Closer coordination between Konkani States envisaged BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 12 - With the idea of a "cultural state" in mind, the All India Konkani Parishad on Saturday envisaged a closer coordination between Konkani States so as to also bring about awareness among NRI Goans and reduce the feared and growing "cultural vacuum." Novelist and Sahitya Akademi award winner, Mahableshwar Sail, had mooted the idea of a cultural state last year at a function in Kumta-Karnataka. The idea was to have a cultural state within the four states - Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Goa - by suggesting an amendment in the Constitution.
Speaking on 'An Idea of a Konkani Cultural State', president of Konkani Parishad, Kumta Arun Ubhaykar, said, "There's a feeling that Konkani culture is lost. With the concept of a cultural state, various cultural programmes could be organised through different media. That way the gap could be filled up." Ubhaykar said that at the international level there was a sign of awakening among NRIs. The Konkani conventions held in the Gulf countries, United Kingdom and America are a proof of that. Editor of Sunaprant, Sandesh Prabhudesai, observed, "The idea of a cultural state could be shaped by using the audio-visual medium and satellite technology for cultural-exchange programmes." Prabhudesai suggested that the State government, along with Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala, could open a centre on the lines of the West Zone Cultural Centre where Konkani film, drama, folk and others festivals could be held at the all-India level." Literary figure from Kerala Dr Sunitabai also spoke at length on the subject. President of AIKP Paulo Moraes was also present.
