Tag: Konkani

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.

Events in Goa

Goa Government Launches 8th Official Language Training Batch

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

The 8th batch of Official Language training, organized by the Directorate of Official Languages, Government of Goa, began on 22nd September at the Language Research Centre in Panaji. The event marked yet another step towards the promotion and practical integration of Konkani in administrative functions. North Goa Additional Collector Gurudas Desai attended the inauguration as the chief guest.

In his speech, Mr. Desai emphasized the significance of preserving the mother tongue, stating, “Konkani is our mother tongue. We all should make maximum use of it, and we should take care of our mother tongue. The knowledge gained from this training must be implemented in administration.” His remarks underlined the cultural and administrative importance of Konkani, especially within the context of government operations.

The inaugural event was also graced by Director of Official Language Meghnath Parab and Deputy Director Anil Sawant. Director Parab reiterated that knowledge of Konkani is a mandatory requirement for securing a government job in Goa and highlighted the responsibility of civil servants to work in Rajbhasha once employed. Deputy Director Anil Sawant added that the language training should not end with the program, but continue to be applied consistently in government work.

This four-day training program includes various modules such as Konkani Grammar, Konkani Correspondence, Notes, Administrative Vocabulary, and Communication. A total of 25 government employees are participating in this intensive language workshop.

Guidance throughout the program is provided by language experts including Anil Sawant, Sebi Fernandes, Chetan Acharya, and Sneha Sabnis. The sessions are being conducted by a dedicated team comprising Franita Ribeiro, Sujit Naik, Mansi Gadgil, Mahananda Mhardolkar, Anusaya Gaonkar, Patrick D’Souza, Shobha Phadte, Nikita Kuttikar, Ashish Ghadi, Ashweta Parab, Nirmala Surlikar, and Naresh Pagi. Anil Sawant is the main coordinator of the training, with Sneha Sabnis serving as the assistant coordinator.

The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to not just preserving the Konkani language but actively integrating it into the administrative framework, ensuring that it remains a living, working language for generations to come.

Books & Literature

All India Konkani Parishad to Hold General Body Meeting on October 11

Tanisha Cardozo

The General Body Meeting of the All India Konkani Parishad is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 11th October 2025 at 3.30 pm at Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Konkani Bhavan, Vidyanagar, Madgao. A number of key decisions crucial to the organisation’s future will be made during this meeting.

A major item on the agenda is addressing the difficulties in the re-registration process of the Parishad, which is central to its legal and administrative continuity. Members will deliberate on possible solutions and determine the way forward.

Additionally, the meeting will focus on preparations for the upcoming 26th Sahitya Sammelan, slated for 22nd and 23rd November 2025, to be held in Ernakulam, Kerala. During the meeting, the welcome committee for the Sammelan will be formally approved.

Crucially, the President of the Sahitya Sammelan will also be elected. In this regard, the Secretary of the Parishad, Sneha Sabnis, has urged affiliated organisations to put forward names of senior Konkani writers, taking into account their literary excellence and contributions to the language. Nominations should either be brought to the meeting or submitted in writing by 5th October 2025.

Working President Chetan Acharya has also made an appeal to all members of the All India Konkani Parishad to attend the meeting. Members traveling from distant locations are encouraged to confirm their attendance by 5th October so that accommodation arrangements can be made.

If the quorum is not met by 3.30 pm, the meeting will be delayed by half an hour and commence at 4.00 pm. The gathering is expected to set the course for the Parishad’s next phase and the successful conduct of the Sahitya Sammelan in Kerala.

EduConnect

Official Language Training Begins in Goa to Promote Konkani in Administration

Tanisha Cardozo

The Directorate of Official Languages, Government of Goa, has commenced its fourth batch of Official Language Training aimed at encouraging the use of Konkani in government administration. The inaugural session was held on 8 September 2025 at EDC, Panaji, and will run until 11 September. The training was inaugurated by Dr. Veena Kumar, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, who served as the chief guest for the event.

In her address, Dr. Kumar emphasized the importance of one’s mother tongue and called upon government officials to not only understand its value but also to actively use it in administrative communication. “Everyone should be proud of their language and make maximum use of the official language in administration,” she stated.

The event was attended by Meghnath Parab, Director of Official Languages, along with Deputy Director and Chief Coordinator of the training, Anil Sawant. A total of 29 government employees are taking part in this particular batch.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Directorate to ensure the widespread and effective use of Konkani in government correspondence and operations. The training modules include instruction on the Konkani Official Language Act, fundamental grammar, and the use of the language in formal communication such as letters, orders, notifications, receipts, and note writing. Additionally, participants are introduced to commonly used administrative terms, departmental titles, and standard replies.

Earlier, three training batches were successfully conducted in August. For September, five more training sessions are planned across Panaji and Madgaon, with each batch accommodating up to 30 participants.

Meanwhile, organizers have announced a change in venue for the session scheduled from 9 to 12 September 2025. Originally set to take place at the District Collector’s Office in Madgaon, the training will now be conducted at the District Library in Naveli, Sasht. Participants have been requested to make a note of this update.

This initiative reflects the Government of Goa’s continued efforts to preserve and promote Konkani as the official language while modernizing administrative processes through language training and awareness.