Will ‘Kasargod’ Chinna be President of ‘Karnataka’ Konkani Academy?

by Gladson D'Almeida - with inputs from Vitori Karkal
for Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Jun 27, 2008
Mangalore:

Who will be the next president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy?  If this question had been put forth before lacs of Konkani-speaking people some three years ago, hardly anyone would have answered it. But after the Academy went through the Golden Era in the last three years, under the leadership of 'never tiring ever ready' Eric Ozario, today at least a large chunk of Konkani-speaking people will come up with their choice. For most of them, the existence of Konkani Sahitya Academy was perhaps known only in the last three years, even though it has been existing for more than a decade now.

Having said this, no one can deny the fact that Eric and his committee have set a new trend and a shining example which is difficult but not impossible to be emulated. The next president will always be under pressure to give his best shot in everything to match the performances of his predecessor.

Now that new state government is quite settled, all are waiting for the appointment of new president to various Academies including Konkani and Tulu academy. Along with these two, another 11 academies come under the purview of Kannada and Culture department which is held by chief minister B S Yeddyurappa himself. Subhir Singh, who hardly knows any of these languages, is the secretary for the department while efficient Manu Baligar is the director.

Kasargod Chinna                       Narayana Kharvi

No wonder Eric Ozario to Konkani Academy and Tsunami to the world came around the same time. Both took those around them by surprise. While Tsunami swept aside everything with a devastating effect, Eric introduced tsunami of Konkani programmes which did enormous good to Konkani world.

The number of Konkani programmes that were held in the last three years under the supervision of Konkani Academy were perhaps not even held right from beginning of the Academy. Almost 150 Konkani programmes, a programme every week, were held in various places where Konkani-speaking people reside. Along with this, 20 invaluable Konkani books were published by the Academy in the last term. But real icing on the cake and sparkling feather in the glittering cap was the introduction of Konkani in schools.

Now that Eric and his team has completed its run, Academy needs another Captain who can continue these works.  It does not require just a president but an able administrator who can take everyone along with him and who can set right example. But the real question is who will be able to shoulder this responsibility? In the last 5 terms Christians and GSBs had managed to get the post in turns. But this time around there is a strong voice all over that chance should be given to any other community out of the 30 communities. There is already a argument that this honour should go to 'Kharvi' community, which is the third largest Konkani-speaking community and is spread along the coast from Karwar to Mangalore. But there are still voices within which are demanding the post for GSB community since last two committees had a Christian president.

As of now Narayan Kharvi from Kundapur and Kasargod Chinna are in the race for the coveted post.

When contacted over the phone the latter said that he does not know anything about the developments that are going on. "But if I am given an opportunity, I am ready to shoulder the responsibility," he adds cautiously. He has also made it clear that he would support teaching of Konkani in schools. There is already news in the air that two Associations from Mangalore have already forwarded two separate lists suggesting Chinna's name for the post. But one question that will remain unanswered is whether Chinna from "Kasargod" can become the president of an Academy in "Karnataka?"

Though almost 23 Associations have backed Narayan Kharvi, news from the corridors of Vidhana Soudha is that Kasargod Chinna is ahead in the race.  But some recent news reaching here said that even Dr Shivaram Kamat from Kumta and Madhav Pai from Shimoga too are in the race as there is demand that chance should also be given to Uttara Kannada district since all the past presidents were from undivided Dakshina Kannada district.

In the past a list used to be prepared in consideration with a Konkani stalwart from Bangalore. But this time around already 3 separate lists have reached the 'Power House'. Hence the above named person has made known his displeasure to the concerned government officials and has even suggested Narayan Kharvi's name for the post.

But speaking from the view of the government, it is not in a state to get into any other problem regarding appointments to various academies. It has enough problems to solve at least for the next one year. So it is likely that it will choose some 'middle path' though it is a walk on the rope for it now. But only time will tell as who will be the next president of Konkani Academy which represents lacs of Konkani-speaking people of almost 30 different communities. So for the time being we can only sit with 'crossed fingers' and wait for the official announcement.

When contacted about his successor, immediate past president Eric Ozario said that he has made the best use of the opportunity given to him. "I have shown everyone as what and how much Konkani Academy can do. I wish that the next president and committee will carry on and do much better than us. It is also better that this time chance is given to Kharvi community instead of GSB and Christians. Narayan Kharvi is an apt choice. He has a long experience which speaks in volumes about his capacity. Moreover, he has been the member of the Academy for two terms. But let's see what will happen in the coming days," concludes Eric keeping everyone still guessing.