Margao, Feb 18 (goanews.com): Konkani should utilise the merit of Konkani having two scripts of Devnagari and Roman but Devnagari should ultimately developed as the script of 21st century, feels Goan English writer Victor Rangel Rebeiro.

Speaking as  a chief guest at the concluding ceremony of 21st All Indian Konkani Literary Conference, Rebeiro said usage of Roman script could help reaching out Konkani literature to the Konkani people settled abroad and not familiar with Devnagari script.

But Devnagari script helps not only in knowing Konkani but also other Indian languages using the same script like Marathi or Hindi.

Rebeiro also stressed upon translating other literature into Konkani in order to have wider perspective to the world of literature.

He appealed to the national level Sahitya Academy as well as local language Academies to train younger generation in translations and take up translation work as a mission.

While stating that the future of Konkani is in the hands of our children and grandchildren, the 87-year old writer appealed to the elder Konkani people to tell the children stories in Konkani.

"I am still hooked to Konkani language because my grandmother told me all of stories in Konkani when I was a child", said Rebeiro, who spent more time of his life in the West.

Datta Damodar Naik, chairman of the reception committee, said the Konkani organisations should also think of having Track 2 movement, without help of the government.

It could think of organising mini Sammelan as well as to have more interaction through personal level meetings as well as letters, emails, sms etc.

He also appealed to the writers to get organised to protect our fundamental right of freedom of expression when there are attacks by fanatic groups.

Stressing the need of research for any literary activity, Naik said the writers need to develop the concept of co-writer who would help the writer in research work.

He also suggested that all the Konkani organisations should present a pre-budget memorandum to the state finance minister, listing out several activities for the development of Konkani literature.