Romi Konkani: A bridge for true Goan unity
The recent remarks by Adv Radharao Gracias questioning the myth of Goan unity and urging parents to demand Romi Konkani in schools deserve serious reflection. Goa’s history itself shows that our community has never been monolithic. The Opinion Poll was a stark reminder that Goans were divided on fundamental questions of identity, and unity cannot be assumed—it must be built through respect for diversity. Romi Konkani is not merely a script; it is the living cultural expression of generations predating the Portuguese era and particularly predominant in South Goa. Denying its rightful place in education and state affairs sidelines a vibrant heritage and alienates a significant section of our population. If we truly aspire to equality then both Devanagari and Romi scripts must be embraced as complementary. Children learn best when education connects to their home and community. Allowing Romi Konkani in schools will empower parents, strengthen cultural confidence, and ensure that students grow up with a sense of belonging rather than exclusion. Moreover, the script already thrives in literature, music, media, and religious life—its inclusion in formal education would only enrich the learning experience. True unity is not uniformity. It is the recognition that diversity strengthens us. By giving Romi Konkani equal status, the government would demonstrate its commitment to democratic values, cultural equity, and the constitutional principle of protecting minority rights. Parents and PTAs have every reason to demand this inclusion, and if necessary, pursue legal avenues to ensure that Goa’s plural identity is respected. Let us not allow majoritarianism to dictate the erasure of heritage. Instead, let Romi Konkani be the bridge that binds the state in genuine unity.
Assis Everette Telles, Margao
Metro plan delayed
The recent clarification by the Union government that no proposal for a metro rail project or any alternative urban rail system has been submitted by the Goa government raises several questions about the future of urban transport in the state. Incidentally the center considers metro projects for financial assistance only after proposals are formally submitted by the respective state governments. A metro rail system would be beneficial for Goa in several ways. One of the primary advantages of a metro rail system would be its ability to alleviate the growing traffic congestion in urban areas. A well-planned metro system would reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. This would not only make commuting more efficient but also reduce pollution caused by vehicles. Reducing the carbon footprint could further boost Goa’s reputation as an eco-friendly destination. A metro rail service would also promote sustainable urban mobility. The system would enhance connectivity between key locations in Goa, particularly between major cities, tourist spots, and residential areas. Additionally, it could provide easy access to Goa’s international airports, railway stations, and ports. The introduction of a metro rail service could reduce the dependence on private vehicles, freeing up space on the roads and decreasing the strain on parking facilities in urban areas. Such a project is a significant infrastructural investment that can create thousands of jobs during its construction and operation phases. It would be in the fitness of things for the Goa government to reconsider and submit a proposal for a metro rail service in the state, as it would transform the transportation landscape and improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Reviving Carnival magic
Goa is gearing up for its most colourful season as the State Tourism Department is all set to organise the most unique festival of Goans, namely Carnival 2026 from February 13 – 17 with a strong focus on showcasing authentic Goan culture through its famous float parades at different venues across the state. The celebration will wrap up on Tuesday, February 17, with two simultaneous parades in Mapusa and Morjim. Well, Goa’s Carnival used to be a most popular festival amongst foreign/domestic tourists in the past as those displaying their respective floats in cities/villages used to concentrate more on art and less on noise to entertain the crowd by even putting up live bands on these floats during parades. Unfortunately, that is not the case anymore as today one can see less of art and more of noise, with no much live bands performing but with DJs blasting their loud blaring techno music from almost all the shabbily created floats (which include from junk vehicles) and youngsters dancing to that music behind these floats & in the bargain giving headaches for the crowd /making these parades most boring. I think that the individuals who are putting up their floats during parades these days should stop going for short-cuts by displaying some shabbily created floats and boring the crowd playing loud blaring amplified DJ music and making the whole parade lousy and noisy.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
