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*Preserving Goa’s identity* Cristo Fernandes I have been following the fuss being made on the medium of instruction ( MoI) issue for a very long time. I am sure people of Goa are sick and tired of the BBSM’s propaganda. The BBSM began garnering the support of university students to support their ‘ cause’. What language have these students been studying in till date, that they are now supporting the BBSM? Who are BBSM to tell students what language they are supposed to learn in? Also, they cannot dictate terms to the parents. It is our children and we will teach our children as we want them to learn. I studied in an English medium school, but I have never forgotten my culture and language. Konkani was a subject taught from Std. I to X. That was more than enough to learn Konkani. People do not have to learn in Konkani medium to know about Goa’s culture and identity. As Goans, it is in our blood. English is a universal language and therefore must be learnt. Students should learn English at the primary level to ensure a better future. BBSM is talking about identity and culture of Goa. Our land is being grabbed by foreigners and migrants. Our beautiful hills, lakes, rivers, and fields beaches are being destroyed by mega projects. Is this Goa’s real identity? If the BBSM is talking about preserving Goa’s true identity, they should first stop all mega projects in Goa, and return our beautiful land to us, and stop all migrants from flourishing like mushrooms. How many Goans have obtained jobs in the government offices by learning Konkani? Our government cannot provide jobs for Goans. All the big posts are held by outsiders. Did they learn Konkani for this? Why doesn’t BBSM tell all the companies establishing themselves in Goa to give job only to Goans and not outsiders? BBSM should research thoroughly before they talk about identity and culture of Goa. We can learn Konkani and teach our children Konkani at home. In school, it is sufficient to learn Konkani as a subject but English must be made the medium of instruction at the primary level in schools. Where was the BBSM when people were fighting for Konkani in 1986? I love Goa and Konkani. No one can take Konkani away from us and our identity. I support English because I want our children to learn in English so that they are ensured of a better future. -- Please post your comments on my Blog: http://goanidentity.blogspot.com/ Please also see below: 1. Benaulim Village Action Committee: http://www.bvacbenaulim.blogspot.com/ 2. "Rape of Goa" : http://www.parrikar.com/blog/the-rape-of-goa/ 3. MAND - an adivasi-rights resource centre : http://mandgoa.blogspot.com/ 4. EVERY GOAN SHOULD SEE THIS VIDEO: http://infochangeindia.org/Infochange-documentary.html 5. Goa's Identity Movement group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//#/group.php?gid=193497031686 6. Official Government Site NRI Office (GOA): http://www.globalgoans.org.in/ -- Please post your comments on my Blog: http://goanidentity.blogspot.com/ Please also see below: 1. Benaulim Village Action Committee: http://www.bvacbenaulim.blogspot.com/ 2. "Rape of Goa" : http://www.parrikar.com/blog/the-rape-of-goa/ 3. MAND - an adivasi-rights resource centre : http://mandgoa.blogspot.com/ 4. EVERY GOAN SHOULD SEE THIS VIDEO: http://infochangeindia.org/Infochange-documentary.html 5. Goa's Identity Movement group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//#/group.php?gid=193497031686 6. Official Government Site NRI Office (GOA): http://www.globalgoans.org.in/