Call for unity as activists reject divisive politics over language
Noted Konkani singer Hema Sardesai making a fervent plea to the people of Goa to attend the Lohia Maidan meeting on Sunday to express their support to Konkani.
MARGAO
Noted Konkani singer Hema Sardesai on Friday sent a message loud and clear to those in power and others not to mess up with Konkani language, as Konkani protagonists have called for a public meeting at the historic Lohia Maidan, Margao on Sunday.
The Lohia Maidan meeting on Sunday comes against the backdrop of the meeting held at the same venue last Sunday by Marathi protagonists led by Subhash Velingkar, who had issued a warning to the BJP government to either accord official status to Marathi or face the brunt of the Marathi lovers in the 2027 Assembly election.
Singer Hema Sardesai, noted tiatrist Wilson Mazarello, artist Sidharth Yagi, besides Vishal Nogueiro addressed the media here on Friday to give a call to the people of Goa not to fall prey to the divisive and communal politics played by certain persons demanding official status for Marathi.
Hema said that the Konkani protagonists are not afraid of anyone, clarifying that they have not got together due to the threat issued by the Marathi people last week. “We are not afraid of anyone, but we have come here to convey a message to those in authority and power not to fall prey to divisive politics. My message is simple – please don’t mess up with Konkani,” she warned.
She gave a call to the people of Goa to all join hands and unitedly foil the sinister attempts being made to disturb the peace and harmony over language. “The mother tongue of every Goan is Konkani. There may be people who are supporting Marathi, but Konkani will remain forever,” she said.
Organiser Vishal Nogueiro told the media that the public meeting has been called at the Lohia Maidan on April 18 at 4 pm, to create awareness about respecting, preserving, and promoting the Konkani language. “The event aims to bring together Konkani lovers, writers, cultural activists, and the general public to discuss strategies for strengthening the mother tongue in daily life, education, and administration. Prominent speakers and cultural figures will address the gathering. The objective behind the meeting is to foster pride and ensure the active use of Konkani across all sectors of Goan society,” he said.
Artist Sidharth Yagi said that people from the field of art and culture have come in support of Konkani language, as he made a fervent plea to the people to attend the Lohia Maidan meeting. “There is no politics here, but the aim is to express our love for Konkani,” he added.
Noted tiatrist Wilson Mazarello said Goans are coming together in support of Konkani since it is the mother tongue of Goans. “Marathi has its own place in Maharashtra. Our message to everyone is not to divide the people of Goa. We have to protect the language,” he said.
Konkani activist Kennedy Afonso said the Lohia Maidan meeting on Sunday is not to oppose Marathi, but to protect Konkani. “The issue over the official language was settled in 1987 by making Konkani the official language. Marathi has been given its due place as it can be used for all official purpose. Konkani is the official language of Goa and will remain in future,” he said.
Making an appeal to the people of Goa to not to fall prey to divisive politics, he said the issue of Marathi is being rake up in view of the upcoming Assembly elections.
