Dnyanpeeth awardee Kelekar calls for formation of Konkani state

Dnyanpeeth awardee Kelekar calls for formation of Konkani state
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, DEC 15, 2008


Noted writer and Gandhian thinker, Ravindra Kelekar who has bagged the prestigious Dnyanpeeth award on Monday has called for the formation of a Konkani state with the inclusion of all Konkani speaking areas from Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, Goa and Jog Falls in Karnataka. Kelekar made the statement while replying to his felicitation jointly organised by the Goa Konkani Academy, Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Asmitai Pratishthan and all the Konkani kendras from different talukas of Goa.

Kelekar said that the movement started in 1939 for the recognition of Konkani will not be complete till a Konkani state consisting of all Konkani speaking areas is formed.

Referring to the Dnyanpeeth award bestowed on him for his Konkani literature, Kelekar said the award has come not just like that, but shows the standard and level of Konkani language. He further said the award has given a befitting reply to all those who were saying that Konkani is not a language and has no standard.In his address, Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has said that every Goan is proud of the fact that the Dnyanpeeth award has been bagged by a Goan for Konkani literature.Kamat said Kelekar has made great contribution to the cause of Konkani, saying “Kelekar first fought against the Portuguese and after liberation continued the fight to ensure rightful place for Konkani in the state”.

The Chief Minister told the audience that if need be, he would personally meet the President of India to ensure that the Dnyanpeeth presentation ceremony is held in Goa.In his brief address, President of Goa Konkani Akademy, Pundalik Naik warned the government not to touch the Official Language Act. He said the government has not done a favour by enacting the Official Language Act, saying the Konkani speaking people of Goa sacrificed a lot when the Bill was being drafted and will not tolerate any changes to the Act.

Noted Hindi writer and critic Namvar Singh, President of Goenkaranchem Daiz , Dr Francisco Colaco and others also spoke.