Saving Romi Konknni as important as protecting nature: Premanand Lotlikar

MARGAO: While efforts are made to protect the land, agricultural fields and rivers, it is equally crucial to safeguard the Konkani language, the mother tongue of the Goa, said veteran Romi Konknni protagonist Premanand Lotlikar while demanding equal status for Konkani written in the Roman script.

Lotlikar, former President of Dalgado Konknni Academy (DKA) and a veteran tiatrist, expressed his disappointment that no legislator took steps to address the demand for equal status for the Roman script, when a delegation led by DKA approached them in the past. 

On Sunday, the Dalgado Konknni Academy (DKA) held a special function, where they felicitated Premanand Lotlikar for his significant contributions to the Konkani language and tiatr, marking his 70th birthday.

Addressing the gathering, Lotlikar  said, “What we have experienced is that not a single MLA was ready to support the cause of the Roman script. It was only former MLA Caitu Silva who showed courage to move the Bill in the Assembly.” 

He expressed his fear that a day would come when ‘Goemkarponn’ (Goan identity) would be lost if Konkani is not adequately protected.

“We need to use Konkani in our daily life, which is the first step towards protecting the language. Konkani will undoubtedly be protected if it is actively used within the community,” he stated.

Urging the gathering to read and converse in Konkani, Lotlikar highlighted how people from other States are quickly learning the language. He emphasised the importance of embracing Konkani in daily communication as a means to preserve and promote its use.

Lotlikar also informed the audience about various initiatives undertaken by Dalgado Konknni Academy (DKA), aimed at providing useful materials for different occasions.

“The government needs to give due recognition to Konkani written in the Roman script. It is a great injustice to sideline the community that uses the Roman script. The government should reconsider this issue,” Lotlikar said.

Tomazinho Cardozo, former speaker and eminent Konkani writer, highlighted various aspects of Premanand Lotlikar’s life in the book published by the DKA.

N Shivdas, noted Konkani writer, besides several others also spoke on the occasion.