I have not studied Konkani all throughout my primary school and college days, but speak Konkani right from my childhood. I could read Konkani both in devnagri and romi because my primary education was in Marathi and thereafter my education was in English. I learnt writing devnagri Konkani somewhere in 2000, that too on my own and even publish one short story book in devnagri Konkani (my 13th book) titled 'Belapan' which was released at the hands of Damodar Mauzo. While my daughter and son studied in English primary school (Manovikas) with Konkani as one of the subject. Daughter passed out IT engineering and right this year doing her ME. My son has joined computer engineering. Whenever issues of medium of instruction at primary level popes up my children always accuse me asking, why had you not put us in Marathi primary school like you studied? To this question I always avoid replying or justifying them - for I too question my parents as to why they had enrolled me to Marathi primary school. This situation clearly suggests that once child grow up they do question parents for imposing their decisions on them - despite the fact that child's age at the entry to primary level can never allow them to make informed choice! This argument may not be true with all children and parents!
Over all, I consider that it's not worth taking any side on the issue, for whichever side one take there will be a counter offensive. Therefore I don't want to justify, defend or take up any side on the issue. These days I've noticed that our political dividers (Goans) are beating drums on medium of instruction in primary schools in Goa for the third time. This is not a healthy sign. Such attempts will ruin the future of our upcoming posterity. I believe, in such dead-lock situation, the issue could be best solved once and for all by taking opinion poll from all Goan voters. And this could be even initiated along with upcoming assembly election in Goa which is due in year time without extra expenditure to exchequer. This is my frank opinion. Best regards, Uday Barad