Tag: Language Preservation

EduConnect

Konkani Words Will Disappear If Not Used”: Prasad Volvoikar at 7th Batch of Govt. Training

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

The Directorate of Official Language, Government of Goa, inaugurated the 7th batch of Konkani training for government employees on September 16, 2025, at the Language Research Centre, Panaji.

The four-day program, running from September 16 to 19, aims to strengthen the use of Konkani in administration. 28 government employees have enrolled in this batch. The sessions will focus on Konkani grammar, official correspondence, administrative vocabulary, notings, and conversation skills.

Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Guest Shri Prasad Volvoikar, Director of the Public Grievances Department, stressed the urgency of language preservation:

“All government employees should take full advantage of this training programme. Konkani should be used as much as possible in administrative work because if Konkani words are not used, they will disappear.”

Also present at the ceremony were Shri Meghanath Parab, Director of Official Language, and Shri Anil Sawant, Deputy Director of Official Language. Director Parab highlighted the Directorate’s mission of ensuring the maximum use of Konkani as the official language in governance.

Following the completion of this batch, the 8th batch of training will be held from September 22 to 25, 2025, at the Language Research Centre, Panaji, from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

This initiative reflects the Government of Goa’s continued commitment to preserving Konkani, not just as a cultural identity, but as a living and functioning administrative language.

Events in Goa

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

Tanisha Cardozo

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

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 Bhasha Mandal Hails State Information Commissioner’s Pioneering Effort

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In a significant development, Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) has commended State Information Commissioner (SIC) Atmaram Barve for his groundbreaking decision to deliver a judgment in Konkani. This move has been hailed as a trailblazing effort to promote the official language of Goa.

Ratnamala Divkar, President of KBM, praised Barve’s initiative, stating, “Government departments should also follow in his footsteps and implement the Official Language Act.” This call to action underscores the importance of promoting Konkani in official contexts, ensuring that the language remains an integral part of Goa’s cultural heritage.

A Boost to Language Preservation Efforts

Barve’s decision has sent a strong message about the importance of preserving and promoting regional languages. By delivering a judgment in Konkani, he has demonstrated his commitment to upholding the linguistic heritage of Goa.

KBM’s Praise for Barve’s Initiative

KBM’s recognition of Barve’s effort is a testament to the impact that this move can have on the linguistic landscape of Goa. By promoting the use of Konkani in official contexts, KBM and Barve are helping to preserve the cultural heritage of the state.

A Step Towards Greater Transparency and Accountability

As a State Information Commissioner, Barve has been instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. His decision to deliver a judgment in Konkani is a significant step towards ensuring that government departments are more accessible and responsive to the needs of the people.

Conclusion

Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s praise for State Information Commissioner Atmaram Barve’s pioneering effort is a significant development in the promotion of Konkani language. As government departments are encouraged to follow in his footsteps, Goa takes a step closer to preserving its linguistic heritage and promoting greater transparency and accountability in governance.

Special Occasion

Linguistic Diversity Takes Center Stage: 25th International Mother Language Day Celebrations

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In a vibrant celebration that showcased the rich cultural heritage of India and South Asia, the 25th International Mother Language Day was commemorated at the British Parliament’s House of Lords in London. This momentous occasion was organized by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence and hosted by Baroness Sue Garden.

The event highlighted the incredible linguistic diversity of the region, with 25 languages represented through captivating poetry and cultural expressions. The participants, a diverse group of professionals, presented their self-authored pieces in their native languages, adding to the event’s cultural richness.

The celebration underscored the importance of promoting and preserving linguistic heritage. Language plays a significant role in shaping our identities and cultures, and this event served as a testament to the power of language and cultural diversity.

To commemorate the occasion, a booklet titled “Rhyme and Resonance (Kaavya Naadam)” was released, featuring all the poems presented during the event. This collection serves as a lasting legacy of the event, celebrating the diversity of languages and cultures.

The success of this event sends a powerful message about the importance of celebrating and preserving linguistic diversity. As we come together to honor our mother languages, we also acknowledge the significant role they play in shaping our identities and cultures.

In conclusion, the 25th International Mother Language Day celebrations at the British Parliament’s House of Lords were a resounding success, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India and South Asia. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting and preserving linguistic diversity, and we look forward to future celebrations that promote unity and cultural exchange.