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The Konkani issue resurfaces - Jerson Vaz
The language issue has once again been resuscitated.
Konkani is the official language of Goa and it is the mother tongue of more than 95% of the Goans so why there are requests for languages of other states? Nobody is barred from speaking any distinct language in Goa, however, that does not mean that one should demand official status for his/her own language from other states and deprive Goans of their legitimate rights. I’ll be pleased if Government also allows Konkani in Roman script on par with Devnagiri script in schools i.e. second language. Many Goans will be interested in writing books for primary & secondary school children in Roman script . For Catholic Goans, Konkani Tiatr, Khell, lyrics , etc are in Roman script. Konkani Gospel, hymns are in Roman script. Why Devnagiri script is imposed on Goans who use Roman script ? Who had struggle for Konkani language? The people who had shown great dedication, bravery and made sacrifice to gain official status to Konkani were mostly Goan Catholic community. I am not communal on this point, but it is a fact .
At present, Konkani in Devnagiri script is the medium of instruction in all Government aided primary schools. Practically 99.99% of the Goan Catholic community are familiar with Roman script. Konkani is the official language of Goa and for any government or private jobs in Goa, knowledge of Konkani language should always be one of the selection criteria. CM should thoroughly study the matter regarding Roman script as he ruled out some changes in the language bill. Jerson Vaz - June 6, 2000