Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Joshwa D'souza

Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Aug 20: To commemorate the inclusion of Konkani language in the eighth schedule of the constitution, the Konkani study chair of Mangaluru University celebrated 'Konkani Manyata Divas' in the university college premises on Saturday, August 20.

Veteran Konkani writer Dr Edward Nazareth inaugurated the programme.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Nazareth said "If the Konkani has attained so much of growth, it is because of its brother language Kannada. After The Gowda Saraswath Brahmins (GSB) and Catholics were given shelter in Karnataka because of the persecution they faced, Kannadigas always been generous to Konkani speaking people. Now the state government has given Konkani study chair in the Mangaluru University and started MA course in Konkani. I thank the government on behalf of all Konkani speaking people,"

"The people who work for Konkani organisations feel that there is a danger for Konkani from English. But the real danger for Konkani comes from within our households where Konkani is not spoken. Our elders and parents have a bad habit of conversing in English and they feel that they have achieved something by doing this. I call upon everyone to speak in your mother tongue at home and not in English." Dr Nazareth added.

Speaking on the occasion former president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Kasargod Chinna said "There is a bad tradition at Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, which is, the work started by one president is discontinued by the next president. I hope that the Konkani study chair of Mangaluru University will remain under the right people and will not go in the footsteps of the academy,"

“As per the government, Konkani is a language spoken by 42 groups of major three religions. But in reality, there are many more groups and the Karnataka government has not documented it. The Konkani study chair of Mangaluru University must take up this work and also must document various aspects of Konkani language and culture which has not been done since many years."Chinna added.

Speaking on the occasion the registrar (evaluation) of Mangaluru University Dr A M Khan said "The university started the Konkani study chair to conserve Konkani culture for the next generation. There are about 42 such chairs and most of them have just remained the 'chairs' for their co-ordinators. But I hope Konkani chair will be an exception to this and will dedicate itself for the Konkani language."

Coordinator of Konkani study chair of Mangaluru University Dr Jayavanth Naik, principal of the university evening college Dr Suhasini Shrivathsa and others were present at the occasion.