World Konkani Centre Urges Karnataka to Protect Konkani Language in New Education Policy

The World Konkani Centre has raised concerns about potential threats to Konkani language education under Karnataka's emerging bilingual education policy. Led by President CA Nandagopal Shenoy, a delegation met with the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister requesting that Konkani remain a viable third-language option in schools.

Konkani holds significant cultural and constitutional importance - recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, it serves as the official language of Goa and is spoken by approximately 25 lakh people across India, with substantial communities in Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra. The language boasts a rich literary and cultural tradition encompassing literature, theatre, and journalism.

The delegation, which included prominent community leaders such as D. Ramesh Naik, Dr Katurimohan Pai, and B.R. Bhat, emphasized that policy reforms must not inadvertently marginalize smaller linguistic communities. They argued that multilingual education, including Konkani, is essential for maintaining India's diverse linguistic heritage and cultural identity.