Mangalore, November 14: A get-together of Konkani writers and activists was held on Sunday at Bishop's House Hall, Kodialbail, Mangalore under the joint auspices of Raknno Publications, Punov Publications, and Nazareth Publications.
Fr Mark Valder a well known Konkani activist and former Editor of Raknno Konkani 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 Konkani Centre felicitated Fr Mark on behalf of all the Konkani activists and promoters.
In his address he spoke of Fr Mark Valder as an effective guide for the movement of Konkani promotion especially in 70s and 80s. 'He led many into the sea of Konkani richness. He joined hands with Konkani activists like B.V. Baliga, Dhamodhar Prabhu etc transcending religions and creeds. While many have adorned the Konkani 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,' said Mr Vaman Shenoy.
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. 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 figure, he said.
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. “The language has taken me beyond the parameters of dialect, religion and creed. 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.
Presiding over the programme Fr Francis Rodrigues editor of Raknno Konkani 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 Konkani. 'R' stands for the relationship with balance that Fr Mark has sustained even to this date with every Konkani person and group without prejudices. He has Konkani ties from his own village till Delhi Sahitya Akademy. And the last letter 'K' stands for Konkani by which Fr Mark was Konkanni from the beginning, even now and he will remain man for Konkani even after his retirement as an active Catholic priest.
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, Konkani writer, Dolphy F. Lobo (Dolphy Cascia) of Punov Publications, Tony Ferros, chief sub-editor of Raknno, Sr Flavia were present.
Bengaluru, Feb 14: After the swearing-in of ten former JDS and Congress MLAs, political boundaries seem to have become more fluid, with little clarity on who is on whose side. When Honnali BJP MLA Renukacharya visited senior Congressman DK Shivakumar at the latter’s residence, many eyebrows were raised over the reason behind the meeting. There was speculation over why Renukacharya would be meeting a man who is, in all likelihood, slated to be the next KPCC president.
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