ROMI KONKANI V/S NAGRI KONKNNI.

ROMI KONKANI V/S NAGRI KONKNNI.

The Konkani language issue currently brewing in Goa is not between Marathi and Konkani but between Romi script Konkani and Nagri script Konknni. The language issue in favour of Konknni was already settled some years back when Goa Government recognized Konknni as an official language of Goa thereby facilitating conferring of Statehood on Goa because States in India are formed on the basis of languages, one State - one language. Since this issue is already settled for good yet Parrikar and his fellow Marathivadis are still raking this issue. Parrikar, his BJP and MGP including Marathi oriented Congressmen like Ranes, Narvenkars, Khalaps and their cohorts will never keep us in peace. The language issue Konknni versus Marathi was already settled and as such there is no room left for making Marathi as one of the official languages of Goa on par with Konkani.

What is important now is to settle the dispute between Romi Konkani and Nagri Konknni once and for all. This dispute arose because for official language status only Nagri script is recognized and given preferential treatment while Romi script was left out. As a matter of fact, overwhelming majority of Goans are promoters and supporters of Romi Konkani who were the backbone of Konkani movement 20 years back. Overwhelming majority of the people who came on to the streets in Panjim in support of Konkani and gathered at Azad Maidan Panjim for the cause of Konkani were the Romi script followers of Konkani. All the Konkani martyrs who faced martyrdom from the hands of Hindu Marathi supporters were the followers of Romi Konkani. Among those who faced martyrdom for the cause of Konkani in Agacaim and Borda Margao, there was not a single Hindu nor any Naik, Mauzo, Kelekar, Bhembro and Ximbro.

The sacrifices made by the Christians for the cause of Konkani language cannot be just thrown out by immature and intellectually backward Pundalik Naik and his equally one sided colleagues. If men like Pundalik Naik, Mauzo and others of their likes are emitting little shine in Konkani circle it is only because in their Nagri camp they are the only ones who dominate the scene, they are like one eyed men amongst the blinds. They are like frogs in the pond. During the language agitation I went down to Goa to participate in this agitation and on my initiative we in the Gulf lands of Kuwait immediately collected and sent almost a lakh of rupees for organizing that big Konkani Rally and Meeting at Azad Maidan Panjim. When I went to meet the Konkani Porjecho Avaz (KPA) stalwarts I was first introduced to Pundalik Naik who was the head of the KPA. But while speaking to him I immediately discovered how weak this man was, how communal man he was like all his other Nagri colleagues. Then I went a step further in my research on these leaders and got an information that Pundalik Naik is a good “Nattkist” but suffering from ancestral inferiority complex. He is o.k. amongst the feeble people and if at all he was entrusted with the task of the leadership of KPA it was not because of his leadership qualities which he lacked but only to please the “Bahujan Samaj” from where he is come.

This was the trick of Nagri Hindu Bamonn who are dominating the Konknni scene in Goa and imposing their mode of Konknni on us as if they are our masters and we are their slaves. They claim their brand of Konknni is correct but I don’t know who gave them the certificate to prove that their brand alone is the correct Konknni. I don’t know who gave them the authority to say their Konknni is right and what we speak is wrong Konkani. In the name of their brand of Konknni, they introduced Marathi in our Konkani and made us to swallow it like Lolipop. We have to oppose them and their Sanskritik and Marathik type of Konknni. For this type of cunningness nobody like them. None of the Hindu Bamonn in Nagri Konknni circle enjoys the trust of the masses because they are known to be crooks and cunning. See how Uday Bhembro demanded Rs. 1000/- allowance per trip to Panjim from Margao for attending the KPA meetings when he was a part of KPA. As a member of KPA and promoter of Konknni, he should have given honorary service for Konkani cause. But, no, he demanded money. This money came from where?

This money that KPA gave as allowance to Uday Behmbro came from us Kuwaitkars. To collect funds for Konkani cause we made lot of sacrifices in Kuwait. We sent the money for KPA not to fritter away after Uday Bhembro but KPA stalwarts spent it frivolously and because I was asking “cont ixeop” of the money we sent from Kuwait and exposing the amount we sent from Kuwait, some of the rascals amongst Konknnivadis started showing their anger to me. One of them even threatened me but when I showed that I too am equally ready for the kill, gradually the situation was calmed down. In the name of Konkani lot of money sent from Kuwait by Romivadis was misused by our leaders. Nagrivadis should thank Romivadis and should reward them for shouldering major responsibility of fighting for the cause of Konkani. It is we the Christian Romi Konkanivadis who kept Konkani alive till today. We must now not stop in our fight for getting due recognition to Romi Konkani. If Marathi is brought on par with Konkani, Nagrivadis will have to say bi-bi to Nagri Konknni and will have to go to Ratnagiri because in this case Marathi will surely swallow Nagri Konknni exactly the way MGP was swallowed by BJP.

Nagrivadis and men like Pundalik Naik, be careful. In this fight for the recognition of Romi Konkani, we are not going to be the major losers but you Nagrivadis will be the real losers. For so long we remained silent but now the time is come for all Romivadis to fight for our rights. Konkani is not the monopoly of few Hindu Nagrivadis whose allegiance is more towards Marathi. These Nagrivadis want Nagri Konknni only to gain material benefits for them otherwise they have no love for Konknni. We have to fight against them. Our major enemy is not only from Marathi segment but also from Nagri segment. These Nagrivadis perform their religious rites and cultural activities in Marathi and talking big as if they are the protectors of Konkani. They have no right to dictate their terms to us. We know what is good and what is bad for us. Our ”Purvoz” are not come from Ghanttar with Marathi ancestry, with Marathi culture, with Marathi tradition and with Marathi history.

We have been listening to the threats issued by Pundalik Naik and his colleagues in Nagri circle against Romivadis for demanding equal status for Romi Konkani also on par with Nagri Konknni. On behalf of all my friends, colleagues, supporters, followers and all the like minded Goans spread all over the world, I warn Pundalik Naik and his colleagues to desist from issuing such threats. "Heo domkeo tumchea Ajeak diat". We are not asking to withdraw recognition for Nagri Konknni, we are not against Nagri Konknni but we are asking only what is due to us. It is our birthright to ask for our rights. Goans especially Christians who are the followers of Romi Konkani must now raise their voice in support of Romi Konkani and condemn Pundalik Naik and his followers for denying us our rights. Most of the Nagrivadis are anti-Christians. One of them a cunning Konknno Bamonn earlier even called Christians as “Dukor” because we are pork eaters. But the same Nagrivadi Bamon “Dukor” was regularly eating pork Sorpotel at the place of his Christian “Mahar” concubine. The issue of Nagri Konknni and Marathi in Goa have got much deeper meaning than just the language issue. It is a very communal issue. By suppressing Romi Konkani the Hindus in Goa want to weaken Christians from Goa. By suppressing Romi Konkani the Hindu Nagrivadis are waging a war against Goan Christians. Once, the same Nagri Hindu Bamonn “Dukor” even said in Konknni “Are! Tankam (meaning = for Christians) zata zalear porot Hindu dhorman bhitor haddunk tozvit korat”. Not a single known Nagrivadi nor Marathivadi from BJP or MGP openly condemned the recent killings of Christians in Orissa. The issue of Romi Konkani and Nagri Konknni is very much linked with their respective religious communities. We have to protect ourselves minus them by all means. Romivadi Goans spread all around the globe must come out openly in support of Romi Konkani. In this fight we stand to lose nothing but only stand to gain and surely victory will be ours.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

Konkani Day in Kuwait

To mark Konkani’s inclusion into the VIII Schedule in the Constitution of Indian National Languages, KONKANI DAY was celebrated on 29th of August 2008 at 6.00 p.m. in Kuwait. The function was organized by Konkani Kullvar, a well known Mangalorean Association under the leadership of noted literary figure Lancy Pinto Nayak in a packed hall at Indian Community Senior Girls School, Salmiya. During my last 3 decades in Kuwait I always attend Mangalorean functions and fortunately for me they also invite me. I don’t think there is anybody amongst Goans who mixed up and wrote about their functions as I have done and will do so too in future till I am in Kuwait and till I am alive. Though due to linguistic barrier I find it rather difficult to follow them yet I am very much familiar with their activities. They have been under Konkani Kullvar organsing this day regularly. They deserve compliments for keeping the Konkani awakening moving on. While they kept on moving we Goans kept on remaining silence. We Goans fought for the Konkani language so much yet we forgot this day in Kuwait. I salute my Mangalorean brothers and sisters under Konkani Kullvar for remembering this day. I not only remembered this day but on this occasion I also remembered how much physically I suffered during the Konkani agitation in Goa in eighties when I especially went to Goa to participate in the agitation at Panjim, Goa. While participating in this agitation, I received lathis and blows from the Ghantti Police Force of Marathi oriented Goa Government of Rane. I very vividly remember how I joined the fast at Azad Maidan Panjim in support of Konkani. Besides, I along with my other Kuwaitkars spent so much of money for the cause of Konkani and to realize this day.

The function consisted of songs by different singers individually and jointly and children dance items culminating into a grand finale with a nice and very philosophical play “Dantak Dant, Dolleak Dollo” in which Ida D’Silva and Shaan Bondel excelled. But Ida stole the whole show by her superb acting. Her actions, delivery of the words, immaculate appearance, attractive dress codes, beautiful looks and appropriate presentation were of superlative degree. She gave an impression that she is a thorough professional artiste. Top and reputed Goan directors should make use of her stage talent in Kuwait and make Goan community aware of the jewel we have in Mangalorean community.

The dance items of children gained them lot of affection and they were well choreographed. The musical score provided by all the 5 musicians deserves appreciation. They not only played a high profile music with high profile musical instruments in their hands but in their personal, professional and educational background they were also high profile. I salute them for being all round high profile because Konkani Mae needs high profile promoters, followers and supporters to challenge the enemies of Konkani who many times downgrade us as if we are of low standard and they are of high. Konkani now is in not into the hands of Ladru and Pedru but highly advanced people, highly literate and highly qualified people. Lancy Pinto Nayak, Konkani Kulvar, members and followers of Konkani Kulvar are of this high status. Among all the talented musicians, I single out the Trumpeter for attracting more attention though others played their roles excellently. The blowing instrument always create sensation.

During the function, 5 persons were honoured, namely Lawry Pinto and two pairs – husbands and wives: Francis & Mrs. Jacinta D’Souza and John & Mrs. Ida D’Silva. During the honouring ceremony Francis, Ida and Lawry Pinto spoke thanking the Konkani Kullvar for honouring them thus. The best thanks giving speech was delivered by Ida who yet again proved how smart she is. Her speech and eloquence was like that of a great intellectual orator full of philosophy. She is one of the best orators on Konkani platform at the moment in Kuwait and this excellence of her I have been observing since many years now. Her husband John maintained the full fledged decorum and decency by being formal in his dress code while receiving the honour. Receiving such an honour from such a great organization Konkani Kullvar in the midst of galaxy of great audience is something to be remembered for long time and as such the recipients should maintain the dignity and decorum of the function. John D’Silva maintained it because he is highly dignified, educated, discipined and moved in high profile society.

Konkani is not the monopoly of any singular community. Everybody fought for Konkani and everybody preserved it. Keeping in view of this day, Konkani Kullvar should have introduced some items from Goans to give a non-sectarian image of the function. It is not Mangalorean only who are keeping the Konkani alive, Goans and others too but among all, Goans worked more and harder to realize this day. Let there be a fusion of all in the next Konkani Day. Mangaloreans and Goans are having the same roots though due to geographical barriers because of historical mishaps we are splitted.

The chief guest of the function Mr. Marian L. D’Souza, Suda – Senior Manager, General Audit at The Bank of Kuwait & the Middle East in his speech highlighted his personal contribution as a Konkani stage artiste whom 3 decades back I also saw in the Church Hall performing in the Konkani shows along with the then gigantic Mangaloren artistes. His love for Konkani and Konkani musical art is still the same though physical receding is visible. He very much appreciated the role of Konkani Kullvar.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL RESIDENTS IN KUWAIT.

Amnesty to the illegal residents in Kuwait - Broad Guidelines for Indian Nationals

Goan Cultural Centre
Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 9:11 AM
To: goa.kranti@gmail.com
From: goanculturalcentrekuwait@gmail.com


Embassy of India
Kuwait

Press Release

Broad Guidelines for Indian Nationals to avail themselves of the benefits of Amnesty declared by the Government of the State of Kuwait from September 1 to October 15, 2008

The Government of the State of Kuwait has declared Amnesty to the illegal residents in the State of Kuwait from September 1 to October 15, 2008.

The scheme allows the expatriates who are staying in the State of Kuwait without valid visas/ residencies to regularize their stay in the State of Kuwait after payment of the fines.

The scheme also allows those who are without valid visas/ residencies to leave the State of Kuwait without paying the fines. Such persons will have the advantage of returning to Kuwait on a proper visa subsequently.

Those Indian nationals in the State of Kuwait, who are without valid visas / residencies, are advised to avail themselves of the benefits of the Amnesty scheme.

The procedures for availing the benefits of the Amnesty scheme by the concerned Indian Nationals are enumerated below:

SITUATION
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE
Have Passport without valid work visa
Entered with Visit visa (now expired) but have not got residence permit
Directly leave the country

Loss of passport
Passport withheld by sponsors
1. Get new travel document
(Apply for Emergency Certificate (EC)* in the Embassy with the requisite form dully filled in, 3 photographs and photocopy of their Passport/Visa/Ration Card/Driving License/Voter ID Card and a Fee of KD 1.550)
2. Then report to their respective Immigration Office with two photographs for getting Exit Permit

Travel ban due to absence from work
Directly leave the country

Travel ban imposed by the Investigation Authorities
To report to the Investigation Authorities and Immigration Office for getting Residency

Travel ban imposed due to overdue of financial liability
Report to the Execution Department of the Ministry of Justice to settle their cases, before departure

Travel ban due to Criminal Case
Report to the Prosecution Department

New born babies without residency
Report to Immigration Authority
Apply for EC in the Embassy with form dully filled, 3 photographs and photocopy of the Passport of the parents

Pending cases with company for salary, terminal benefits, indemnity etc.
May give Power of Attorney to friends/relatives and leave the country

* While applying for EC, all concerned are requested to bring a copy of confirmed air ticket to India from any airlines

Procedure for obtaining Emergency Certificate
To appear before the Embassy in person.

Application forms obtainable from Embassy may be filled in (Forms are also available at the Embassy website www.indembkwt.org).

3 recent photographs to be attached with the application.

Produce (I) copy of Passport (ii) Civil ID (iii) Entry visa.
Pay the prescribed consular fee of KD 1.550.
Telephone Numbers of Immigration Offices of Kuwait
1. Farwaniya 4341770 4. Jahra 4555600
2. Shuwaikh 4839380/4839607 5. Ahmadi 3986761
3. Hawalli 5712637/5712635 6. Mubarak – Al – Kabeer 5415071

Timings for Amnesty related work of the Embassy of India, Kuwait
Acceptance of documents : 0830 – 1300 hrs
Delivery of documents : 1400 – 1600 hrs
Contact numbers of Embassy of India, Kuwait

For further information, please contact the Embassy at 2530600 Extension No: 200 / 292 from 0830 hrs to 1700 hrs on working days (Sundays to Thursdays) or visit the Embassy website www.indembkwt.org.
Kuwait
August 31, 2008