Panaji ::: February 18, 2019 …Sahitya Academy, Goa in association with Directorate of Higher Education and Govt. College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola organized a two-day conference on ‘Silver jubilee of Inclusion of Konkani in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution (1992 – 2017)’. Eminent writer Shri. Uday Bhembre inaugurated the conference in the presence of Sahitya Academy Secretary Shri. K. Srinivasrao, Director of Higher Education Shri. Prasad Lolayekar, Convener Dr. Bhushan Bhave and Regional Secretary-Sahitya Academy, Mumbai Shri. Krishna Kimbahune at the Multipurpose Hall, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto today.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Bhembre said that we must focus on what Konkani language has achieved post its inclusion in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution. “I hope the conference yield good results. It is very important for us to know as to why we strived to include Konkani in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution. This inclusion opened many progressive doors for the language as well as its writers. It also enhanced its scope globally by the means of translation,” he informed.
Shri. Lolyenkar in his address opined that Konkani language must reach to the non-native speakers in order to broaden its scope. “Konkani speaking communities are decreasing, hence, we must try to attract the non-natives who are currently residing in the state towards the language. Secondly, it must also gain academic value. We should prepare a terminology to learn and teach subjects like philosophy, economics in Konkani. Thirdly, our legislation and basic laws must be prepared in Konkani. We must view the language from a mass perspective and work towards its upliftment,” he said. He also pointed out that while social media is an important tool to spread awareness and seek opinion on such issues, arrogance overpowers straight-forwardness, keeping the core of the discussion in vague.
Shri. K. Srinivasrao stated that language is an umbilical cord between geographies and communities. It represents the culture and traditions of a region and expresses its identity. It unites people rather than dividing them, he said. Shri. Rao also gave a summary of programs organised by the Sahitya Academy in past one year.
Earlier, the function began by lighting the traditional lamp. Dr. Bhushan Bhave also addressed the gathering. Shri. Anant Agni compered the function while Shri. Krishna Kimbahune proposed the vote of thanks. The function was attended by eminent Konkani scholars, writers, teachers and students of various colleges in Goa.
