English as MOI
In connection with a letter on the above subject I read on line a couple of days ago in one of Goa’s newspapers, I feel it is high time that the government takes a strong stand on this crucial and very significant issue without bowing to any pressure whatsoever. I am a thoroughbred Goan and have Konkani in my mind, heart and soul, but I will most certainly not endorse the idea that it should be the medium of instruction, even if only up to the fourth standard.
Don’t the people lobbying for this have the capacity to visualise the irreparable damage it would do to our poor children, since their foundation of the language will be lost forever? Are they trying to push Goa backwards in this era of fierce competition around the world?
I have been working in the UAE for the last 38 years, and have been witness to enumerable cases where our poor Goans have been at the receiving end (either poorly paid or no jobs at all), precisely due to the lack or very poor knowledge of the English language. To substantiate my opinion, you can well imagine how very delighted I was yesterday early morning, to hear on BBC Business Report that there is presently a rush in Mumbai of people wanting to either learn or upgrade their communication skills in the English language. This could well be a case where they had no choice but to enroll in schools which did not have English as the MOI but just as a subject. This is an absolute eye-opener for Goa.
Alwyn Gracias, Abu Dhabi
Logical protest?
It’s interesting to read about the people of Betul and Velim protesting against the Def Expo and air show that is due to be held on a piece of land there. I do not know much about it, but from what I would imagine, it’s a show for a short duration after which the land should revert back to the village/government. If that is the case then why this massive protest?
A huge event like this will bring press from all across the nation down to the state and a place that doesn’t get much press, like the deep south, will surely benefit from this. Thousands of people will throng there which will be good business for restaurant owners and hotel owners in the area. Are they being led by someone who has vested interests, to protest against something that will benefit them? Or is there more to this Def Expo than meets the eye? Someone has to explain this so as to clear the minds of the people of Betul and Velim.
Sanjay Naik, Mapusa
Different crops
Regarding the story ‘Goa’s climate best for Moong, Udit crop’ in The Goan Everyday, December 6, it is interesting to know that there is potential for different kinds of crops than the ones already being produced here. We have so many farmers groups and single farmers who are still staying true to their roots and working in the agricultural sector. This is a great time to encourage them to produce different kinds of crops. The department of agriculture should also be a part of this movement and work to improve the facilities, like the availability of water. With the prices of grain shooting up across India, the time is ripe to take advantage of that here in Goa.
Insia Mendonca, Fatorda
