Amidst an ardent call from linguistic zealots in Maharashtra for making Marathi Goa's second official language, Jnanpith awardee and noted Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo busted the argument that Konkani is only a dialect of Marathi, in fact he stated that Konkani enjoyed the status of an independent language in our state since ancient times. This demand that has resurfaced on a Marathi pseudo-literary platform after several years has created an unnecessary controversy, many Maharashtrians are now claiming that politics led to Konkani being made the prime language of Goa by sacrificing Marathi; it should be remembered that freedom of expression should remain unfettered for literature to flourish. Sanghis are adept at creating strife where none existed before, aided and abetted by our CM. Restrictions cannot be imposed nor can one language be foisted on a state at the behest of the ruling party affiliates, this is nothing but language fascism to promote autocratic rule. Expect the fires of linguistic conflict to be stoked by the saffron brigade in times to come (next there could be a demand for Hindi being made the official language of Goa ), civil society and litterateurs should not remain silent but oppose this vile move tooth and nail.
