At a function held this evening at the Goa Konkani Academy premises near the KTC Bus stand, three Konkani books in Devnagiri script a) Laxmanrao Sardesai 1904 -1986,Rs 60/- Gaonran and Rajratna Rs 185/- and Rs 175 both by Ms Jayanti Naik a lecturer, were released at the hands of Prof Jayant Budkuley Registrar Goa University. The inaugural price offer was Rs 300/- for all three ie. Rs 50/- Rs 140 and Rs 140/-
Speaking on the ocassion Prof Sebastiao Mariano Borges ab ex- Professor Dept of Geology Smt Parvatibai Chiowgule College and earlier a student in Cuncolim school and Mumbai spoke of some mistakes which need correction. He was apparently referring to the issue of script viz Roman script. Incidentally Prof Gomes has translated into English "The truimph of Konkani" original in Konkani written by Shenoi Goembab in the early 1930's The Registrar of the Goa University Prof Budkuley spoke of the role of University in the propagation of Konkani. He stated that despite some set- backs from the other faculty and excecutive members ever since he took up placement in the University in March 2002 he came out a) with the first circular in the University in Konkani (Devnagiri script) b) there is a bimonthly bulletin in Konkani (Devnagiri script) which gives an insight into the happenings in the University, which he hopes will now be circulated to all the Colleges under the University and he was also optimistic that the same could be sent to the Village Panchayats in Goa. Though eye brows were raised mostly from Goa Unviersity and some writers at the last proposal among the audience which constituted about 23 persons (in the small residential "sala" of an old house which doubles up as the GKA office )excluding reporters of the audio visual and print media. c) He was willing to provide replies in Konkani Devnagiri script if letters were addressed to his office at GU Taleigao in Konkani d) His office took the decision to release advertisements of the Goa University in Konkani Devnagiri scripton Sunaparant besides the English daily despite stiff opposition from the non goans in the Goa University He admitted that the post graduation course MA in Konkani (devnagiri script) needed a thorough revamping of the syllabus and should be far advanced. He quoted Mr Sandesh Prabhudesai Editor Sunaparant stating that BA standard of Konkani Devnagiri script was in the eyes of students far superior than MA. The real scoop of the day was when Dr Jayant Budkuley announced that ever since the Goa University was set up in 1985 after 20 years the University will have to its credit the first student Ph.D in Konkani, this he considers to be greatest achievement for Konkani. When this writer a an ex-student of Dr Budkuley asked him to divulge the name of the student he preferred to keep it as a secret. However another point which was viewed with concern was when Dr Jayant Budkuley stated that he keeps at his home photocopies of files of the Goa University containing notings of his observations on issues and his efforts in promoting Konkani which often suffer stiff resistance from within so that post retirement he could write memoirs of his efforts for Konkani. He admitted that despite belonging to the Science faculty (he was an ex lecturer in Chemistry at S P C College Margao)he had rendered yeomen service to the cause of Konkani, but did admit that English words did flow while he spoke Konkani. Mr Pundalik Naik (not Nayak ) President of the GKA explained the significance of Konkani-- he stated that Sahitya Academi New Delhi recognised the existence of Konkani language in 1975, but with the inclusion of Konkani in the VIII Schedule of the Constitution it was found printed on the currency notes in Devnagiri script alongwith other such official languages. The National Book Trust of India gave fellowships for Konkani literature. This is possible since its inclusion in the VII Schedule on 20th August 1992. Mr Naik assured the audience that monographs of past Konkani stalwarts would adorn the GKA walls viz; R. V Pandit Shenoi Goembab Joao Agostinho Fernandes (Pai tiatrist) and several others. He proudly stated that the GKA has produced thus far per annum nearly 65 book in Konkani roughly five books per month. Touching upon the point raised by Prof Borges earlier, on the Roman script. Mr Naik admitted that there were some aberrations. He did recognise the need for safeguards towards Roman script. He however told the gathering that prior to the formation of the "Konkani Porjecho Avaz" (the Voice of Konkani speaking people) there were 6 to 8 brain storming sessions and at these sessions the issue of script Roman and Devnagiri did surface -- the general consensus was Konkani as official language with disunity among Hindus and Catholics was not worth -- they were more for UNITY amongst HINDUS AND CATHOLICS first then for Konkani and with this the devangiri script was accepted. He however stated that Roman script for literary works will be given due support and atleast under his stewardship there would be no cause for concern. Later this writer spoke to Mr Pundalik Naik and asked him for his views on the 13 points raised by Fr Pratap Naik Director of Thomas Stephen Konkani Kendra. Mr Naik stated bluntly that Fr Naik is perhaps unaware of the backlash from the Marathi protagonist which would follow if the demand for Roman script was raised. Mr Naik was asked to clarify why the Roman script could not go hand in hand, when after all, the logic that Devnagiri script had failed to bring about the Marathi speaking population to accept Konkani, when confronted further stating that it is only the 125 diocesan schools which have to face the brunt of the language he bluntly put the blame of Mr Churchill Alemao, the present MP of Mormugao Parliamentary Constituency who he stated had told him that "all our children Hindu or Catholics will learn in one script Devnagiri". When asked to clarify on the demand for grants he stated " why demand fifty fifty for Devnagiri and Roman script ? he was willing to give 60% for Roman script and 40% for Devnagiri if the circumstances demanded. On another issue whether an amendment could be brought in the Official Language Act 1987 notified on 4th February 1987 --he merely stated "why not anything is possible" but he warned of the backlash from the Marathi protoganists and stated once again that Fr Pratap Naik is not aware of the nitty gritty of the politics and undercurrents in the matter of script. Mr Pundalik Naik when asked to give his points of agreement and disagreement on the thirteen points raised by Fr Naik just maintained a stoic silence. The entire tete a tete was conducted in Konkani by this writer with Mr Naik the current President of the GKA, just after the function in the brief presence of Kamlakar Mhalsi However this writer who spoke to some others got a feeling that the paranoi over the possible backlash from the Marathi wadis is a mere figment of imagination. This writer understood from an activist who has also spearheaded the Roman script movement at Pilar and is associated closely with the GKA that there are several persons who have made the GKA their grazing pastures. Despite thirteen years of inclusion in the VII Schedule it is clear that Devnagiri script alone seems to be the beneficiary of the GKA and all those that were assembled. One of the activists stated that the demand for Konkani in Roman script made by some ex office bearers of the GKA is mainly owing to being antagonised over non release of funds for Konkani tiatrists, he was referring to Mr Wilmix Mazarelo, as regards Mr Tomazinho Cardozo President of the Dalgado Konknni Akademi he was branded as a mere politico who did not achieve anything on the Roman script while he was in the government. Notwithstanding the present situation there is a strong undercurrent for the recognition of Konkani in Roman script. Incidentally at another function held in Majorda this evening by the DKA according to telephonic conversation with some participants the play on struggle for Konkani which was also telecast on Panaji DD on 19th August, 2005 was well appreciated and several speakers of the day spoke on the issue of Konkani in Roman script. The coming week will see the activists galvanising themselves for action on the floor of the Goa Legislative Assembly. Here is a photo clips of the days events. Despite the small gathering one can expect the local media to give this a wide coverage some on front page. But a similar meet with a wider present for Roman script was not given adequate cover. This is how the press works in Goa. Unfortunately some websites on issues pertaining to Goa and Goans post excerpts from the local dailies and thereby give legitimacy to the myth rather than reality. This should be avoided by websites and it would be advisable to generate news through their own sources. Its time we separate the chaff from the grain to understant the ground realities in goa and read news behind the lines. Meanwhile the emails for Konkani in Roman script have been increasing day by day which truly reflects the support for the same. Mr Pundalik Naik President of GKA can be contacted on +91 0832 2437385 and also another activists who can provide vital inputs is Mr Anthony Vaz of the GKA office. Meanwhile it has been decided to seek a written clarification from the GKA on the points raised by Fr Pratap Naik Director TSKK Porvorim. from the Goa Konkani Academy Panaji GODFREY J I GONSALVES Borda Margao Goa [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cell 9822158584
