Team Herald
MARGAO: The Global Konknni Forum (GKF) is set to take its movement for the inclusion of the Roman script in the Official Language Act to the next stage by initiating meetings with all Goa MLAs, beginning with Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco.
The GKF hopes to gather legislative support for their cause, which they believe is essential for preserving the cultural identity of the Konkani language and promoting inclusivity. Kennedy Afonso, President of the GKF, announced that the first meeting with MLA Lourenco is scheduled for September 23. A delegation comprising members of the GKF and Roman Konkani supporters from Curtorim will meet with the MLA to discuss the need for recognizing the Roman script in the Official Language Act. Afonso stressed the importance of this dialogue, expressing hope that the discussions would help convey the community’s concerns and aspirations effectively.
He also emphasised that this initiative is part of a broader push for legislative changes to ensure that the Roman script is given equal status. In preparation for the campaign, the GKF has established village-level committees to advocate for due recognition of the Roman script. Several villages have passed resolutions in their respective gram sabhas supporting this initiative. Several communities have also written to the Goa government, urging the inclusion of the Roman script in official matters.
“The MLA of Curtorim has graciously agreed to meet with his constituents to listen to their concerns and views about the Roman script’s exclusion from the Official Language Act,” Afonso stated, calling on voters from the Curtorim constituency to attend the meeting in large numbers.