Tag: Indian languages

Books & Literature

Dr. Rajay Pawar’s Research Book ‘Kavyakriya’ Released at St. Aloysius University, Mangalore

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Mangalore: The book Kavyakriya, the latest research work by renowned Konkani poet, essayist and playwright Dr. Rajay Pawar, was released on Monday at St. Aloysius University, Mangalore.


The book was formally released by Rev. Dr. Pravin Martis, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of St. Aloysius University, in the presence of Registrar Dr. Ronald Nazareth.

Kavyakriya focuses on the intricate process of poetry creation and offers an in-depth academic exploration of how poetic expression evolves from thought to form. The book carries a blurb written by eminent critic and educationist Dr. Bhushan Bhave.

Dr. Rajay Pawar is a prolific Konkani writer with several acclaimed works to his credit. His poetry collections include Pavsfula and Aajol Album, while his essay collections include Girmit and Oli-Suki. He has also written a number of popular plays such as Jamle Re Jamle, Anta Anta Shirimanta, Amcho Hat Jagannath, Darne Ka Nay, and Tension Free. His research work Konkani Ksvitecho Itihas is also widely recognised in Konkani literary circles.

The book release event was attended by Sahitya Akademi awardee and Goa University professor Dr. Prakash Parienkar, along with members of the academic and literary community.

National

26th All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan Applauds Goa Government; Passes Key Resolutions on Language and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 26th All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan, held in Ernakulam, Kerala, concluded with a series of significant resolutions aimed at strengthening the Konkani language, its literary ecosystem, and cultural institutions. Delegates unanimously commended the Goa government for its unequivocal stand on the Official Language Act, particularly in response to demands seeking changes by proponents of Marathi and those advocating for the introduction of Roman script in Konkani education. The Sammelan appealed to opposition MLAs in Goa not to politicize the issue, emphasizing that the future of students and the state’s secular fabric must be protected.

Among the key resolutions passed was the appeal to extend Goa’s scheme of grants for book publishers to include writers from neighbouring states whose works are published by Goan publishers, thereby broadening the scope and reach of Konkani literature. Another resolution urged the government to establish primary schools in talukas where not a single Konkani-medium school exists, addressing a long-standing gap in early education accessibility in the language. Delegates also called for the creation of a Goa Film Development Corporation, noting the rising number of films from the region winning international recognition and the need for structured support, including the screening of short films in local theatres ahead of regular shows.

The two-day event, hosted by several Konkani organisations in Kerala, featured Chief Guest Justice N. Nagresh, who stressed that spoken Konkani is essential for the survival of the language. Citing UNESCO’s classification of endangered languages as critically, severely, definitely, or vulnerable, he urged attendees to introspect on where Konkani currently stands. Guest of Honour and acclaimed Kannada writer Jayant Kaykini described himself as a Konkani writer creating literature in Kannada and spoke about the power of poetry to make readers restless, encouraging emerging writers to fully immerse themselves in the world of literature. The event also featured addresses by Sammelan President Madhav Borkar and All India Konkani Parishad Working President Chetan Acharya. Titus Noronha compered the function, and Sneha Sabnis delivered the vote of thanks. The Sammelan concluded with renewed commitment toward protecting and promoting Konkani language and culture across regions.

Books & Literature

Zilu Gaonkar Urges Citizens to Use Govt Schemes and Promote Konkani Language

Tanisha Cardozo

Konkani writer, publisher, and teacher Zilu Gaonkar made a compelling appeal for citizens to adopt Konkani in their day-to-day lives and correspondence while encouraging greater awareness and use of government-supported language schemes. Speaking at a special Seva Pakhwada awareness program held at Government College, Khandola, he emphasized that the Directorate of Official Language provides Konkani language training for government employees and that it is now time for the public to follow suit by promoting and preserving the language through daily use.

The event was organized by the Directorate of Official Language in collaboration with the college and aimed to spread awareness of various language development schemes under the guidance of Goa’s Chief Minister and Minister for Official Language, Dr. Pramod Sawant.

Dr. Seema Salgaonkar, Vice Principal of Government College, welcomed the gathering and noted that preserving our mother tongue is a responsibility that lies with each of us. Meghnath Parab, Director of the Directorate of Official Language, cited the example of Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, a distinguished figure from Mashel who received his early education in his mother tongue and went on to achieve national prominence.

Deputy Director Anil Sawant provided detailed insights into key schemes run by the department including “Amcho Gãv, Amchi Parampara, Ani Amchem Daiz” (Our Village, Our Traditions, and Our Heritage), the Language Development Scheme, and the Language Awards Scheme.

Senior Translator Seby Fernandes discussed the opportunities available in language-related careers in India and explained the work being done at the Directorate. Junior Translator Sneha Sabnis highlighted efforts in terminology creation and the translation of knowledge-based books into Konkani, making academic and professional content more accessible in the regional language.

Anil Sawant also expressed his thanks to all participants and attendees. The event was anchored by Konkani Professor Kiran Palkar and Hindi Professor Sachi Naik, with a large presence of students, faculty members, and parents — showing that language revival and promotion remain a shared concern across generations.

Finance

Bank of Baroda Wins First Prize in Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar for Excellence in Official Language Use

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Bank of Baroda, one of India’s foremost public sector banks, has been honoured with the First Prize under the Government of India’s prestigious Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar scheme for the year 2024–2025. This award recognises the bank’s exceptional contribution to the promotion and effective use of Hindi as the official language across its services and operations.

The award ceremony took place on 14 September 2025, during the Hindi Day celebration and the Fifth All India Official Language Conference held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. The honour was conferred by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah.

Accepting the award on behalf of the bank was Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Baroda. He was accompanied by Executive Director Ms. Beena Vaheed and Mr. Sanjay Singh, Head of Official Language and Parliamentary Committee.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chand expressed the bank’s commitment to inclusivity through language. “This award reflects the bank’s sensitivity towards its millions of customers who interact in Hindi and other Indian languages and feel more comfortable availing banking services in their native languages,” he said.

Bank of Baroda has significantly expanded its multilingual capabilities across its digital platforms, including its flagship mobile banking app BoB World and WhatsApp Banking services. The bank also ensures that transaction-related SMS, chatbot conversations, and customer support are accessible in Indian languages, fostering a more inclusive and user-friendly banking environment.

The Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar is one of the highest honours awarded by the Government of India to institutions for outstanding performance in implementing the official language policy. This recognition positions Bank of Baroda not only as a leader in banking services but also as a pioneer in promoting linguistic inclusion in the financial sector.

With this award, Bank of Baroda reinforces its commitment to enhancing customer experience by speaking the language of its people – both literally and technologically.

Events in Goa

Konkani Should Be Used in Administration Too: Ramesh Gaonkar

Tanisha Cardozo

August 19, 2025 – Madgaon, South Goa: Konkani is not just a language spoken in Goa — it’s a language rich in history, literature, and identity. This was the message echoed by noted linguist Ramesh Gaonkar during the inauguration of the third Official Language Training class for government employees in South Goa.

Held at Madgaon, the session was inaugurated by the Additional District Collector and attended by civil servants and government staff, reaffirming the state’s commitment to the promotion of regional languages in administration.

The training aims to equip government employees with the linguistic skills and confidence to use Konkani in formal communication, moving beyond ceremonial use into functional governance. This initiative also aligns with broader state policies aimed at preserving and promoting Goa’s cultural and linguistic heritage.

With this training class, South Goa continues its efforts to mainstream Konkani as a working language in the government sphere, sending a strong signal about the importance of linguistic identity in public administration.