Konkani lineage does not come from Goa - Roy Castelino

By Bernard J D’Costa
Bellevision Media Network

Kundapur, 25 Aug 2014: Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in association with Jai Konkani® Kundapur, organized Udupi district Konkani students convention at Rotary Laxminarasimha Kala Mandir, here on Sunday August 24.

 

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino inaugurated the convention by hoisting Konkani flag and hit the bell, to create mass awareness on Konkani.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Roy elaborated on the Konkani’s centuries of struggle for sustenance to both school and college students.

 

Roy said, ‘Konkani has not originated from Goa.  We belong to Indo – Aryan civilization. Our homeland was somewhere deep in Afghanistan.  We migrated to Goud regions that existed across Assam to West Bengal in India, when our ancestors were devastated by famine and drought in our homeland.  We were labeled as Goud.  Meanwhile, we were further devastated by famine and drought here too.  We moved to the banks of Saraswati River in Gujarat, but it was tragic that lifeline Saraswati dried off and we were forced to flee to Goa at the height of Portuguese ruthlessly imprisoning people in the guise of enforcing Inquisition Act. At this critical time, we were forced to go towards Karnataka, Kerala and Ratnagiri (Maharashtra). We faced persecution by tyrant ruler Tipu Sultan who forced us to be imprisoned at Srirangapattana.  Many of our ancestors died, but those who survived returned to their homes and tried to rebuild their lives.  A few of them settled around Mysore.  It’s significant that Konkani survived because of word of moth and its amongst our midst thriving,’ said Roy.

 

 

Roy further said, ‘When someone asks which the national language is, we say Hindi that is not the sole language but all the language included in eighth schedule of Indian constitution are classical languages. Karnataka government has granted permission to teach Konkani from Class VI as third optional subject.  In spite of this, many schools are not willing to introduce Konkani.  If it’s impossible, they can begin at least Konkani Clubs in different schools,’ urged Roy.

 

Jai Konkani® president U S Shenoy in his introductory address said, ‘Our Konkani language has history of 5,000 years.  The convention aims at creating interest among the children for its sustenance,’ said Shenoy.

 

The convention chairperson Preetika Shipali said, ‘Konkani is spoken by people of different faith, caste and creed.  Konkani is loosing its sheen due to mainstream languages.  The convention has been titled to give a strong wake up call.  Let us teach Konkani for those who wish to learn and let Konkani live forever,’ said Shifali.

 

Vinayak Shenoy said, ‘Konkani is the mother tongue of many, while the convention will inspire the much needed enthusiasm to sustain and take it to great heights,’ said Vinayak.

 

Rinkal Crasta said, ‘In this modern times, we give higher importance to English, but the psychologist say primary education ought to be given in mother tongue for its greater effect among the growing children. Therefore, the Academy has to work in this regard,’ said Crasta.

 

The students Atiti Pai, Anisha Jyoti Rebello, Vandana Shet and Sanket Karvi shared their views on the occasion.

 

Murdeshwar Shanbagh felicitated Roy Castelino during the programme.

 

Jai Konkani secretary Jayavant Pai, the Academy member William D’Souza was present.

 

Laxmisha Prabhu welcomed the gathering.  Sachin Kini proposed vote of thanks.