Panaji, Dec 21: “Konknni literature should be produced in all the scripts of the languages in the state and if the Konknni language is developing through the Romi script there is nothing wrong in it, said Dr Nandkumar Kamat, a renowned scientist from the botany department of Goa University.
He was speaking as a chief guest at the Dalgado Konknni Akademi’s (DKA) book release function “Romi Lipient Konknni Borounchi Promann Rit” a book written by Fr Pratap Naik. The function was held at Tiatr Academy’s Hall at Campal here.
On the occasion, vice-president of Goa Konknni Akademi Vincy Quadros, president of DKA Premanand A Lotlikar, secretary Jose Salvador Fernandes and Fr Pratap Naik were on the dais.
“This book is of international standard as far as the orthographic content is concerned, and it is in terms with the linguistic standard set up by UNESCO. Books of this kind and other literary values should be uploaded on the website with the aim of reaching to all Konknni speaking people scattered all over the world,” stressed Dr Nandkumar Kamat in his speech.
He also added that the research work brought him to the conclusion that Goa is not the 'mullpitth' of Konknni, as Konknni is the language of adivasi tribe. Dr Kamat also added, that of all the 6,875 languages spoken in the world, Konknni is ranked 125th language, and this exhibits the strength of Konknni language.
“Anybody is free to write in any script, finally Konknni flavour should be preserved,” said Fr Pratap Naik, who prepared the orthography of Konknni in Romi script, which was published by DKA. He also said that the future of Konknni lies in Romi script and that he will dedicate his remaining life for the development of Konknni in Romi script. “After the liberation of Goa if the primary education was imparted in Romi script, today the goans would not have moved away from language," he observed.
Vincy Quadros spoke about the book. Executive member of DKA and president of Tiatr Academy, Goa Tomazinho Cardozo welcomed the gathering and DKA secretary Jose Salvador Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. Eliton Fernandes compered the function.