Sawaikar cites Importance of protecting Goa's rich heritage

MARGAO

Asserting that people from all walks of life have contributed to the promotion and enrichment of Konkani language over the years, Commissioner NRI Affairs, Narendra Sawaikar on Saturday underscored the need to protect the rich cultural heritage of Goa in order to protect the identity of the State.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the Dalgado Puroskar 2023 programme organised by the Dalgado Konknni Akademi at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao to confer awards on the eight individuals who have excelled in literary and cultural fields, and who have helped in preserving and promoting Konkani literature in Roman script and the culture of Goa.

“Many may say they have no idea what lies in store for the future of Konkani language. But someone will come on the literary field in the future to save the language. When time changes, circumstances also change. New people will be ready to serve the language and take it forward,” he said.

The ex-South Goa MP further said that he firmly believes that language is enriched by the support received from the people. "The government may or may not support the language, but it’s the support of the people that takes a language forward,” he said.

In his address, president of Dalgado Konknni Akademi Celson Fernandes took the platform to make a plea to the NRI Affairs Commissioner to request the government for financial help and assistance to keep the literary work forward. Saying that DKA had been receiving government’s financial support since 2008, with the support increased in 2015, Celso pointed out that the recent government’s circular that DKA should arrange funds for the staff salaries and administrative expenses has put the organisation in a tight spot.

“We feel there is some agenda behind this move. We will not be able to arrange funds from the corporate to take the Konkani work forward. Our government should do a rethink on the decision. We are open to checks and balances but the government should continue to support the DKA literary works,” he said.

Awards - Dalgado Sahityik Puroskar: Anthony Menezes; Dalgado Sonskrutik Puroskar: C D’Silva; Dalgado Romi Konknni Seva Puroskar: Anthony Miranda; Joel D’Souza Daiz Puroskar: Agostinho Da Cruz; Prabhakar Tendulkar Konknni Sonstha Puroskar: Machi Mogi Santa Cruz (Menino Araujo); Fr Freddy J Da Costa Potrkarita Puroskar: Marcos Gonsalves; Dalgado Tornatto Puroskar: Cialini Fernandes; Berta Menezes Puroskar: Annie Fernandes.