*To, * *The Editor*
** * * *Sir, * *Kindly give publicity to the following news item in your esteemed daily. Also attached a photo.* *Thanking you,* * * *Jose Salvador Fernandes,* *Secretary, Dalgado Konknni Akademi* *Mob: 9881810832 * * * * * * * *Press Note* * * *The Official Language Act is a deliberate attempt to alienate nearly 5 lakh Goans who read and write Konknni in the Roman script, said Dr. Olivinho Gomes, fomer Vice-Chancellor of Goa University.* * * *Speaking at a function organized by Dalgado Konknni Akademi to commemorate the 154th birth anniversary of Mons. Sebastiao Rudolfo Dalgado, Dr. Gomes termed this attempt as a ‘cultural and political genocide’ and cited the example of Switzerland, home to 4 official languages, which respected the diversity of its people. He paid glowing tributes to Mons. Dalgado and dwelt at length on his life and his scholarly contribution to preserve the Konknni language.* * * *Dr. Pandurang Phaldesai, Member Secretary, Kala Akademi who graced the occasion as Guest of Honor, praised the monumental works of Mons. Dalgado and urged the young writers to be torch-bearers of the society.* * * *The Guests also lighted the traditional lamp to inaugurate the Workshop on Short Story and Novel Writing. Floral offerings and a minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect to Mons. Dalgado.* * * *Resource persons for the day-long workshop were Damodar Mauzo, noted Konknni story writer and *Sahitya Akademy award winner, * and Pundalik Naik, well known Konknni writer and dramatist and former President of Goa Konknni Akademi. Tomazinho Cardozo, President of Tiatr Akademi was the moderator for both the sessions. Over 60 writers who attended the workshop were presented with certificates of participation.* * * *Earlier, Premanand Lotlikar, President of Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) welcomed and Jose Salvador Fernandes, Secretary of DKA, proposed the vote of thanks.* * * *Thomas Fernandes, Treasurer of DKA compered. * *Photo Caption: Dr. Olivinho Gomes, fomer Vice-Chancellor of Goa University seen lighting the lamp to inaugurate the day long workshop on Konknni Short story and Novel writing. Also seeen are Dr. Pandurang Phaldesai, member secretary of Kala Academy, DKA president Premanand A. Lotlikar and Secretary Jose Salvador Fernandes.* * * * *
