MARGAO
The Goa Forward Party (GFP) complimented Indigo Airlines for creating history on Sunday by making their in-flight announcement in Konkani, the official language of Goa, for the first time.
The announcement was made during a flight from Ahmedabad to Goa.
GFP president Vijai Sardesai, who was on the flight, requested the flight attendant, who was fluent in Konkani, to make the announcement. The flight attendant obliged, which surprised and delighted the passengers on board.
Many of them expressed their appreciation for the crew’s efforts to recognise and respect the regional language, he said.
Sardesai later tweeted: “LET’S BE PROUD OF WHO WE ARE. Yesterday, at my request, the crew of @IndiGo6E Ahmedabad-Goa made their announcement in #Konkani. Not only should this be made mandatory on all #Goa flights but @aaigoaairport and @newgoaairport must display flight information in Konkani as well.”
Replying to Sardesai, Indigo Airlines tweeted: “Mr Sardesai, glad to know our team were able to mirror the language of the customers. Further, we do try to accommodate local language-speaking crew on all regional flights as far as possible”.
The MLA said this move by Indigo Airlines has set a precedent for other airlines to follow in employing Goa’s regional language in their operations, and thus promote Goa's culture and identity.
“I will follow up this initiative by requesting the airport authorities in Goa to make announcements in Konkani within Dabolim and Mopa airport premises, and use it on Airport Display Boards,” Sardesai said.
Sardesai hoped that this initiative will encourage other businesses in India to recognize and respect the linguistic and cultural uniqueness of Goa that Konkani represents.
