MARGAO: Thirty-seven years ago, Konkani was given recognition in Goa and became synonymous with Goa’s identity. After a prolonged movement, the Goa Legislative Assembly passed a Bill on February 4, 1987, recognising Konkani as the State’s Official Language. Soon afterwards, the Parliament passed the Statehood Bill for Goa, and on May 30, 1987, Goa became a State within the Indian Union, cementing its distinct identity and facilitating the preservation of its unique linguistic and cultural heritage.
However, 37 years later, concerns persist about the protection and preservation of the Konkani language among Goa’s population. Experts shared diverse perspectives on this topic of concern.
“No, Konkani is not protected in the State,” said senior director Pascoal de Chicalim. “Goa is becoming like Mumbai, with a variety of people, but only a few speak the mother tongue. The State government is doing nothing to protect Konkani. If they cared, they would promote Konkani films, tiatrs, and publications to promote the language. Sadly, the government is unconcerned and least bothered about our mother tongue. With support, Konkani could prosper like the languages of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Instead, it’s losing ground in Goa due to government inaction,” Pascoal said.
Echoing similar sentiments, prominent Konkani activist Principal Anant Agni, said, “Konkani is not protected by the government. Konkani is not just a language; it’s our identity. We can protect our economic, political, sociological and cultural interests only by using Konkani as a weapon. Local organisations like Konkani Bhasha Mandal and Dalgado Konknni Akademi are doing a good job of preserving and prospering the language. Konkani should get a prominent place in education and employment in Goa. The government should encourage and provide all the help needed to do research work in Konkani.”
Sharing a more critical view, Prabhakar Timble, an educationist and columnist, said, “I don’t look at Konkani as just a language to be kept under the confines of literature. Konkani is Goa’s culture and a way of life, which manifests in music, cuisine, warmth, and harmony between communities. The culture of social cohesion and brotherhood has been under severe strain and challenge during the last decade. There is a deficiency in the area of using knowledge of Konkani in public and private employment.”
“Konkani is not pro-actively harnessed as a tool to promote the interests of locals. Konkani also finds less favour as a medium of instruction at the primary level. Though cosmetic, the government is falling short in taking measures to ensure that public display boards of offices and corporate establishments are in Konkani,” he added
Anwesha Singbal, president of Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM), Kokani writer and Sahitya Akademi winner, offered a different perspective, saying, “This question can be answered in multiple ways. Who is supposed to protect a language? I think all of us as a society — individuals, social organisations, and the government. At an individual level, Goans have long accepted Konkani as their language, and the status of the dilemma during the Liberation period no longer exists. Goans speak in Konkani, and it’s now a part of their daily routine.”
“At an organisational level, several organisations work for the language’s upliftment across literature, education, culture, music, films, etc. The youth’s involvement speaks volumes about their love for Konkani and commitment to its growth. Many use new mediums like social media and YouTube to promote it, which is a welcome step. Konkani has reached Google, and efforts are on to integrate it into every new platform,” Singbal elaborated.
“A lot needs to be done at the government and administrative levels. Konkani is the official language, but is not used as it should be. Education in Konkani needs major support, as the National Education Policy (NEP) also states. Even English-medium schools should embrace Konkani as one of the languages, and they shouldn’t get away with it” Singbal added.