The recent remarks by Adv. Radharao Gracias questioning the myth of Goan unity and urging parents to demand Romi Konkani in schools deserve serious reflection. Goa’s history itself shows that our community has never been monolithic. The Opinion Poll was a stark reminder that Goans were divided on fundamental questions of identity, and unity cannot be assumed ” it must be built through respect for diversity.
Romi Konkani is not merely a script; it is the living cultural expression of generations predating the Portuguese era and is particularly predominant in South Goa. Denying its rightful place in education and state affairs sidelines a vibrant heritage and alienates a significant section of our population. If we truly aspire to equality, then both Devanagari and Romi scripts must be embraced as complementary. Children learn best when education connects to their home and community.
Allowing Romi Konkani in schools will empower parents, strengthen cultural confidence, and ensure that students grow up with a sense of belonging rather than exclusion. Moreover, the script already thrives in literature, music, media, and religious life ” its inclusion in formal education would only enrich the learning experience. True unity is not uniformity. It is the recognition that diversity strengthens us.
By giving Romi Konkani equal status, the government would demonstrate its commitment to democratic values, cultural equity, and the constitutional principle of protecting minority rights. Parents and PTAs have every reason to demand this inclusion, and, if necessary, pursue legal avenues to ensure that Goa’s plural identity is respected. Let us not allow majoritarianism to dictate the erasure of heritage. Instead, let Romi Konkani be the bridge that binds the state in genuine unity.
