The Romi Konkani script imbroglio has once again stirred the cultural conscience of Goa. Extensively followed by the Catholic Church across Goa, coastal Karnataka, and Kerala, the Romi script has been a cornerstone of linguistic diversity and personal expression for over five centuries. Yet, recent remarks by the Chief Minister of Goa dismissing the script as lacking Goenkarponn”the essence of being Goan”have sparked widespread dismay. Post-liberation, Goa’s inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and its attainment of statehood were landmark achievements. However, the failure to advocate for the Romi script alongside Marathi”especially in a state that uniquely follows a two-language formula”remains a glaring omission. The sidelining of Romi Konkani, despite its organic presence in Goan society, reflects a lack of political will and cultural sensitivity. The Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan (GRLA) has rightly called for the inclusion of the Romi script in the New Education Policy. The path forward lies in initiating legislative and policy-level changes at the state level, followed by a concerted push at the Centre for constitutional amendments that recognize Romi Konkani as a legitimate script of Konkani.
