writers’ convention) and ‘Raknno Kavi Sammell’ (Poets’ meet) for many consecutive years.

The role of any media is to inform, educate, enlighten and entertain. Raknno has published variety of articles, news features, news analysis, interviews etc. It has covered almost all fields like religious, social, political, cultural, agricultuaral, educational, health, legal, economic, scientific and career guidance etc. It has kept its readers entertained by publishing serialized novels, short stories, humour, satire etc. It has reserved a page for children’s corner and published recipes and beauty tips for women.

Raknno editorial office witnessed a vast change in its establishment by adopting computerisation and offset printing technology. There was a tremendous boost in its circulation. Circulation of Raknno was almost doubled since 1993. From a staff numbering 5 in 1993 increased to 15 permanent staff in 1997. Now there are over 45 sales excecutives and area representatives of Raknno.

‘Raknno’ though being a Konkani Weekly by nature has strived to keep its readers abreast with the times with wide coverage on variety of issues. Constant innovations and creativity have been Raknno’s forte. Humour, satire, serialized novels, feature articles with field work, short stories and special pages for children, youth and women have been promoting literature and the habit of reading. As a publishing house, Raknno has been publishing both fiction and non - fiction books (titles) having 114 titles and one CD to its credit till date. ‘Kajulo’ published by Raknno is the only Konkani magazine meant exclusively for the children. Raknno is also published through its online version.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

Raknno organized a couple of Konkani literary programmes in the Jubilee year. Raknno had organised Konkani Writers’ Conventions in Kallianpur and Mangalore respectively in October and November this year. It also organised a two-day media awareness programme for priests, nuns and priestly candidates. It conducted literary competitions in Konkani serial writing, short stories, satires (vinodh), essays, satiristic essays (lalith prabandh) and poetry. On the occasion of Jubilee Raknno has joined hands with couple of literary organizations and organized literary meetings in the jubilee year. Raknno is conducting a readers survey this year.
 
The completion of 75 years of fruitful, truthful and successful publishing mission is a milestone in the history of Konkani journalism. To commemorate this great historical event, a Thanksgiving Eucharistic service will be held on December 15 at St Sebastian Church, Bendur at 5 pm. The grand finale celebrations will take place at 6 pm at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Auditorium, Bendur. Some of the highlights of the finale programme are releasing of new Konkani books ‘Vally Padryab’ by Fr Valerian Prashant Madtha, ‘Mitt Mirsang’ by Fr Francis Rodrigues and ‘Gadya Merer’ by Valerain D’Souza Bola. Raknno Platinum Jubilee Souvenir, a volume of selected literary articles written by renowned Konkani writers will also be released.

Raknno Weekly has announced 'Raknno Platinum Sahitya Puraskar’ which carries Rs 50,000 cash, a shawl, a citation and a memento. Fr Mark Valder, former editor of Raknno was chosen by the panel of 6 judges for the first Raknno Platinum Sahitya Puraskar for his meritorious service to the field of Konkani journalism and literature. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore will preside over the valedictory function. Dr Na D’Souza, renowned Kannada writer and president of 80th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana will be the chief guest. Basti Vaman Shenoy, president of Vishwa Konkani Kendra and Shakumtala R Kini, senior announcer, All India Radio, Mangalore will be the guests of honour. Renowned playwright Nellu Permannur and his troupe will entertain with his new comedy play ‘Upranth-ch Kollchem!’