Script Conflict - KLMEIA Opposes Kannada Script for Konkani in School

The Karnataka State Konkani Linguistic Minority Educational Institutions' Association, Manglaore (DK district) has opposed the decision of the State Konkani Academy to use Kannada script in Konkani textbooks. Disclosing this at a press meet here on Friday, association secretary Mohan Pai said that the decision goes against the Eight Schedule of the constitution, which recognises the language in Devnagri script. Inaddition to this, the Kendra Sahitya Academy has recognised Konkani in Devnagri script as an independent language. While the association along with the academy and the help of the Central Institute of Indian Languages has already developed a text book in devnagri, the State Konkani Academy's decision is a "breach of our faith and utter disregard of our contribution to the development of the language", alleged Pai. The association had made clear its stand on the script at the meeting arranged by the academy on May 15, which fell on deaf years, he said.

Konkani, an Indo Aryan language directly derived from Prakrith, is an offshoot of Sanskrit language and was originally written in Devnagri script. This has been recognised by the constitution and the same script has been used even in the currency notes, explained Pai.

He further added that the association which represents more than 60 education institutions founded and managed by the Konkani speakers in the twin districts will comply with the academy only if two language approach is adopted in the text books till standard V and Devnagri script is used from standard VI onwards. Failing this, Pai said the 60 institutions will not use the text book in Kannada script in its institutes for teaching Konkani. The association will be compelled to adopt consitutional methods if the academy progresses with its decision to implement Konkani in Kannada script, Pai said.
He further explained that the writing of Angelus Francis Xavier Maffei and Luis Mascarenhas make it clear that the original script of Konkani is Devnagri.

The association also urged the state government to ensure that Devnagri script is used while introducing Konkani as an optional language in schools of Karnataka.

Association president Mohan Nayak, secretary Arvind Acharya and retired headmistress of the Nalanda Vidyalaya Indira Jodmutt were also present at the press meet.