PRIEST SAYS GOANS ARE SHYING AWAY FROM KONKANI

PANJIM: Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) has decided to bring out music CDs of Konkani songs by March to impress upon Goan minds these ballads were equally rich as compared to English ones that were getting more patronisation.

“On birthdays or any joyous occasions, we hear English music being played. We want to awaken Goans that there are melodious songs in our mother-tongue too,” Fr Conceicao D’Silva said on Wednesday.

Fr D’Silva was speaking at a press conference to announce the third Konknni (Roman script) Literary and Cultural Convention at Kala Academy on February 19 and 20.

Incidentally, the theme of the convention ‘Dispottea Jivitant Konknni’ is also based on promoting Konkani language in every household.

“While outsiders, including some foreigners, living in Goa speak Konkani, Goans are shying away from the language. We want to promote this language and encourage Goans to speak it,” Fr D’Silva, who is the President of the reception committee of the event, mentioned.

The two-day convention will include presentation of papers and discussions on varied topics such as ‘Avo Bhaxechem Vhoddponn’, ‘Ghora-ghoramni Konknni’, ‘Konknni Bhaxecho Vistar’, ‘Boroup Vistarachem Sadon’, ‘Vachpantlean Bhaxecho Vistar’ and other issues.

Academy President Premanand Lotlikar said that they are expecting 5000-odd Goans including guests – Bishop, Sindhudurg Diocese Rev Allwyn Baretto, Santa Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes, President of Tiatr Academy Goa Tomazinho Cardozo and others – to be participating in the programme.

He said the convention will urge the Government to give equal status to Romi-Konkani as well.   Alongside the convention, DKA has organized two separate exhibitions wherein books of 200 titles will be exhibited for sale, and rare and old Konkani newspapers and periodicals spanning over decades will also be displayed.