Team Herald
MARGAO: Officials from the All-India Konkani Parishad (AIKP) affirmed that everyone has a constitutional right to protest and expressed their readiness to engage in dialogue to address the script discrimination dispute within the Konkani community.
Responding to reporters, AIKP officials clarified that the concerns raised by the Global Konknni Forum (GKF) do not directly involve the AIKP but rather pertain to the Goa government and the Sahitya Akademi in New Delhi. Recently, the GKF and Romi Konkani supporters announced plans to boycott all events organised by the Sahitya Akademi and AIKP, alongside an open mic session at Lohia Maidan to discuss their issues following a peaceful protest at the AIKP conference venue.
Prashant Naik, Chairman of the AIKP Reception Committee, stated that the script issues highlighted by the GKF could be resolved through constructive dialogue. “These matters can be amicably addressed through discussions. While their concerns are not directly tied to the AIKP conference, they are free to protest if they wish. However, we believe their grievances would be better articulated within the context of the conference,” he remarked.
Naik emphasized that the AIKP does not discriminate among different script users and remains committed to fostering inclusivity within the Konkani community.
Anant Agni, Working President of the AIKP, characterized the upcoming conference in Margao as a celebration and encouraged all Konkani speakers to participate. “Issues can be resolved through dialogue, and we are open to discussions. It’s crucial to remember that Konkani-speaking individuals have always stood united, and we must continue to preserve this unity,” he stated.
Chetan Acharya noted that many members of Mandd Sobhann-Mangalore and others from neighbouring states, representing various Konkani scripts, have registered to participate in the Margao conference.
Margao set to host 33rd AIKP session to celebrate literary contributions to Konkani culture
MARGAO: The stage is set for the 33rd session of the All-India Konkani Parishad (AIKP), taking place in Margao on October 26-27. This event is being organised in collaboration with the Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM).
Anant Agni, Working President of the AIKP, along with other officials, announced that esteemed linguist Dr Ganesh Devy will serve as the Chief Guest. Nandgopal Shenoy, President of Vishwa Konkani Kendra, Mangalore, will be the guest of honour at the opening ceremony, scheduled for 9.30 am on Saturday.
Industrialist Avadhoot Timblo will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony, to be held at 3.30 pm on Sunday.
Chetan Acharya said that 800 delegates from Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra are expected to attend this session.
Sahitya Akademi award winners Prakash Paryekar, Sunetra Jog, Harsha Shetye, Advait Salgaonkar and Amelia Dias, Fr Jaime Cota and Suhas Dalal will be felicitated for their contribution in the preservation and propagation of Konkani language, literature and culture, said Agni.