GKF engages Arambol locals, clergy to campaign for justice
MARGAO
In its continuing efforts to reach out to more people, the Global Konknni Forum (GKF) conducted an awareness programme in Arambol to strengthen the movement for securing equal status to Konkani in the Roman script. The programme held at Church Hall was attended by villagers along with their Parish Priest, Fr Roland Lin Fernandes.
GKF Secretary Salvador Fernandes said since its inception 18 months ago, the GKF has been working tirelessly to achieve its twin demands: Equal status for Konkani in Roman script along with Devanagari script in the Official Language Act, and the option to study in Konkani Roman script in schools. “While the second demand was tabled as a resolution during the last Assembly session by Opposition members, it was opposed and defeated by the ruling government,” he said, adding that this was done ‘by presenting lies and factual errors, thereby misleading both the House and the public’.
Fernandes further alleged that a “Nagari coterie” has been influencing the ruling government to oppose Roman script in education. “If Roman script is introduced in schools, then government job advertisements would have to mandate knowledge of both Nagari and Roman scripts. This is why a systematic ploy is at work to eliminate Konkani in Roman script, despite its 450-year-old legacy—much older than Nagari—and its role in keeping the language alive,” he said.
He emphasised that the GKF has not lost hope. “We are currently meeting with parents who strongly support the option of Roman script in education. The fight for justice continues,” Fernandes assured. He also explained to the gathering how injustice was meted out to Roman script Konkani during the passage of the Official Language Act, owing to what he described as “the cunning tactics of a handful of Devanagari protagonists.”
The Parish Priest of Arambol Church, Fr Roland Lin Fernandes, lauded the GKF for its initiative and pledged his full support, along with the local community, for the movement to secure justice for Roman script in both the Official Language Act and the education system.
The programme began with a welcome address by GKF Vice President Francis Xavier Fernandes. Executive members Nora Antao de Souza, Vivek C Pereira, and Callisto J de Souza were also present for the event.
Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan pushes for Romi Konkani teaching in schools
MARGAO: The Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan on Sunday gave a power-point presentation titled Panchanama at Arambol Church, to spread awareness on the Romi Konkani issue.
The Panchanama highlights points cited in the Goa Legislative Assembly to reject the private members’ resolutions tabled by Adv Carlos Ferreira, aimed at introducing Romi Konkani as an optional subject in Goa’s schools.
GRLA also appealed that the PTA of schools in Arambol and all over Goa should pass a resolution to request the government and school management to start teaching Romi Konkani into schools, as per the new education policy.
GRLA Youth President Mathew Almeida gave the power-point presentation, along with our secretary Michael Gracias.
