MARGAO/CUNCOLIM: Velim MLA Benjamin Silva has drawn the ire of English protagonists for backing Konkani as medium of instruction at the primary level.
However, Silva Friday clarified to parents that his statement at the Gulab awards function was not in the context of MoI, but in the context of preserving the mother tongue and that his support Konkani is misunderstood.
At the Gulab Awards presentation function earlier this week, Silva said, “What Dr Pandurang Phaldessai said is right and I support primary education in mother tongue. This is because understanding increases in mother tongue.”
“Do our kids read Konkani paper? We have to train our kids to read Konkani and make it a habit, only saying we want Konkani won’t do,” Silva had said adding, “We have to revive Konkani amongst us and just not have functions and speeches. The function in memory of Fr Freddy will have no meaning if Konkani is not promoted.”
Agitated at his comment, 100-odd parents met the MLA on Friday and demanded his resignation for backing Konkani as MoI. They told Silva that he either resign as MLA and join the parents to fight the battle for English as MoI, or to withdraw his support to BJP government.
Silva told the parents that his resignation would not solve medium issue.
The parents from Sarzora and Chinchinim met Silva and submitted him a memorandum demanding that the Bill granting aid to English medium primary schools, be tabled during the monsoon session of the assembly.
Parents Candy Rebello and Savita Fernandes asked Silva to be with the parents on this issue. “I am with parents for English as medium of instruction,” Silva assured them.
100-odd parents who met him on Friday.
Silva said he was ready to come on street along with the parent to demand English as medium of instruction.
