PANJIM: Goa University is all set to introduce a certificate course in Konkani proficiency from September, 2019, to help the non-Konkani speaking population to understand the language. The Vice-Chancellor Varun Sahani is one of the likely students of the course. 

The Konkani Language Department of the Goa University  released the first edition of peer reviewed Konkani International Research Journal 'Sassay', which is edited by Dr Kiran Budkuley. The Journal was released at the hands of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday.  

The Head of Konkani Department Dr Prakash Parienkar said  the  course will not just be restricted to development of listening, speaking, reading and writing Konkani, but will also impart knowledge of Konkani culture and history, in a bid to inculcate love and affection towards the language, which is the mother tongue of Goa. 

The course will consist of lectures, audio-visual aids, language laboratory work, presentations, discussions, etc. "We have already received good response," Parienkar said. 

To this, Vice-Chancellor Varun Sahani said he is one of the students, who has already paid the fees for the course and is waiting for it to begin. “I have decided that before leaving Goa, I will deliver at least one speech in Konkani," he stated. 

Parienkar informed that since the establishment of the Konkani department in 1987, the University has created 835 post graduates in the subject till date. This year, there are 50 students who have taken admission for post graduation. 

Also since 2005-2018, total 12 PhDs are done in Konkani, while two more are submitted, he said.