PANJIM: With the Delhi government approving the setting up of a Konkani Academy to facilitate the growth and promotion of the language and culture in the national capital, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Art, Culture and Languages, Manish Sisodia on Saturday informed that the academy will focus on the promotion of Konkani language, literature, theatre, music and other art forms.
Stating that the land of Konkani culture has produced incredible artistes like Kesarbai Kerkar to writers like Damodar Mauzo, he said, “The academy will also offer courses to anyone interested in learning the language and scholarships for artistes. The academy will also organise cultural festivals in Delhi to introduce Konkani culture to a wider audience.”
When questioned on the role of Konkani in Indian Society, he said, “As an Education Minister and Minister of Culture, We have made remarkable progress in education in the last 5 years. I see culture as an equally powerful contributor to society. My dream is to make education and culture the two pillars of democracy. It keeps alive the soul of our society. Therefore, art and culture are an important aspect of this government’s overall development strategy.”
On Konkani scholars reacting to the announcement of Konkani Academy, he said, “Yes, I have seen the response on social media and have been receiving calls from several artistes, musicians and lovers of Konkani. It is heart-warming to see the positive support we are getting for this initiative. In fact, I will soon be meeting the cultural experts and we will collectively work towards a way forward.”
Responding to a few people who say that this is an election gimmick, Sisodia said, “This is unfortunate. The Delhi government has set up more than 20 language academies in Delhi including foreign languages and Pali. Those who truly love art and culture would never see it with such a lens. In fact, I would ask all those politicians why they have not done anything to promote Konkani culture till now. In fact if you want to call this politics, we are proud that promoting culture, education and literature is our politics.”
