PANAJI
“I am disheartened because the true Konkani, that is Romi Konkani, was not included in the Official Language Bill and we were deceived by other legislatures on the issue of ‘lipi’ even though we fought together under one banner ‘Konknni Porjecho Avaz’, said Victor Gonsalves, former St Cruz MLA while addressing a book release function organised by the Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) in Panaji. The event was attended by DKA president Vincy Quadros, treasurer Celso Fernandes and secretary William Fernandes along with the writer Jeetendra Fadte, Dr Edward de Lima’s wife Sheela de Lima and Erasmo Coutinho’s son Eruch Coutinho. The three books released at the hands of Gonsalves were ‘Amchea Bhurgeank Kannio’, a book of short stories by late Prof Edward de Lima, a novel ‘Jivit Moronn’ by late Erasmo Joao Coutinho and ‘Pausa Mirg’ a collection of 124 poems by Jeetendra Fadte. Congratulating the writers, Victor suggested that Goa Legislative Assembly can purchase DKA’s books for its library. Vincy Quadros explained DKA’s various schemes and urged Konkani lovers to promote the language. Dr Glenis Mendonca spoke on the books. Celso Fernandes welcomed the writers and Afonso Braganca proposed a vote of thanks. Tomazinho Cardozo, former president of DKA, tiatrist Menino Mario Aruajo, Willy Goes, Savio Pinto, Isito Gracias and others were present. William Fernandes compered the function.
