International
Mother Language Day is a worldwide
annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and
cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.
The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the
initiative of Bangladesh. It was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference
and has been observed throughout the world since 2000.
UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic
diversity for sustainable societies. It is within its mandate for peace that it
works to preserve the differences in cultures and languages that foster
tolerance and respect for others.
Linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened as more and more
languages disappear. Globally 40 per cent of the population does not have
access to an education in a language they speak or understand. Nevertheless,
progress is being made in mother tongue-based multilingual education with
growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling, and
more commitment to its development in public life.
Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their
languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a
sustainable way.
The theme of the 2022
International Mother Language Day, “Using technology for multilingual learning:
Challenges and opportunities”, will discuss the potential role of technology to
advance multilingual education and support the development of quality teaching
and learning for all.
Some of the
Philatelic items from my collection on the Konkani theme are the given below
Waman Raghunath
Shenoi Varde Valaulikar (23 June 1877 – 9 April 1946), known popularly as
Shenoi Goembab, was a noted Konkani writer and activist. He is also fondly
called the father of Konkani.
Waman Shenoi was born
on 23 June 1877 at Bicholim, Goa. He came from a notable family which could
boast the presence of diplomats. One of his progenitors was a diplomat of a
local potentate in the court of the Portuguese in Goa, while another is
reported to have been was 'Delegate or Ambassador of the Portuguese Government
at the Court of the Peshwas in Pune.
Dr M R Ramesh Kumar,
President of Goa Philatelic and Numismatics Society (GPNS) mentioned that an
excellent Special Cover on Shenoi Goembab Birth Centenary (1877-1977) and a
superb Shenoi Goembab Cancellation too was released by the Goa Philately and
Numismatics Society as a part of their third Philatelic Exhibition held in
Panaji on 14th November, 1976.
Tiatr is a form of
musical theatre in Konkani which is unique to Goa. Tiatrs are also performed in
Mumbai (the art form was born in Mumbai- then known as 'Bombay') and across the
globe where Konkani- speaking people reside. Tiatrs are written in Konkani
language but in the Roman script.
Another interesting
special cover released on the Konkani Tiatr was release as a part of the GOAPEX
2014 was released on Goa Liberation Day, 19th December, 2014, mentioned Dr
Kumar on a Tiatr called “Kunbi Jakki”.
The cover depicts a
scene from the Tiatr, "Kunbi Jakki", which was scripted by Joao
Agostinho Fernandes, who is considered as 'Pai Tiatrist' (Father of Tiatr).
Even today, this art form remains popular, especially for political satires.
As
a part of the 125th Anniversary of the Konkani Tiatr, the Department of Posts, Govt
of India released a set of Se-tenant stamps on Konkani Tiatr, on 17th April,
2018, mentioned Dr Ramesh Kumar and a first Day cover was released at the Kala
Academy, Panaji, Goa in the august presence of several Konkani Theatre Artists
by Dr Vinod Kumar, Post Master General, Goa Postal Division. The FDC depicting
the same is attached for ready reference. The Kala Academy is a regular venue
for the Konkani Tiatr performances.