NT Reporter
Margao
The Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan (GRLA), while congratulating the Tiatr Academy of Goa and the Tiatr fraternity on Tiatr being recognised nationally as an element of India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, said the recognition should also lead to equal recognition for the Romi
Konkani script.
“This is a proud moment for Goa and a well-deserved recognition of the generations of tiatrists who have preserved this vibrant tradition, predominantly through Romi Konkani. However, this national recognition also raises a fundamental question for the Government of Goa: If Tiatr, written and performed predominantly in Romi Konkani, is recognised at the national level as an important part of India’s cultural heritage, why is Romi Konkani still denied equal status under Goa’s Official Language Act? And if Romi Konkani is recognised as an important vehicle of Goa’s cultural heritage, why are children still denied the opportunity to study
Romi Konkani in schools?” GRLA president Kennedy Afonso said.
GRLA reiterated that the government must recognise Romi Konkani as an integral part of Goa’s linguistic and cultural identity.
“Our demand is not against Devanagari Konkani. We respect all forms and scripts of Konkani. We simply demand equal recognition and equal opportunity. The Government should therefore amend the Official Language Act to give Romi Konkani equal status and allow its teaching in Goa’s schools. The national recognition of Tiatr has proved the cultural importance of Romi Konkani. It is now time for the Government of Goa to recognise the same reality in its language policy,” Afonso said.
