Media Release

Goa, Aug 30: “There should not be a division on the basis of Romi and Devnagari scripts of Konknni. Everybody should unite and work for Konknni,” said deputy chief minister Francis D’Souza during a special function organised at Panjim Kala Academy’s Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir recently, to mark the closing of Dalgado Konknni Akademi’s (DKA) silver jubilee year celebration.

On the occasion, guest of honour St Andre MLA as well as the chairman of Kala Academy Goa Vishnu Surya Wagh, DKA president Premanand A Lotlikar and secretary Jose Salvador Fernandes were present on the dais.

The deputy CM further added that whoever wants to use Konknni in any script should be allowed to use it. There are lot of followers of Konknni in Romi script and they should get their rights as far as Romi script is concerned. He also promised DKA that he will personally look into the matter of giving office to DKA, which was promised by chief minister Manohar Parrikar last year during DKA’s silver jubilee inaugural function, and also the increase in grants.

“From this year Kala Academy has instituted a separate award for Konknni literature in Romi script and has done away with the injustice met to Konknni in Romi script for last 25 years,” announced guest of honour St Andre MLA as well as the chairman of Kala Academy Goa Vishnu Surya Wagh, who was applauded by the hall packed people. He also highlighted the historical importance of Konknni in Romi script of the past stating that when Konknni was on the verge of destruction, it was Romi script that has served as a protective cover for Konknni language, and went on to say that he will support Konknni in Romi script whenever the need arises. 

As part of the occasion, Gõycho Pormoll – a house magazine of DKA was also released by the chief guest.
 
DKA also organised Konknni cartoons exhibition of Konknni writer Pio Esteves which was inaugurated by renowned cartoonist Alexyz. Konknni books exhibition was also part of the function. A live statue of a writer in the person of Vijay Desai was appreciated by all. 

All the dignitaries, guests and people were welcomed with playing of traditional Goan band.

A special cultural programme was presented during the function by Neleve Performing Arts Academy, Cansaulim under its chief Debbie Fernandes. Infact, the formal function started with a Bharat Natyam dance based on Konknni ‘Deva Mhojea Deva’song by famous Goan singer late Ulhas Buyao. At the end, ‘Hello Uncle’ tiatr written and directed by Tomazinho Cardozo was staged for the people.

DKA’s president Premanand Lotlikar welcomed the gathering, and secretary Jose Salvador Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Ave Maria Afonso and Dr Janet Fernandes compered the function.