Konkani is core of Goan identity:
PANJIM, MAY 31 - BY HERALD REPORTER The Gomant Bharati Sammelan, a convention of Goan diaspora in the country, made it clear that that Konkani is the core of the Goan identity. Vinayak Khedekar, former secretary, Kala Academy, and a known staunch Maharastrawadi addressed the gathering during the cultural session on Saturday evening, in Konkani. Even as he said that culture was distinct from religion, he sought to to condemn the false depiction of Goan culture as carnival-centered. He pointed out that the prize-winning carnival float the Republic Day parade indicated that there was a great appreciation for the true Goan culture. Damu Kenkre, founder member secretary and director of Kala Academy, however, disagreed, and pointed out that culture is never static and that leading Goan artist Mukibai Kaldekar to Kesarbai Kerkar to Gaitonde (painter) to Remo, all had developed on the Goan groups and assimilated the culture of other places without forgetting their roots. GKA chief Pundalik Naik who chaired the session on culture and noted Konkani poet Manoharrai Sardesai also reiterated that Goan identity was rooted in the Konkani language. Naik went to the extent of suggesting that attempt should be made by the department of culture to spread the Konkani language and culture in other parts of the country which have large Konkani population. The Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar who started off by saying that he would speak in Konkani, also made a speech in English which he said was for the benefit of the Chief Secretary, Negi. George Menezes and Dinar Tarcar were the moderators for the question answer session. The chief minister was participating in a question-answer session. The chief minister when asked about his government practice of giving equal grants to Konkani and Marathi, he said, this was because the Konkani Academy has not come out with an appropriate scheme and programme. He said it was also because Marathi enjoyed equal status. The chief minister said that he would be willing to give even Rs 50-60 lakh to Konkani academy if they came up with appropriate proposals. George Menezes suggested that the department of culture should open centres in other regions to familiarise the people of the native states with Konkani language and culture. Interestingly, though the Sammelan was held in Ponda, none of the local politicians from Ponda taluka were present for the session on culture. Prominent among those present were Cortalim MLA (UGDP), Mathany Saldanha and former chief minister, Shashikala Kakodkar. Conspicuous by his absence was former chief minister and chairman of the Kala Academy Pratapsing Rane who had summarily sacked the then director Damu Kenkre unceremoniously in 1983 for not indulging his wife's Vijayadevi's demand in respect of the Indian Music Choir. The sammelan was co-ordinated by Pramod Shetye, Anil Tendulkar and Dinar Tarcar among others. Ponda Correspondent adds: Earlier in the morning, Chief Secretary Dev Singh Negi inaugurated the Sammelan in the presence of General (retired) Sunit Rodrigues, Sammelan convenor Dinar Bhatkar, Chandrakant Keni and Jagdish Wagh. Addressing the delegates, Negi said India is transforming enormously and that Goa is also keeping pace with the rest of the country. He called upon the Goans residing outside the State to contribute for the development of Goa. While highlighting the increasing number of non-Goans, the chief secretary insisted that Goans need not fear their presence in the state. "This immigration cannot change the taste of Goan fish and curry," Negi said. In his address, Gen Sunit Rodrigues said political leaders must be people of character and should be prompt in the decision making process. He stated that credit for developmental work should not be taken by individual politicians, but that it should be shared with others. "This sammelan is a good example of fusion and synergy of Goans who have gone outside the State," felt Gen Rodrigues and added that this has been a historic opportunity to lift Goa to its maximum height. NRI Cell chairman Chandrakant Keni welcomed the gathering, while Sammelan convenor Dinar Bhatkar later proposed the vote of thanks. **************** ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
