Sahitya Academy moves to popularise Konkani study

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, June 19, 2016: Konkani in Udupi district has a very few takers in schools though it was introduced as an optional third language in 2007. There are about 50,000 students with Konkani as their mother tongue in Udupi, Uttar Kannada and Dakshina Kannada districts but the number of students opting for Konkani language in SSLC was poor. To increase the number of students opting for Konkani, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy is planning to introduce Konkani as a subject under the PUC course.

Konkani is taught either in the Devangiri or Kannada script in schools. From the past five years, class 10th students were allowed to write Konkani in public exams. In 2015-16, 69 students from nine schools answered the exam in Kannada while about eight answered the exam in Devangiri. Those colleges under Mangalore University have already introduced Konkani for graduate students.

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy is trying to create awareness in schools and among parents and students regarding opting for Konkani language. The Academy also plans on visiting more than hundred schools. Facilities provided by the government and scholarships will be given to the students. Students can avail job as Konkani lecturers once they complete B.Ed. and D.Ed.

Roy Castelino, Chairman, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy said that globally most of the languages were written in the Roman script. In India there are many languages and 60% of them do not have a script. He added that Konkani was a very expressive and developed live language which was spoken by people from all three major religions: Hindus, Muslims and Christians and it was the best example for unity in diversity in India and over seas too.