Konkani in the Roman Script must be incorporated into Goa's Official Language Act. The 20 year old Act in the current form is doing more damage to Konkani, than Good. There is a significant percentage of Goans, who relate more to Roman than Devanagari. While the Devanagari script is important for the Indian perspective, the Roman script has a wider international appeal; hence both scripts will boost Konkani (basis for Goan Identity) and also give Goa a Strong Global Appeal. The Roman Script can also help connect many in the Goan Diaspora, to their roots and possibly encourage some of them to return home. Goa's Identity is a blend between the East & West; which enforces the argument for having Konkani in both the scripts; in the Official Language Act.
The sorry state in which we find ourselves today with respect to Konkani in devnagiri script is because of the short sightedness of our south Goa politicians. Politicians with smuggling background, etc who pretended to have spearheaded the campaign actually goofed it up. They were more interested in topling the Rane government and claiming the CM seat. If this politician had so much love for Roman konkani then why did he ensure his children studied in the English medium Sharda Mandir school at Miramar when on the other side he was adamant in making konkani compulsory in all other schools? This is how these so called saviours have compromised our identity. They do not know the harm that they have done to our people and the state. In the name of trying to protest against Marathi, this politician encouraged the blockade at Agacaim; The cops and the Paramilitary force were not allowed to cross over to Salcete. This man became a hero in the eyes of the people. But little did the people know that the actual reason was in preventing the security forces in stopping the landing of contraband on the beaches of south Goa. This has been one of the best kept secrets of the konkani agitation. What a pity. We are still unsure of our long cherished dream of having equal status for Roman Konkani.
Konkani in the Roman Script must be incorporated into Goa's Official Language Act; on Par with Devanagiri.See following facts: (1) The Act in the current form is doing more damage to Konkani than Good over the past +20 years. Has the usage of Konkani increased in the local populace, government etc in the last 20 years? (2) The supporters of Current Act (i.e. Devanagiri Konkani only) had +20 years to make this current act work for promotion/growth of Konkani. Clearly they are still not successful & were given ample time; so its only fair that we look at revisions in favour of Roman Konkani. (3) There is significant percentage of Goans, who relate more to Roman than Devanagari. (4) While the Devanagari script is important for the Indian perspective, the Roman script has a wider international appeal i.e Languages in Europe,North America, South America, Australia, India and also widely used in Asia, Africa etc. Hence, both scripts will boost Konkani (basis for Goan Identity) and also give Goa a Strong Global Appeal. (5) Roman Script can also help connect many in the Goan Diaspora to their roots & possibly encourage some of them to return home; which will only be good for Goa. (6) Goa's Identity is a blend between the East & West; which enforces the argument for having Konkani in both the scripts; in the Official Language Act. (7) In India/Goa, a foreign language English i.e. Roman Script is widely recognised & used; so why is our mother tongue discriminated in the very same script? Arwin Mesquita (UAE)
Konkani in the Roman Script must be incorporated into Goa's Official Language Act; on Par with Devanagiri.See following facts: (1) The Act in the current form is doing more damage to Konkani than Good over the past +20 years. Has the usage of Konkani increased in the local populace, government etc in the last 20 years? (2) The supporters of Current Act (i.e. Devanagiri Konkani only) had +20 years to make this current act work for promotion/growth of Konkani. Clearly they are still not successful & were given ample time; so its only fair that we look at revisions in favour of Roman Konkani. (3) There is significant percentage of Goans, who relate more to Roman than Devanagari. (4) While the Devanagari script is important for the Indian perspective, the Roman script has a wider international appeal i.e Languages in Europe,North America, South America, Australia, India and also widely used in Asia, Africa etc. Hence, both scripts will boost Konkani (basis for Goan Identity) and also give Goa a Strong Global Appeal. (5) Roman Script can also help connect many in the Goan Diaspora to their roots & possibly encourage some of them to return home; which will only be good for Goa. (6) Goa's Identity is a blend between the East & West; which enforces the argument for having Konkani in both the scripts; in the Official Language Act. (7) In India/Goa, a foreign language English i.e. Roman Script is widely recognised & used; so why is our mother tongue discriminated in the very same script? Arwin Mesquita (UAE)
PWD Minister Mr. Churchill Alemao is right; Romi Konkani must be incorporated in the Official Language Act, to preserve Goan Identity. But then, if Mr. Alemao is really serious about protecting Goa's Identity, then I request him to fight against other critical issues, which are seriously destroying Goa's Identity. For instance, Large Scale land sales to non-goans & mega-projects favouring outsider, not only brings in un-necessary migrant work force but also brings in majority non-goan settlers. Surely if the latter is not stopped or restricted, we Goans will soon be a minority in Goa; I hope we all appreciate that Romi Konkani will not be relevant, if Goa ends up with a Non-Goan majority!! Arwin Mesquita (UAE)