Glimpses of Konknni in Roman script
First printing press in India was brought to St. Paul college, at present day
Old Goa by the Jesuit missionaries. Between 1556 to 1561 “Doutrina Christam”, a
catechism book in Konknni in Roman script was printed.
One would expect that Hindus from Goa were the first people to write and
publish Konknni books in Nagari script. The reality is quite different. The
credit to write and publish the first Konknni book in Nagari script goes to a
Catholic of Goan origin. Dr. George Octaviano Pires published “Kristanv Doton
ani Katisism” at Sholapur in 1894.
The first book in Konknni in Nagari script by a Hindu was written by Varde
Vaman Valaulikar (alias Shannai Gõybab). His “Gõykarancho Mumbaikar” was
published by Gomantak Press, Bombay in 1910. It has 69 pages. Valaulikar began
his Konknni literature mission through Roman script. He has written 15 Konknni
books in Roman script. If he had believed Nagari script as the ‘natural’ script
of Konknni why did he did not begin to write Konknni in it? His Konknni books
in Roman script are as follows:
Akbar Patxea ani Birbal. Bombay: L.M.Furtado & Co. 1902.
Bakaulechem Ful. Bombay: L.M.Furtado & Co. 1902.
Razput Hamlet ani Bapaichem Bhut. 1908
Gõykarancho Mumboikar. Bombay: L.M.Furtado & Co. 1910.
Gore Bailecho Callo Ghov. Bombay: L.M.Furtado & Co. 1912.
Mogachem Logn. Bombay: L.M.Furtado & Sons. 1914.
Ghatmaro Ixtt. Bombay: L.M.Furtado & Co. 1915
Mudiam Khatir Ghova Bailechem Zhogddem.
Dhuvanchi Porikxa.
Zunvllea Bhanvacho Ghuspa-godoll. 1914.
Agul’leachem Nivollonn. 1914.
Ranniechem Jivem Bavlem. 1914.
Bailechi Porikxa.
Mogache Piddechem Okhod.
Bhusmare Alebhav-Kolebhav.
The first Konknni vocabulary and Konknni Grammar in Roman script were ready by
1570. They were used to teach Konknni at St. Paul college.
In 1830s Manddo came into existence in Salcette, Goa.
In 1889 February 02, Eduardo Jose Bruno de Souza started the first Konknni
periodical in Roman script “Udentechem Sallok” in Pune.
17 April 1892 the first Tiatr “Italian Bhurgo of Lucasinho Ribeiro was staged
in Mumbai. Today Tiatr has become one of the most successful entertainment
industry.
The first Konknni novel “Kristanv Ghorabo” was completed on 31 July 1905 by
Eduardo J. Bruno de Souza. It was printed in 1911.
On 24th April 1950 the first full length Konknni film “Mogacho Aunddo” produced
by Mr. Jerry Braganza was released at Mapuça. “Amchem Noxib”, “Nirmonn”,
“Bhunyarantlo Monis” and “Padri” film producers were from Konknni in Roman
script users.
In Sept 1962 Konknni Bhasha Mandal, Goa was started in Margão by Pedro
Correia-Afonso of Benaulim.
Pratap Naik, S.J.
Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr
B.B.Borkar Road
Alto Porvorim, Goa – 403 001
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