Mangaluru: 'Support essential for growth of Konkani language and literature'

Mangaluru: Konkani-speaking communities worldwide take pride in their mother tongue, and the popularity of the Vishwa Konkani Samaroh bears testament to this devotion. Emphasizing the need for ongoing support for such initiatives, Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, expressed admiration for individuals working for Konkani’s advancement despite achieving personal success in other fields.

Dr. Naik, speaking at the inaugural event of the Vishwa Konkani Samaroh 2024 at the World Konkani Centre, Shakthinagar, remarked, “Building an organization is no easy feat, but guiding it toward success is even more challenging. The leadership shown by the World Konkani Centre in uniting young people and promoting Konkani culture is truly inspirational.”

During the event, Konkani Rangabhoomiya Itihasa (A History of Konkani Theatre) edited by Pundalik Nayak and Dr. Hanumant Chopdekar, and Konkani Bhasha Vijnanada Deerghavadhi Samshodhane (Long-Term Research on Konkani Linguistics) by Dr. B. Devadas Pai, were officially launched. Three prominent Konkani live-broadcast hosts—Shakuntala Kini, Basti Shobha Shenoy, and Suchitra S. Shenoy—were honored for their significant contributions, having hosted over a hundred live programs on Vishwa Konkani.

Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including non-resident entrepreneur Michael D’Souza; Vice President of World Konkani Centre, K. Jagadish Shenoy; Dr. Kiran Budkuley; Gilbert D’Souza; Treasurer B.R. Bhat; and trustees Ramesh Naik and Melwyn Rodrigues.

President of World Konkani Centre Nandagopal Shenoy welcomed the attendees, while Secretary Kasturi Mohan Pai delivered the vote of thanks.

Konkani in Education Post-Independence

In a session discussing “Education in Post-Independence India with a Special Focus on Konkani,” Education Officer Dr. Ashok Kamath stressed that expanding educational opportunities would foster national progress. Highlighting a gap in higher education, he noted that only 20% of the population currently pursues it, while just 70% of children are enrolled in the existing educational system. He emphasized that the National Education Policy could bring a transformative shift in the country, urging its implementation at the state level.

Flora Castelino, contributing to the discussion, observed that formal education in schools and colleges does not constitute a complete education. “There are numerous life skills and practical lessons we must continually learn,” she said, advocating for the value of lifelong learning.

Other speakers, including Prakash D., Nagaraj Kharvi, Prashanth Shet, Saraswati Prabhu, and Dr. Pandurang Nayak, shared their views on the subject. The session was moderated by Venkatesh N. Baliga, enriching the discourse with varied insights.