------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * * * * * ANNUAL GOANETTERS MEET * * * * * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goanetters in Goa and visiting meet Jan 6, 2009 at 3.30 pm at Hotel Mandovi (prior to the Goa Sudharop event, which you're also welcome to). Join in for a Dutch dinner -- if we can agree on a venue after the meet. RSVP (confirmations only) 9822122436 or 2409490 or [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Konkani in the Roman Script must be incorporated into Goa's Official Language Act; on Par with Devanagiri.See following facts: (1) The Act in the current form is doing more damage to Konkani than Good over the past +20 years. Has the usage of Konkani increased in the local populace, government etc in the last 20 years? (2) The supporters of Current Act (i.e. Devanagiri Konkani only) had +20 years to make this current act work for promotion/growth of Konkani. Clearly they are still not successful & were given ample time; so its only fair that we look at revisions in favour of Roman Konkani. (3) There is significant percentage of Goans, who relate more to Roman than Devanagari. (4) While the Devanagari script is important for the Indian perspective, the Roman script has a wider international appeal i.e Languages in Europe,North America, South America, Australia, India and also widely used in Asia, Africa etc. Hence, both scripts will boost Konkani (basis for Goan Identity) and also give Goa a Strong Global Appeal. (5) Roman Script can also help connect many in the Goan Diaspora to their roots & possibly encourage some of them to return home; which will only be good for Goa. (6) Goa's Identity is a blend between the East & West; which enforces the argument for having Konkani in both the scripts; in the Official Language Act. (7) In India/Goa, a foreign language English i.e. Roman Script is widely recognised & used; so why is our mother tongue discriminated in the very same script? Arwin Mesquita (UAE) -- Please post your comments on my Blog: http://goanidentity.blogspot.com/ -- Please post your comments on my Blog: http://goanidentity.blogspot.com/
