Former Rakhnno editor, Konkani activist Fr. Mark felicitated at writers' meet

[email protected] (CD Network)
November 14, 2011

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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.

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News Network
January 8,2025

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Mangaluru: The Tannirbhavi beach stretch up to the forest department's Tree Park is on the brink of a remarkable transformation under the ‘One Beach, One Destination’ initiative. This ambitious project aims to elevate the beach into a top-tier tourist hotspot through comprehensive upgrades and strategic developments.

Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP shared updates during a press briefing on Tuesday, revealing that fresh tenders have been floated for maintaining the main beach. The technical evaluation of tenders for the Tannir Bhavi Blue Flag Beach is nearing completion, with the financial bids set to open shortly. “We are pleased to see major players participating in the tender process,” the DC remarked.

For the main beach, the maintenance contract will span 10 years. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag Beach’s successful bidder will face a progressive financial model—starting with a Rs 50 lakh payment in the first year, escalating to Rs 2 crore by the 10th year, alongside a minimum 5% revenue share for the administration. “Upon completion of the development, the beach will feature continuous activities to enhance its appeal,” he added.

Approximately 90% of the beach’s development work is already complete. Eco-friendly initiatives such as waste management systems and solar installations are operational at the Blue Flag Beach. While entrance work by Mangaluru Smart City Limited is ongoing, the beach remains accessible to the public. Entry fees, set in accordance with Blue Flag guidelines, aim to support sustainable maintenance efforts.

The ‘Blue Flag’ certification represents a global standard in eco-tourism, ensuring clean bathing water, state-of-the-art amenities, safety measures, and sustainable development. Karnataka’s Padubidri and Kasarkod beaches are among the few in India to hold this prestigious certification.

Mangaluru Smart City Limited is spearheading the development of the 1.8-acre area, with an investment of approximately Rs 16 crore. Once completed, the Tannirbhavi Beach is expected to stand out as a vibrant and eco-friendly destination, drawing tourists and locals alike.

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News Network
January 4,2025

Mangaluru: In a shocking case of fraud, six individuals posing as officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) swindled a beedi businessman of Rs 25 to 30 lakh in cash and five mobile phones at Kolnad in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada on Friday night.

The incident came to light after Mohammed Iqbal, 27, lodged a complaint with the police, stating that his father, a beedi trader, was targeted by the imposters.

According to the complaint, the six accused arrived at the businessman’s residence around 8:10 pm in a car with Tamil Nadu registration plates. Claiming to be ED officials, they announced that they had orders to search the house and began confiscating mobile phones from the family members.

The fraudsters reportedly discovered Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh in cash, which the businessman had kept aside for business purposes. They claimed that keeping such a large amount was illegal and threatened to arrest him unless he complied. By 10:30 pm, the group left the house, instructing the businessman to submit documents at the ED office in Bengaluru to reclaim the money.

Later, upon discussing the incident with his family, Iqbal realized that the individuals were not ED officials but fraudsters who had impersonated authorities to rob them.

A case has been registered at Vittal Police Station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. An investigation is underway, and the police have promised swift action to apprehend the culprits.

Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Yathish N, along with senior officers, visited the crime scene and assured the family that the perpetrators would be brought to justice at the earliest.

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News Network
January 3,2025

Karnataka's Urban Development Minister, BS Suresha (Byrathi), has initiated a detailed investigation into ₹5,527 crore worth of projects executed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship Smart Cities Mission in six cities of the state.

The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work in Belagavi, Davangere, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, and Tumakuru. To ensure accountability, Suresha announced the formation of a committee comprising experts from universities and the Indian Institute of Science. The committee will assess the projects and submit its findings within three months.

Bengaluru, however, is excluded from the probe as it falls under the jurisdiction of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission aims to enhance urban infrastructure across 100 cities in India, funded jointly by the central and state governments. Karnataka has spent ₹6,405 crore under this mission, including ₹877.72 crore in Bengaluru.

"Most of the funds have been allocated to roads, drainage, and park maintenance," Suresha lamented in a statement. "The focus should have been on creating permanent infrastructure such as smart schools, hospitals, libraries, and bus stands."

Suresha pointed out that, on average, each Smart City in Karnataka received ₹990 crore, with spending patterns revealing 36% on roads, 8% on energy, 2% on education, 2% on healthcare, and 5% on sports. He criticized this distribution, emphasizing that projects under the mission should have developed long-lasting government assets instead of temporary solutions like roads and drains.

With the mission slated to conclude in March 2025, Suresha urged the remaining funds to be directed towards constructing world-class smart schools. "This will enable children from economically weaker sections to access quality education," he said.

The minister also revealed that he had received multiple complaints from elected representatives about substandard work, particularly in Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Shivamogga. The probe, he assured, will prioritize transparency and accountability.

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