Mangaluru: Konkani will be introduced as a third language at St. Aloysius Gonzaga CBSE School from the beginning of the next academic year, said the school’s Principal, Fr. Rohan D’Almeida.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Konkani Sangha at the school by lighting the lamp, in collaboration with the Konkani Bhasha Mandal Karnataka (KBMK).
He said that children whose mother tongue is Konkani should learn the language using whichever script is convenient for them, including Kannada, Devanagari and Roman scripts. “We will encourage and support them in learning Konkani,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, KBMK President Raymond D’Cunha Taccode said that Konkani received constitutional recognition on August 20, 1992, and was included among the 22 languages featured on Indian currency notes. “This is an achievement made possible through the efforts of our elders. KBMK in Karnataka and St. Aloysius have also worked hard towards this cause,” he said. He also conducted a Konkani-language quiz for the students and distributed prizes to the winners.
Chief guest S. L. Prashant Shet said that Konkani has 44 varieties. “Konkani has been preserved and spoken by Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Daivajnas, GSBs, Kharvis, Kudumis and various other communities. This is the identity of Konkani. It represents unity in diversity,” he said.
Multi-lingual filmmaker and producer Harry Fernandes Barkur, KBMK Treasurer Vasanth Rao and Vice Principal Aparna Suresh were present on the dais.
Another Vice Principal, Laurel D’Souza, delivered the vote of thanks. Jevita Freneta Ferrao compered the programme, while Mishel Crasta welcomed the gathering and introduced the guests.
KBMK member Shanti Veronica D’Souza also extended her support. Stany Tauro, Denis D’Souza Vamanjoor, Harold Albuquerque, Maria Pinto, Prem and others were present.