Konkani Bharati Prathamika released

It is important for everyone to protect their language and culture from the onslaught of external influences, rather than debate about the ways and means to project and promote one's own mother tongue, Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Pradeep Kumar Kalkuram, has said.

Participating in the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Karnataka State Konkani Linguistic Minority Educational Institutions' Association here on Tuesday, Mr. Kalkura said the country has always been known for upholding unity in diversity. N. Yogish Bhat, MLA, said that there has been a long drawn debate on the script to be used for Konkani textbooks. "Devanagari has bonded our culture for ages. It is only pertinent that it be used to prepare textbooks," he said. He lauded the association for bringing out Konkani Bharati Prathamika textbook in both Kannada and Devanagari scripts on the occasion.

Mr. Bhat also promised the association that he will convey their list of demands to Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Ramalinga Reddy, and try to find a solution.

T.M.A. Pai Foundation Chairman K.K. Pai released the textbook brought out by the association. K. Mohan Pai, secretary, presented a copy of the memorandum to Mr. Bhat. The organisers honoured founder members of the editorial committee of the textbook, the association, achievers, and writers. President of the foundation, U.S. Mohandas Nayak welcomed the gathering.