Konkani in Schools from Next Academic Year - R V Deshpande

It is indeed good news to all Konkani speaking people. It is like a long cherished dream being realized. State cooperative minister R V Deshpande announced that Konkani would be implemented as third optional language in the primary schools from the next academic year.

He was speaking at the 'Mhan Monis Ek Mulakhat' programme organized by Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy here on Sunday November 28. He said that the language will be taught from class VI and directorate of textbooks will prepare textbooks for the same.

He hailed the Konkani speaking people's contribution to the society especially in the field of education, health and banking citing the example of TMA Pai of Manipal.

P Dayanand Pai, noted entrepreneur and managing director of "Century Building Construction" and Joe Lobo, director of ICCR, Bangalore were honoured on the occasion by the minister.

President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Eric Ozario who presided over the function said that it is a welcome move by the government to introduce Konkani as optional language in the schools. "Regarding the script I do not think that there should be any problem. Teaching in Devnagari or Roman script will not benefit the students of the state as they use Kannada script. Kannada is the language used in the state for education and therefore Konkani books too will have Kannada script," he added.

Academy registrar Dr Duggappa Kajekar proposed the vote of thanks.

Later Eric Ozario and group and M S Kamat and group entertained the crowd with Konkani songs.