MARGAO: The Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) has accused the government of stooping too low to divide the people on the basis of language.
Addressing a press conference in Margao, KBM President Chetan Acharya said that there was ample evidence that the government was trying to divide the people on the basis of language and religion.
He also demanded due recognition for Konkani.
“With elections nearing, the MLAs, political parties and also aspiring candidates will have to clarify their stand on the language issue. We will also be going to all constituencies to gauge the pulse of the people,” Chetan said.
Chetan rejected official status for Marathi and Romi Konkani, out-and-out. “Once Romi is given official status, it will come into education system which will create religious divides, which we don’t want,” he said.
Refusing to be drawn into the controversy surrounding the erection of a bust for Florian Vaz, who laid down his life for getting official status for Konkani, Chetan said the sacrifice of should be recognised.
Meanwhile, the KBM will organise its annual ‘Shenoi Goembab story telling competition’ on August 22. The competition is organized in 16 centers across Goa which includes 12 centers in 12 talukas and four additional centers in Cuncolim, Madkaim, Porvorim and Panjim. The competition will be held in three categories – first to 4th, 5th to 7th and 8th to 10th standards. There are no restrictions on subject. However, the time allotted to different categories is 1st to 4th is 3-5 minutes, 5-7th 4-6 minutes and 8-10th 4-7 minutes.
The State level competition will be held on August 28, at Konkani Bhasha Mandal hall in Margao, from 10 am onwards. For details, contact Chetan Acharya on 9422389290 or Anwesha Singbal, on 9923442746. Over 6000 students from all over Goa are expected to participate in the competition.
