Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 15: Richard Alvares Kulshekar, a renowned Konknni writer and 'Izoicho kollo’ Parish magazine from St Francis Xavier Church Bejai, Mangalore, were awarded 'Raknno - Best Author of the Year 2025’ and 'Raknno - Best Parish Magazine 2025’ respectively in the forenoon on Sunday, 14 September 2025 at Bajpe Parish Hall. The bishop of Mangalore Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, presented the awards along with Raknno editor Fr Rupesh Madtha, Fr Andrew D'Souza, Stany D'Souza and Prasanna D'Souza on the dais.

The programme which was organized in collaboration with Bajpe Parish began with a prayer led by parishioners. After the inauguration Fr Rupesh Madtha welcomed the gathering. Dr Edward Nazareth introduced the awardees which was followed by awarding by the Bishop. The awardees Richard Alvares and editor of ‘Izoicho Kollo’ Godwin Pinto expressed their views and thanked the organizers.

Raknno is a Konknni - English bilingual Weekly run by the diocese of Mangalore since 1938, catering spiritual, social, cultural, political analysis to the Konknni readers world-over. It is since last year Raknno is honoring the literary works through renowned award to promote Konknni literature. Once it calls for the entries, they are scrutinized by a committee and chosen the best ones for the two awards in the year.

Konknni writers gathering and books release

During the award programme the bishop released ‘Bhorvoshachye Vater’ (On the way of Hope) the 134th book published by Raknno and St Carlo Acutis, book Publication by Mangalajyothi. After the stage programme, there were two presentations on the history of Konknni literature and the reading habit among the people in this digital era. They were delivered by the renowned writers Fr Francis D'Souza and Muddu Theerthahalli respectively. This was followed by a discussion on Konknni literature, moderated by rev Rupesh Madtha.

All the guests and speakers were presented mementos. Lavi Ganjimatt compered the event, Pramod Hospet looked after the logistics and Francis Dcunha Mulki proposed vote of thanks. Around 200 well named writers including Dolphy Cascia, Richard Moras, Fr A D’Lima, Stany Bela etc were present. The program ended with lunch.