Team Herald
MARGAO: The Global Konknni Forum (GKF) is set to hold its first village-level corner meeting in Merces on Sunday, September 22, at 5:30 pm in the Church premises. This meeting marks the beginning of a broader initiative aimed at mobilizing support for the recognition of the Romi script for Konkani, alongside Devnagari.
In a statement issued to the media, the forum has announced their plans to extend this movement to all villages in the Tiswadi taluka over the coming weeks. Victor Gonsalves, a former MLA, and activists Mariano Ferrao and Anna Gracias will spearhead the campaign there. GKF has called on all Romi Konkani enthusiasts to support the organization of these corner meetings, aiming to drive the movement to its "logical conclusion."
In their appeal, GKF emphasised Tiswadi taluka's historical significance in the Konkani language agitation of 1986, when places like Agassaim, Goa Velha, Santa Cruz, and Merces became epicenters of the movement. The taluka witnessed massive protests, with the participation of youth leading to the paralysis of Goa for several days. Six martyrs, all hailing from Agassaim, lost their lives during the agitation.
The first Konkani language movement ultimately led to official recognition of Konkani, but GKF leaders argue that the recognition was only granted to the Devanagari script, sidelining the Catholic community, which predominantly uses the Roman script. According to the forum, this movement is a second attempt, 36 years later, to secure equal status for the Romi script.
“This is a crucial moment for the future of Romi Konkani. We were cheated during the first movement, but now it’s time to right that wrong. It’s now or never,” said Kennedy Afonso, GKF President.
In addition to the village meetings, GKF has launched a “Meet the MLA” campaign under the banner Amdharak Bhett – Kodelzaivo Romi Lipizai. Through this initiative, the forum will engage with all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and present two bills for consideration in the upcoming assembly session in December, advocating for equal recognition of the Romi script.
GKF's call to action has resonated with many across the State, as they prepare to continue this long-standing struggle for language rights in Goa.