MARGAO
The Goan Outreach Association, Mumbai, held a public meeting titled “Our Culture, Our Script, Our Heritage “ Conserve Our Romi Lipi” at Holy Cross School Hall, Kurla (West), Mumbai.
Speaking at the event, Velim MLA Cruz Silva said that Romi Konkani should get its rightful place in the Official Language Act or be introduced in schools in Goa under the new NEP. He added that he will continue to raise the matter in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Kennedy Afonso, President of the Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan (GRLA), spoke about the movement’s plans to take Romi Konkani forward and emphasised the need to set up the Goa State Minorities Commission.
Youth President Mathew Almeida presented PANCHANAMA, a PowerPoint presentation explaining that the points raised by the Chief Minister in the Assembly were without merit.
Michael Gracias highlighted the rich heritage of Romi Konkani and reaffirmed GRLA’s commitment to securing its rightful place in the Official Language Act.
GRLA Treasurer Ansh Bandekar spoke on the unity of all Konkani scripts at the State and Sahitya Akademi levels. He also appealed to Mumbaikars to use Konkani in their homes and daily life.
Professor Ramarao Wagh recalled the rich history of the Konkani language and called for a full-fledged discussion on the subject in the Goa Assembly.
Youth Secretary Melkevar urged the youth of Mumbai to embrace the Romi script, saying it is fast emerging as a popular medium for Konknni, already widely used for everyday communication.
Managing Thrust Committee Chairman Sebastian Sequeira welcomed the GRLA delegation with flowers and said all Goans must unite to protect and conserve Romi Lipi. Dr Risia Passaina gave a brief introduction to the activities undertaken by GRLA in Goa.
