Cedrico wrote: Actually now is the time to ask both the candidates Wilfred Misquita n Sardinha as to what they would do to ensure the survival and promotion of the koankanni language specially in sashti....which played the major role in getting koankanni the official language status. -- Just after the official language act was passed I was visiting Goa. On a trip from Margoa to Vasco, I was given a ride by Dr. Misquitta and a freedom fighter, whose name I forget. I asked the good old doctor why he as an MGP member did not voice his support for Konkani in Romi script instead of only Devnagiri script along with Marathi as the official language. HIs reply was that Catholic Goans could choke Marathi and give no importance to Konkani in devnagiri script. It was perhaps an escapist route, just as he is doing with regard to the Dabolim vs Mopa airport issue. Obviously, as an MGP member (maybe he was on the party's executive), he did not want to go against the party line. It only shows that politicians dance to party tunes even though in their hearts they don't agree with the policies. That Dr. Misquitta has joined the BJP just to get the parliamentary ticket is obvious. In fact, I and Wilson Mazarello (Wilmix) discussed the issue during his stay in Dubai. I said to him that the demand for Konkani in Romi Lipi should have been tagged along with the demand for Konkani as an official language during the agitation. It is bit late in the day but, nevertheless, the fight that has begun must be carried on. One is never sure when victory will come, as as it happened in getting official recognition to Konkani. True, politicians such as Churchill, Luzinho and Francisco should have rushed the amendment through the legislature during their brief stints as chief ministers. Having given an award for a Romi Konkani book, it seems strange that the Kala Academy has gone back to its earlier stance of giving awards only to Devnagiri Konkani. But the Kala Academy has been a bastion of pro-Marathi or pro-Devnagiri supporters. Wasn't is surprising that Parrikar made Rane, an Opposition leader, the chairperson of the august cultural body during his time as chief minister.
Eugene __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
