From Sanjay Borkar
Daijiworld Media Network—Margao (CN)

Margao, Dec 19:  Touching upon the demand of Konkani people from Karwar, Karnataka, noted writer, Padmabhushan Ravindra Kelekar, who recently bagged the prestigious Gyanpeeth award, called for amassing Konkani regions. He said that the Konkani movement will not halt until and unless Goa becomes ‘Gomanchal’ , on the lines of Uttaranchal and Himachal.

Goa Konkani Academy, Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Asmitai Pratishthan, and all other Konkani Kendras working across Goa, had organized a joint felicitation programme for  Kelekar, recently.

Noted Hindi writer and critic Namvar Singh, chief minister Digamber Kamat, Goa Konkani Academy President Pundalik Naik, resident editor of ‘Gomantak’, Sanjay Dhavlikar, president of Goenkarancem Daij Dr Francisco Culaco,  president of Konkani Bhasha Mandal Prashant Naik, felicitation committee member Nityanand Naik, and noted writer Damodar Maujo, shared the dais.

Kelekar was felicitated by the chief minister and Namvar Singh.

Elaborating on his statement, Kelekar said that the movement of Konkani started in 1939, but it will not halt till a Konkani state consisting of all Konkani-speaking regions is formed.

“I feel that this award is bestowed to all Konkani lovers, which has shown the standard and level of Konkani language. Award did one thing, it has shut the mouths of those who try to humiliate Konkani”, Kelekar added.

While speaking on the occasion, Singh said the award function should be held in Goa instead of Delhi and he would try for this. He appealed with the chief minister to help in this regard. He also said that the writings of Kelakar should be brought out in Hindi in a big book form and said that he is ready to take the responsibility.

Digamber Kamat, following the suggestion about the relocation of the award function, said that he has already started talks with colleagues in Delhi and if required, he would talk to President Pratibha Patil.

Kelekar is a great personality who first fought against the Portuguese and after liberation, he has continued his fight to get Konkani language its rightful place, added Kamat.

Pundalik Naik served an ultimatum to the government to not touch the official language, as some sections had demanded.

Konkani lovers from Karwar, Belgaum, Sawantwadi, and other regions were present. Prashant Naik welcomed the gathering and Anant Agni compared.