Mangaluru: Raknno Weekly which is being published from Mangalore for the last 77 years and Kajulo Children’s Konkanni Monthly published since 1999 had organized book releasing programme of two Raknno Publications on 4th of June 2015 at the Bishop’s House.
‘Lampyanv’ (Lantern) a collection of socio- religious analytical articles based on scriptures and church teaching by senior writer Fr Victor A Pinto, Kirem was released by the Chief Guest Roy Castelino the President of Karnataka Konkanni Sahithya Academy from a lantern. Mirsang Millibai’ (Chilli Millibai) a collection of stories for children by senior writer Charlie Kulshekar was released by Guest of Honour Venkatesh Baliga the Editor of `Kodiyala Kabara’ Konkanni fortnightly from chilli filled basket. These are the 115th and 116th books of Raknno Publications.
The editorial responsibility of Raknno and Kajulo was handed over in the hands of newly appointed editor and Konkanni linguist Fr Valerian Fernandes. The president of the programme Msgr Denis Prabhu the Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore wished every best to Raknno, Raknno Prakashan and newly appointed editor. Out going editor was thanked for his 10 years editorial leadership.
The writers of the new books were present on the dais. Sub editor Pachu Ferar introduced the books as well as the writers. While editor Fr Francis Rodrigues welcomed the gathering, Vithori Karkal compered the programme and Benedicta Rosario delivered the vote of thanks.
RAKNO has been a household name that brought the news, particularly relating to the Diocese of Mangalore much before any other Konkany Newspaper surfaced in Mangalore. After Rakno, I remember, came “Pionnari”, “Mithr”, “Umalho” and many other weekly publications. Rakno has enlightened us with the Parish News as well as the general news of Mangalore much before we had the benefit of the All India Radio or any other News medias. Rakno was also privileged to have some good Editors who were priests that lived at the Bishops House and covered a wide media that helped the Christians as to what was going on in the Diocese and elsewhere.
To the best of our recollection, the Konkany media has played an excellent role in the community of Mangalore. We do not recollect any kind of negative messages that came out of Rakno. The subscription was also quite low and my father could afford to subscribe for the Rakno that brought essential news from the Parishj as well as from the Diocese with essential announcements that kept us informed of all the essential ‘tid-bits”.
Thank you, Rakno, for your dedication towards our Community, and also the link of events that you thoughtfully conveyed to the Christian people of Mangalore. You were the best guide of the Community and you reflected the name “Rakno” very well by connecting the Mangalore Diocese with the people.