Tag: Konkani

EduConnect

Over 8,000 Central Govt Jobs in Goa Linked to Konkani Language Status: Sandesh Prabhudesai

Tanisha Cardozo

In a compelling address at the 33rd Rashtramanyatai Dis held at S S Angle Higher Secondary School, Mashem, Canacona, veteran journalist and researcher Sandesh Prabhudesai brought to light a significant but overlooked employment opportunity for the youth of Goa: more than 8,000 central government and bank jobs that remain unutilized, despite being accessible under existing language policies due to Konkani’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Prabhudesai pointed out that once a language is listed in the Eighth Schedule, the three-language formula (Hindi, English, and the regional language) comes into effect for public-facing roles in central institutions. In Goa, this should mean that any central or public-sector job that involves interaction with the public — from post offices to banks — requires proficiency in Konkani, and such staff cannot be transferred outside the state.

He cited the President’s Order of 1960, which mandates that all signage, publications, and public communications in central offices and banks must be in Hindi, English, and the regional language — Konkani in Goa’s case. “This rule is followed all over India, but not in Goa. Our youth have lost 33 years of job opportunities because the state government has failed to implement this,” Prabhudesai remarked.

He further explained that under the Official Language Resolution of 1968, the Parliament has required that all laws, rules, orders, and circulars be translated into the regional language. This not only enhances accessibility and inclusivity but could also create hundreds of translator jobs, especially with national publishers like the National Book Trust, who are mandated to translate literature into scheduled languages.

Goa has close to 1,000 such establishments, including 42 central and semi-government institutions, 258 post offices, and nearly 700 bank branches. Prabhudesai emphasized that even training and examinations for such posts should be conducted in Konkani to ensure fair access for local candidates.

He concluded by calling out the Goa government for its long-standing inaction, urging them to leverage these constitutionally backed provisions to create meaningful employment and linguistic justice for Goan youth.

The event was organized by Kankon Konkani Kala Kendra and S S Angle Higher Secondary School, with Principal Hemant Kamat welcoming the guests. Suraj Komarpant, Secretary of KKKK, introduced the speaker. Abhijeet Pagi, a Konkani teacher, also addressed the gathering, and veteran Konkani writer Kamalakar Mhalshi delivered the vote of thanks.

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.

National

CM Sawant Meets Newly Appointed Konkani Interpreters for the Lok Sabha

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark development for the Konkani language, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has appointed three Konkani Consultant Interpreters, enabling complete live interpretation of parliamentary proceedings in Konkani for the first time in history. This significant step was championed by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, whose steadfast commitment to the promotion and preservation of Konkani has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.

Under Dr. Sawant’s visionary leadership, arrangements were made to ensure that the Konkani-speaking community, both within Goa and across the globe, could access the workings of the nation’s highest legislative body in their mother tongue. The interpreters—Evita D’Souza, Gauri Mavlinkar, and Samiksha Velip—have undergone rigorous training under the guidance of renowned expert Sharat Krishna Raikar, ensuring that they are fully prepared to deliver accurate and nuanced interpretations.

From Monday, 18 August 2025, the entire Lok Sabha proceedings will be broadcast live with complete Konkani interpretation. This historic broadcast marks a proud milestone not only for Goa but also for India’s rich tapestry of linguistic diversity, highlighting the increasing recognition of regional languages in national discourse.

The initiative reflects Dr. Pramod Sawant’s broader agenda to uplift Konkani culture, language, and identity on both national and international stages, setting a precedent for further inclusion of India’s many linguistic communities in parliamentary affairs.

This milestone is celebrated widely as a cultural victory, signifying a renewed respect and platform for Konkani within India’s democratic framework.

Books & Literature

Konkani Language Takes Centre Stage at Foundation Day of Akhil Bharatiya Konkani Parishad in Pune

allycaralgoa

Pune, July 13, 2025: The spirit of unity and linguistic pride echoed through Nigdi, Chinchwad, as the Akhil Bharatiya Konkani Parishad celebrated its Foundation Day with a grand cultural and intellectual gathering. The event brought together language lovers, cultural leaders, and students from various parts of India under one common banner: the celebration and promotion of the Konkani language.

Delivering a powerful keynote address, chief guest Dr. Purnanand Chari questioned the deeper societal divides that persist. “If brothers from rival political parties can unite over the cause of language, then when will we be free from the chains of caste, region, religion, and script?” he asked. Dr. Chari also reminded the audience that Konkani is a language forged in the crucible of struggle and must continue to be nurtured wherever Konkani speakers reside.

Chairing the event, Melvyn Rodrigues, convenor of the Konkani Board at the Sahitya Akademi, highlighted the importance of individual responsibility in linguistic preservation. “If each person does their duty toward their language, no force can prevent its progress,” he said.

The ceremony included a heartfelt tribute to Late Rocky Miranda, who was posthumously conferred the Madhav Manjunath Shanbhag Lifetime Achievement Award. Accepting the award in the Miranda family’s absence, H. M. Pernal received it from Rodrigues on their behalf.

Prominent personalities such as Vijayanand Gaitonde, Dr. Vaman Naik, Isidore Dantas, Alfi Monteiro, and Dr. Ashwini Kulkarni were honoured with Kunbi shawls and mementoes for their contributions to various fields within the Konkani cultural sphere.

The event included a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Unity of Konkani People in India”, featuring speakers Titus Noronha, Anant Agni, and Remson Vaz, moderated by Ganadhish Prabhudesai.

The program was beautifully interspersed with cultural performances. Konkani songs were rendered by Gayatri Patil, Laxman Naik, and Rishabh Sathe, with musical support from Manohar Tamankar. The event was anchored by Govind Mopkar, Saisha Desai, and Anish Agni, while Sneha Sabnis, secretary of the Parishad, delivered the vote of thanks.

Co-organiser and Director of City Pride School, Dr. Deepali Sawai, expressed deep gratitude for hosting the event and reaffirmed her school’s support for future Konkani-related programs.

The Foundation Day served not only as a moment of celebration but also as a call to action — to preserve and elevate the Konkani language and community across states and generations.

Books & Literature

All India Konkani Parishad to Mark Foundation Day in Pune with Tribute to Late Rocky Miranda

allycaralgoa

Pune, July 13, 2025 – The All India Konkani Parishad will celebrate its Foundation Day with a vibrant cultural gathering in Pune, Maharashtra, spotlighting the enduring spirit of the Konkani community across India. Organized in association with City Pride School, Nigdi, Chinchwad, and supported by the Directorate of Official Language, Government of Goa, the event promises a mix of honours, dialogue, and musical celebration.

This year, the prestigious Madhav Manjunath Shanbhag Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented posthumously to Late Rocky Miranda, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Konkani language and cultural identity. His family will receive the award at the inaugural ceremony.

Goa Konkani Akademi President Dr. Purnanand Chari will grace the event as the chief guest, while Melvyn Rodrigues, Sahitya Akademi’s Konkani Advisory Board Convenor, will preside over the function.

Several other dignitaries will also be felicitated for their work in advancing Konkani language and culture, especially in Maharashtra. The honorees include:

  • Lexicographer Isidor Dantas
  • Researcher Vaman Naik
  • Educationist Dr. Ashwini Kulkarni
  • Writer Vijayanand Gaitonde
  • Konkani activist Alfi Monteiro

A special session titled “Unity Among Indian Konkani Communities” will bring together voices from Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra to reflect on shared identity and cooperation. The event will culminate in a Konkani musical programme, celebrating the region’s rich musical heritage.

According to Sneha Sabnis, Secretary of the Parishad, the event expects around 300 delegates and aims to deepen cultural bonds and linguistic pride among Konkani speakers nationwide.