MARGAO
The Dalgado Konknni Akademi on Sunday renewed its demand for according equal status for Romi Konkani on par with Devnagiri for the development of the language, even as Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gawde steered clear of the language script row by saying that Romi language has not lagged behind though Devnagiri script is used for administrative purpose.
At the annual DKA awards 2017 programme at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on Sunday, DKA leaders, including President Tomazinho Cardozo and outgoing president Premanand Lotlikar, made a strong pitch to accord equal status for Romi Konkani.
In his address, Art and Culture Minister Govind Gawde praised DKA for having worked towards keeping the mother tongue alive through various programmes. Referring to the demands made by the DKA leaders for equal status on par with Devnagiri Konknai, Govind pointed out that Romi has not lagged behind. "To develop Konkani and take it to greater heights, we have to all work together hand in hand. You need both hands to clap and both Romi and Devnagiri are equally important not only to develop the language, but further enrich Konkani and take it beyond the state's borders," he said.
He complimented the DKA award winners for their contribution to the field of literature and others and said it is the duty and responsibility of the government to accord due respect to the artists. "This government will ensure that the artists and literary figures will not be left stranded. We have taken the responsibility to ensure that Goan artists not only excel in Goa, but go to every nook and corner of the country and even abroad," Govind said.
In his brief address, ex-DKA president Premanand Lotlikar, who was one of the awardees this year, said the akademi is not against any script or language, but has been only fighting for justice to Romi Konknai. "Whatever rights or status Devnagiri Konkani is enjoying today should be also bestowed on Romi Konkani. This is our demand and we will fight till the last to achieve this goal," Premanand said, while making a fervent plea to all Konkani lovers to leave behind differences and remain united towards the goal of Romi Konkani getting equal status with Devnagiri Konkani.
DKA President Tomazinho Cardozo said that DKA has been working for the development and enriching Konkani language over the years. "Romi Konkani should get equal status like Devnagiri Konkani if further development of the language is to take place," he said, adding that Konkani language will benefit immensely if both the Romi and Devnagiri Konkani move ahead in the state.
On the occasion, DKA felicitated six personalities with its annual awards. These are: Jess Fernandes (Dalgado Sahityik Puroskar), Premanand Lotlikar (Dalgado Konknni Seva Puroskar), John Claro Fernandes (Dalgado Sonskrutik Puroskar), Lourence Fernandes (Joel D'Sozua Puroskar), Michael Gracias (Fr Freddy J da Costa Potrakarita Puroskar) and Goa Chitra (Dalgado Konknni Sonstha Puroskar).
The Dalgado Konknni Akademi on Sunday renewed its demand for according equal status for Romi Konkani on par with Devnagiri for the development of the language, even as Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gawde steered clear of the language script row by saying that Romi language has not lagged behind though Devnagiri script is used for administrative purpose.
At the annual DKA awards 2017 programme at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on Sunday, DKA leaders, including President Tomazinho Cardozo and outgoing president Premanand Lotlikar, made a strong pitch to accord equal status for Romi Konkani.
In his address, Art and Culture Minister Govind Gawde praised DKA for having worked towards keeping the mother tongue alive through various programmes. Referring to the demands made by the DKA leaders for equal status on par with Devnagiri Konknai, Govind pointed out that Romi has not lagged behind. "To develop Konkani and take it to greater heights, we have to all work together hand in hand. You need both hands to clap and both Romi and Devnagiri are equally important not only to develop the language, but further enrich Konkani and take it beyond the state's borders," he said.
He complimented the DKA award winners for their contribution to the field of literature and others and said it is the duty and responsibility of the government to accord due respect to the artists. "This government will ensure that the artists and literary figures will not be left stranded. We have taken the responsibility to ensure that Goan artists not only excel in Goa, but go to every nook and corner of the country and even abroad," Govind said.
In his brief address, ex-DKA president Premanand Lotlikar, who was one of the awardees this year, said the akademi is not against any script or language, but has been only fighting for justice to Romi Konknai. "Whatever rights or status Devnagiri Konkani is enjoying today should be also bestowed on Romi Konkani. This is our demand and we will fight till the last to achieve this goal," Premanand said, while making a fervent plea to all Konkani lovers to leave behind differences and remain united towards the goal of Romi Konkani getting equal status with Devnagiri Konkani.
DKA President Tomazinho Cardozo said that DKA has been working for the development and enriching Konkani language over the years. "Romi Konkani should get equal status like Devnagiri Konkani if further development of the language is to take place," he said, adding that Konkani language will benefit immensely if both the Romi and Devnagiri Konkani move ahead in the state.
On the occasion, DKA felicitated six personalities with its annual awards. These are: Jess Fernandes (Dalgado Sahityik Puroskar), Premanand Lotlikar (Dalgado Konknni Seva Puroskar), John Claro Fernandes (Dalgado Sonskrutik Puroskar), Lourence Fernandes (Joel D'Sozua Puroskar), Michael Gracias (Fr Freddy J da Costa Potrakarita Puroskar) and Goa Chitra (Dalgado Konknni Sonstha Puroskar).
