PANAJI
Intensifying their agitation against the State Government s decision to continue grants to the minority-run English medium primary schools, Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) on Sunday kicked off its state-wide campaign of Matrubhasha Rakshak Abhiyan . BBSM is targeting at registering nearly 2 lakh supporters of regional languages. Once a person registers under this programme, he will have to tie a band which has Matrubhasha Rakshak embossed on it. The wearing of the band will imply that the person has extended his support to the mother tongue or regional language. Though the maiden programme did not aim at show of strength, it witnessed participation from nearly 700 members. Speaking to media persons after the programme, BBSM leader Subhash Velingkar said:“We have set a target of registering over 2 lakh Goans through the Matrubhasha Rakshak Abhiyan . However this will be followed by programmes at 638 locations across the State for taking oath in support of the mother tongue upto August 31.” Additionally, BBSM has already started with black flag demonstrations outside government organised programmes and further also plan to do it in atleast at 100 government events. Public meetings at nine locations have also been scheduled by BBSM “ Ponda, Dharbandora, Mapusa, Canacona, Porvorim, Vasco, Panaji, Margao and Bicholim.
