[1]Anil Desai: 1. I would support education in any language including Arabic in our primary schools and govt grants for it provided there was MONEY IN THE KITTY. 2. I support the sizeable number of Goan parents who have no affection for REGIONAL Indian languages to get their children educated in English primary schools with government grants. I just wish this was done in a democratic manner. 3. When an organisation called FORCE led by two convicted politicians were threatening the government, I wonder whether Soter was asleep!!
[2] Marshall Mendonza: 1. AFAIK there is no extra burden on the exchequer. The konkani medium schools which were already getting grants will continue getting grants after swithching over to English medium. Is there a concerted misinformation/disinformation campaign on? 2. Since when have peaceful protests/ demands become undemocratic? Perhaps in Anil's lexicon BANDHS and volence unleashed by BBSM are democratic. 3. Yet another piece of disinformation/ misinformation. AFAIK, FORCE was led by parents and not politicians, even though many politicians of South Goa showed solidarity. Perhaps Anil will reveal to us who were the FORCE leaders who were convicted and for what offence and cite the cases. COMMENT: a: Excellent points by Marshall - especially with regards to 'Money in the Kitty' and the "democracy" of the BBSM Bandh. b: Nice 'Bait and Switch' from "Baba, Konkani is our Mother Tongue aka Matrabhasha - and learning is best in Matrabhasha" to "Regional Indian Language" - paving the way for ducking the " In that case, "WHY Marathi?" question ; even though it must be noted that the presently enforced Konkani is a rather crude sounding nasal dialect of Marathi. (No wonder, those Goans could not follow what Uday Bhembre was speaking). c: It is safe to assume that the FORCE folks were NOT bused in with the help of (GBP) British pounds. d: Agree with Marshall about the deceptive attempt to appear to be scholarly and centrist, and yet be involved in mis & disinformation. Is there a VideoCD about this? e: Is it being said that Parents have NO right to decide to voice their opinion about the MOI for their own children? f: It is probably being said that :"you" must do as "WE" say i.e. Zhalacch Pahije! jc