Newskarnataka-Media Release
Mangalore:More than 130 Konkani writers and editors of Konkani journals participated in a Konkani Writers’ Convention organized by ‘Raknno’ Konkani Weekly on November 3, Sunday at Bishop’s House in Mangalore as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Raknno. Rev. Msgr Denis Prabhu, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore inaugurated the Convention and released the Konkani book ‘Chiknni Mothiya’ (Little Pearls), authored by William Kumar Kinnigoli and published by Kalasagar Publications of Navin Kulshekar.
“Writing skills is a gift of God which has to be used for the growth of humanity and betterment of the society. Many have used this gift through Raknno,” Msgr Denis Prabhu said in his presidential address.”The Laity and the religious together have contributed to the growth of Raknno during the past 75 years. Raknno has enriched the Konkani language. Let us use our talent of writing and let us share our knowledge” he said.
The convention included informatory and open discussions on the role and responsibility of editors, feature articles, being a good reader and letters to the editor. Editors of different Konkani Journals and writers from South Kanara and neighbouring districts participated in the convention. An exhibition of books and magazines was also held as part of the convention.
Well known Konkani writers and linguists Melwyn Pinto, Dolphy Cascia, J.F. D’Souza Attavar and Eddie Netto were the resource persons. Vally Vagga, renowned Konkani writer from Mysore led the discussions and dialogue session. Well known writer Fr Maxim Rosario (Majar Kuppepadavu) the local organizer welcomed the gathering.
Writers Ancy Paladka, Wilma Bantwal, Dolphy Saldanha, Irene Castelino and Vincy Pinto introduced the resource persons. Fr Francis Rodrigues, Editor of Raknno gave the introductory note, while Cyril G. Sequeira, the Convenor of Raknno Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Committee proposed the vote of thanks. Vithori Karkal compered the programme.
The Platinum Jubilee year of Raknno (1938-2013) was launched in December 2012 and will have a jubilant valedictory on December 15, 2013. During the jubilee year, Raknno has organized literary meetings, media awareness programmes, publication of books, study of journalistic history of Raknno, exhibition of books and magazines, readers surveys, novel writing and literary competitions etc. Raknno will also institute the Raknno Literary Life Time award to a senior Konkani writer. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000/-
‘Raknno’ though being a Konkani Weekly by nature has strived to keep its readers abreast with the times with wide coverage on agricultural, scientific, medical, legal, economical, political, religious, cultural, educational, social and career guidance 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 111 titles and one CD to its credit till date. ‘Kajulo’ published by Raknno is the only Konkani magazine meant exclusively for the children.
