Media Release

Panaji, Jan 17: A national seminar on  'The Role of Konkanis in Hortus Indicus Malabaricus' is slated in Panaji on February 18 and 19.

'Hortus Indicus Malabaricus' is a 12 volume treatise on medicinal plants compiled during 1678 - 1693 at Kochi during the Dutch regime. The books were first printed in Latin at Amsterdam.

Three Konkani physicians, Appu Bhat, Vinayak Pandit and Ranga Bhat played a very imported role in the compilation and also in drawing more than 700 sketches of various species. They have also given a testimony (certificate) under their signatures on their role, written in Konkani (Devanagari script) which is also printed in one of the volumes.

Of late it is found that their role is getting sidelined and not finding its due mention in academic forums. The certificate written by the trio is not properly studied or conveniently neglected.

Historically this book is also credited for the first block printing of Konkani, Devanagari script and also Malayalam.

Recently 333rd year of the compilation of this great book is also celebrated in various forums.

For the first time, organizations from Goa, Kerala and Karnataka are joining hands for a common cause to bring credit to the contribution of the trios and also on the relevance of Konkani language in the compilation.

There is no delegate fee. All Konkanis are welcome. For further details, please contact N M Pai - 09847711480.