News by Raknno Weekly
& Photographs by Tony Ferros
Mangalore: Raknno Publications of Raknno Konkanni Weekly together with
Punov Publications of Mrs Clara Lobo and Nazareth
Publications of Dr Edward Nazareth jointly organized a
gathering of Konkanni writers and activists today November 13th Sunday
at 10 a.m. at Bishop's House Hall, Kodialbail, Mangalore. Fr Mark
Valder a well known Konkanni activist and former Editor of Raknno
Konkanni Weekly for
12 years (1973 to 1985) was felicitated on the occasion of
Platinum Jubilee of his life (75 years).
Mr Basti Vaman Shenoy, the President of World
Konkanni Centre felicitated on behalf of all the Konkanni
activists and promoters. In his address he spoke of Fr Mark Valder as
an effective guide for the movement of Konkanni promotion
especially in 70s and 80s. ‘He led many into the sea of
Konkanni richness. He joined hands with Konkanni activists
like B.V. Baliga, Dhamodhar Prabhu etc transcending the barriers of
religions and creeds. While many have adorned the Konkanni
mother through folk art, music
etc Fr Mark has adorned her with his journalistic enthusiasm and
activism for the language. He has given a very big share in
taking the language into national and international scenario. He is a
religious as well as language ‘Guru’ whose guidance
is acceptable to all’ said Mr Basti Vaman Shenoy.
Felicitating the priest activist on behalf of all the
Konkanni writers and novelists, a renowned novelist and short
story writer Mr Edwin J. F. D'Souza presented his closeness to the
priest as editor and friend. ‘Editors have taught me and many
more like me to be editors of our own writings with the usage of a red
pen in hand’ said Mr Edwin. According to his FIR (first
impression report) Fr Mark is a person who has taken risk on
number of occasions as editor and has created opportunities to new
writings and writers. His own scientific novel on flying
saucers ‘Thae Aylyath’ (They have come)
was given a place in Raknno Konkanni Weekly by Fr Mark in
spite of the hard substance in the novel. While using his
responsibility of censorship in necessary places Fr Mark has remained a
clean saintly figure and person all throughout according to Mr Edwin.
Mr Abraham Basil D’Souza (Aa. Baa. London), a Konkanni
writer from England honoured Fr Mark with a shawl,
garland and fruits. Responding to the felicitation Fr Mark
Valder confessed that he could write, edit and publish books because he
learnt lessons from different people. ‘I have
learnt things as a student from many of you since years. I have grown
with and by the Konkanni people. The language has
taken me beyond the parameters of dialect, religion and
creed. The language has formed and informed me and people.
The medical writings and fictions like that of Dr Edward Nazareth have
freed people from clutches of superstitious beliefs and
practices. That is the greatness and richness of writing and
reading’ said Fr Valder.
A new Konkanni book 'Sotham Ani Kotham' (Truths and Dots) by Maxim
Pinto Kelarai (Mexi Kelarai) was released by Fr Mark on the
occasion. Another book 'Malgodyanchi Bolaiki'
(Health of the Seniors) by Dr Edward Nazareth was presented
to the society on the occasion. Both the writers acknowledged the role
played by Fr Mark Valder in bringing out a writer in them. Dr Nazareth
acknowledged priest's presence in his birth place at Shirva
as an assistant pastor.
Presiding over the programme Fr Francis Rodrigues editor of Raknno
Konkanni weekly paraphrased Fr MARK in four words.
‘M’ denotes Fr Mark as a master, formatter or
‘Guru’ to number of present and past writers.
‘A’ denotes Fr mark is still active and a full
pledged activist for Konkanni. ‘R’ stands
for the relationship with balance that Fr Mark has sustained even to
this date with every Konkanni person and group without prejudices. He
has Konkanni ties from his own village till Delhi Sahitya Akademy. And
the last letter ‘K’ stands for Konkanni by which Fr
Mark was Konkanni from the beginning, even now and he will
remain man for Konkanni even after his retirement as an active Catholic
priest. He congratulated Dr Edward for taking
multi-specialty hospital into Konkanni houses through his writings and
books and Maxim Pinto for making people to think with depth.
The look into the person, thinker, writer and editor of Fr Mark was
presented through a power point programme by Fr Vijay Victor Lobo of
Canara Communications Centre. Charles D’Souza Konkanni writer
introduced the guests to the audience. Dolphy F. Lobo (Dolphy
Cascia) of Punov Publications compeer the programme. Tony Ferros, Chief
sub-editor of Raknno proposed vote of thanks. Sr.Flavia and associates
led the prayer. Number of senior and contemporary writers and activists
came together on the occasion.
Edited
and Published Konkanifriends.com Team
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