Days after the BJP-led government rejected a resolution in the Assembly seeking Konkani in the Roman script as an optional medium of instruction, the Global Konknni Forum (GKF) has taken the initiative into schools with its first Des-bhoktichi Vachpachi Spordha (patriotic reading competition).
The event, open to Classes VIII, IX and X, saw participation from six schools across Goa. Students were given five patriotic speeches a week in advance, which they read aloud at school-level contests, combining fluency with a display of pride in the Konkani language and culture.
The results were as follows: Lourdes Convent High School, Saligao – Rianna D'Sa (1st), Yuvan De Souza (2nd), Kate Fernandes (3rd); St Mary’s School, Mapusa – Ayana Xavier (1st), Lisa Fernandes (2nd), Sian Pires (3rd); St Thereza’s Convent High School, Raia – Vensica Antao (1st), Abigail Fernandes (2nd), Alister Lopes (3rd); Auxilium High School, Benaulim – Cadencia Baptista (1st), Aqvene Cardozo (2nd), Edeva Fernandes (3rd); St Xavier’s High School – Angel Fernandes (1st), Francio Xavier Fernandes (2nd), Lifa Fernandes (3rd); Rosary High School, Dona Paula – Angelica R Simoes (1st), Drexel (2nd), Velora Fernandes (3rd).
Certificates of participation were awarded to all contestants, with school managements voicing strong support for the initiative. Several institutions indicated willingness to back Roman-script Konkani as an optional medium, lending encouragement to the GKF after its legislative setback.
For the forum, the contest marks more than a competition – it is a symbolic move to keep the Roman script alive in classrooms and strengthen cultural identity against political resistance.