The debate over Marathi being granted an Official Language status was never settled by the Official Language Act, 1987. The recent resolution tabled by MLA Naresh Sawal proves the same. Language has always been a contentious issue in Goa, but falsehood and gimmicks being spread by those opposing the resolution need to be countered with straight facts. I have read Herald’s 14 August edition which clearly bats for Konkani as the sole official language. However, I wish to make a few observations:
1. Marathi has never been an “imported” language, although the Konkani protagonists by and large prefer to believe so and wish to ensure that others believe the same myth. Marathi has a centuries’-old history in Goa, and Maharashtra has no copyright over the language. Modern day Maharashtra was carved out only on 1 May 1960, but Marathi has been existing since centuries.
2. “Goemkarponn” cannot be a synonym to Konkani. Are the Goan Marathi dramas, bhajans, aratis, etc. not in Marathi? Are they not an intrinsic part and parcel of our culture? Marathi is as much a Goan language as Konkani is. What made Herald publish a Marathi daily?
3. There are several States in India which have more than one Official Language. Marathi being made an Official Language in addition to Konkani will do no harm to Goemkarponn or Konkani. MLA Vijai Sardesai fears that Goans will loose their employment opportunities (as if we Goans haven’t lost them already!) if Marathi is given its due. But then, is he not aware that a mandatory of 15 years’ domicile is a compulsory clause in most government jobs? Do private employers really care for one’s language skills, in most cases?
4. Marathi is not alien to Goa, it is a part of our heritage. There are many Christians too, who understand the language. My last contention is that if Konkani is the sole language of Goa (and not Marathi too), then why was a whip issued in 1987 by the then ruling party to ensure that the Official Language Act was passed? Why did the MLAs not rally for the Bill on their own initiative?
