“As long as the
use of Konkani language in religious
activities continues in our churches, there is no threat to the survival of
Konkani but in order topromote and develop Konkani language,we need more
writers as well as readers,” opined Fausto V Da Costa, Editor, Gulab and Goan
Review magazines. He was speaking after releasing two books in Konkani in Roman
script– ‘Noitik Jivitache Rong’ and ‘Thoddem Monantlem, Thoddem Kallzantlem’
authored by Fr Eusebio Gomes sfx and Fr Jose Silveira sj respectively.
Published by Dalgado Konknni Akademi, the books release function was held at
the Reginaldo Conference Hall of Dalgado Konknni Akademi.
Speaking further, Da Costa said that the content of the articles
in the two books does not only give information but drives the reader to ponder
on the various issuesdealt in the books, be they social, political or
religious. He said that Fr Eusebio Gomes belongs to Pilar Society while Fr Jose
Silveira is a member of Jesuit society and that these two organisations have
done yeomen service to promote and develop the Konkani language.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Tomazinho Cardozo,
President of Dalgado Konknni Akademi, in his address, agreed with Da Costa that
the number of readers in Konkani is on the decline and that the love towards
Konkani displayed by Goans during the language agitation in 1987 is not seen
among Goans in the present times. Every Goan takes trouble to learn English,
not because they love it but because it helps them to get a decent job. If
Konkani language was given the same status of English while selecting for
employment, Konkani language would have not suffered so badly. The policy
makers of Konkani language have messed the future of Konkani language, he said
in conclusion.
Vincy Quadros, the
Secretary of DKA, in his welcome speech, informed the people about the
activities of DKA and said that DKA has already started efforts to increase the
readership of Konkani newspapers and magazines.
Fr Eusebio Gomes, the
author of ‘Noitik Jivitache Rong’ and Fr Jose Silveira, the writer of ‘Thoddem
Monantlem, Thoddem Kallzantlem’ also spoke on the occasion.
Fr
Apolinario Cardozo, the director of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, Porvorim,
Bro Eusebio Miranda, editor of Vavraddeancho Ixtt, and Dr Raphael Fernandes
were among those who attended the function.
