PANAJI
“If a language is a rose, then its dialects are its petals,” said Prof Dr Rajay Pawar while addressing an academic symposium on language and dialects. He emphasised the significance of dialects in language studies and called for local businesses, hotels, and establishments in the Pernem region to display their signboards in the native dialect of Pedne Konkani.
The event, titled "Challenges and Opportunities in Konkani Language Education," was jointly organised by the Goa Konkani Academy and the Department of Konkani of Harmal Panchakroshi Shikshan Mandal’s Ganpat Parsekar College of Education. The one-day workshop aimed to address the challenges faced in Konkani language education and explore opportunities for its growth.
Dr Pandurang Pandit, the Principal of the College, welcomed the attendees, while Laxmikant Parsekar, President of the Harmal Panchakroshi Shikshan Mandal, was the chief guest. Konkani Department in-charge Vaishali V Parab was also present. In his address, Parsekar shared his insights on the importance of the Konkani language.
A special felicitation ceremony honoured Advait Chandrakant Salgaonkar, whose essay collection 'Pednyacha Samara' won the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2024. The college recognised his contribution to Konkani literature by presenting him with a shawl and a memento. The workshop featured two key sessions: Assistant Professor Sylvester Vaz spoke on “Konkani Dialects and Their Standardization: Impact on Konkani Education”, while Associate Professor Sanjay Govekar addressed the topic “Goans’ Mindset Towards Konkani Education.” The session was moderated by Welbert Rodrigues, while Assistant Professor Hemal P Chowgule concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
