Mangalore: Conference stresses on greater use of internet to preserve Konkani
Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Mar 16: "To reach wider audience and for the purpose of documentation, Konkani writers should explore the possibility of going online with their literary works, so that the content is available to the public and they talk about it," said Dr Anil Pinto, registrar, Christ University, Bangalore.
He was speaking as a resource person during the Karnataka Konkani Literary Conference organized by All India Konkani Writers' Organisation (AIKWO) at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar here on Sunday, March 16. It was the first in the series of four literary conferences. The remaining three will be held in Kerala in May, Maharashtra in August and Goa in October.
Speaking on the topic, 'Harnessing the possibilities of the internet or Konkani in digital era', Dr Anil Pinto asked the writers to make use of blogs, social networking sites and Wikipedia to write in Konkani. Presently, there is less information in Konkani available on the internet. Therefore, the writers should make use of online portals. Apart from writers, every church should add information about itself in Wikipedia. This way, Konkani will be rich on the internet," he added.
Dr Anil Pinto also said that print is the privilege of only a few writers, whereas anyone can make use of websites as a platform to take their literary work to people. "Today, social networking sites are used to criticize and stage protests, and there is instant reaction," he added.
Eric Ozario, gurkar of Mandd Sobhann informed that a workshop on Wikipedia will be held at Kalaangann on April 6.
Vasant Shetty, columnist and language activist, Bangalore spoke on the topic 'Fighting globalisatin and strengtherning one’s roots' and Fausto Da Costa, editor, Gulab, Goa spoke on, ‘Konkani literature in the Roman script’.
Earlier, Konkani litterateur Fr Mark Valdar inaugurated the literary conference. In his address he said that 25 years ago, Konkani was facing crisis of existence as people were doubtfull whether the language would sustain itself in the future. But today I see hope that the language will surely survive. There are so many organizations working for it, in addition to the project of teaching Konkani in schools."
Vince Quadros, president of the AIKWO said, "The Konkani language is written in five scripts, and we respect all the scripts. Taking into consideration all the Konkani speaking people living across the state and outside, we are committed to take Konkani forward," he added.
Kalakul staged a short drama titled 'Bodlavonn?' (Change) on the occasion. Vitori Karkal said the drama will be played in a few selected places across the state with the intention to promote Konkani in schools.
Roy Castelino, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy was honoured on the occasion. A collection of children's stories by J F D'Souza, titled 'Bhangarachem Suknnem' was released at the conference. There was a poets' meet wherein 11 young poets presented their works.