Events in Goa

Goa Government Launches 8th Official Language Training Batch


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.

Events in Goa

“Konkani is Our Identity”: Vivek Naik Inaugurates Official Language Training for Government Employees


In a resounding affirmation of cultural pride and linguistic heritage, Director of Art and Culture, Vivek Naik, inaugurated the second batch of Official Language Training for government employees in Goa. The initiative is part of the state’s ongoing effort to integrate Konkani — Goa’s official language — into day-to-day administration and governance.

The Official Language Training program equips government officials with the skills and confidence to use Konkani in written and verbal communication within the administration. The second batch includes employees from various departments who will undergo structured modules covering:

  • Administrative vocabulary in Konkani
  • Official correspondence formats
  • Grammar and usage
  • Cultural context in communication

The initiative is aimed at ensuring that Konkani is not just ceremonial, but functional and widely used in governance.

Goa has always been a unique cultural mosaic, and the state’s commitment to Konkani as its official language is enshrined in the Constitution. Yet, ensuring its use in everyday governance remains an ongoing challenge.

Naik’s emphasis on language training is a step toward aligning administrative practices with constitutional values and public sentiment. The Department of Art and Culture is playing a key role in mobilising resources, creating curriculum, and generating awareness among officials.

As more government employees are trained in using Konkani professionally, the state moves closer to a fully inclusive, culturally-rooted administration. Beyond efficiency, this initiative nurtures a deep cultural consciousness among public servants.

The Department aims to expand the training further in coming months, involving more departments and reaching rural administrative units where local language usage is vital.

📍 Organising Body: Department of Art and Culture, Goa
🗣️ Speaker: Vivek Naik, Director
📘 Program: Official Language Training for Government Employees