CM does balancing act on Roman, Devnagri scripts

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to uplift Konkani in the Roman script, including in the literary field, saying that the Tiatr Academy should hopefully start functioning within the next 2-3 months.

“My Government will not discriminate between Konkani in the Roman and Devnagri scripts. Whatever existing shortfalls, can be rectified by working out suitable measures,” Kamat asserted, while speaking as chief guest at the first anniversary of Konkani magazine Jivit, Tuesday evening.

In the literary field, the chief minister said it is the Government’s duty to extend all support and assistance to Romi Konkani script writers.

“It’s the Government’s firm commitment to see that the language (Konkani) prospers along with the State’s development,” he said.

Outlining various steps taken by the Art and Culture Department towards the promotion of Konkani art and culture, Kamat said, “I initiated the process to set up the Tiatr Academy. A committee is presently drafting the constitution and it should be ready within 2-3 months.”

He further said that the Government has already accepted the demand to name the 1200-capacity AC auditorium of Ravindra Bhavan at Margao after Pai Tiatrist.

“Konkani is the identity of Goans. All should work towards its progress,” he said.

Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho urged the Chief Minister to work out schemes for Konkani artists – no matter which script they adopt — in the overall interest of the language.

“Tiatrists have sacrificed immensely to protect Konkani. They certainly deserve better assistance from the Government,” Godinho pointed out.

Fr Conceissao D’Silva, who was felicitated along with others, made an impassioned plea to the Government to give Roman script its rightful place. Former Goa Speaker Tomazinho Cardozo urged the Government to protect Goa’s traditional occupations that are on the verge of extinction for want of support.