Konkani Tiatr Academy to be formed in Jan: CM

Konkani Tiatr Academy to be formed in Jan: CM
HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, DEC 20
The two-day first Konknni Romi Lipi Sahitya and Sonvskruti Sammelan got underway at the Ravindra Bhavan here on Saturday, with Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat expressing Government’s firm support and commitment to literature and writers in Konkani in Roman script and announced formation of the Konkani Tiatr Academy next month.
After inaugurating the two-day sammelan at a glittering function organized by Dalgado Konknni Akademi, the Chief Minister it is the duty of the Government to support and encourage writers, artistes pursuing literature and culture in Roman script.
“I sincerely feel that people who write in Romi script need encouragement”, he said and reminded the audience that the Government has officially cleared and completed formalities to set up a Konkani Tiatr Academy.
Reassuring that the Government would extend all support to writers and literature in Konkani in Romi script, Kamat said this is one reason behind the Government’s decision to allocate Rs 15 lakh financial grant to Dalgado Konknni Akademi so that writers get the much-needed financial assistance in the field of literature.
Admitting that there was a feeling of injustice amongst Konkani writers in Romi script, the Chief Minister said it is the duty of the Government to support and encourage writers to produce the best literary works.
“When many people including office bearers of Dalgado Konkani Akademi came to me with many demands, including the demand to name the AC auditorium hall after Pai Tiatrist Joao Agostinho Fernandes, I agreed with the demand”, he said.
In his key note address, convenor of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendra, Fr Pratap Naik demanded rightful place for Konkani in Romi script on par with Konkani in Devnagiri script. “We do not want any favour from the Government, but our rightful place on par with Devnagiri. Our politicians should give us our rightful place or else the people will take a right decision in the next elections”, he warned.
Saying that Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has shown his interest to encourage Konkani in Romi script, Fr Naik said a lot needs to be done by the Chief Minster and reminded Kamat of his assurance to take everyone into confidence to solve the language row.
At the outset, a Konkani entertainment program was staged by Prince Jacob, which was well received by the audience.
President of the Sammelan Vincy Quadros welcomed, while President of Dalgado Konkani Akademi Premanand Lotlikar also spoke.