To The Editor, Dear Sir,
KALA ACADEMY AND INJUSTICE TO ROMI WRITERS Theres no doubt that the Konkani Roman script, which has scripted pages of gold in the checkered history of Konkani in Goa, has been receiving time and again step-motherly treatment from a group of staunch Devanagiri script supporters. That the Goa Kala Academy too is now abdicating its role to give the much-needed impetus to Romi writers is a matter of shame. All the more so, in view of the repeated statements made by our CM that all possible help, in every way, will be extended to the Roman script. On April, 18 2006, at the meeting of the Executive Board of the KA, it was suggested that, like the decision of having a separate category for Roman Konkani Sahitya Puraskar, an independent scheme ought to be prepared for Gomant Sharda Puraskar for Roman Konkani, Devanagiri Konkani and Marathi. As a policy matter, the Executive unanimously approved the suggestion and directed the Member Secretary to prepare separate schemes and make necessary budgetary provisions. When the matter came up for ratification by the General Council (of which I am also a member) on 12th. of this month, Mr. Uday Bhembre vehemently opposed the move by making points in favour of his stand. Mr. Tomazinho Cardoso, together with others, put counter-arguments, fervently appealing for separate schemes, all the more so, in view of the prevailing ground realities today. Tomazinho did make a strong case to my mind and therefore I am dismayed to read in the press that the KA has closed door on Romi script writers. Today thousands of Romi writers, readers and lovers nurture our beautiful Konkani language with love and tender care almost single-handedly. And this has become possible only because of the invaluable support and generous personal financial help of umpteen devoted people. Romi script writers have a reason to be aggrieved once more. Let me state, at this juncture, that I am all for dialogue and bridges between the lipi factions. I am not in favour of any amendment to the Official Language Bill at this point of time (because it will give leeway to even more fissiparous tendencies). But I make a strong appeal to those at the helm of the KA that this prestigious body should not abdicate its responsibility as far as promotion and recognition of Romi Konkani script is concerned. The world will not come to an end if the decisions adopted by the executive board are implemented without delay. To be sure Konkani language will be enriched thousandfold - even as it is given a new aroma and a fresh touch of fragrance. Long live amchi maim bas! Tanking you, Dr. Francisco Colaco, MD 151 G. Rebelo. Margao. Goa. Ce3ll: 9823190318 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
