Very happy to see that finally the script issue is being discussed in
the parliment. Konkani can servive only if Roman, Devnagiri and
Kannada scripts are given due respect. In Goa Roman and Devnagiri both
scripts should get equal status. People should be given allowed to
choose the script they want to use.
I assure my full hearted from Mumbai support in the movement to give
equal status to Roman script along with Devnairi in Goa.
With regards
Ancy Paladka
Ancy S. D'Souza, Paladka
E2-139 Diwan Apt III
Vasai Road East
Thane Dist - 401 210
Tel: 0250-2390225
Cell: 9320733213
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
On 8/25/08, pratap naik [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Discussion on Official Language Act 1987 in the Goa Assembly
On Monday, 25 August 2008, in Goa Legislative Assembly during 'Demands' 8
members Including the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat spoke on the Official
Language Act 1987. The demand for discussion of this topic was laid before
the house by Mr. Manohar Parrikar, Leader of the Opposition.
Dy. Speaker Mr. Mauvin Godinho was the first person to speak on this topic.
He was followed by Mrs. Victoria Feranandes (St. Cruz), Mr. Agnelo Fernandes
(Calangute), Mr. Alexio Reginaldo Lourenço (Curtorim), Mr. Manohar Parrikar,
Mr. Dayanand Mandrekar (Siolim), Mr. Francisco Silveira and Chief Minister.
All the speakers were in favour of giving its due place to Roman script in
the Official Language Act. Parrikar was the best speaker. He had done
thorough home work. One could see this the way he spoke and presented the
matter in the house. He suggested to form a committee comprising MLAs ,
Marathi protagonists and Roman script Protagonists and within two months to
come to a consensus on the language issue and to settle it based on the views
of the majority. Three of the Catholic MLAs who spoke in favour of Roman
script were using terms like Romani bhas, Romi bhas, Romi Konknni.
They did not know there are no such notions. In Goa Konknni is written in two
scripts, Devanagari and Roman scripts and they use two different dialects,
namely, Antruzi and Bardeshi. Mandrekar made a statement that Devanagari
script is the mother of all scripts and it is the script of Sanskrit. He and
many others do not know the history of Indian scripts. Brahmi was the first
Indian script and all other Indian scripts were modification of it.
Devanagari script evolved only in 900 A. D. Since Sanskrit was written in
many scripts, in 1857 the British decided to make the Devanagari script the
official script of Sanskrit to teach it as a subject in Calcutta, Madras and
Bombay Universities. Sanskrit was and is written in a number of script.
While replying to the Demands, the CM said that he is ready to discuss this
issue and to find satisfactory solution once and for all for the good of Goa
and Goans. On Friday 29th August Parrikar's private member resolution to
constitute a committee of representatives of MLS, supporters of Roman script
and supporters of Marathi will be discussed in the house. One has to wait
and see what the government will do to settle the long standing demand of
Roman script supporters.
Pratap Naik, S.J.
