Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (GA)

Mangalore, Jun 1: As usual schools reopened on Friday June 1, for the first time in the history of Konkani, all Konkani buffs had something great to cheer about.  Yes! With the commencing of the new academic year, Konkani too has made its way into schools as optional language.  Following the government order dated March 13, 2007, Konkani will be taught as optional language in Karnataka schools from this academic year. 

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy ably led by Eric Ozario has no doubt has played a major role in making this dream come true.  Eversince Eric Ozario took up the charge of the academy, he along with the support of like-minded persons and organizations such as Konkani Prachar Sanchalan, Karnataka Konkani Writers' Forum, Mandd Sobhann, Konkani Yuva Awaz and many more has left no stone unturned to reach this goal.

Speaking at a press conference here on Friday June 1, Academy president Eric Ozario said that it was indeed a historical moment for all Konkani buffs and that he, on behalf of the Konkani Sahitya Academy would ever be grateful to the Karnataka state government and all those who have contributed their time and resources towards this cause.

He further appealed the children, their parents, school management and Konkani teachers to make the best use of this great opportunity to preserver and nourish Konkani.

He said that all those students who willingly come forward to learn Konkani will be offered free text books, 2 note books, a pen.  There will be various competitions for the students throughout the year and at the end of the year one who scores highest marks in each school will be awarded.  Along with that 10 students who top score in the state too will be awarded.

All the expences towards teaching Konkani in schools will be shared by Konkani Academy and Konkani Prachar Sanchalan.  While the Academy will bear a part of it, Konkani Prachar Sanchalan has come forward to collect funds to aid this noble cause.  Konkani Academy has appealed Konkani buffs to contribute generously for this great cause of preserving Konkani.

Just like the past two years, this year too Konkani Manyata Divas will be celebrated on a grand scale on August 19 with the support of all Konkani organization led by Konkani academy.  In this regard, a preparatory meeting will be held at Academy office on Sunday June 17 at 10 am. 

Konkani Prachar Sanchalan president Roy Castelino, Mandd Sobhann president Louis Pinto and Karnataka Konkani Writers’ Forum secretary Dr Edward Nazareth were also present at the press conference.