Mangalore: Academy Felicitates Konkani Teachers, Outstanding Students

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM)
Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda

Mangalore, Apr 9: Among linguistic minorities in Karnataka only Konkani-speaking people had approached government to grant a separate Academy for them. But when former chief minister Veerappa Moily decided to grant Academy to Konkanis, he did not hesitate to grant Academies to other linguistic minorities such as Kodavas and Tuluvas of the State as well. In short, Konkani has helped other minority population to get separate Academies for them, said Eric Ozario, former president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.

Speaking at the ‘Konkani in Schools- Jaitotsav,’ a function, organized by Konkani Prachar Sanchalan and Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy at Kalangann on Wednesday, April 9, he said that, struggle will continue with the government for  appointing Konkani teachers in schools. He added that they want that Konkani Academy should support their struggle against such negligence. He complained and said that they are ready to fight against Konkani schools which are not showing interest to teach Konkani in their schools.

He demanded that teaching of Konkani in schools should not be stopped at any cost. Eric Ozario said that he was fighting for this cause throughout his life. He clarified that though he has retired from Konkani Sahitya Academy he has not retired from the struggle against the negligence of Konkani language.

Mariamma Thomas, corporator, was chief guest. In her address, she stressed the need for preserving the language and culture.

Ganesh Hosabettu, Mayor of MCC felicitated the ‘best teacher’ awardee Coses D’Souza, teacher of Parochial Higher Primary School of Bajpe. Sr Dorin D’Souza, Superior of Ursuline Franciscan Order, was the guest of honour. Philanthropist Fabian Colaco was also present on the occasion.

All the Konkani teachers and meritorious students of Konkani were felicitated on this occasion. Stephen Quadros and Aloysius D’Souza, who worked for producing Konkani syllabus, were also honoured at the function.

Roy Castelino, president of Konkani Prachar Sanchalan welcomed the gathering. Dr Edward Nazareth delivered introductory remarks. Victor Mathias compered the award presentation ceremony. S H Shivarudrappa, registrar of Konkani Sahitya Academy, proposed vote of thanks. Titus Noronha compered the programme.