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Friday, February 24, 2006

Konkani institute urged to bring out Konkani lexicon

MANGALORE: “Konkani institute of St Aloysius College must bring out a lexicon for Konkani language,” Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Eric Ozario said on Wednesday. Inaugurating the silver jubilee celebrations of the institute at the college auditorium, Ozario said work on preparing a Konkani lexicon had been initiated 20 years ago, but the work was stopped for many reasons.

However, Konkani Institute must take up this work with earnestness and only a premier institute of Konkani language like Konkani Institute could bring out an elaborate lexicon, he added.

Ozario also emphasised on the need for extensive researches in Konkani language and documentation of various elements related to Konkani language. “Education is another area of concern where a pro-active leadership should be taken by the institute,” he said.

Konkani activist and writer Dr Edward Nazareth delivering the Bennett Pinto memorial lecture said diversity saved culture and health of a society. “A society which does not have diversity is not secure,” Nazareth said.

He emphasised that if Konkani had to survive the Konkani speaking people should develop a positive stand over their mother tongue. If attempts were not made to save Konkani in households and religious centres, it might lose its existence.

He also suggested that functions and religious celebrations like ‘catechism’ be held in Konkani.

Presiding over the silver jubilee celebrations, St Aloysius College Institutions rector Fr Francis Serrao said language and culture were “not like use and throw items”.

After using the language it should be conserved with respect. During the function three Konkani books, ‘Zalli Vaat’, (biography of late Fr Valerian D’Souza), ‘Kamalahem Ghar Bharlolo Ajo’ (by Jo Sa Alvares) and ‘Voviyo anim Vers’ (by Prof Alban Castelino) were released.

‘Parjal’, a memorial issue on the 10th anniversary of Konkani Sangh of the College, was also released.

Former directors of Konkani Institution Fr Herbert Noronha, Prof Alban Castelino, Prof John D’Silva, Fr Prashanth Madtha, Fr Stany D’Souza and present director Fr Eugine Lobo were felicitated.

St Aloysius College principal Fr Eugine Lobo welcomed the gathering and presented the report.

Lecturer Stella D’costa introduced late Bennet Pinto and the works of Prof John Shera. Dr Norbert Lobo compered the programme.

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