Recognise Konkani in Roman Script
The movement by Global Konknni Forum is a not only a step for linguistic justice, but also a crucial move towards preserving and promoting Goa’s rich cultural heritage.
Konkani, as we know, has been the lifeblood of Goan identity, history, and tradition. The language has survived numerous challenges over the centuries, thanks to the resilience of its speakers. It is well-known that Konkani is written in two scripts: Devanagari and Romi. While Devanagari has received formal recognition, the Romi script, which is equally significant, has often been sidelined.
Both scripts have their unique history and cultural significance. Romi script, in particular, has been a vehicle for Konkani literature, newspapers, and day-to-day communication for a large segment of Goan society. Historically, Konkani in both scripts has played a vital role in the Goan struggle for identity and self-expression. The movement for official recognition of Konkani was a collective effort where both script users stood united. It is only fair that the contributions of both scripts be acknowledged and valued equally.
Recognising Konkani in the Romi script officially will promote inclusivity and respect for all linguistic communities in Goa. It will also encourage the production of literature, educational material, and media content in Romi, thereby enriching the language and making it accessible to a broader audience. It will send a strong message that Goa values its linguistic diversity and is committed to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage in all its forms. In view of this, I urge the authorities to recognise Konkani in the Romi script officially. This recognition is not just about honouring a script; it is about honouring the people, their history, and their contributions to the rich tapestry of Goan culture. Together, both scripts can continue to enrich our language and strengthen our communal bonds.
Gabriel (GR) Crasto, Navelim
Landslides in Western Ghats cause for concern
I would like to draw attention to the repeated landslides in the Western Ghats. A large part of Goa is hilly as it is part of the Ghats. This is a ‘new’ mountain range and inherently unstable. Blasting and use of earth movers to cut hills for construction of buildings and roads has destabilised the slopes. We have seen what heavy rain can do to even forested slopes that have not been subject to ‘development’ activities.
In Goa, the real estate sharks have made a sport of cutting hills with the connivance of corrupt officials and politicians. Sooner than later, these will result in catastrophic landslides. Of special interest is a massive project on the sides of a hill in Reis Magos, after stripping the hill of trees and cutting into its sides.
A clear-cut and transparent zoning policy developed in consultation with local experts and communities is needed immediately if we are to avoid disasters like Kerala and other hilly regions have seen.
Else we will face the consequences of this land-grab in the garb of ‘development’ very soon.
Nitya Jacob, Verem
Offensive Olympic opening ceremony
The Olympic opening ceremony in France depicting the Last supper has shown how corrupt the minds of the French Olympic organising Committee could be.
Instead of showcasing its own culture and heritage the organisers targeted the religion of Christianity. How did the organisers in the first place be allowed to host and showcase such an offence, hurting the sentiments of other religions? Shameful and disgraceful, and the worst-ever Olympics after the Munich Massacre that was carried out by the Nazis.
All people should boycott such functions. The France government is heading to be a city of Sodom and Gomorrah as they have already dismantled many Christian educational institutions by their educational policies. The main theme for holding the Olympics has been defeated and the International Olympic organisers should be responsible for such acts hurting sentiments. The five rings of the Olympics should be melted and thrown into the River Seine of France. The President and Prime Minister of France should also apologise for creating such an offensive ceremony.
Gregory E Dsouza, Siolim
Junta house lift non-functional
The Junta House building having few government departments working, remains inaccessible for disabled those who are working on first and second floor office.
The first lift at main gate is under repair from past few days. Public Works Department, which overlooks the maintenance of the lift, and the delay in taking up the works, has become question only. The PwD employees are forced to take the stairs with struggle to get in to the offices at first, second & third floors. Most buildings in Goa are not disability-friendly, despite the government of India, under the Accessible India Campaign, instructing all ministries to make their buildings accessible to persons with disabilities and elderly. Poor accessibility standards and lack of government interest mars progress. The State is not showing interest, spending adequate funds on accessibility of building. The disabled and elderly people have to use the second lift to go to the fifth floor of the adjacent building, which is inter-connected to each other, to enter the first building.
Accessibility becomes a problem since important departments including civil supplies, mediation centre, the head office of Transport Department, child development project office, are situated on the first three floors of the building.
The enforcement of law is very poor due to slow justice delivery system. What happened to the government’s commitment of making government offices PwD friendly. Is it only a gimmick?
K G Vilop, Chorao
Worldwide Web Day
Worldwide Web Day is a global celebration dedicated to web browsing, the online activity that bring the whole world to your fingertips, and places a wealth of knowledge at your feet. It is celebrated on August 1 every year.
Most people rely on the Worldwide Web in order to find out information and carry out tasks online every day. It is integral to a lot of jobs as well. Therefore, it is only right that we have a day to honour the Worldwide Web, and that is what Worldwide Web Day is all about.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai