from Ancy Paladka
for Daijiworld News Network

Panaji, Nov 29: On December 20, 1986 during the 1986 language agitation, a youth by the name Floriano Vaz was died in the firing at Gogol, Margao. He was the first martyr, followed by six other youth from Agacaim who laid their lives for the cause of Konknni. It is because of his and other six persons' sacrifice that Konknni became state language of Goa.

After 45 years of Goa's Liberation, the government continues to felicitate various people as freedom fighters. Unfortunately no one remembers this unarmed youth who was shot dead in broad daylight. On December 20, 2006 his sacrifice will complete 20 years. Now an agitation for Konknni language is again in motion for the last one-and-a-half year and it is felt that this is the right time to evoke the common people of Goa to show their love to their mother tongue to allow Konknni language to breathe free in its own land.

To commemorate Floriano's sacrifice for his mother tongue, from this year onwards Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) will give a cash award of Rs. 5,000 to the best Konknni book in Roman script published in the calendar year.

Those wishing to apply for the Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz Puroskar 2006 should send 3 copies of their Konknni books in Roman script published during the period from January 1 to December 31, 2006. If the book is published in more than one script at least one of the scripts should be Roman.

Entries must reach TSKK office on or before January 10, 2007. A panel of Jury will decide the best book of 2006. The award will be given on February 4, 2007 during a public function.