[Goanet] Medium Of Instruction Or Medium Of Idiocy?
The one-eyed monster has once again raised its ugly head: two lakh parents of children are angry and pleading with this government to legislate the well-known and progressive decision making government grants to Church-managed primary schools permanent.These schools are attended by students from various communities in Goa. Roman Catholic priests deserve our deepest appreciation. I assume they do it for love and not to get a reserved, air-conditioned room in heaven. That they do it is a fact, and deserve our appreciation even from me, a lapsed Roman Catholic and full-time atheist. Jesus Christ once observed how there isn't a greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. These educators do it for our impoverished and young fellow Indians from various communities, every day of their working life. The previous government saw a polarity of views within the RSS over MOI with Prof. Velinger taking on CM Manohar Parrikar, making it a pre-election issue, ending in a disastrous and humiliating defeat for the former and his supporters and causing serious damage to the BJP Party. The well-intentioned teacher then made it his mission in life to convincer parents (and not force them) to educate their primary school children not in English but in an Indian language. How successful was he? While I admire the good professor's idealism, it is badly misplaced and an example of unhealthy nationalism. I wonder why he didn't try to convince the parents and their children not to aspire to a higher salary or higher status in life? That is precisely what parents want for their children because English is the linguistic currency of today to a better and more comfortable life. A tremendous sum of money pours into the Indian economy and Goa from abroad, and - other things being equal - it is because of Indians proficiency in the English language. As the Indian economy becomes more internationalized, proficiency in English is also extremely important in India, too. While we teachers need to teach it is equally important for us to be able to learn, too. We need to develop a new mindset. I have known some teachers in the Humanities who have used the same lecture notes for decades. We need to have as much heart as head, if not more. Ideas and nationalism when healthy is great but when taken to an extreme is dangerous and counter-productive. If a extreme nationalist wanted the English language to be banned because it is foreign and not Indian - replacing it with Hindi or Sanskrit - what will happen to the Indian economy? Manufacturers of smoke and mirrors are trying to obfuscate MOI or medium-of-instruction into a medium-of-idiocy issue. Parents, however, of primary school children cannot be fooled easily as it is not something abstract or philosophical but a down-to-earth issue involving improvement of their livelihood and future of their children. Nothing more, nothing less. Aided and unaided English-medium schools have a larger number of primary school children than government-aided primary Konkani and Marathi schools. The reason is simple: the standard of education is higher and some parents can afford to pay to send their children to unaided English-medium schools. The government needs to increase the number of English-medium aided-schools to give each and every child in Goa an equal opportunity to study in an English-medium school. Parents who want to enroll their children in Marathi or Konkani medium government-aided schools will enjoy the same rights as they do now.
[Goanet] Medium of instruction
Comments in response to Soter's below post : We live in a democracy where the majority opinion should be accepted. However as in the case of MOI protests the BSSM and its leaders numbering thousands want to impose their views on the majority as in a dictatorship. They claim to be patriots and lovers of Goa but in reality are hypocrites. They have one set of rules for themselves while another set for others. The leaders of BSSM dont want Govt. grants to be given for English at the primary level but will be the first to seek admissions in English schools for their family members/friends and demand admission by force using violence. They would preach against Catholic missionaries yet would clamour and seek by force to get admissions in Catholic English missionary schools. The recent agitation in Belgaum seeking admission in Catholic schools by force is an example while in Mumbai violence to seek admissions in Catholic schools is common. If they love Marathi so much why dont they seek admissions in Marathi schools and prove their love for it. They will never practice what they preach but want to impose their views on the vast majority nearly 90% of whom have opted for English as the medium of primary eduation. Camilo Fernandes Message: 7 Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2011 07:45:44 +0530 From: SOTER so...@bsnl.in To: goa...@goanet.org Subject: [Goanet] Bekhar ani Broxtt Soitanacho Manch (BBSM)? With 90% of the parents having given their preference for English as the medium of primary education, the BBSM should have gracefully accepted the verdict. The Government has adopted the most democratic and just approach on the MoI issue, that of taking the opinion of the parents. If anyone is aggrieved by the decision of the government, the democratic approach would be to approach the courts which some have done. Now it is for the court to decide if there is any legal standing for such objections. The cranky mergerists need to learn to accept the verdict of the people and stop throwing tantrums to acheive their obsolete and unjust demands. The problem is that the leaders themselves have not practiced what they preach to others. In doing so, they have lost their moral ground to speak about preserving culture and identity. By beating their empty drums, are they not sounding more like the Bekhar andi Broxtt Soitanacho Manch? -Soter D.
[Goanet] Medium of Instruction : The Verdict
According to Times of India (July 7 ) there are 179 Government aided primary schools in Goa imparting education in Konkani and Marathi languages only. Due to the persistent demands by parents of both communities , Govt of Goa decided to leave the choice of medium of instruction (MOI) to parents themselves. They were asked to register their choice of the language as MOI for their wards in the primary schools.148 primary schools out of 179 responded and the result is as follows: Bardez, Tiswadi, Mormugao and Salcete: Out of 105 schools parents of 72 schools want only English as MOI. 24 are for Konkani/English and 4 opted for Marathi/English. Only 5 schools want in vernacular medium. In Novas Conquistas ie.from Pernem to Canacona, the choice of parents of 43 schools is as follows: For English only 17 schools, for Konkani/English 12, for Marathi/English 10 and for Marathi only 2 schools.
[Goanet] Medium of Instruction
Uday Bhembre ( T.O.I. pg.5, June 26 ) states: ''' It is unfortunate that our Chief Minister is being misled by an uneducated man like .''' Manohar Parrikar ( Herald pg.10 , June 26 ) : ''' He has diverted from fishing to education ''' A question to Parrikar and Bhembre: What right do you both have to speak in this way, when your own '''glorious ''' ancestors gave India an equally ''' glorious history ''' of 2 thousand years before 1947 ? Antonio
Re: [Goanet] Medium of Instruction
Antonio, That is not the point. It's unfair to abuse Parrikar or Bhembre's (or anyone else's) ancestors, just as it is incorrect for PB and Co to debate on the basis of Alemao's lack of formal education. The question is whose position is more realistic at this point of time, what do the parents prefer (and why!), what would be in the long term interest of the children, and while English is despicable at the primary level of education but perfectly fine at the middle/secondary/higher secondary and univ levels! To push an argument on the basis that the other side lacks in formal education isn't very convincing, to say the least. FN On 26 June 2011 12:59, Antonio Menezes ac.mene...@gmail.com wrote: Uday Bhembre ( T.O.I. pg.5, June 26 ) states: ''' It is unfortunate that our Chief Minister is being misled by an uneducated man like .''' Manohar Parrikar ( Herald pg.10 , June 26 ) : ''' He has diverted from fishing to education ''' A question to Parrikar and Bhembre: What right do you both have to speak in this way, when your own '''glorious ''' ancestors gave India an equally ''' glorious history ''' of 2 thousand years before 1947 ?
Re: [Goanet] Medium of Instruction
On Sun, 26 Jun 2011 04:51:39 -0700, Frederick FN Noronha फ्रेडरिक नोरोन्या *فريدريك نورونيا wrote : Antonio, That is not the point. It's unfair to abuse Parrikar or Bhembre's (or anyone else's) ancestors, just as it is incorrect for PB and Co to debate on the basis of Alemao's lack of formal education. The question is whose position is more realistic at this point of time, what do the parents prefer (and why!), what would be in the long term interest of the children, and while English is despicable at the primary level of education but perfectly fine at the middle/secondary/higher secondary and univ levels!... COMMENT : I beg to differ with FN. Any Goan has a right to abuse Parrikar and Bhembre. One is an ex-CM and the other an advocate by profession. If the government has submitted an Affidavit, which is under oath, to the High Court on the decision by the government that Grants will given to English MOI Primary Schools, the government cannot decide otherwise, which will amount to perjury. Does an ex-CM or an advocate not know this? Then he is fit to be abused. Dr. Ferdinando dos Reis Falcão.
[Goanet] Medium of Instruction
FN. It is not as simple as it looks at first glance. We all know the mentality too well. Could call my reaction , reverse casteism if you like.
[Goanet] MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION
As to where and when this whole raging Medium of Instruction controversory will end is anybody’s guess. That some uneducated politicians have high jacked the issue while keeping the educationists at bay is a matter of great concern. That the issue has been raked up just months before Goa goes to the Assembly polls will fool no one. The only silver lining is that at least this controversory has brought the Konkani and Marathi activists together. Something one could never have visualized during the 1986 language agitation. Time is a healer so they say. At least on this issue the diminishing number of Goans in Goa have joined hands. On the June 6th bandh we left it to our daughter whether she wanted to go to school or not. Having been actively associated with so many bandhs over the last 30 years of activism, I did not wish my daughter to inherit that one gene. Infact her school like the Navtara restaurant has always been open on every Bandh day in recent history. Whatever the medium of instruction, let every Goan child be at least taught to distinguish between a rupee, dollar and dirham. Having lost most of what was once beautiful Goa they would at least be able to identify a currency they can save. Aires Rodrigues T1 - B30, Ribandar Retreat Ribandar - Goa - 403006 Mobile: 9822684372
Re: [Goanet] MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION
Even if Goanet is a write-only medium for Aires, let me make this point: when it comes to convertable currencies, there is no difference. Expats, like Aires, who have lived in at least three continents would agree. Purple equals green equals orange or whatever colour! FN FN +91-832-2409490 or +91-9822122436 (after 2pm) #784 Nr Lourdes Convent, Saligao 403511 Goa India http://fn.goa-india.org http://goa1556.goa-india.org On 18 June 2011 06:04, Aires Rodrigues airesrodrigu...@gmail.com wrote: Whatever the medium of instruction, let every Goan child be at least taught to distinguish between a rupee, dollar and dirham. Having lost most of what was once beautiful Goa they would at least be able to identify a currency they can save.
[Goanet] Medium of Instruction
From: goanet-boun...@lists.goanet.org On Behalf Of Nascy Caldeira The present Goa Govt. decision is the best and correct one, on Medium of Instruction. Where English is medium, there is a cumpulsory subject of Konkni or Marathi as second language and vice versa. Where Konkni or some other Indian language is the medium, then Engish must be learnt from grade one... **Dear Nasci, I agree fully with you. This was my trend from the beginning. I agree that Konkani is the home language of most Goans--and there is contact with Konkani for all of them--but Konkani and English should be taught from the beginning. Konkani should be taught in Devanagari and Roman scripts. English will also be a reference language for all other languages. Hindi will come easy for children who know Konkani in Devanagari. When the child needs explanation for English text, it can be given in Konkani as and when required. When studying Konkani also, English words should be given, otherwise it becomes unbearable for children. For example, I found the word chenddu for ball in the text of Vth Standard (in Konkani we used to say bol). If the English word is not given, it would be difficult to explain it. The teacher who does not know English will find it difficult to explain. The problem was that teachers were brought from Maharashtra and 'marathized' Konkani was being taught. Now this situation should be remedied. Konkani will be even better mastered since it is extended to Xth Standard. Our mind should evolve through Konkani, Hindi, English, French. Our complex Indian-Goan culture should be well assimilated, without forgetting that we are living in a 'global village'. But let us also teach our children and young folks to be critical of the modern culture and 'evangelize' (purify) it with real values... Regards. Fr.Ivo
[Goanet] Medium of Instruction- importance
Dear Goanetters, Some persons are asking to speak/ converse in Konkni; as if that is any criteria to decide on the medium of Instruction in Schools, at whatever level. I am not shy of talking/writing in Konkni; rather keep away from doing so as I am not very literate in Konkni; However I am more literate in Hindi. Why?? I did all of my primary and high school (then 11 years leading to matriculation) in Bombay with English as the medium of instruction. Then after India became so-called Independent; (still not independent; in fact more dependent) a lot of changes came to pass by way of subjects. school texts etc. One of the changes was the cumpulsory teaching/ learning of Hindi at the secondary level, until passing out. but was not made a cumpulsory subject for the passing out Board exam. This was good then, but at the expense of the regional language. This is, as 'complex' as India is!! The point I wish to make here is that Only Hindi, the supposedly national language was made cumpulsory; not Marathi the regional language or mt of Maharastrians.and of course there was no Konkni. U see that India, constituted as at present is a very diverse country, united with very diverse sub cultures and languages. And these variations cannot be compartmentalised, nor should they be; as the whole country is ONE. So how do say Bengalis/ Tamils/Keralites etc.learn, thru what Tongue whilst in Goa?? The majority would opt for learning in the most convenient way for them. Thus arose a lot of problems in Bombay then, when the Chavan Govt. (I think) introduced medium of instruction Marathi for everyone. At once there was a hue and cry about this silly stupid Order. All English medium schools and Parents of these schools, united under the newly formed Swatantra Party then, (as an alternative to the INC.) They went to court and the High Court then declared that mother tongue as Medium of Instruction cannot be made cumpulsory, by Govt. decree. It is the Parents that have the Right to Decide the Medium of Instruction for their 'minor' children and not some Govt. rules. It was also declared that the mother tongue be defined as the language spoken in the Home. So who decides the language spoken in the home? or who does not have the right to speak whatever language they like at home? All the Parents decided their spoken language at home was the English language; and so the staus quo remained; the absolute right of the Parents. And more importantly declared that the Govt. of the Day has the obligation to aid/ fund these schools like any other. Besides these legal/ sensible considerations; there is the consideration of merit in medium of instruction language. All Indian languages are under developed even today when compared to the leading languages in our world. So who would not use a modern highly developed and international world language like English (a Ticket to Heaven) as medium of instruction for their children, more so when it is possible and readily available in India that abounds in English parlance and literature. The Times of India, English edition is the largest selling English Daily in the world. So it is and in every way an Indian Language. Whoever says it is alien and or foreign and etc. are all Idiots of the highest order. By all means teach regional language and Hindi in schools but not at the cost of English learning. It is important to learn English from grade one; so as to be proficient early enough for future learning, keping in mind that all higher laerning in India is in English. Anything else smacks of 'apartheid and segregation' in the learning sphere. India is infamously notorious for this. If Indians do not change their way of looking at the world, then they are primitive and would remain that way. Who is, one of them, who does not want to develop and catch up with the world? Or is it that only the elite want to develop and keep others down in segregated lowly schools, to keep doing your servile work?? The present Goa Govt. decision is the best and correct one, on Medium of Instruction. Where English is medium, there is a cumpulsory subject of Konkni or Marathi as second language and vice versa. Where Konkni or some other Indian language is the medium, then Engish must be learnt from grade one. Any person or group, who does not agree to this is 'A Communal bastard'. Live and Let live! Down with Casteism, Communalism, Segregation and Apartheid, in Indian Life! Anyone not agreeing to this is an affront to modern Indians, and should therefore be asked to go drown themselves with a granite stone tied around their necks. Nascy Caldeira.
[Goanet] Medium of Instruction - Views of the learned
The Honourable Supreme Court of India observed in a judgement in 2009 that children studying in Indian language medium schools can’t even become clerks. The government figures released by National University for Education Planning and Administration (NUEPA) in 2008 reveals that 94 % of 131.69 million children in primary school are studying in Indian language medium schools. The highest conscience keepers of our country have acknowledged that these children have no future in the present set up. The most affected by linguistic discrimination are the rural masses and urban poor. The rest of the six percent studying in English medium schools are least innovative and are becoming mere imitators. It is a manmade disaster. http://graamam.net/gramam/index.php Dr. Ferdinando dos Reis Falcão.
Re: [Goanet] Medium of Instruction at Primary school level ? why mother tongue?
Sebastian Borges has eloquently provided his perspective on the medium of instruction in primary schools debate. After his piece in The Navhind Times, he has another one in today's Herald. I read the Ogrelkh (editorial) in The Goan Review, edited by Fausto V. Da Costa, and it says, Aiz kal Konknnint thoddembhov chhapon yeta tem konn vachta? How true indeed? I was reading Goyar, the bi-monthly magazine in Romi Konkanni, and one of my relatives was surprised to see it for the first time. Here is a Konkanni-speaking person living in Goa who hasn't heard about the magazine that is in existence for more than two years. I told my relative that you will only get to magazines if she visits the bookstalls. I picked up a copy at a Mapusa bookstall and then called Tomazinho Cardozo to check if he has back issues of the mag. He was gracious enough to send me a packed of the magazine to a store in Mapusa the next day. I read some of the issues and found the writing very good (not that I am an expect on the language). The magazine covers are also good-looking and the layout inside is appreciable. There are at least three magazines that are written in Romi Konkani, though The Goan Review is both in Konkani and English. There may be other publications or periodicals, especially from the Church authorities. One periodical I picked up is Goencho Avaz, Diwalli 2010, also edited by Fausto V Da Costa and published by Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa Memorial Trust. I am not sure how often this magazine comes out per year. Then there is the venerable Vavraddencho Ixtt, a weekly published by the Pilar fathers. It is hard to know the circulation figures of each of the magazines and VI. I would be surprised if the circulation of Goykar exceeds 2,000. Gulab perhaps has a slightly higher circulation. Perhaps both Tomazinho and Fausto could provide us with figures for academic reasons. Maybe they would like to keep it a secret for reasons best known to them. One issue of Goykar that I randomly picked, Oct 2008, has 94 page, including cover pages. The lastest issue, Volume III, No 1, January-February 2011, has 60 pages, including cover pages. There are not many advertisements in almost all the issues Goykar that I received. The mag is priced Rs 15. All the three magazines are priced at Rs 15 each, but The Goan Review, published from Mumbai, costs Rs 5 extra outside Mumbai. Gulab, published from Goa, costs extra Rs 5 in Mumbai. Gulab issues are normally of 60 pages, including cover pages. So there is enough reading material for those who want to read in Konkani. The need, therefore, is to find readers. Where do you find them? I don't know. I won't be surprised if either the publishers also don't know. The fault, however, does not lie with the publishers who are trying hard to push the Konkani agenda. Despite all these rallies and calls for support for Konkani, the people haven't supported the magazines. These Konkani supporters must realize that to keep the language alive they must buy the magazines so that publishers like Tomazinho Cardozo, Fausto V. Da Costa and others can carry on their job of sustaining the language. It's not an easy task for the Konkani protagonists. Some have started sounding the death knell for Konkani. I think it is bit too early but the fear that the language would eventually die is ever present. It does not matter what medium of instruction the Goan child gets educated. What is important is that the Goan child is well-versed in both English and Konkani. I may add Portuguese. The debate over MOI is still well played in the media. It's good that there continues to be opinions from so many people -- parents, educators and observers. Eugene Correia
Re: [Goanet] Medium of instruction in Primary Schools
Dear Goanetters I studied in English Medium school. My teachers were good in English and the school encouraged us to speak in English most of the time. Konkani was not taught in the school and the languages we had were English. Hindi and the third language was French, Latin, Portuguese. Because of this we could understand easily maths, science, history and geography. While studying even an aveage boy could follow the text book and solve old question papers of SSCE without much difficulty. Tony De Sa was the product of that school .Hence the students were easliy able to adjust at medical college. Engineering college and any other such colleges without much trouble. Even the students whose parents spoke konkani most of the time mostly the labour class were good in studies in the school. Did we forget our mother tongue? I started reading konkani novels while I was in school. My mom was a lover of konkani novels and would buy them .At first reading the novels in Romi script was rather difficult but with effort I was able to read it with ease. Today without learning konkani language myself I can write konkani in Romi script .I have been writing konkani tiatrs and staging them. I even got best script award. Albert de Souza From: dr.udayba...@gmail.com To: goanet@lists.goanet.org Date: Sun, 27 Mar 2011 21:45:47 +0530 Subject: [Goanet] Medium of instruction in Primary Schools 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
[Goanet] Medium of Instruction at Primary school level – why mother tongue?
In recent days, there has been an upheaval on this subject with claims and counter-claims, charges and counter-charges, rallies and counter-rallies and what have you. In this charged atmosphere, few are prepared to look at the issue dispassionately. To do this, one needs to collect facts and analyse them before coming to a reasoned conclusion. At the very outset, it would be profitable to ponder over the general aims and objects of education, especially primary. I do not buy the claim that only education in a regional language or mother tongue fosters patriotism and respect for one's culture. We have enough examples of thorough patriots who were instructed in a foreign tongue as well as of traitors to their own country amongst those who studied in their native tongue; likewise, there are many promoters of culture who never sat on a school bench. To my mind, the main aim of education is to impart to the child such knowledge and skills as will be usable and useful in his life. This will obviously include human and civic values and principles of conduct, which form the very bedrock of good living. If the child is to apply the knowledge so imparted, it is imperative that he understand the matter in the first place. Knowledge is imparted through communication for which the best medium is language, and this needs to be learnt. When the child enters a school, he already knows at least one language, which is referred to as his mother tongue. Hence, this becomes the best tool to use for instructing him; another language needs to be taught afresh preferably through the mother tongue. If we are to instruct him through this second language, then we shall have to wait until he has acquires some facility in that language. Hence the use of the mother tongue as the first medium of instruction. Sometimes a school imparting education in the child's mother tongue is not available in the neighbourhood, because his language is not prevalent there; in such a situation, the next option is the language of the region in which the child is stationed, because he would be familiar with it through interaction with his playmates. This is the real meaning of the term regional language in the present context. Unfortunately, the powers that be have twisted it to mean a language spoken in any region, a qualification which any language in the world would possess because almost every language is spoken in some specific region, large or small. Having said this let me answer some questions that are doing the rounds, in the light of my own experience. Q. Does sudden change of script at the fifth standard traumatise the child or affect his scholastic performance thenceforth? A. No. Why? Consider the situation of the Goan schoolchild in pre-liberation times. A Hindu child would begin his education through Marathi (Devanagari script). After completing the fourth standard he would suddenly change over to Portuguese and complete the Portuguese (Roman script) classes, Primeiro grau and Segundo grau in just two years! Please note that these are third and fourth standards (not first and second) of the Portuguese Primary stage. Please also note that these children were not even taught ABC in the Marathi school. Yet, they did not suffer any disadvantage, let alone trauma. Almost half my SSC class was Hindu, and all my Hindu classmates had passed fourth standard Marathi and at least primeiro grau in Portuguese, a sine qua non for entry into the IX standard of English high school. None of them was over two years older than me; surprisingly, one of them was six months younger (today, he is a doctor practicing in Margao). This goes to show that they did not spend more than two years in the Portuguese school. If the current claims hold even a modicum of truth, every one of them should have been traumatised twice over, but did not show any signs of this ever having occurred. Q. Does sudden change in the medium of instruction at the fifth standard affect the scholastic career of the child? A. No. Why? Again consider the situation extant in pre-Liberation Goa. Unlike a Hindu child, a catholic child would begin his education directly through Portuguese. But after the primeiro/segundo grau, both Hindu and Catholic children would continue their secondary education in English at the Fifth/Sixth standard. There was a complete and abrupt change in the medium of instruction from Portuguese to English, the phonetics being poles apart. Moreover, those who had passed the segundo grau would skip the Fifth standard and directly enter the Sixth. Yet, none of them suffered any damage to their career. On the contrary, some of the latter did so well in the Sixth that they earned a double promotion to the Eighth! Incidentally, I was one of the five who did this in my class (another was the late Professor Eduardo Judas Barros of the University of Londrina, Brasil) and I went on to secure the first rank in the
[Goanet] Medium of Instruction Debate: Status Quo is another word for No!
Status Quo is another word for No! (Medium of Instruction) By Wilmix Wilson Mazarello The Government of Goa’s response to the Parent-Teacher's demand for English as the Medium of Instruction in Government-aided Schools, was on expected lines. When the Government wants to say No!, but is afraid of the people’s reaction, it just says “Status Quo”. That’s how our Government operates. In fact, this is how the present Government of Goa has been functioning, right from day one. Not a single Government’s Project in Goa has ever had the backing of the entire Government. Let’s keep the Opposition Party out of this, for the present. The various Congress Lobbies within the Government themselves will not support any of their own party’s Projects. Further the Coalition partners in the Government have their own varying points of view. The “Net-Result” being, even before a Bill reaches the Assembly, there is no common ground of agreement on the subject, among the Ministers themselves. What then follows is a “Status Quo”, meaning “Let’s not do it for the present”. Quite often “Let’s not do it for the present’ ends in “Not doing it at all”. Who is the sufferer ? Obviously, it’s the people of Goa. So many good Projects are simply shelved, only because everyone in our Government has his own “ego” to be satisfied first. Development in Goa comes to a stand-still, because of individual Politician’s “egos”. If you ask the Government “Why?”. They have a ready reply “Political Compulsions of a Coalition Government” What nonsense! Where is the place for “Political Compulsions”, when the concerned Project is for the common good of Goa and Goans ? Whom is the Government trying to fool ? These are frank cases of the Government taking the common man for a ride. In the present situation of “Medium of Instruction”, there is hardly any room for “Political- Compulsions” or a “Status Quo’. An absolute majority of parents want English as the Medium of Instruction in Government –aided Schools. Parents are the ultimate judges of what is best for their children. So where is the chance of even an iota of doubt ? It’s the parent’s money and the parents are telling the Government, how best to spend it on their children. The parents are also telling the Government, sufficiently in advance, ie. 3 months before the next academic year begins. So where is the question of delaying the decision ? Where lies the “hitch”? Can a handful of the Government’s henchmen, hold the future of our children to ransom ? And, where are those M.L.A s now, who attended the Rally at Azad Maidan, who lent their support to the Parents’ Demands ? Or, was that only an “eyewash” ? Well, many times these M.L.A s and Ministers have managed to slip-out of the “People’s Net”. This time, however, things are different. The “Net” is very secure. There are no holes in the “Net” for slimy M.L.A s to slip out this time. The thousands of Parents are determined to make this as an “Election-Issue” The popular slogans, this time will be “Do it or Get out”. “You are with us or You are against us”. “Don’t Sacrifice our Children’s future to secure your Future’. The people of Goa are not willing to accept any “Status Quo” this time. They know, for sure, that for our Government, “Status Quo” is just another word for “No!”. The people of Goa now say to the Ministers M.L.A s, if your answer is a “No” for us, then we will also have a “No” for you, in the forthcoming Assembly Elections. The People of Goa are not “dumbos’. Over the years they have learnt to see through the Government’s usual game of “buying time” ie. saying “Staus Quo’ when in reality they want to say ”No”.
[Goanet] Medium of instruction - Hera'd's Opinions rigged and distorted.
Yet another Opinion that remains unpublished in Herald's game of 'Manufacturing Consent'. But this letter was publised in Gomantak Times on 31/3/2011. Fr. Romualdo D'souza s.j. has rightly exposed the mischief. We get to read of noises from a bunch of misguided priests and nuns blaming the Church for polarising Goans on the medium of instruction issue at the behest of politicians. Do they mean to say that noises over other issues taken up by various groups against corruption, Swiss bank accounts, mining and for special status to Goa are secular and not influenced by political interests? When people started agitating against mega projects some elements claimed that the Church is behind the noise as it fears that christians will be outnumbered in villages. We convceniently forget that Goans were polarised on religious grounds during the Opinion Poll and the Konkani agitation. The very same mergerists are now on the bandwagon for claiming special status to Goa as it suits their political interests. Is the demand for grants for primary education with English as the medium of instruction a concern of only one section of the community? Is it that only christian children avail of English medium primary education in private schools? Does every issue raised by the Church in Goa need to be endorsed by the majority community for it to be secular and non-divisive? Are the various rights issues of the oppressed and marginalised that are taken up by the Church also communal? As to me, there is no doubt that the Church committed a collosal blunder 20 years ago by opting for primary education in Konkani without wide consultations. Perhaps it sunbscribes to the preconceived notion of the konkani fundamentalists that Goan Christians are 'denationalised' and need to be nationalised by imposing the language, that too in devanagiri script. -Soter D'Souza
[Goanet] Medium of instruction in Goa
In response to: Message: 6 Date: Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:24:15 +0100 From: Tony de Sa tonyde...@gmail.com To: Goa's Premiere Mailing List, Estd 1994 goanet@lists.goanet.org Subject: Re: [Goanet] Medium of instruction in Goa Dear Tony, With all due respect to you and the rest of the teachers, I do not question your professionalism in what you'll do or know. I have all the respect for the teachers, not just mine, like nursing it's a divine profession. I may be emotional in my interpretation but so are all the others who have been giving different other reasons. Now could you please give me a straight answer to the same question, if there are teachers who can get the students to learn, speak and write in English in primary, would you still support English medium ? Or do you believe that our children in Konkanni medium primary school cannot be thought English at all, even if we have qualified teachers to do it ? I am fine with the slogan that parents know what is good for their children or that parents should decide, in this case I say so be it, I have no qualms about it, but when justifications are made with all the wrong reasons, it stinks. For such an issue there should be no compromises and surely no justifications are required, plain and simple, my children, I know what is good for them nothing more nothing less. During our time, most of our parents were uneducated; one just can't say that today, can we ? Today it's the other way round as most parents are educated, so today's parents are in a better position to decide what is good for their children, isn't that right ? This is the point I want to make. The other point I want to make is the authorities should get the required infrastructure and thereafter support in place first (you yourself said about the lack of it) before they try to implement their policies. The infrastructure includes well trained teachers as their prime resources in their respective fields especially the languages. I am sure everyone will agree that most jobs in government schools and even some in private schools have been bought or got through influence, so quality is sacrificed at the alter of monetary gains. This is the biggest mistake in our system. I know our authorities tend to jump without seeing where they are lending, I am sure you and the rest will agree that the authorities should recruit and invest in training quality teachers who are qualified even if they do not have money to bribe, to be better educationists. I have seen teachers in a few government run schools wherein the teachers themselves do not know English, so what knowledge can they impart to the students ? I do not blame the parents nor the teachers or the students; I blame the authorities who try to get the cart before the horse. This whole controversy that has been blown out of proportions is infact what our government wants so that we get divided and stay divided so that they can rule the roost. We Goans have swallowed it hook line and sinker ! Freddy Agnelo Fernandes The content of this electronic communication is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and any others who are specifically authorized to receive it. It may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or otherwise placing reliance on the contents of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful in certain legal jurisdictions. If you have received this communication in error please notify the sender immediately by responding to this email and then delete it from your system.
[Goanet] Medium of Instruction in Goa (Primary Schools)
According to Rev.Dr. Pratap Naik, S J. ( Herald March 24 ) on Myths and Facts re: the medium of instruction, there are in Goa 936 primary schools in Marathi medium and the number of primary schools in Konkni medium is 140 out of which 128 are run by the Catholic community. I think, it would be safe to assume that out of 128 , at least, 80 to 90 should belong to the Diocesan Society of Education(DSE) of the Archbishop of Goa and Daman and these schools are attached to various churches in Goa. Having said so, I wonder why the DSE have not taken the initiative to progressively convert their Konkni primary schools into English medium primary schools for the benefit of their catholic parishioners. To achieve this objective , all DSE had to do was to privatize their primany schools and forfeit grants in aid from the Goa Govt. There are two magnificent Jesuit schools in Pune. namely St.Vincent H School and Loyola H School and both have their primary schools in English medium without enjoying any Govt. grants. Jesuits like Rev. William Rodrigues and Rev. Vivian Lobo, who I think are now based in Goa, could teach DSE a trick or two to attain this ideal mode of education. After all, churches in Goa are not exactly below the poverty level.
[Goanet] Medium of instruction in Primary Schools
JC I disagree with your last two paragraphs i.e. 1) JC wrote: 'Dr. Barad that the phrase Opinion Poll WITHOUT extra expenditure to exchequer is an oxymoron. If anyone cares to remember the amount of Rupees that were invested in the Opinion Poll to join or not to join Maharashtra by the JOIN group, and that too about 45 years ago, one would not dream of that today. My reply: JC you are talking about an opinion poll which was conducted exclusively to decide whether Goa should be joined to Maharashtra or not therefore that exclusive opinion poll did cost us money. My suggestion is to have the opinion poll on medium of instruction in primary school along with assembly poll. This will incur insignificant expenses. For all that is required to be done at each polling station is to install additional voting machine or issue additional ballot paper with options to vote for 1) English; 2) Konkani; 3) Marathi. And for Konkani selectors, sub-option would be a) Romi OR b) Devnagri script. 2) JC wrote: Besides, if an opinion poll were to be held today, there is a fair chance that Kannada or Bihari might become the official language... My reply: Question of Kanada, Bihari or for that matter Digu's vote bank Urdu does not arise because Goa will have to conduct opinion poll only to chose / decide on medium of instruction at primary level out of 3 choices: 1) English; 2) Konakani; 3) Marathi. Second sub-option for Konkani selectors could be: a) Devnagri or b) Romi. That's all. Best regards, U. G. Barad On Sunday, 27 March 2011 J. Colaco wrote: [1] ?U. G. Barad?wrote: a:?my primary education was in Marathi and thereafter my education was in English. b: ?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. [2]?Dr. Ferdinando dos Reis Falc?o?responded:??Dr. Uday, I would suggest you re-think what you?ve?written. Do you really mean to say you would believe in the procedures of?voting in Goa? COMMENT: Even though I have often disagreed with Dr. UG Barad (being a Virgo, I also criticise myself), I must say that I have always admired him for his brilliant ability to produce and publish scientific material. And while it was always evident from his GoaNet and Pharmaweb posting (must have folded or what?), that he was probably from a Vernacular medium primary school (as opposed to a good English medium school), the fact that his books have been published and are not cheap by any standards, indicates that he either works very hard on the non-scientific element (i.e. English) of his books or he is able to secure help from the right quarters. Nothing more admirable in a man than to know his limitations and do the needful to overcome those limitations. I absolutely see the wisdom in parents offering opportunities to their children esp opportunities which were not readily available to them (the parents). Dr. Barad has written about his own choices for his children. For that I say to Dr. Barad, WELL DONE Sir! In my mind, you are a Hero. Trust me, your children will Thank you for that. One reason I disagree with these (officially) bachelor Catholic priests and other bachelor politicians is that they give advice wrt Family Life. They say that even though they do not have families, they have read books. (Some even give medical advice without ever having gone through the rigours of medical training) I say to ALL and Sundry: Please allow parents to make the decisions on behalf of their children, UNLESS you are willing to place some funds in trust for the children who take your advice and flop. Dr. Falcao also has made a very valid point about elections. I;d say to Dr. Barad that the phrase Opinion Poll?WITHOUT extra expenditure to exchequer is an oxymoron. If anyone cares to remember the amount of Rupees that were invested in the Opinion Poll to join or not to join Maharashtra by the JOIN group, and that too about 45 years ago, one would not dream of that today. Besides, if an opinion poll were to be held today, there is a fair chance that Kannada or Bihari might become the official language. There is a famous line in my second discipline i.e. Do not ask a witness a question, the answer of which you may not wish to hear! In conclusion: Please do not take advice on the Medium of Instruction (for kids) from the following folks: a: Catholic priests. b: Bachelors and Bachelors without responsibilities for children they may have sired. c: Wealthy folks who can send their children to Switzerland for education and 'banking studies' d: Wealthy folks whose children do not have to work for a living. e: Politicians who want to divide and rule. jc
Re: [Goanet] Medium of instruction in Primary Schools
The most balanced view that I have heard so far. Thank you Dr. Barad. B/rgds floriano goasuraj - Original Message - From: U. G. Barad dr.udayba...@gmail.com To: goanet@lists.goanet.org Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2011 9:45 PM Subject: [Goanet] Medium of instruction in Primary Schools 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
Re: [Goanet] Medium of Instruction in Goa
Further to my last post on the subject, what everybody has missed out is that the Right to Education Act (RTE) does not merely specify PRIMARY EDUCATION but specifically that ELEMENTARY EDUCATION SHALL BE IN THE MOTHER TONGUE. It is IMPORTANT to note that the school system is being reclassified in that Primary School shall be from Std I to Std V and NOT Std I to Std IV as at present and UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL from Std VI to Std VIII and SECONDARY SCHOOL in Std IX and Std X. The old Middle School stands abolished. The natural corollary to this is Primary Education in Konkani implies Konkani Education in Upper Primary as Elementary School covers these classes. To those in the pro Konkani MOI camp I ask do you want your children to study upto Std VIII in the Konkani medium, then go right ahead its your choice. And further let them proceed further to SSC and later Graduation, Medicine, Engineering etc in further studies, BUT if you are true to your language then make them do these studies in Konkani. Please do not misunderstand, I love Konkani and I am a Goenkar to the core but don't be emotional or use politics or groupism and gamble away our childrens future. Awaken, see the light of world trends, the global village and decide. -- Tony de Sa. tonydesa at gmail dot com ^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v
Re: [Goanet] Medium of Instruction in Goa
Lapitt http://aitaracheokaskuleo.blogspot.com/ From: Tony de Sa tonyde...@gmail.com To: Goa's Premiere Mailing List, Estd 1994 goanet@lists.goanet.org Sent: Mon, March 28, 2011 8:33:32 AM Subject: Re: [Goanet] Medium of Instruction in Goa Further to my last post on the subject, what everybody has missed out is that the Right to Education Act (RTE) does not merely specify PRIMARY EDUCATION but specifically that ELEMENTARY EDUCATION SHALL BE IN THE MOTHER TONGUE. It is IMPORTANT to note that the school system is being reclassified in that Primary School shall be from Std I to Std V and NOT Std I to Std IV as at present and UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL from Std VI to Std VIII and SECONDARY SCHOOL in Std IX and Std X. The old Middle School stands abolished. The natural corollary to this is Primary Education in Konkani implies Konkani Education in Upper Primary as Elementary School covers these classes. To those in the pro Konkani MOI camp I ask do you want your children to study upto Std VIII in the Konkani medium, then go right ahead its your choice. And further let them proceed further to SSC and later Graduation, Medicine, Engineering etc in further studies, BUT if you are true to your language then make them do these studies in Konkani. Please do not misunderstand, I love Konkani and I am a Goenkar to the core but don't be emotional or use politics or groupism and gamble away our childrens future. Awaken, see the light of world trends, the global village and decide. -- Tony de Sa. tonydesa at gmail dot com ^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v
Re: [Goanet] Medium of instruction in Primary Schools
U. G. Barad wrote: JC I disagree with your last two paragraphs i.e. [1] JC: Dr. Barad that the phrase Opinion Poll WITHOUT extra expenditure to exchequer is an oxymoron. If anyone cares to remember the amount of Rupees that were invested in the Opinion Poll to join or not to join Maharashtra by the JOIN group, and that too about 45 years ago, one would not dream of that today. BARAD: JC you are talking about an opinion poll which was conducted exclusively to decide whether Goa should be joined to Maharashtra or not therefore that exclusive opinion poll did cost us money. My suggestion is to have the opinion poll on medium of instruction in primary school along with assembly poll. This will incur insignificant expenses. For all that is required to be done at each polling station is to install additional voting machine or issue additional ballot paper with options to vote for 1) English; 2) Konkani; etc jc RESPONSE: Dear Dr. Barad, I appreciate your clarification. What you have suggested should, surely, not cost a lot of money to the exchequer. However, while that vote might test the 'opinion' of the voters, I am not sure that it can be called either a Referendum or an Opinion Poll. But then, you might be right - especially as in India (and in the tracking polls in the US and UK) TV stations call their 'straw', telephone or exit polls as Opinion Polls. == 2) JC : Besides, if an opinion poll were to be held today, there is a fair chance that Kannada or Bihari might become the official language... BARAD: Question of Kanada, Bihari or for that matter DIGU's vote bank Urdu does not arise because Goa will have to conduct opinion poll only to chose / decide on medium of instruction at primary level out of 3 choices: 1) English; 2) Konakani; 3) Marathi. Second sub-option for Konkani selectors could be: a) Devnagri or b) Romi. That's all. jc RESPONSE: Once again, you are quite right here. My there is a fair chance that Kannada or Bihari might become the official language. comment was merely to stress (like you) the presence of 'Vote Banks which may/will soon take over Opinion at the polls. A Query: (and this is important), (a) IF this matter appears to affect only the Konkani-medium schools and their parents, should the Marathi or English medium children's parents be voting on this proposition? And WHAT will the Govt the Marathi-medium students' parents do IF the majority vote in favour of English? Concluding Observation: Never mind the kind of suit they wear for a particular season, politicians are politicians. They will do what they have to do to get elected and climb to the 'kodel'. No one is a saint. The Digukaka whose urdu vote bank you now noted, is the same Digukaka who used the same vote bank as a BJP. The Monster Rat who the clean and honesht one opposed in the Panjim/Panaji civic polls, is the same one the clean and honesht one made arrangements with a few years ago. In fact, the clean and honest one pulled a coup to climb to the 'kodel' the very first time. Politicians will divide the voting public and 'assist' them to be enemies of each other at the time of the Polls and thereafter make Kon Banega Karodpati deals which would allow them to either gain the 'Public Works ministry' or the the Karods and a big smile on their faces - along with either a big Cross round their neck or a set of Divve (oil lamps) by their side and proclaim that they are either Coming back home to the BJP or I was always a Congressman at heart or that they are 'sleeping with the enemy' ONLY for the purpose of providing stability for their beloved Goa. Yep .It is a stable alright ..replete with all the horse-trading which goes onnever mind the Journos in Denial! Thanks for your post jc
[Goanet] MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION - COMMUNALISATION
The answer to the mindless communalisation of the medium of instruction issue throws up only one alternative. If this communal virus within the konknni world is to be immobilised, the only medicine is for the Diocesan Society of Education to switch over to English medium in their primary schools. If private English medium schools can not only survive but thrive without grants for the primary section, I do not see why the DSE cannot do the same. In the interest of education in Goa the DSE will need to take this bold step or else it's schools will remain as a factory to produce labour class to be employed as waiters, cooks and butlers. -Soter
[Goanet] Medium of instruction in Primary Schools
MY RESPONSE: JC how can you call a vote casted separately along with assembly poll and in line with voting norms to be 'Referendum'? It's not referendum but will be an actual 'opinion poll' of all voters. And if you still continue saying its 'Referendum' government can go ahead with exclusive 'opinion poll'. No matter whether it will cost money or not - even otherwise exchequers money is being systematically siphoned by our politicians. Hope this answers your response appended below: jc RESPONSE: Dear Dr. Barad, I appreciate your clarification. What you have suggested should, surely, not cost a lot of money to the exchequer. However, while that vote might test the 'opinion' of the voters, I am not sure that it can be called either a Referendum or an Opinion Poll. But then, you might be right - especially as in India (and in the tracking polls in the US and UK) TV stations call their 'straw', telephone or exit polls as Opinion Polls. MY RESPONSE: JC, firstly I must congratulate you for establishing new relation with Digu i.e. he is now turned your Kaka. JC, in an opinion poll, like in any voting, there will always be a winner and a loser. Winning or losing is like a chance game. At least it's going to be the opinion of masses (no matter even if they are actually a??ses). During Goa's first ever opinion poll we never debated in such a way. Even during those days we did see politicians and their cronies' active involvements. Your worst enemy Bandodkar, than CM of Goa and opposition Jack-Babu company on other side were using all their tactics. Still we accepted 'opinion poll' proposal and went ahead with opinion poll. End result, Goa should not be merged with Maharashtra was the outcome ... We got what we wanted is entirely a different issue. JC 'opinion poll' is like any other election - winner always carry big smile on their faces and loser will carry sorry faces. This also follows the crossover of even ideology to winning side. This is called 'survival of fittest' which is invariably practiced by even professionals, thinkers, educationalists, elite crowed, and even by politicians from losing side, leave alone Aam Admi. While concluding this short message, I strongly feel that issue of medium of instruction in primary school in Goa should only be solved by 'opinion poll'- and that's the best way out. Let all Goans get involved in making a choice for Goa no matter whether it's going to be right or wrong. But we must not allow some handful of people like Babushes, Church-hills, Jonquills, shashi-kalas, bhembres, naiks, Prataps to decide for Goa. Hope this answers your important query which is appended below. Best regards, U. G. Barad JC wrote: U. G. Barad wrote: JC I disagree with your last two paragraphs i.e. [1] JC: Dr. Barad that the phrase Opinion Poll WITHOUT extra expenditure to exchequer is an oxymoron. If anyone cares to remember the amount of Rupees that were invested in the Opinion Poll to join or not to join Maharashtra by the JOIN group, and that too about 45 years ago, one would not dream of that today. BARAD: JC you are talking about an opinion poll which was conducted exclusively to decide whether Goa should be joined to Maharashtra or not therefore that exclusive opinion poll did cost us money. My suggestion is to have the opinion poll on medium of instruction in primary school along with assembly poll. This will incur insignificant expenses. For all that is required to be done at each polling station is to install additional voting machine or issue additional ballot paper with options to vote for 1) English; 2) Konkani; etc jc RESPONSE: Dear Dr. Barad, I appreciate your clarification. What you have suggested should, surely, not cost a lot of money to the exchequer. However, while that vote might test the 'opinion' of the voters, I am not sure that it can be called either a Referendum or an Opinion Poll. But then, you might be right - especially as in India (and in the tracking polls in the US and UK) TV stations call their 'straw', telephone or exit polls as Opinion Polls. == 2) JC : Besides, if an opinion poll were to be held today, there is a fair chance that Kannada or Bihari might become the official language... BARAD: Question of Kanada, Bihari or for that matter DIGU's vote bank Urdu does not arise because Goa will have to conduct opinion poll only to chose / decide on medium of instruction at primary level out of 3 choices: 1) English; 2) Konakani; 3) Marathi. Second sub-option for Konkani selectors could be: a) Devnagri or b) Romi. That's all. jc RESPONSE: Once again, you are quite right here. My there is a fair chance that Kannada or Bihari might become the official language. comment was merely to stress (like you) the presence of 'Vote Banks which may/will soon take over Opinion at the polls. A Query: (and this is important), (a) IF this matter appears to affect only the Konkani-medium schools and their parents, should the Marathi or English
Re: [Goanet] Medium of instruction in Primary Schools
Dear Dr. Barad, We have both made our points on this issue. I thank you for your views good wishes jc
[Goanet] Medium of instruction in Goa
All schools in Goa whether in towns or villages have ten classes. From Std.1 to Std 4, i.e. the initial four years is the Primary School. From Std. 5 to Std. 10 is the Secondary School. All Secondary Schools whether the medium of instruction is English or Marathi or Konkni are given grants in aid by the Government of Goa to meet salaries of teachers. Only Primary Schools where the medium of instruction is either Marathi or Konkni are given grants in aid but denied to Primary Schools with English as a medium of instruction for the ostensible reason of safeguarding our great and glorious culture. Catholic village schools in the Costa Rica de Goa teach in Konkni language during the first four years of primary school in order to avail grants from the Govt. But the parents are an unhappy lot, for most children joining an English medium school at Std 5 are as good as zombies hardly able to construct a sentence in English right. The debate that is raging on in Goa today is that Govt of Goa should approve grants in aid to English medium primary schools as well so that children are moderately proficient in English language by the time they join Secondary School at Std. 5
[Goanet] Medium of Instruction
ISince landing in Goa more than a week ago, I have followed the debate on the medium of instruction in primary schools very closely. Today's OHerlado carries a pro vs con pieces by Anacleto Viegas, of the UGDP, gpt Konkani langauge instruction and Tennyson Xavier Fernandes, a former faculty member of Rosary Higher Secondary School Navelim, for English language instruction. Anacleto has said his mea culpa for his volte face,. As as foreign settled Goan I am surprised to read his statement, So many Goans settled abroad return to Goa and look for a space for themselves, but to no avail.Nothing remains of their inheritance of the mother land. Do we desire that our children suffer from the same emptiness? Our forefathers ailed the seven seas, but returned home to rst and sleep the eternal sleep in the backyard of their homes. If by space he remains physical space, then perhaps he is right. Many foreign settled Goans have lost their homes to their own family members and to outsiders because of land and home grab. Many foreign-setteld Goans have willingly sold their homes to others and return periodically to visit the state. But to say that people like myself have lost our inheritance is a wild shot, a statement without substance. True, our children do not know much of Goa despite some of us parents have books on Goa. Some expat children have taking a liking for Goa after they have visit the land of their forefathers at least once. The quest for knowledge about Goa and things Goan is present in them but this quest is not overwhelming.. These children have assimilated themselves in the societies of their adopted land or the land of their birth. When Anacleto talks of our forefathers returning home to die, he perhaps have the tarvottis ofrthe non-resident Indians in many Gulf countries who return home permanently once they retire or forced to leave their jobs. Thousands of Goans have migrated to Englan In recent years and thousands are lining up to give up Goa for good to enjoy the welcome in these lands. Many Goans from the Middle East are coming to Canada and many Goan students are studying in the USA with the hope and prospects of getting a good education and a good job for permanent settlement. From his perspective, Konkani should be the language of instruction. He has backtracked and he has given his reasons why he has changed his mind today. However, he has unnecessarily taken a pot shot at Churchill Alemao, one of the founder members of the UDGP and now its worst enemy. I am told that the Fatorda ground joke credited to Churchill is a made-up one. True, Churchill cannot speak English fluently. He mutilates the language. But let me ask Anacleto what he actually means when he says, Have we not herd enough howlers from our ministers, especially those who speak no language other than English? Does he mean to say that the ministers speak ONLY English and no other language? I tend to believe it's a jibe against some ministers, but directly against Churchill. .How many of this young generation heard Dayanand Bandodkar speak English? At the national level many ministers did not speak English, at least a decade or two ago Eugene Correia
[Goanet] Medium of instruction in Goa
In Response to : Albert Desouza said: Dear Goanetters I had been in the teaching field since 1994till 2004. Each time I had to teach the fifth and the sixth standard it was a nightmare. Children coming from Konkani and Marathi medium did not know a word of English and I had literally to teach them alphabets and how to write simple sentences. Antonio Menezes said: Catholic village schools in the Costa Rica de Goa teach in Konkni language during the first four years of primary school in order to avail grants from the Govt. But the parents are an unhappy lot, for most children joining an English medium school at Std 5 are as good as zombies hardly able to construct a sentence in English right Let me be frank with these two reference, I am not against English medium but rather the argument placed for English medium on the above references, it is totally unwarranted. Let me explain, in a Konkanni medium we do have a subject in English which is purely dedicated to the English language, now my question to the two gentlemen is, if we have teachers who are capable of enabling the students to understand, speak and write in English in primary school, would it be okay to have Konkanni medium ? I am sure most will agree, that if we have good teachers of English, that language can be substantially understood and spoken by the students, so that they have no hassles in their transition to English medium in standard V and then excel in secondary, is that a possibility or not ? If you'll disagree, then I can give you'll an example, I along with a lot of others, am a product of Konkanni medium in Devnagri, I hope you'll believe me when I say, initially it was tough to adept to a script that was totally foreign but most of us managed to master it along with English as a subject and the transition to English medium in standard V was infact smooth, I surely do not think any of us were zombies nor for that matter unable to read alphabets or create basic sentences, infact we picked all the subjects with ease. The only explanation I can give for this phenomena is, may be we had better teachers than the students you'll have been referring to. Today I am sure; I and my fellow students are neither any less educated nor less competent than any of the English medium educated. As far as I am concerned we should give more importance to the quality of education for our children, be it English medium or Konkanni medium ! Freddy Agnelo Fernandes The content of this electronic communication is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and any others who are specifically authorized to receive it. It may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or otherwise placing reliance on the contents of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful in certain legal jurisdictions. If you have received this communication in error please notify the sender immediately by responding to this email and then delete it from your system.
[Goanet] Medium of instruction in Primary Schools
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
Re: [Goanet] Medium of instruction in Goa
On the ongoing MOI controversy, a number of view points seem to have cropped up; Freddy Fernandes said: In Response to : Albert Desouza said: Dear Goanetters I had been in the teaching field since 1994till 2004. Each time I had to teach the fifth and the sixth standard it was a nightmare. Children coming from Konkani and Marathi medium did not know a word of English and I had literally to teach them alphabets and how to write simple sentences. Then Freddy Fernandes goes on to give his own personal contrasting experience stating: I along with a lot of others, am a product of Konkanni medium in Devnagri, I hope you'll believe me when I say, initially it was tough to adept to a script that was totally foreign but most of us managed to master it along with English as a subject and the transition to English medium in standard V was infact smooth, I surely do not think any of us were zombies nor for that matter unable to read alphabets or create basic sentences, infact we picked all the subjects with ease. The only explanation I can give for this phenomena is, may be we had better teachers than the students you'll have been referring to. Today I am sure; I and my fellow students are neither any less educated nor less competent than any of the English medium educated. My comment: Freddy, I began my teaching career in 1969 and have help various positions in school. I would tend to agree with Albert for the simple reason that you cannot generalize on the basis of your personal experience. If you sincerely believe what you say leaving emotion and sentiment aside, then you need to do a reality check. I invite you to visit any aided secondary school, particularly a rural school and check for yourself. Nightmare is a bit of an understatement I should think in this context. Exceptions will always be the rule. let me cite a spectacular example. A student Shobha entered English medium secondary school in Std V from Govt. Marathi primary. At the first test she failed in practically all subjects. But, Shobha was a very determined student and by the time the year got over, she not only passed the class, but was a first ranker. This went on and in higher classes, she represented the school in the Spelling Bee team. At the Mapusa Jaycees Spelling Bee she was in the winning team that won the Bardez championship. This entitled our team to contest the All Goa Jaycee Spelling Bee finals at Vasco da Gama. At Vasco da Gama, our team won beating all odds. So when coming back, we were forced to have lunch as it was late. So the team was taken to a restaurant in Mapusa. I was accompanying the team and I felt it would be fitting to give them a real treat. At the restaurant, one of the finest in Mapusa then, Shobha was very reluctant to enter the restaurant. Reason: she had never eaten in a posh place before and she had never used a fork and spoon to eat. I managed to persuade her that it was perfectly fine if she had to use her fingers but then she was feeling shy because of the other children. With a good deal of persuasion and coaxing I managed to get her inside. Once inside, again to reassure her I told her that she could eat what she wanted and to eat in whatever manner was comfortable with her. Ultimately, Shobha managed pretty well for herself. Now tell me Freddy, can anything deter such a student? Naturally, she passed the SSC with flying colours. Now Dr. Uday G Barad goes on to cite his own experience and then that of his childrens'. While Dr. Barad studied in Marathi primary and did extremely well at English secondary, his children had the opposite experience. Both studied in English primary and did English Secondary and did extremely well but both (parent and children) regretted their own parents choice of medium of instruction. Then Dr. Barad goes on to add:This situation clearly suggests that once child (sic) 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! My comment: I normally do not tend to agree with Dr. Barad but his last quote is something to ponder about. Again, those who cite personal experiences do not realize that the text books and syllabi of today are radically different from those of the past and that in modern times, there is a downward flow of learning/ teaching matter every few years. Again to cite an example, what was the study matter for a Ph D might today have filtered down to the level of Std. VIII or Std. IX. There were times when the subjects like sex education were talked of in hushed tones and things like quantum mechanics were talked of only in higher academia. Today these are common place and even discussed in a school syllabus. Those who talk of carrying on smooth a silk, seamlessly after having studied in non-English primary schools should just try and read the texts in the English medium Std V
[Goanet] Medium of instruction in Goa
On Sun, 27 Mar 2011 04:57:41 -0700, Freddy Fernandes wrote :1- now my question to the two gentlemen is, if we have teachers who are capable of enabling the students to understand, speak and write in English in primary school, would it be okay to have Konkanni medium ? 2- I am sure most will agree, that if we have good teachers of English, that language can be substantially understood and spoken by the students, so that they have no hassles in their transition to English medium in standard V and then excel in secondary, is that a possibility or not ? 3- If you'll disagree, then I can give you'll an example, I along with a lot of others, am a product of Konkanni medium in Devnagri,… 4- I hope you'll believe me when I say, initially it was tough to adept to a script that was totally foreign…. 5- Today I am sure; I and my fellow students are neither any less educated nor less competent than any of the English medium educated. 6- As far as I am concerned we should give more importance to the quality of education for our children, be it English medium or Konkanni medium ! RESPONSE : 1- Konkani medium; and teachers who understand, speak and write English? Do you want also qualified doctors to teach hygiene in schools? 2- May I ask, a second language like French, taught in Goan schools, a new language for most Goans; do you think it is possible for students to cope in Maths, Science, etc in the French language? 3 5- We used to say in school : “Donkey’s name comes last”. That is the rule in the English language in framing sentences, ‘I’ comes last, in contrast to “I along with ... or I and my fellow...” 4- Do you mean “adept’ or “adapt’ They both are pronounced the same! But the meanings, wide apart. 6- Quality of education is dependent on ability of teachers, selection of teachers, environment including political, and resources of the school. I do hope Mr. Freddy understands the big difference now. Dr. Ferdinando dos Reis Falcão.
[Goanet] Medium Of Instruction
Medium Of Instruction In truth I never imagined the gathering to fight for the right to the Medium Of Instruction would be so large, large yes, so large no ! It is indeed good to see that so many people especially parents can come together to fight for a bright future for their children. It is heartening and it evolves in me a hope that we Goans could unite in one voice if push comes to shove. I was a product of Konkanni medium in primary school way back in the late 60's and the transition to English medium in the 5th standard was not as bad as we had expected, for me and other Catholic students Devnagri script was as foreign as Hebrew or Greek but in the end had to master it and by God most of us did. It was certainly not easy. As people have expressed, Mother Tongue Konkanni should not be promoted beyond a certain limit especially beyond the primary. English is certainly good for the all-round development of students and that is what the students want too. A lot of people say Konkanni is being spoken in our homes and the children can learn it there, but how far is that true ? How many parents and their children actually speak in Konkanni at home ? I am not being a judge here, Konkanni has to be protected and nourished and it has to be done in the homes more than in schools by the parents, and that is certainly the duty of the parents. In other countries, most of the schools are in their mother tongues, there will be a very few or miniscule number of English schools, in countries like Germany, Japan, China, Philippines and other such, but still their students are as good as any if not better, in India too, if you see Kerala, most of the schools have their mother tongue as the medium of instruction, we all know how successful they have been all over the world. That is because they have just one major language in their state or country, but we all know that cannot be applied to Goa because we have three major languages along with a mere minority speaking one or two other languages, Marathi is spoken and professed only by a large section of our Hindus brothers, Catholics and Hindus (again) speak and profess in Konkanni that too, the Catholics prefer Romi Konkanni and the Hindus Devnagri, English is spoken and professed by the educated Goan Catholics and educated Hindus to a lesser extent, Urdu and Hindi are spoken and professed by Goan Muslims along with a bit of Konkanni. Now with the majority of Goans being educated it's obvious that our medium of education (over 80% literacy, quality of literacy is made irrelevant) has to be changed as per time. Now can our Government for once think of the wishes of the people or will they continue to wrangle and dangle the language issue to suit their purpose ? Looking at the distinguished gathering I am as much amused as any one else to see our political luminaries pouring in to comfort and support the students and parents marginalized by the very people running the government which reminds of the saying when translated in English means when the forest is on fire the animals run to town. I congratulate the parents for making the future of their children their prime objective, but they should not forget their duty towards Goa, and should support equally if not more the people fighting for the causes of Goa and Goans. Do not wait for the stone to fall on your house to come out to voice your concerns. Goa's issues will affect every Goan, parents and students included. God Bless Goa and Goans Freddy Agnelo Fernandes The content of this electronic communication is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and any others who are specifically authorized to receive it. It may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or otherwise placing reliance on the contents of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful in certain legal jurisdictions. If you have received this communication in error please notify the sender immediately by responding to this email and then delete it from your system.
