KBM President Serafino Cota said, “Our language and its institutions have withstood harsher attacks in the past, and we will continue to remain united and steadfast in our work for Konkani.”
Clarifying any misconceptions that the public may have had about KBM and its stand on the disagreement with Naik, the KBM president said the KBM and its new executive committee are focused on the upcoming Konkani activities this year and have invited all Konkani lovers to wholeheartedly participate in the continued celebration of the language.
“Konkani Bhasha Mandal stands firmly by our actions taken on the views expressed by Datta Naik on Shenoi Goembab, a Konkani stalwart who greatly strengthened our Konkani language and identity. Following KBM's protest, Datta Naik sought to end his primary membership of the KBM. KBM declined to accept this out of respect for his contributions to the Konkani language. Subsequently, Datta Naik withdrew his request to cancel his KBM membership,” he said.
He added: “A meeting was held with Datta Naik and office-bearers of KBM and other members on July 13 at Konkani Bhavan, Margao. Discussions were held on the respective views of Datta Naik and KBM, and concluded with the mutual agreement to move forward with various Konkani activities.”
Cota said Konkani Bhasha Mandal did not make any request to Datta Naik to reconsider his withdrawal of pledged donations towards KBM activities and left this matter to his personal discretion. “Following the meeting, the trustees and family members of Datta Naik decided to continue supporting KBM's activities through their donation programme,” he explained.
