THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
“Mother tongue is totally connected to the culture. Each language is attached to the culture. It's only through the language that the oneness or unity among Goans will take place wherever they may be. If we really love Konkani and wish to take it forward then we need to read and speak the language. Only then will the Konknni language survive,” said Miguel Braganza, promoter of organic farming in Goa.
Braganza was speaking at the function organised by Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) to celebrate International Mother Language Day on February 21 in Panaji. He added, there are languages without scripts and Konkani lovers must work together with one mission and vision to keep the language alive for the next generations.
“A language could have several dialects, it may be taught in schools, but the language you speak at home is your mother tongue,” said Braganza in the presence of DKA president Vincy Quadros, secretary William Fernandes and treasurer Celso Fernandes. “Language helps in the development of the culture and if the language disappears, the culture also vanishes with it. Even though our Roman script is widely used in Goa it finds hurdles due to non-recognition by the local government. To save the Roman script, the Devanagari users should also help,” said Quadros.
William Fernandes welcomed the gathering and Celso Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks. The program is available on DKA's Youtube channel.
