Mangalore: Konkani to be taught in colleges at degree level
Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (EP/MD)
Mangalore, Dec 4: Six years since its introduction in schools, Konkani is now all set to be offered as an optional subject at the degree level in some of the colleges in the city.
The government had permitted to choose Konkani as an optional subject from 6th standard in Karnataka schools from 2007, due to which thousands of children in Mangalore and Udupi were able to learn the language. Students have also been answering tenth standard examinations in Konkani for the last three years.
Starting next academic year, it will be possible to take up Konkani as second language at the degree level. The language is already being taught in St Aloysius College for the last 20 years. As per University directives, Rosario college, Padua college and Pompei college of Aikala have come forward for including Konkani in their curriculum. Konkani will be taught in these colleges in four semesters for BA, BCom, BSc, and other undergraduate streams from the next academic year.
On Wednesday December 4, a programme was held at Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy hall to felicitate colleges which are ready to teach Konkani. The programme was organized by the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in association with Konkani Prachar Sanchalan.
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza who presided over the programme said, "I am very happy to see colleges gearing up to teach Konkani to their students."
"We feel proud to announce that this year in 7th standard there are 500-plus students studying Konkani," said Roy Castelino, Konkani Prachar Sanchalan president.
Kasargod Chinna, former Konkani Sahitya Academy president, Government education instructor of mahavidyala principal Philomena Lobo, Catholic Sabha president Nigel Pereira, philanthropist Eric Correa, Academy registrar Dr Devadas Pai were also present at the ceremony.
However, Konkani cannot be taught at PUC level as yet, as there are no such directives. Roy Castelino, president of Konkani Prachar Sanchalan has urged the government for the approval.
A workshop was held since the morning for the teachers in Konkani.