It must be appreciated that CM has said that its time to settle the issue of
Official Language once n for all. Well its true and needs to be addressed if at
all the official language is to flourish. Lets not make it look like Hindus v/s
Christian issue. Konkani in Roman Script is not dear to me but Konkani as Sole
official language is.
But please do not get misguided. For christians, and for that matter, every
Goan, Konkani is the mother tongue. Thats y the Hindus in Goa are known as
Konknnes not hindus, cause we are konkans. Somehow we christians have not got
that label even though we are proud of it. We are Konknees first and then
kristaum n hindus. Well i am not denying the fact that Marathi used to be
language of the temples because of the relationship of the dominant
maharashtrian influence on the hindu lifestlye, but it was not the language at
homes. Even Christians used Latin for religious rites very long time back, but
that dint mean latin would be our language.
today the govt is funding migrant schools in urdu and kannada for the migrants.
But Konkani is not even a subject in this schools. Is this the govt of Goans.
Digamber is pumping 50 crores on urdu schools in margao. Our "owls" or old
goverement schools are falling down in velsao n everywhere. Where is Konkani,
forget even marathi. Parrikar dont push Marathi just because marathi is
language of your schooling and prayer. konkanim is your mother tongue.
The MGP still has notions of that Maharashtrian designs. Even after years they
cant take the word Maharashtra of that party. The issue right now is not the
script of the language. It s the issue about giving that status to Konkani as
it really deserves. We should not fall prey to the fact that just because Roman
script will be recognised, we should allow Marathi too, to be the official
language of Goa. Konkani in Devnagri script is and shall be the official
language of Goa. We christians have to accept this fact. I take great pride in
opening the pages of Sunaprant on Goanews. Let us not allow marathi chauvinists
to make merry by promising us the Roman script allibi. Christian MLAs should
not fall prey to this googly.
Lets resolve the issue as it is. Konkani in the Devnagri script is the
Official Language of Goa. And important thing be that its used officially too
in signages, compulsory for jobs and for all official matters. Marathi may be
used along wiht status to Roman Script on par wiht Devanagri. But surely not
Marathi on equal status.
We too are goans and we dont speak marathi anywhere. Parrikar we are already
under danger of being eliminated by this influx of migrants. Lets save our
goem for ourselves. Dont get another maratha invasion on goa. Konkani
amchi mai bhas tich amchi raj bhas. n thats in Roman Script. But i know to
write in Devnagri also n proud to do so.
Konknni bhasechea mogan
Beny Pereira
Dubai - UAE
