Probably the most important question any North American Konkani could ask. Since being into existence for over 22 years, the Advisory Committee of Khabbar took this opportunity to help a Konakni Research Scholar (Sri Narayan Desai of Ponda, Goa) in his quest for knowing all about Khabbar.
What is Khabbar?
Khabbar is the only North American Quarterly Newsletter catered to the social and cultural needs of the Konkani community in North America.
How did Khabbar start?
The brainchild of Dr. Vasudev Nayak (Cranbury, NJ) was a newsletter for Konkani Sabha in the mid 70's to publish news items for Konkani families in the tristate area of NY/NJ/CT. The previous editors were Ravindra Nayak (Flanders, NJ), Damodar Baliga, (Brooklyn, NY), and Nina Padukone, (New York, NY). It was Nina who coined the name "Khabbar" to this Newsletter. I took over in early 80's as the Honorary Editor.
How did Khabbar grow up from a local Newsletter to a national quarterly?
Well, the popularity of this Newsletter gained acceptance nationwide. So, in 1987, Khabbar became an independent Newsletter serving the social and cultural needs of the Konkani Community in North America.
What is the format?
A simple 20-page newsletter format, Khabbar uses English script.
What is Khabbar organization like?
An Advisory Committee and Editorial Committee overlooks all aspects of the publication.
What is the subscription rate?
The annual dues are $10.00 per family. From Year 2000 it will be $15.00 a year for hard copy and the electronic version, eKhabbar is FREE
What do subscribers get for the dues?
4 quarterly issues of Khabbar, Annual Khabbar Mailing List and discounted advertisement rates.
Can anybody pay more than regular dues?
Certainly! The Advisory Committee of Khabbar has decided on publishing the names of the families that have paid $50.00 or more a year in dues.
Is there a life subscription to Khabbar?
No! Subscribers are encouraged to pay the dues for the current year and/or past arrears.
Does anybody get Khabbar free?
Students get Khabbar free as long as they maintain their mailing address current. Also, Konkani community and religious leaders all over the world get complimentary copies of Khabbar. And, from Year 2000 onwards, the electronic version, eKhabbar is FREE. Log on to ekhabbar.com.
What is the circulation rate?
Khabbar reaches over 1,600 families in North America. In the beginning the circulation rate was around 250.
How can a Konkani family in North America get "Khabbarized".
Normally, friends introduce Khabbar to the Konkani families in North America. A complimentary copy of Khabbar will be sent to the new Konkani family and that name goes into the Khabbar Mailing List. Once, a name gets in the mailing list, that name stays there irrespective whether the family pays the dues or not. The family must request that their name be deleted from the list.
How does the news item get published?
All subscribers send in their news (Child's academic achievement, promotion, obituary, etc). In the beginning this was a major task but, nowadays, most of the news items pour in voluntarily. Moreover, articles of interest pour in on a regular basis. Khabbar makes extra efforts in publishing Konkani success stories, Konkani Charity efforts, etc.
