FETE TO COMMEMORATE KONKANI MOVEMENT'S HERO GETS RAW DEAL By Raju Nayak Panaji, June 22
Indian Express **** Mumbai TRUST the Konkaniwadis to take the government and the gullible local population for a ride. As they fan the firest of regionalism with their speeches and thoughts, plans to celebrate the 125th year of the true hero of the Konkani movement, Shenoi Goembab, appears to have gone astray. The Konkani movement has been largely perceived to be the turf of the Margao-based Hindu elite. Resourceful and highly connected people as they are, the leaders managed to lobby successfully with the governemnt to form a large committee to plan celebrations commemorating Shenoi Goembab's 125th birth anniversary. But the committee has been merely decorative in nature and has remained on paper. Literary works of this personality are yet to be published and the task okf conveying his message through schools has been left unaccomplished. Laments Chandrakant Keni, a leading Konkani writer, "It has been our endeavour to publish the works of Shenoi Goembab during the period. Funds had also been earmarked for this purpose. Sadly, the entire exercise seems to have been delayed unnecessarily." Stress is only being laid on organising useless populist programmes which have served no purpose. It seems that the Konkani stalwarts are indulging in a mere eyewash as they rely merely on cosmetic measures. Not surprisingly then, the Konkani movement is on its death-bed having split down the line what with saner and younger elements openly questioning the rationale and wisdom of the elders. The message of Shenoi Goembab would have reached the villages of Goa by now had the organisers put in some extra efforts. ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################