For the last two years Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) has exposed a series of myths, scams, manipulations and blatant propaganda of Devanagari script proponents.
In the year 2004, TSKK with its hard data informed the public that Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi on 26 February 1975 gave recognition to Konknni language and not to any particular script. It was the Advisory Board of Konknni of Sahitya Akademi which was dominated by Devanagari proponents recommended to Sahitya Akademi on 21 November 1981 that Devanagari should be the script of Konknni.
In 2004, TSKK brought to the notice of the public that when on 20 August 1992 Konknni was introduced in the eighth schedule of Indian Constitution, there was no reference to the script of Konknni.
On 15 April 2005 TSKK exposed various myths created and perpetuated by the Devanagari proponents. The main myth was Devanagari script is the natural script of Konknni. TSKK shattered this myth with the counter argument that nobody has invented any script for Konknni. The existing scripts including Devanagari were borrowed scripts for Konknni. The second myth was that Konknni had a lot of literature prior to 1510 which was destroyed by the Portuguese. TSKK gave counter examples to prove that till 1510 Konknni was the spoken language in Goa. Prior to 1510 in Goa those who knew to read, used Marathi and Sanskrit texts and definitely not Konknni. Hence what was destroyed by the Portuguese was Marathi and Sanskrit literature and not Konknni.
When the Language Bill was passed, the Devanagari proponents manipulated and succeeded in introducing the phrase Konknni means Konknni in Devanagari script.
Recently TSKK proved that All India Konknni Parishad is a non registered Society and receives Govt. funds to organize Konknni conferences.
The latest scam involves a few known Konknni writers in Devanagari script. Sahitya Akademi has announced that 2005 award for Konknni will be given to Mr. N. Shivdas for his book Bhagarsall. Shivdas is a member of the Advisory Board of Konknni in Sahitya Akademi. The award winning book has been published by Asmitai Pratishthan, Margao. Mr. Uday Bhembre and Dr. Harishchandra Nagvenkar are the office bearers of Asmitai Pratishthan. Both of them together with Mr. Pundalik Naik were members of the jury panel and recommended the book for the prestigious award. Publishers of the book have taken upon themselves the role of jury and to recommend their own publication! Therefore, TSKK has demanded from the Sahitya Akademi to cancel the award announced in favour of N. Shivdas. TSKK also demanded from Sahitya Akademi to withhold further awards to Konknni till thorough investigation of the matter has been undertaken.
These and many other scams which are increasing day by day have destroyed Konknni and the unity of Konknni speakers. The good of Konknni is forgotten and eyes are set on grants, awards and places of honour. To save Konknni and Goa, people of integrity should raise their voice to defend the true interests of Konknni.
1 comment:
Let us work towards preservation of Konkani (Konknni?) language and not fight over which script to use. People should use any script that they are comfortable with. If not Devanagari script then which one ? Roman? Where is the "historical precedent" in using Roman script? I'm not against using Roman script per se but am against people making a big issue out of Devanagari V/s Roman.
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