MARGAO
Even after the ruling BJP government rejected a resolution in the recent Assembly session to introduce Konkani in the Roman script as an optional medium of instruction in schools, the Global Konknni Forum tried to champion the cause of Roman Script by taking its mission directly in the schools.
In a determined push to keep the script alive, Global Konknni Forum organised its first ‘Des-bhoktichi Vachpachi Spordha’ (Patriotic Reading Competition) in Konkani Roman script, engaging six schools across Goa.
The contest, open to students of Classes VIII, IX, and X, provided participants with five patriotic speeches a week in advance to prepare and present. The school-wise competition results were as follows: Lourdes Convent High School, Saligao: Rianna D'Sa (1st), Yuvan De Souza (2nd), Kate Fernandes (3rd). St Mary’s School, Mapusa: Ayana Xavier (1st), Lisa Fernandes (2nd), Sian Pires (3rd). St Thereza’s Convent High School, Raia: Vensica Antao (1st), Abigail Fernandes (2nd), Alister Lopes (3rd). Auxilium High School, Benaulim: Cadencia Baptista (1st), Aqvene Cardozo (2nd), Edeva Fernandes (3rd). St. Xavier’s High School: Angel Fernandes (1st), Francio Xavier Fernandes (2nd), Lifa Fernandes (3rd), Rosary High School, Dona Paula: Angelica R. Simoes (1st), Drexel (2nd), Velora Fernandes (3rd). In addition to the top three prizes in each school, all participants received certificates of participation.
Global Konknni Forum Secretary Salvador Fernandes said the management of all participating schools extended full support to the initiative, acknowledging its role in nurturing love for Konkani Roman script among students from a young age. Most of these schools also expressed support for introducing the script as an optional medium of instruction.
For GKF, this backing is a significant morale boost, showing that despite legislative hurdles, the passion to preserve and promote Konkani in Roman script is very much alive in Goa’s classrooms, he said.
