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Opinion Poll gave self respect to Goans: Naik, Goans urged to protect identity and language MARGAO, JAN 16 - The "Asmitai Dis" commemorated on the occassion of the historic Opinion Poll Day at Lohia Maidan here today sent a message loud and clear that Goans will no longer tolerate any insult or attempts to undermine Konkani language, Goan identity and culture. Noted Konkani writer, Uday Bhembre, an activist of the Opinion poll movement, went a step further by warning those who insult Konkani and identity to prepare to face serious consequences. "The patience of Goans has reached "zero level", he cautioned those interests working against the State. The largely attended meeting organised by the Shennoi Goembab 125th birth anniversary Mahatsov Samiti also made a fervent call to the Goans to preserve and protect their identity, language and culture at all costs. Speakers lashed out at the recent attempts made by the Marathi chauvanists to undermine "our language" at the All India Marathi Sammelan held at Karad-Maharashtra for calling Konkani a dialect. Speakers underlined the need to be vigilant more than ever before as silent attempts are being made by vested interests to push Maharashtra's expansionist agenda. "Goans had decided 36 years ago through the historic Opinion Poll that we want to preserve our seperate language and identity", thundered Konkani writer, Pundalik Naik who had led the Konkani movement for the official language status. Saying that the Opinion Poll gave self respect to Goans and Konkani, Naik questioned the logic of Marathi protaganists to again dub Konkani as the dialect of Marathi. "Today's Goan youth will reply to these people from now onwards", he said and expressed satisfaction that a new generation of Goan youth are gearing themselves to carry on with the movement. Uday Bhembre said the Opinion Poll made Goans king to rule by themselves, adding that the historic day also gave Konkani its due status, followed by Statehood. He said the poem of Manohar Sardessai "Goenkarando zaeit Zagge" is still relevant today as certain agents of Maharashtra have not given up the expansionists agenda. He lamented that Goa government has not yet condemned the insults heaped on Konkani at the recent Marathi sammelan. "The government may be lenient on such things, but the people will no longer takesuch things lying down", he cautioned. Urban Development Minister, Digambar Kamat said it was Shennoi Goembab who lit the flame of self respect of Goans years ago and called for awakening the Goans to imbibe this pride. Categorically saying that Goa's identity is its language Konkani, Kamat underlined the need to protect it by awakening the masses. "The need of the hour is for Goans to consolidate. No one will ever dare to insult Goans anymore", he asserted. Santa Cruz MLA, Victoria Fernandes recalled the Opinion Poll movement wherein she had actively participated along with other women from her village. With folded hands, she begged upon all concerned to prevent the virus of communalism from spreading in the State and protect Goan identity at all costs. Terming Opinion poll as second liberation for the State, Fernandes lamented that nothing has been done to condense the movement in a book for the benefit of posterity. Cortalim MLA, Mathany Saldanha said the time has come for Goans to leave all differences behind and to protect their culture, language and identity. Freedom fighter, Shabu Dessai, who had led a Jyot during the height of the Opinion Poll movement, was given an ovation for his immense contribution. Earlier, noted Konkani singer of Opinion Poll fame, Ulhas Buyao sang three songs, including the popular Goenkarando Zaiet Zagge, which formed part of the movement then. The songs were sung by the same old troupe, which went round the corners of the State to awaken the masses. The Chairperson of the Shennoi Goembab 125th birth anniversary mahatsov Samiti, Maria Couto also spoke. Enthusiastic Konkani activits took out a rally in the city before the start of the meeting. (courtesy: www.oherald.com)
