Dr Jerry Niddodi and ‘Angelorcho Ange’ Honoured with ‘Raknno Award 2026’
Mangaluru, September 6, 2026: The ‘Raknno Award 2026’ presentation ceremony, book release and gathering of Konkani writers and readers, organised by the Konkani weekly Raknno, was held on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Bejai Church Hall, Mangaluru. The programme celebrated literary achievements while highlighting the urgent need to preserve and promote the Konkani language in everyday life.
Raknno Weekly has been giving these two awards every year since last three years to promote Konkan literature and writers.
The programme commenced with a recitation from Christa Purana by Konkani scholar Rev. Fr Jason Lobo, SDB, followed by a traditional welcome dance. Rev. Fr Rupesh Madtha, Editor of Raknno, formally welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering.
Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, presided over the programme. In his presidential address, Bishop Saldanha described Konkani as the “language closest to the heart” and appreciated Raknno for its continued efforts to nurture and promote the language.
Recalling his own literary journey, the Bishop said that he had learnt to write in Konkani through Raknno. He stressed the crucial need to speak and live one’s mother tongue, warning that abandoning Konkani in everyday communication could lead the community to lose its rich cultural heritage.
He called upon Raknno to make active efforts to promote spoken Konkani among children and young people, particularly by encouraging the use of Konkani numbers and vocabulary in daily conversations.
Dr Jerry Niddodi receives Best Writer Award
As part of the literary award ceremony, Dr Jerry Niddodi was presented with the ‘Best Writer of the Year 2026’ award in recognition of his contribution to Konkani literature. Dr Edward Nazareth delivered the felicitation address and appreciated the awardee’s literary contributions.
Accepting the award, Dr Niddodi expressed his gratitude to Raknno, saying that he had been writing for the publication for more than 25 years.
“For more than 25 years, I have been writing for Raknno. It has always supported me and provided me with a platform to nurture my mother tongue. May Konkani live forever,” he said.
‘Angelorcho Ange’ honoured
The parish magazine ‘Angelorcho Ange’ of Angelore Church was honoured with the ‘Best Parish Magazine of the Year 2026’ award. Mr Roshan Patrao, Editor of the magazine, was formally felicitated on the occasion. Mr Francis D’Cunha delivered the felicitation address.
Konkani publications urged to preserve literary heritage
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Mr Joachim Stany Alvares, President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, made a special appeal to Konkani writers and editors of parish magazines.
He urged writers and editors to regularly send copies of their publications to the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy so that the literary contributions of the region, particularly those published in the Kannada script, are properly documented and preserved for future generations.
‘Mogachi Sunami’ released
During the programme, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha released ‘Mogachi Sunami’, the debut collection of short stories by Donald Pereira of Budkulo Media.
Speaking after the book release, Pereira expressed his gratitude to Raknno, saying that the publication had provided him with a foundation to learn, grow and establish himself as a contemporary and analytical Konkani writer.
Konkani language training session
A Konkani language training session was subsequently conducted by Rev. Fr Valerian Fernandes, former Editor of Raknno and a resource person. The session provided detailed guidance on Konkani numerals, gender, grammar and vocabulary.
Before the session, Rev. Fr Fernandes was felicitated by the dignitaries in recognition of his dedicated service to the Konkani language and his contribution to Raknno.
Rev. Fr Stany Pereira, Parish Priest of Bejai Church; Mr Nirmal D’Souza, Vice-President; and Mrs Avitha Pinto, Secretary, were present on the dais.
The editorial board of Raknno, in collaboration with the members of Bejai Church, organised the programme. Mr Godwin Pinto, Coordinator of the Commissions of Bejai Parish and Editor of the parish bulletin ‘Bijaycho Kallo’, proposed the vote of thanks.
Ms Tara Lavi Ganjimath compered the programme. Mr Pramod Rodrigues and Rev. Fr Gratian Alvares rendered their assistance in organising the event.
