MARGAO: The “Wall of Freedom,” a unique Independence Day initiative organised by the Margao Congress Block, witnessed an overwhelming response on Thursday, as a diverse crowd from different walks of life came together to express their views on “What Freedom of India Means to Them.”
The event featured a large wall-on-flex set up at the Communidade building in Margao. Participants ranged from primary school children to medical college students, and from adults to senior citizens—all eager to pen their thoughts and claim their space on the ‘Wall of Freedom’.
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Congress functionary Savio Coutinho, reflecting on the significance of the event, stated, “Our departed state and national leaders, stone by stone, built a strong wall against the oppression of the British rulers. In a similar way, the opinions expressed by all the participants on the ‘Wall of Freedom’ reflect the aspirations of the people living in ‘Free India’.”
Coutinho also touched upon the current climate of suppression, where dissent is often stifled through harassment and misuse of government machinery. Without naming specific politicians, he drew parallels to the ingenuity freedom fighters had to employ in spreading their message in the absence of modern communication tools. Lincoln Gomes, who managed the registration, noted the impressive participation of over 15 schools and colleges, with a total of 117 opinions shared in Konkani, Hindi, Marathi, English, and Romi-Konkani.
Congress member Aneil Alvares announced that prizes would be awarded for the best opinions shared on the Wall, including a lifetime membership at the Dr Francisco Luis Gomes District Library in Colmorod.
GKF’s Kennedy Afonso pens poignant message on freedom to use Romi script
MARGAO: “One is not really free if you are told what to eat, or not allowed to learn or write the script that you want. Roman script must be taught in schools,” is the distinctive way the Global Konknni Forum expressed their views on the meaning of freedom in India.
This message was penned by Kennedy Afonso, President of the Global Konknni Forum (GKF), and displayed on the ‘Wall of Freedom’.
The organisation has been actively advocating to secure equal status for the Roman script in the Official Language Act.
Afonso also added the Konkani phrase, “Tuka kitem korchem tem sangtat, ani zai tem xinkonk dina zalear svotontrai kosli?” (What kind of freedom is it if you are told what to do and are not allowed to write what you want?)
Afonso told O Heraldo, “This too is a medium of expressing the views of Roman script supporters. While these may seem like small actions, we are committed to pursuing our movement until justice is achieved,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the GKF is preparing to escalate their movement, anticipating a large turnout for a public meeting scheduled on August 18 at Navelim.
