2nd Global Conclave To Adopt Konkani Language Plan

KONKANI LANGUAGE PLAN
(KONKNNI FUDDARA YEVZONN)

...taking Konkani to the future.
---------------------- CONTENTS
PREFACE
I.
VISION
II.
MISSION STATEMENT
III.
THE ROAD MAP

1. SHORT-TERM GOALS
2. LONG-TERM GOALS
IV.
THE ACTION PLAN
V.
GUIDELINES THE TEN KONKANI IMPERATIVES

(KONKNNICHE DHA KAYDYA-ULE)
Guidelines to
An Individual
A Family
A Community
Organisations at the Regional, National and Global level.
Konkani Language Plan
Page 1

PREFACE
WHY PLANNING?
Life would be quite chaotic if not planned. The world would neither progress nor prosper. And therefore,
realising and respecting this simple truth, man undertakes planning at the personal, family, professional,
community, national, international in short, at every level. The difference between the planned and the
unplanned is like farming and allowing things to grow wild. While regulated farming will fetch one
profitable results, wild growth, though may seem lush and green, will be erratic and will contribute very
little to economic development.
Same is the case with Konkani. It exists in so many regions around the world, survives in different difficult
terrains, at times under very hostile conditions, might on the surface even look flourishing and thriving in so
many varieties, shades and hues; but due to sheer lack of planning at the local, regional, national and at the
international levels lacks the movement forward. No wonder therefore, its future looks bleak and hopeless.
The world is progressing at a very fast pace. Because everything around us is meticulously planned, well
thought-out, scientifically organised, professionally managed and consciously developed. Because Konkani
has never bothered to follow these norms, Konkani is unable to keep pace with the world around, and as a
result, there is not only the fear of it being left-out, but also being wiped-out.
KONKANI PLANNING
It is with this grave concern in mind, that Konkani Language Planning is being proposed. Konkani
Language Planning, envisages not just the revival, development, standardisation of the language, but
much beyond. It engulfs the preservation, promotion, enrichment and transmission of a vibrant language and
an ancient culture, in all its variety and colours. Konkani Language Planning therefore, is all about
taking Konkani (language & culture) forward, to the future.
As this is a private initiative, it suffers from the lack of authority to enforce or to make people accept the
proposals. All that a private initiative can do is educate, cajole, coax and motivate. Therefore, it is
imperative that the whole process (of planning and execution), be democratic, transparent, allinclusive and should take into confidence and involve every Konkani.
KONKANIS MISFORTUNE
Konkanis greatest misfortune has been that there never existed an enlightened, all-inclusive, forwardlooking, progressive-thinking, proactive leadership, even at the national level. At the global level, leadership
was simply nonexistent. The leadership that prevailed at the national level, was hopelessly mired in its
ill-advised, exclusive and highly damaging script-politics instead of uniting, it divided Konkanis on
script lines. And also because the leadership was too engrossed in attempting to impose one script over the
Konkani world, they simply could not visualise Konkani beyond the script issue.
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GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
Fortunately, Jagotik Konknni Songhotton (JKS), is now established on the solid all-inclusive principles of
Respect for all Variety Unity in Diversity to provide leadership for Konkani issues and people at the
local, regional, national and global level. Though just 3 years old, it is now providing the leadership that
Konkani badly lacked but urgently required.
Naturally, therefore, Konkani Language Planning its initiation and implementation, has become the
responsibility and duty of JKS. JKS proposes to undertake and execute this historic task successfully, with
the co-operation, participation and support of every Konkani individual, organisation and institution around
the world.
THE FIRST GLOBAL CONCLAVE (JAGOTIK ZUNT-ZOMAT)
To initiate the historic process of Konkani Language Planning, JKS invited over 400 Konkani organisations
from around the world (irrespective of their caste, creed, region, dialect or script) to the First Global
Conclave (Zunt-Zomat) on Aug. 24, 2014. The Conclave decided to go about the business of Konkani
Language Planning in all earnestness. It decided that Konkani Language Planning would involve
1. A fair and impartial assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of Konkani language and culture,
vis-a-vis other languages.
2. Drawing-up a road-map and setting short-term and long-term goals and priorities (at the local,
regional, national and global level) to enrich and develop Konkani and take it forward to the future.
3. Identifying the hurdles, impediments and challenges in achieving these goals and finding-out ways
and means to overcome them.
4. Recruiting the involvement of every Konkani (individual, organisation and institution) to direct all
available energies and resources in the achievement of these goals.
5. Establishing a mechanism to monitor the implementation and also to check and counter-check
periodically the progress.
6. But above all, to begin with, initiate a process by which ideas, opinions, suggestions (on the above
points) can be collected from every Konkani organisation around the world.
The Global Conclave gave JKS one years time to prepare the Language Plan and
constituted a SteeringCommittee to draft the same.
The Steering Committee, which comprised of intellectuals and prominent leaders of Konkani
organisations from around the world, was directed to circulate the draft to all Konkani organisations
and present the same, after incorporating suggestions and changes,
to the second Global Conclave, to be convened on Aug. 23, 2015.
HANV KONKANI GLOBAL SURVEY

The First Sitting of the Konkani Language Planning Steering Commitee took place on Oct. 12, 2014. As a
first step, the Steering Committee decided to conduct the Hanv Konkani Global Survey, to assess the
strengths and weaknesses of Konkani and collect opinions and suggestions from the Konkani public.
Accordingly, a detailed Questionnaire was prepared under professional guidance in English and in
Konkani (in Romi, Nagari and Kannada scripts).
Page 3
The Survey was conducted as follows

(i)
Online (in English) through Daijiworld.com http://daijiworld.com/frm_konkaniSurvey/.
(ii)
Through Konkani Organisations around the world, who were requested to download copies of
the Questionnaire, circulate them among members of the organisation and the Konkani community
around, encourage them to fill them, collect them and send them to JKS.
(iii) Through field work in regions in India, thickly populated by Konkanis.

The Survey was conducted from mid October 2014 to the end of January 2015. The data so collected was
scientifically analysed by the Statistical Department of Mangalore University.
The Second Sitting of the Steering Committee was held on April 12, 2015. At this meeting, the preliminary
report of the Survey was scrutinised, the general approach to Language Plan was finalised and the Secretary
General was requested to prepare a rough draft of Konkani Language Plan, based on this approach.
Accordingly, the Secretary General prepared a draft and circulated it among the members of the Steering
Committee who were asked to study the same and send their observations and suggestions.
The Third Sitting of the Steering Committee was held on June 14, 2015. This sitting studied the rough
draft, and incorporated the changes suggested, and directed the Secretary General to complete the draft
based on its inputs and circulate it once again by the first week of August, to all Konkani organisations
around the world, for them to study and submit their suggestions and corrections.
In accordance with this directive, I am sending you this draft for your perusal and detailed study, with the
humble request that any corrections, additions or deletions may be sent to the JKS office by August 15, so
that the same may be discussed at the second Global Conclave, on Aug. 23, 2015, at Kalaangann,
Mangalore, and adopted by the Conclave for implementation.
Please note that only those corrections and suggestions sent by Aug. 15 will be taken up for discussion
at the Conclave.
You are also cordially invited to the 2nd Global Conclave, on Aug. 23, 2015, at Kalaangann, Mangalore.
You do not have to be a member of Jagotik Konknni Songhotton to attend this Conclave. You can bring
along any Konkani who is interested. Those coming from outside Mangalore may intimate their board and
lodge requirements so that the same may be arranged by us.
Come, lets take Konkani to the future!
Come, lets create history!
Long live Konkani!
Eric Ozario
Secretary General, JKS
for and on behalf of the Steering Committee.
Page 4

----------------------I
VISION
That Konkani may survive, flourish and thrive and be counted among the most resilient and
vibrant languages and cultures, so that it may continue to enrich this world with its beauty,
fragrance, uniqueness and variety...forever.
II
MISSION STATEMENT
Towards the realisation of the vision
(1) We shall do everything necessary to preserve, protect, promote and enrich Konkani (language and
culture) and to ensure the transmission of the invaluable Konkani heritage to future generations.
(2) We shall respect every variety in Konkani and its right to preserve itself. Build bridges, not walls. We
shall never attempt to impose our variety over others and destroy their variety as by destroying
variety (be it of community, region, dialect, script or any other), we destroy Konkanis beauty. We
shall uphold the mantra of Konkani unity Respect for every variety unity in diversity. We
shall remember that respect for variety is not only a need but a compulsion in Konkani.
(3) We shall do everything necessary to enhance Konkani swabhiman, so that Konkanis (Konkani
people) may take pride and treasure the Konkani identity.
(4) We shall through a transparent and democratic process, plan for the language and while doing so
involve, motivate, inform, educate, conscientise, awaken, guide and organise every Konkani so that
Konkanis may be aware of and fulfill their duties and obligations towards their language and culture.
(5) We shall direct all our energies and resources towards achieving the goals (short term and long
term) set down in the plan, and, by following the guidelines enshrined therein, take Konkani to the
future.
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III
THE ROAD MAP
SHORT-TERM GOALS
(Goals to be attained by 2025)
To strengthen Konkani and enrich the same,
so that it would not be counted among the dying languages / cultures of the world.
Towards attaining these goals
a. Every Konkani household shall speak Konkani at home.
b. Every Konkani shall accept Konkani as his/her identity. Proudly declare that he/she is a Konkani,
especially during official enumerations and census so that, unlike till now, the true numerical strength
of Konkanis would be known.
c. Every Konkani shall be a member of at least one Konkani organisation / association / institution be it
social, literary or cultural.
d. We shall build bridges between Konkani communities spread around the world, for better interaction,
understanding, mutual respect, harmony and unity.
e. We shall scientifically research and document our history (of the people and the language), as also
document our rich folklore and arts, and showcase them to the world.
f. We shall work on the strengths of our unique music, colourful folk and performing arts and a beautiful
culture, and take Konkani music and arts to worlds centre-stage.
g. We shall ensure that Konkani literature is recognized as one of the best in the world. To do so, we shall
democratically resolve the festering script issue that has plagued Konkani for the past 75 years.
h. We shall make Konkani appealing to all, especially to children and youth. Towards this end more
and more movie productions, a 24x7 dedicated Konkani satellite channel, Konkani cartoons, reality
shows and contests, childrens and youth literature to be produced and encouraged.
i. We shall ensure that every Konkani (including youth and children) learn to read and write Konkani (in
any script).
j. Internet:
We shall ensure that
(i) Konkani has a substantial digital footprint and presence on the internet.
(ii) The worlds information / knowledge is available in Konkani in all scripts on the Wikipedia.
(iii) Konkani has a considerable presence on social networks Facebook / Blogs / Twitter / Websites /
Newsletters / Online Forums etc..
(iv) Online courses for speaking, reading and writing of Konkani are created.
(v) Konkani keeps pace with the advances made in the digital world.
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LONG-TERM GOALS
(To be achieved by the turn of the century)
To make Konkani be counted among the most flourishing languages and cultures,
so that it may continue to enrich this world, for a long long time to come.
To achieve these goals, we shall ensure that
a. Everyone around the world (whichever language and culture he / she belongs to), knows about
Konkani and is touched by its beauty, strength and variety and recognizes it as a growing, energetic
language and culture.
b. The economic viability of Konkani commercial ventures (be they literary or cultural) such as
publication of books, production of audio / video albums, movies, T.V. serials, shows, establishment of
Konkani dedicated channels etc. grows, increasing the possibility of making meaningful gains, so that
more and more may venture into these areas. This can be done by expanding the market, beyond the
dialect, community and the region, and also by producing quality productions.
c. Konkani songs, dances, theatre, folk and performing arts acquire a place among the best in the
world and by constant innovation and experimentation, are kept fresh and endearing.
d. Konkanis being rooted in their language and culture, achieve success, position and recognition and the
Konkani community as a whole is respected as a flourishing community of achievers and
contributors to the socio-political-economic-cultural advancement of the nation and the world an
inspiration to other cultural communities.
e. The political aspirations of Konkanis have become so vocal and assertive that governments and people
in authority positively respond to Konkanis needs and requirements and extend to it all the political
support and patronage it deserves.
f. Konkani will survive not only the adverse effects of globalization but also will be strong enough to face
future threats to its existence from any quarters.
g. Konkani will locate itself within the linguistic culture of India and strive to enrich itself, even as it
enriches others, promoting the principle of Linguistic Pluralism.
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IV
THE ACTION PLAN
BECAUSE JKS, THE ORGANISATION INITIATING THE PLAN, HAS NO LEGAL
AUTHORITY, TO IMPOSE OR ENFORCE COMPLIANCE; AND AS IT NEITHER HAS ANY
RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY TO CONDEMN OR DAMN NON-COMPLIANCE, THE PLAN OF
ACTION WILL BE A GUIDELINE TO KONKANIS AROUND THE WORLD TO FOLLOW AN
APPEAL TO THE KONKANI CONSCIENCE AND INTELLECT.
Because the Plan incorporates, encompasses and includes the entire world,
the GUIDELINES are addressed to Konkani
1. Individuals
2. Families
3. Communities
4. Organisations at the Regional, National and Global level.
Once the plan is adopted through a transparent, democratic process, it is hoped that every Konkani,
wherever he/she may be, will invest his/her energies and resources in its implementation.
JKS also takes responsibility for its follow-up and periodical evaluation.
A Konkani Policy Document will be prepared, based on the Language Plan to be submitted to
various authorities (from the Panchayat to the UN), to seek for Konkani the patronage and support it
deserves.
V
GUIDELINES
In order to preserve, promote, enrich Konkani language and culture and ensure its transmission to
future generations; all that we Konkanis need to do is to
follow the Ten Konkani Imperatives strictly and religiously.
Note: These guidelines, namely the Ten Konkani Imperatives are only an earnest effort to make
Konkanis aware of their duties and obligations towards their language and culture.
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THE TEN KONKANI IMPERATIVES

(Konknniche Dha Kaydya-Ule)
THE FIRST IMPERATIVE
Own and love your mother tongue Konkani.

(Konknni apli many-bhas mhunnun vollkun ghe ani ticho moag kor.)
THE SECOND IMPERATIVE
Speak Konkani make it bloom.

(Konknni uloy Konknni fuloy.)
THE THIRD IMPERATIVE
Write Konkani preserve Konkani.

(Konknni boroy Konknni uroy.)
THE FOURTH IMPERATIVE
Speak to your God in Konkani the language of your heart.

(Aplya Devalagim aplya kallzachye bhashen Konknnentuch uloy.)
THE FIFTH IMPERATIVE
Avoid using words of other languages while speaking Konkani.

(Konknni uloytana Konknni utranch vapor.)
THE SIXTH IMPERATIVE
Live Konkani culture, enrich it and preserve it for posterity.

(Konknni sonvskrutay jiye, ti girest kor ani muklye pillgek hatantor kor.)
THE SEVENTH IMPERATIVE
Foster Konkani Arts and Literature.

(Konknni kole-sahityacho poas kor.)
THE EIGHTH IMPERATIVE
Respect the rich variety in Konkani and seek unity in diversity.

(Konknnichye girest vividhotenk man di. Vividhotent ekvott soad.)
THE NINTH IMPERATIVE
Contribute a definite portion of your income to the promotion of Konkani.

(Adayacho ek nirdhishtt vantto Konknni khatir dan kor.)
THE TENTH IMPERATIVE
Protect Konkani when it is under attack or threat.

(Konknnecher onvaram ayillya vellar tichi zoton-rakonn kor.)
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THE FIRST IMPERATIVE
Own and love your mother tongue Konkani.

GUIDELINES to an INDIVIDUAL
- Lovingly accept, proudly own up and publicly declare that I am a Konkani.
- Let Konkani be a part of your primary identity.
E.g.: I am an Indian / a Christian / a Catholic-Konkani / a Goan / a Madgaonkar etc..
or: I am an Indian / a Hindu / a G.S.B.-Konkani / a Mumbaikar / a Maharashtrian etc..
or: I am an Indian / a Muslim / a Navayati-Konkani / a Bhatkalkar / a Karnatakian etc..
In short, let your identity be Hanv Konkani G.S.B., Hanv Konknni Kristanv, Hanv
Konkani Navayati, Hanv Konkani Kudmi, Hanv Konkani Kharvi etc..
- Seek security in the larger Konkani community. Itll help you grow individually and will ensure that
Konkanis progress collectively.
- While loving your mother tongue, respect other languages and cultures too.
- During census / enumeration, be sure to declare Konkani as your mother tongue.
- Do everything possible at your level to preserve, promote, enrich and propagate it.
GUIDELINES to a FAMILY
- Family is Konkanis basic school. If the 10 Konkani Imperatives are taught to children and practiced
strictly without compromise, at home, Konkanis future will be bright and secure.
- The head of the family has the greatest responsibility to guarantee that the family follows these
guidelines and contributes to the achievement of the short-term and long-term goals set-out in the
Konkani Language Plan.
- Home is where the Konkani foundation is laid. It is for the head of the family as well as his spouse
and the elders, such as the grandparents, uncles and aunts to groom children in an atmosphere of
Konkani by transmitting Konkani language and the cultural heritage, without succumbing to any
pressure (of fashion or of short-term gain). Ones identity is like ones soul and therefore, it cannot be
sold or bartered for all the treasures of this world this value must be inculcated in the children.
- The family is the best guarantee for the implementation of the Language Plan and ensuring the
transmission of Konkani to the future generation.
- The role of the mother is extremely crucial. Remember, it is mother-tongue and not father-tongue.
As the mother plays the primary role in the birth and upbringing of a child, she also has the added
responsibility of situating the child in its language and culture. We have seen the damage done to
Konkani due to the wrong decision taken by a few mothers (out of their motherly concern for the childs
future that English is best for the child). Because of this lopsided decision, English is pitted against
Konkani and a conscious effort is made to keep the child away from its language and culture. As a result,
the child grows-up looking-down upon its language and culture and trying to find expression and
prestige in a foreign language. What results is a rootless tree.
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- As todays youth is swept away by westernization and its fashion, special attention is to be paid to them
to ensure that they remain rooted.
It is the duty of the head of the family and the elders to make children aware
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
that Konkani is our mother tongue,

that we must take pride in our Konkani identity, and
that we must love Konkani above all other languages.
Needless to say that adults must lead by example.
GUIDELINES to a COMMUNITY
- All Konkani communities, whichever religion and caste they may belong to or whatever be their
economic, social or political status have the duty to instill the love of Konkani in their members.
Constantly remind them that they are a Konkani community and do everything possible to enhance
Konkani pride Swabhiman.
- All community elders and leaders have a duty to identify their communities with Konkani and inspire
their members to do the same. It is only when this is done that the real strength of Konkani will be felt,
displayed and recorded even in the census and government records.
- Declaring Konkani as the communitys official language, will go a long way in motivating its members
to identify themselves with the language.
GUIDELINES to ORGANISATIONS
at the REGIONAL, NATIONAL and GLOBAL level
- All Konkani organisations (also institutions) be they social, literary, cultural or religious be they
local, regional, national or international must insist on the use of Konkani among its members and in
the conduct of their meetings, activities, functions, programmes, and communications.
- An organisation / institution must inculcate in its members the love of Konkani and a strong sense of
Konkani Identity Ami Konkani Konkani Swabhiman.
- The primary identity of a Konkani organisation should be Konkani. All other identities, such as
regional (Goan, Mangalorean, Cochinkar Etc...) Religious / caste (Catholic, GSB, Kharvi, Kudmi etc),
should be se secondary even though, in the name (nomenclature) of the organisation the other
identities might feature first or Konkani might never feature at all. E.g.: Goan Association Toronto,
Mangalorean Konkani Catholic Association, Kerala Kudmi Welfare Association, Dubai Konkans,
Navayati Jamat of Oman etc..
- More than the individual or the family or any other level, it is the organisation that has the
responsibility to create the Konkani consciousness.
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- Regional Every language and culture has its regional varieties. Whatever be the variety, it is for the
region to keep the flame (of the love) of Konkani alive in that region. Of course the onus of this
responsibility falls on the organisations and communities of that region.
- The love of Konkani of a region should be so strong and visible that a Konkani region should be
identified as one.
- While one can boast of ones regional identity, this should never divide Konkanis on a regional basis,
and should not come in the way of Konkani unity.
- However, regional varieties must be respected and if not negative, should be allowed to preserve
themselves.
- National As Konkani is included in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution and accorded the status
of a National Language, it is the duty of every Konkani Individual, Family, Organisation,
Community, Region and as a Nation, to display ones love and affinity towards ones mother tongue
Konkani. This can be done in many ways
(i)
By making best use of the 8th schedule status and enjoying all the benefits accruing there from.
(ii)
Displaying our strength and unity whenever called for specially at the time of enumeration and
census.
(iii) One also has a duty to fight the oppressive systems, organisations and ideologies which
encourage and ensure biases of any kind, whether they be regional, communal, dialectal or that of
script. It is the duty of every Konkani to ensure that no one is cheated of benefits or facilities
because of the above or any other consideration.
(iv) It is the duty of every Konkani at the national level to not only fight but to replace these
oppressive systems and ideologies and put in place just and healthy methods, mechanisms and
ideologies that facilitate real unity and that which guarantee that every Konkani individual,
community or region will be the beneficiary without bias or favour.
- Global Wherever in the world a Konkani may be residing, it is the duty of every Konkani to flaunt
his/her Konkani identity and proudly declare ones mother-tongue as Konkani, whenever called for.
- Globally too we have a duty to come together and join the effort to procure for Konkani its rightful place
in the sun and to take Konkani forward to the future.
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THE SECOND IMPERATIVE
Speak Konkani make it bloom.

- Yes, speak the language of the locality while speaking to non-Konkanis around, or any other language
required while communicating with others who do not follow Konkani; but at home strictly speak
Konkani.
- Speak Konkani with other Konkanis, whatever be their dialect, region, religion etc..
- Greet other Konkanis in Konkani. E.g.: Dev bori sokall dinv, Dev bori sanz dinv, Dev bori
rat dinv, Dev borem korum etc. instead of good morning, good evening, good night, thank
you etc..
- One cannot be forgiven for speaking to ones children in English, at home, on the pretext that children
are studying in the English medium, nor can one be justified in speaking the regional / state language at
home (be it Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam etc.). This only exposes our slavish mentality and a total
lack of swabhiman (self respect).
- It is not acceptable if you argue what if we speak English / Malayalam / Kannada / Marathi at home?
Our children know Konkani. It is not enough that our children know Konkani. They should be able
to speak it fluently and respect Konkani as their mother tongue and pass it on to their children. If we do
not speak Konkani at home Konkani cannot and will not survive.
- Only if we speak a language, the language survives and thrives otherwise, the language withers and
dies.
- Home is the nursery where mother tongue is first learnt. Konkani should not only be our mother
tongue, but also should strictly be our home tongue. We can learn many other languages in school,
from the surroundings, through the internet or through any other source; but at home we should speak
only Konkani. The day we compromise on this resolve, we are digging its grave.
- The value that culture (language mainly), is a priceless heritage we have inherited from our
forefathers, it is our duty to preserve, promote and enrich it and pass-it-on to our children, for them to do
the same; must be inculcated early in the child.
- Children should be taught basic Konkani such as counting in Konkani, greetings, colours, human
relations etc. in Konkani so that itll encourage them to use these and discourage them from taking
recourse to the use of words / phrases of any other language.
- When a family interacts with another Konkani family (whatever be their religion, dialect or region) at
the individual, family or at the social level, one must make it a point to speak only Konkani.
- Children must be encouraged to speak to other Konkani children in Konkani, rather than in English and
also to avoid communicating in any other language (especially English), with their siblings.
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- Adults seem to have made it a habit to speak to children of other families in English, even while
speaking to adults in Konkani almost suggesting that Konkani is the language of the old, and
English, of the young. This is wrong and is not in the interest of Konkani and therefore, all adults must
make it a point to speak to Konkani children, in Konkani.
- Finally, family is the best unit that can contribute the most to the preservation and promotion of
Konkani. All Konkani families must realize this and perform their sacred duty.
- Every community can play a great role in the preservation and promotion of Konkani specially as a
spoken language. It is the duty of the community elders to ensure that the members of their community
strictly follow the imperative of Speak Konkani let it bloom.
- As most of our communities are religion based, empowered with the religious authority, the community
leaders (religious leaders) can play a great role in keeping Konkani alive. To do so, all community
meetings, functions, religious rituals and ceremonies, need to be conducted in Konkani.
- Considering the dangers that Konkani is facing today, it would be very helpful if every Konkani
community even passes a diktat to all its members to strictly speak Konkani at all levels.
- It is imperative that every Konkani organisation uses Konkani in all its verbal and written
communications among its members and with other Konkani organisations. All meetings and
programmes should necessarily be conducted in Konkani.
- The organisation should also ensure that its members speak Konkani among themselves, in their homes
and while interacting with other Konkanis.
- Every Konkani organisation has a special responsibility to spread the awareness of the need to speak
Konkani, to keep it alive.
- Regional Konkani is among the most widespread languages of the country and covers many regions,
which result in regional varieties of Konkani. It is the duty of every Konkani region to speak Konkani in
its regional dialect, without succumbing to the inferiority complex of a mythical superior dialect.
- While preserving its regional variety, one must respect other varieties and also make a genuine attempt
to understand other varieties and enrich their variety by learning from them.
- There is a strong tendency among Konkanis (apart from using English), to communicate with
Konkanis in the local language (Tulu among Mangaloreans, Hindi in Mumbai, Malayalam in Kerala
etc.). This harms the growth and continuity of Konkani immensely, therefore, this must be rectified,
forthwith.
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- Because of the lack of interaction between Konkani regions, there has been a tendency to wean away the
regional dialect from the Konkani mainstream and declare it as an independent language, thereby
weakening Konkani as a whole. The case of Malwani and Nawayati (both Konkani regional dialects)
can be cited as examples.
- National It is the duty of the national organisations to provide leadership to Konkanis and motivate
them to speak the language and keep it alive.
- Despite the numerous regional varieties, Konkani must be spoken and used at all national Konkani meets
and programmes.
- As Konkani is a national language, Konkani MPs must be encouraged to speak Konkani in the
Parliament, so that the flavour of Konkani may also be experienced by non-Konkanis and also, so that,
Konkani may assert its rightful place.
- Global At the global level, every individual, community and organisation must make it a point to speak
Konkani at every level.
- All international Konkani meets and festivals must be conducted in Konkani and the message of
Konknni uloy Konknni fuloy should be propagated from every international platform.
Page 15
THE THIRD IMPERATIVE
Write Konkani preserve Konkani.

If a language has to survive through time and flourish, the language must be written and read.
Moreover, the standard of a language is defined by the standard of its literature.
If good literature has to be produced, more and more people must read it.
A community that does not produce quality literature in considerable quantity, and does not read
and enrich itself, cannot be considered a literate, progressive community. Therefore...
-
Let every Konkani learn to read and write Konkani in any script that one can easily learn and in which
literature is available.
In order to defeat the regressive script politics (of imposing one variety and destroying others), that has
held the entire Konkani world to ransom all these years; in the interest of Konkani literature and so that
one may be able to read literature available in all the 3 major scripts (Romi, Kannadi and Nagari), it is
advisable that all Konkanis (young and old), learn to read and write Konkani in all 3 major scripts.
This is possible if we try and this could put an end to the politics of script which has done irreparable
damage to Konkani literature in particular and Konkani unity, in general.
- The adults in the family must compulsorily learn to read and write Konkani (in any script). It is also
their duty to see that their children learn. Where, the learning of Konkani is available in schools, ensure
that their children take-up the same. Where it is not, they should send their children to workshops and
camps where it is taught. If there are no such opportunities, then adults must organize them. Ultimately,
if none of the above is a reality or even if it is, the parents and adults in the family should take the
responsibility and pains of teaching children of the house to read and write Konkani.
- To encourage the habit of reading, it is a must that the family subscribes to Konkani papers,
periodicals, magazines etc.. Books must also be bought and read by everyone in the family.
- It is not enough to read. It is also necessary to write. So, the family must make it a point to write their
communications in Konkani.
- The youth must be encouraged to read in and about Konkani on the internet and to contribute their
writings to magazines, websites, online forums in Konkani. Facebook and text messages to be in
Konkani too.
- If a child is specially gifted in writing, it is for the family to encourage it to write in Konkani.
- The family should also make it a point to attend Konkani literary conferences, book exhibitions / sales
etc.
- Finally, every family should develop a healthy outlook towards the scripts of Konkani, namely of
respect and tolerance and not of superiority, domination and imposition.
Page 16
- All written communications and notices of a Konkani community should be in Konkani. The best way to
promote the reading and writing of Konkani would be to impart religious teachings in Konkani.
- Wherever the community can afford, it would be very encouraging to have Konkani schools or at least
ensure the teaching of Konkani in schools run by the community.
- Even if a community does not have schools, the community leaders must organise workshops and camps
to teach its members to read and write Konkani. Weekly / monthly classes will be a good idea to
promote the same.
- A community magazine in Konkani also will go a long way in encouraging its members to read and
write.
- Organisations must do everything necessary to introduce Konkani in the schools of the vicinity. At the
same time, they must encourage parents to make their children take-up Konkani in schools.
- If the teaching of Konkani is not available, organisations must conduct workshops and camps to teach
Konkanis to read and write Konkani.
- Organisations must promote a balanced and healthy approach towards the scripts of Konkani. Respect
every variety and encourage its members to read and write in as many scripts as possible.
- To the extent possible, every Konkani organisation should have a house magazine in Konkani, and
encourage its members to read the same.
- Regional Regional leaders should ensure that Konkani is taught in all schools in the region.
- As literature in most of the regional dialects of Konkani is nonexistent, Konkanis must be encouraged to
read and write in the regional dialect. This will encourage them rather than them learning to read and
write Konkani in a dialect that they are not familiar with.
- National At the national level, Konkani must be encouraged and promoted in all its variety of dialects
and scripts. As the policy of promoting one script, destroying others and imposing one script over the
entire Konkani world, has killed Konkani literature, reading and writing in Konkani will be greatly
encouraged if every variety is encouraged to preserve and promote itself.
- Leaders at the national level must ensure that whatever facilities, grants, awards, assignments and
resources available to Konkani must be equally and justly distributed to all script and dialectal
varieties, so that the reading and writing of Konkani may be developed and promoted.
- Global At the global level, all Konkanis must be encouraged to read and write Konkani in any script
that they are familiar with.
- In order to promote the habit of reading Konkani in any part of the world, the presence of Konkani
literature in all scripts, on the internet and the electronic media must be enhanced and strengthened.
- As the knowledge of English is universal, instead of communicating in the English language, people
must be encouraged to communicate in Konkani in the Roman script, as this would encourage the
reading and writing of Konkani.
Page 17
THE FOURTH IMPERATIVE
Speak to your God in Konkani the language of your heart.

- Whichever religion you may practice and whichever God you may worship, speak to your God from
your heart, in the language of your heart alone in Konkani. Please do not forget that this is also our
constitutional right.
- Let your bhajans and personal prayers be in Konkani. Let your community prayers and liturgy in
places of worship, such as temples, churches, mosques etc., be in Konkani. This is of utmost
importance, as history teaches us that if a language is alienated from prayers and worship, it dies.
Latin is a classic example, as also Sanskrit.
- Let the teaching of your religion to your child (dharmopades/catechism/etc.) be in Konkani. This will
help your child to learn, read and write Konkani too.
- While it is important to ensure that the practice of religion be in Konkani, never ever allow religious
considerations to divide Konkanis on a communal basis. Respect the right of everyone to profess and
practice ones religion.
- Though language is just a medium of communication to express ones thoughts and emotions, when one
communicates with someone intimate, one invariably speaks in the language of ones heart. To God, you
cannot speak but in your mother tongue. Every Konkani family must follow this norm and make it a
point to pray only in Konkani.
- Whatever medium the children may be studying in, ensure that their religious learning (dharmopades,
catechism or study of holy scriptures) will be in Konkani. This will also go a long way in inculcating in
the child the habit of reading and writing Konkani.
- In an area where there are options of languages in a place of worship, the family should opt for Konkani
and send their children to those services on a preferential basis.
- The family should contribute its efforts to introduce Konkani worship where it does not exist and keep it
going, where it does.
- Much more than organisations, it is the community that must address this issue. However, as most
community leadership is in the hands of religious authorities, it is for the elders and the members of the
community to be alert and act on the issue.
Page 18
- Konkani organisations have a special role to play in this regard. While it is beyond the individual or the
family to make religious authorities to introduce worship / liturgy / prayers / bhajans / ceremonies /
rituals/ teachings in Konkani; organisations have a duty to see that this is done. However, in doing so,
care and caution must be exercised not to antagonise religious authorities or hurt religious sentiments.
Though the issue is touchy and tricky, organisations must not shirk their responsibility.
- Unconsciously many a times, and consciously at times, religious authorities blow with the wind and flow
with the tide, neglecting their duty towards Konkani. It calls for great courage on the part of
organisations to point out these shortcomings, as more often than not, it would be misconstrued as
interference in religious affairs. However, if organisations play it safe and allow matters to drift, great
damage will be done to Konkani.
- Where there are a considerable number of Konkanis and Konkani in worship is nonexistent, it is for
organisations to create an atmosphere which will be conducive to the introduction of the same, which
will include creating awareness, representing the issue and also bringing pressure, if required.
- Even where Konkani is existing in worship, but other languages (especially English) are making inroads
into this territory, edging Konkani out, Konkani organisations have a duty to stop this rot and halt this
slide.
- Konkani organisations can never forget that the best way to keep a language alive is to keep it alive in
prayer and worship.
- Regional It is for the regional leadership to ensure that in that region, every religion uses Konkani in
worship, and if it is not being used, take steps to introduce it.
- National At the national level, the right of every Konkani to practice his / her religion must be respected
and upheld, as also his / her right to worship and pray in Konkani.
- Global No opportunity must be allowed to pass, to pray and conduct community worship in Konkani
whichever part of the world one may be residing in. For this purpose, Konkanis of every community
must gather together with members of their community and celebrate festivals and conduct community
prayers in Konkani. The right of people, not to pray at all, must also be respected.
Page 19
THE FIFTH IMPERATIVE
Avoid using words of other languages while speaking Konkani.

NOTE: We must admit here, that no language or culture can grow in isolation.
Every language borrows words from other languages and enriches itself. English is a classic example.
Konkani is no exception. This process must go on in Konkani without being fanatic about it, so that
Konkani grows. But what this imperative refers to is the ailment that Konkanis suffer from namely
the unnecessary and excessive use of words of other languages (literally, as they are, without
Konkanising them). This habit not only reduces our vocabulary and adversely affects the beauty of
our language but also ultimately destroys it.
- If you are in the habit of using words of other languages (especially English, Malayalam, Kannada,
Portuguese, Marathi, Urdu, Hindi or any other, as they are, literally, without adapting them to
Konkani), because of your ignorance of Konkani words or your limited vocabulary or through sheer
practice / habit / callousness you are duty-bound to take pains to enhance your Konkani wordpower and do justice to Konkani.
- Please remember that this unhealthy habit (of unnecessarily using words of other languages), apart from
disrespecting your mother tongue, does not do any service to the language whose words you use, but, on
the other hand, kills your language, mercilessly.
- Considering how deeply entrenched we are in this practice, it will call for a conscious effort to rectify
our ways. However, we would be doing Konkani a great disservice, otherwise.
- Bad habits must be nipped in the bud. Better still, do not allow bad habits to sprout. The family is the
nursery where only good habits should be cultivated. Let the elders lead by example and even if the
children of the house show a tendency, correct them at the initial stage.
- What can be done not to pollute Konkani with the use of words of other languages is:
(i) Consider Konkani equal to any other language in the world. Just as one does not use words of
other languages while speaking a language (especially English), it is not acceptable that one does
that to Konkani. It amounts to murdering the language.
(ii) Increase your Konkani vocabulary.
(iii) Avoid greetings in other languages (such as good morning, good evening etc.) and the use of
phrases such as thank you, sorry, bye, okay etc..
(iv) Please understand that this is not an argument for purity but for self respect.
(v) Also realise that despite the lack of state support, political patronage and economic potential,
Konkani is rich in vocabulary even while compared to English. The rich glossary that Konkani
possesses to define human relations (monsham sombondh) would put the English language to
shame.
(vi) So let us be proud of our language and not belittle it by polluting it.
Page 20
- Every community must make a conscious effort to make the members of the community aware of this
bad habit. The elders must educate others and awaken them.
- In the event that words in the dialect are difficult to find, the community must make an effort to search
for words in the other dialects of Konkani. Even if one has to borrow, borrowing words from Indian
languages should be preferred over the straight use of English words in Konkani.
- Konkani organisations might consider initiating a campaign to make Konkanis conscious of this
malpractice. This, apart from arresting the rot, will make Konkanis aware of the richness of Konkani,
which will contribute to the development of the language and preservation of the same.
- Konkani organisations should also conduct workshops to enhance word power and self-esteem of every
Konkani.
- This Imperative should be strictly implemented at the Regional, National and at the Global levels. It is
for the respective leadership to organise awareness campaigns towards this goal. The onus of this task
will be on organisations such as Konkani Academies, Bhasha Mandals (regional level), Akhil Bharat
Parishad, AIKWO (national level) and JKS at the global level.
Page 21
THE SIXTH IMPERATIVE
Live Konkani culture, enrich it and preserve it for posterity.

The world concedes, and Konkanis proudly declare (as per the results of the Hanv Konkani
Global Survey), that Konkani culture is special and uniquely beautiful. We must live our culture
and take pride in its uniqueness (khashelemponn). We must remember that culture cannot be
preserved in a freezer. Nor will it be salvaged merely by documenting it or by displaying it in a
museum. The only effective way to preserve culture is to live it.
Living ones culture does not mean that we should simply imitate our forefathers in our customs
and traditions, costumes, cuisine, folk and performing arts, beliefs and practices etc.. A culture to
remain fresh and vibrant, it calls for constant innovations, experimentations and reinventing. This
must be done taking into account changing times and changing conditions. However, great care
and caution must be exercised so that the essence and uniqueness of our culture are not sacrificed
in the name of change. Our attempt should be to enrich our culture and make it relevant to modern
times. Only if culture is made relevant, will it be transmitted to the next generation, and not if it is
considered old, ancient, jaded and out of fashion.
Above all, culture should be valued as a precious heritage we have inherited from our forefathers.
It is for us to live it, contribute our bit to it, enrich it and pass it on to our children for them to do
the same. It will be a historic crime if we break this chain.
Finally, let us not forget that language is the most crucial element of culture. If language dies, a
culture cannot survive.
In culture lies our identity. Our identity makes us unique and special, defines our community,
which provides us a sense of security. So, let us live our culture and march towards a bright future
with swabhiman, confidence and pride, and gift it to our children as precious heritage.
- It is the duty of every Konkani to live ones culture and by doing so, not only lend meaning to his life,
but also preserve it for posterity. In an atmosphere where blind imitation of foreign cultures is
fashionable and is the order of the day, wearing ones costume, preparing ones cuisine, following ones
customs and traditions can be considered strange and out of place. A Konkani must overcome these
challenges and assert his cultural uniqueness and take pride in the same. Even if the practice of ones
culture in the modern day-to-day life may be difficult, on special occasions such as festivals, marriages
and other social ceremonies, this certainly is possible, and a Konkani should not hesitate to display his
cultural uniqueness on such occasions.
- It is time that every Konkani realizes that by blindly imitating other cultures (especially the western
culture) one is only exhibiting a slavish mentality and by living ones culture, one is declaring ones
sense of pride and self-esteem.
- Every Konkani must make it a point to learn about his / her culture, practice it and pass on its knowledge
to his / her children.
- It is also essential for every Konkani individual to love, respect and take pride in ones culture and
groom his / her children to do the same.
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- Family is the unit, and home is the arena where a culture is lived, fostered and transmitted. All aspects of
culture language, religion, cuisine, customs and traditions, celebrations and festivals, folklore and folk
arts, arts and performing arts, dress and costumes, beliefs and behaviour, self respect and respect for
others, ones views and worldview are all moulded here. If every family takes pride in its culture, lives
it to the fullest, practicing every aspect of it, a culture cannot, and will not die.
- It is the family that ensures the transmission of a culture from grandparents to parents, from parents to
children, for them to do the same. Family is the link in the chain of transmission of culture. If a family
breaks this link, culture stops being transmitted.
- Every family should inculcate in its children the value of taking pride in ones language and culture. This
must be done by practicing and not by preaching. A child that grows up with a sense of shame about its
mother tongue and culture will grow up being insecure with a low self esteem and will not be able to
grow to its full potential. The vice versa is equally true.
- Let family be the nursery where the child is groomed in ones language and culture.
- In the implementation of this Imperative, a family should make it a point
(i) to teach the young ones Konkani folklore, folk songs, folk dances, traditional songs etc.;
(ii) wear the traditional costume on at least special occasions;
(iii) organise traditional performances at social gatherings;
(iv) familiarise the children with Konkani cuisine, customs and traditions;
(v) above all, groom children to take pride in ones uniqueness rather than be a slave of fashions,
trends and economic compulsions.
- Amidst the larger context of Konkani, every Konkani community has its own unique customs, traditions,
practices, costumes, cuisine, folklore, folk arts, festivals, rituals etc.. In this sense, Konkani is very
colourful, rich and varied. It is for every community to preserve, enrich and propagate its unique cultural
variety. In doing so, the beauty of Konkani will be conserved.
- It is the duty of community leaders to motivate, guide and encourage its members to live and practice
their culture and make culture a part of their existence. In this fast changing world where one is exposed
to the dominant cultures through the electronic media 24x7, preserving local cultures is a difficult
proposition. Despite this (and because of this), every community will have to work hard to keep its
cultural variety alive.
- Every community must make a special effort to culturally mould its youth and children and instill in
them the sense of cultural pride.
- One other point that a community should not lose sight of is that if folk culture is alienated from
religious practices / celebrations, culture dies, and therefore despite the winds of change, folk arts should
be retained in religious practices.
Page 23
- In the implementation of these Imperatives, Konkani organisations have a great role to play, as most of
these would never be implemented if not explained and understood. In a world caught up in the tsunami
of globalisation, organisations would have to make an extra effort to make people realise the need to live
and preserve ones culture. The task is daunting and difficult but not impossible. Konkani organisations
could organise cultural festivals and social gatherings and conduct workshops and seminars to bring
about awareness on this issue.
- Organisations should also document local Konkani traditions of every community and make the same
available for study and practice to Konkanis. Through this process even dying traditions could be
revived and what remains can be preserved.
- Organisations also have a great role to play in making Konkani culture relevant to modern times by
conducting experimentations and innovations. To do so, organisations must conduct study and research.
- Organisations must do everything necessary to showcase the beauty and variety of Konkani cuture and
enrich the same, so that a sense of pride is instilled in every Konkani heart. Organisations, to ensure the
transmission of culture, must focus on children and youth. Towards this end, culture camps and training
programmes should be conducted regularly for children and youth.
- Cultural festivals and mellas should be organised at the regional, national and at the global levels, to
showcase Konkanis rich cultural variety and also to bring together different Konkani groupings,
communities and regions to acquaint themselves with the cultural variety of the others. By doing so,
local cultures not only get a larger expression but the distinctions and also the common factors in
Konkani culture can be identified. This will certainly enhance Konkani pride.
- Every opportunity to showcase Konkani culture at the regional, national and the global levels, at cultural
festivals / conferences organized by governments and NGOs, must be taken and the best of Konkani
culture must be exhibited. This will also prove to Konkanis and to the world that we are next to none.
- There is an urgent need for research and documentation of the entire cultural variety of every Konkani
community, of every region, caste, creed, dialect. A comprehensive museum would also go a long way
in showcasing and preserving Konkani culture.
Page 24
THE SEVENTH IMPERATIVE
Foster Konkani Arts and Literature.

The health of arts (folk and performing arts theatre, music and dance the visual media such as
TV and movies) and literature has a direct bearing on the state (whether flourishing or decaying)
of a language and culture. Our comparatively small numbers, splintered in smaller groups and
islands of regions, religions, castes, dialects, scripts etc. is not conducive to the growth of arts and
literature. Given this situation, for arts and literature to thrive, it calls for unstinted support and
generous patronage from Konkanis. For the sake of Konkani, Konkanis are duty bound to
respond. What needs to be kept in mind is that arts and literature need to be fostered and
nourished with love.
Without such care and attention, arts and literature will not flower and prosper as also the
culture.
- Attend and encourage Konkani literary and cultural programmes festivals, conferences,
workshops, performances, shows, plays, films, exhibitions etc..
- Subscribe to and read Konkani periodicals, online magazines, newsletters etc., purchase and
encourage Konkani audio/video CDs, books and artistic productions. Watch and encourage Konkani
TV shows. Never buy pirated versions nor copy free of cost. Ensure that writer / publisher / producer /
artiste gets the benefit and is supported. Please remember that the success of a culture and the future of a
language depend on the economic success of its art and literature. Every Konkani individual has a duty
to contribute towards this.
- If it is possible, participate in its production (as an actor / writer / director / publisher etc.), or if it is
within your means, sponsor their production or contribute your mite to the effort.
- Folklore, folk arts and documented works need to be specially supported.

- If one is an artiste or a writer, one should never forget that it is not sufficient to do what you do and
pocket the benefits that accrue, but that you also have a duty to pay back to Konkani and contribute
towards its development.
- There was a time when arts (folk, performing or any other) was transmitted from generation to
generation, directly from parents to children, grandparents to grandchildren, elders to the young ones
in the homes. Now, though there are various possibilities of learning arts outside the home, the family
still remains the most important school. Parents have a sacred duty to pass-on the arts (folk, traditional
and performing) to their children. With the craze for modernity, change in fashions and outlook, sadly,
we see this natural transmission not happening. In fact the opposite is being practised. Parents seem to
want to insulate their children from the ignominy of their language and culture. We have often heard
traditional artistes (such as gumott players and brass band artistes) say Ami bhogullem puro.
Amchya bhurgyanim loz bhogchi, koshttunchem naka (We have suffered enough. Our children dont
have to go through the same). This attitude kills traditional art and breaks the chain of transmission.
Page 25
- Every Konkani family has the bounden duty to groom children in Konkani traditional and other art
forms.
- Every Konkani family must attend as many Konkani concerts, plays, cultural festivals as possible.
Patronise and encourage art by purchasing Konkani CDs, VCDs and artistic productions. Families must
also make it a point to watch Konkani TV programmes and see Konkani cinema.
- As for literature first and foremost, every family must ensure that their children learn to read and
write Konkani (does not matter in which script) and also make it a habit to read Konkani literature. In
order to do this, the family should
(i)
Subscribe to Konkani papers (periodicals, magazines etc) and ensure that every household has at
least one at home.
(ii)
Purchase and read Konkani books.
(iii) Attend and participate in literary Conferences and Festivals.

(iv) Encourage children to write poems, articles, stories etc and see that they are published. In order
that they grow-up to be good writers/poets, facilitate their training by sending them to training
programmes, workshops and seminars organised for the purpose.
- Community heads, elders and leaders should promote Konkani arts and literature, at every opportunity.
At community gatherings, festivals and celebrations Konkani folk and performing arts should be
presented and promoted.
- The community must make it a point to honour its artistes and writers, in order to encourage them.
- Every Konkani community should ensure that the unique art forms that are special to them should be
preserved, promoted and transmitted.
- Every Konkani community should rise above the sectarian communal considerations and in the
promotion of Konkani arts and literature should always try and attempt to transcend community
boundaries. In this regard, genuine attempts to interact with other communities in the artistic and literary
level should be organised and encouraged. From the point of view of economic viability of artistic
productions such as CDs, VCDs, telefilms, movies, books and other products it is in the interest of art
and literature as well as in the larger interest of Konkani that we should go beyond community
boundaries and expand our market.
- Considering the fact that most Konkani communities do not read and write Konkani and therefore the
literature particular to their dialect is nonexistent, a special effort must be made by every community to
encourage reading and writing Konkani and its literature.
Page 26
- Every Konkani organisation has a great responsibility in promoting Konkani arts and literature.
- Organisations could
(i) Stage plays, shows, screening of movies, folk performances etc..
(ii) Organise cultural events, festivals, literary conferences, competitions, exhibitions, workshops,
training programmes, seminars etc..
(iii) Publish books, produce audio / video CDs, movies, TV contests / serials / programmes (or at
least support and encourage the productions of the same).
(iv) Subscribe to Konkani papers and magazines and encourage Konkani literature. If its within its
means, publish house magazines in Konkani.
(v) Encourage artistes (folk, theatre, music, dance etc.) and writers by instituting Awards, Grants,
Honours etc..
(vi) Lay special focus on grooming, training, initiating children and youth into Konkani arts and
literature.
- Given the multiscript situation in Konkani, transliteration of literature from one script to another should
be undertaken and promoted for the overall growth of Konkani literature. Also, translation of high
quality literature from other languages to Konkani and from Konkani to other languages must also be
undertaken.
- Regional At the regional level, Konkani leaders of the region must ensure that the regional varieties
both in arts and literature should be preserved and promoted. The varieties specific to the region should
never be allowed to die. Exchange between regions must also be encouraged.
- National At the national level, sincere attempts must be made to procure for Konkani arts and literature
(of every community, region, dialect, script or any other variety), benefits, opportunities and support that
are available from the government or any other body without favour or discrimination. And therefore,
in order to achieve this, the present discriminatory policies of the Sahitya Academy and such other
bodies which unjustly favour just one variety and cheat all others of their due; must be changed
forthwith.
- Global At the global level, genuine efforts must be made to take Konkani arts to the highest level and
give it worlds centre stage. Konkani folk and performing arts have every potential to do so. At the same
time efforts should be made to make Konkani literature world class.
Page 27
THE EIGHTH IMPERATIVE
Respect the rich variety in Konkani and seek unity in diversity.

Konkani boasts of a rich variety in terms of religions, castes, dialects, scripts, regions, cultural
practices, customs and traditions, costumes, cuisine, folklore, folk and performing arts etc..
It is this variety that renders Konkani beautiful. Be proud of its variety and beauty.
Respect every variety and seek unity in diversity.
It is time we realised that unity among Konkanis can never be achieved by imposing ones variety
over everyone else and destroying the others be they of religion, dialect, script or any other.
Our nation has achieved and retains unity despite countless varieties of languages, cultures,
religions, regions etc.. This has been possible because we have practiced tolerance and respect.
Unity in diversity has been the mantra of the nation.
Let that be our mantra too, so that, we may be united and take Konkani to the future, as one.
However, in the interest of Konkani, we must also find common grounds. This will mean that not
in every situation will we be able to uphold ones variety. To arrive at a common understanding it
calls for love for Konkani, respect for other Konkanis and a spirit of give and take.
However, such attempts must be transparent, genuine and democratic, involving all stake holders.
- Every Konkani individual must always be aware that he / she is a part of a larger Konkani family and
that Konkani is the mother tongue of very many other communities and regions, other than ones own.
This realisation of a larger family should provide a stronger sense of security.
- Every Konkani should understand that, being the child of the Konkani mother, all Konkanis are brothers
and sisters and that whatever be ones variety, it is the duty of every Konkani child to live in harmony
with the other children of the Konkani mother.
- The other factor that can never be overlooked is that, as such, we are a handful (compared to the total
population of India and also the numerical strength of other languages), and the variety that we have is
more than that of many other languages and cultures. Unless we are united, we are not a force at all.
Therefore, we have no option but to respect each others variety and seek unity in diversity. Of course,
the love and respect for each other should be genuine and should not arise out of compulsion.
- Every Konkani has a great opportunity to be an example to other languages and cultures, in India and
around the world, in peaceful co-existence and harmonious living.
Page 28
- It is the duty of every family to inculcate in the children these values
(i) That Konkani boasts of a rich variety that is beautiful and colourful.
(ii) There is no variety that is superior or inferior every variety lends beauty, colour and fragrance
to Konkani and is unique.
(iii) Apart from beauty, in the globalised context the very existence of Konkani lies in its variety. If
variety is destroyed, Konkani is destroyed.
(iv) However these varieties should not divide us. Therefore, it is also necessary that while respecting
varieties, we must at the same time, uphold the unifying factors and always seek common
grounds. The bottom line should be however different we may be, we are Konkani! (Ami
kitleyi veglle asum, ami Konknni!).
- This precious lesson of respecting variety must first be taught at the home.
- In the implementation of this Imperative, Konkani families must make it a point to interact with
Konkanis of other varieties. Inviting others to social functions and festivals could be a great beginning.
- In an atmosphere where the communal identity has overtaken all other identities, every Konkani
community should consciously assert its Konkani identity and rather than using the community label to
cut itself away from the Konkani mainstream, should go out of its way to reach-out to other Konkani
communities.
- The task of building bridges between the community islands is that of every community, so that Konkani
becomes one large harmonious community.
- Because the leadership of most of the communities is provided by their religious heads, it is the duty of
these community leaders to always be conscious of the larger Konkani identity, even while asserting the
community identity. It is for the Konkani organisations of each community to educate not only the
members but also community leaders, in this aspect.
- Much more than an individual or a family, it is the duty of Konkani organisations to openly profess and
genuinely practice this Imperative of respect and unity. Though, for practical purposes, the members of
an organisation might all belong to a particular variety (religious, caste, dialect, region etc.), an earnest
attempt must be made to include Konkanis of other varieties, if not as members, at least in the activities.
The slogan should be never exclusive but all-inclusive.
Page 29
- In order to promote the spirit of coexistence and to forge unity beyond varieties, organisations should
bring together Konkanis of various denominations through festivals, social gatherings, cultural
presentations, contests and such other activities.
- Given the reality that Konkani today has become the arena of mainly two communities to compete
with each other in sharing all the available facilities organisations must take special care to see that the
neglected varieties are provided fair and equal opportunities.
- Organisations must realise that unity among Konkanis cannot be achieved by imposing ones variety
over others, but by respecting the right of every Konkani to practise and preserve his / her variety. This
is specially of great significance in the context of the Konkani movement being hijacked by a very
regressive script politics and the general social atmosphere being polluted by the dangerous communal
politics.
- Organisations must look for and grab every opportunity to associate themselves with the programmes
and events of organisations of other varieties, and willingly participate in programmes organised by
others. Celebrating Konkani Manyata Divas and such other common Konkani events would go a long
way in forging Konkani unity.
- In any mammoth effort initiated by individual organisations to preserve, promote, enrich and transmit
Konkani language and culture (such as founding an institution, conducting research and documentation
or establishing a library or a museum), all Konkani organisations have the duty to contribute, support
and participate.
- Regional Varieties will differ from region to region and even within a region there will be very many
varieties. Regional leaders, while upholding the regional variety must always strive to link with other
regions in the assertion of the larger Konkani identity. Organising Konkani Manyata Divas, festivals of
different communities and such other events, involving all denominations of Konkanis of that region will
go a long way in making Konkanis conscious of the varieties and also the need to unite as Konkanis.
- National At the national level, the sutra that keeps our nation together Unity in Diversity, must
also be followed by Konkani, as this is the only way to unite Konkanis and to take Konkani forward. The
regressive policy of imposing one variety over others and destroying other varieties must not only be
defeated but never allowed to raise its head again. One must not forget that though small in number the
spread of Konkani in different regions, in different religions and castes, in different dialects, scripts etc.
is more than that of many other languages.
- Global At the global level, all Konkani organisations spread around the world, and situated in different
countries, must religiously follow this practice of respect for every variety, to seek Konkani unity.
Fortunately, as JKS is spearheading the global Konkani movement and stands very firmly and
uncompromisingly on this issue, the future of Konkani and Konkani unity seem bright.
Page 30
THE NINTH IMPERATIVE
Contribute a definite portion of your income to the promotion of Konkani.

- Without resources nothing is possible. The preservation and promotion of Konkani calls for huge
resources. Therefore it becomes the bounden duty of every Konkani to contribute to this effort. Kindly
do the following
(i) If you are earning set aside a definite portion of your income (5% to 10%) to the upkeep and
betterment of Konkani.
(ii) Join any Konkani organisation / institution (social, cultural or literary) and work voluntarily for
Konkani.
(iii) If you are not earning, collect whatever you can save or spare and contribute it to Konkani. We
could have a piggy bank in every house for this purpose.
(iv) Many of us are generously forthcoming when it comes to donating to charities, orphanages, to
the poor and the needy, for medical care, education and certainly to religious institutions.
Konkani deserves and needs the same generosity. In fact, in the case of Konkani we need
not only to be generous, but magnanimous!
- Like all other values that are inculcated in the child at an early age in the home, the value of loving
and caring for ones mother tongue and culture, taking responsibility for its preservation and promotion,
and contributing ones mite towards its upkeep must also be inculcated.
- Therefore, each family should contribute a definite portion of the familys income regularly, for
Konkanis well being. Even the non-earning members could set aside a portion of their pocket-money in
a Konkani piggy bank. The quantum of collection is not the criterion it is the thought that matters.
- The amounts so collected may be donated to the establishment and upkeep of any Konkani institution,
such as a library, a museum, a cultural centre, a periodical, or towards the production of a play, a
concert, an album, or the contribution may be towards the activities of ones local, national or global
Konkani organisation.
- If every Konkani family makes up its mind, Konkani will never suffer from a dearth of resources.
- Usually, because each community is preoccupied with its own projects and collections, these would
naturally get the priority. However, despite this, it is the duty of every community, individually and
collectively to contribute its mite towards the upkeep of Konkani. Community leaders and the Konkaniloving, enlightened members of the community should do everything necessary to initiate such drives
and motivate its members. For major Konkani projects which involve huge investment and resources, the
community should not hesitate to conduct a campaign and engage in a collection drive to help this
Konkani cause.
Page 31
- The role of Konkani organisations in this Imperative would be to create an awareness among Konkanis.
Towards this end, apart from conducting its regular activities every Konkani organisation must strive
towards the larger interest of Konkani may it be the establishment of a library, a museum, a periodical
etc. and motivate its members to contribute to these causes.
- The organisations at the national and at the global level, because of the hugeness of the territory and the
significance of the work, would require huge resources which if not mobilised, can make the execution
of the tasks and even the running of the organisations, difficult. Therefore in the interest of Konkani an
awareness campaign regarding this Imperative should be conducted at the national and at the global
level. The institution of a Konkani Fund will be a step towards this end.
Page 32
THE TENTH IMPERATIVE
Protect Konkani when it is under attack or threat.
- Just as we protect and fight for our rights, for our loved ones, our country, our religion, our freedom
we also have a sacred duty to protect and fight for Konkani when it is attacked or threatened.
Towards this end, let us forget our internal differences and unite, organise, represent, fight and do
everything necessary to protect Konkani. Let us not forget that rights are never attained without a
fight, and never retained without a struggle.
- The threat to Konkani could be the result of some act of legislation passed by governments or the
enactment of some law which is partial and does not allow Konkani to function freely (the Official
Language Act of Goa could be cited as an example). It could be the result of wrong policies adopted by
government or semi-government bodies (such as the Sahitya Akademi). Konkani could also be
threatened by the imposition of other dominant languages, not allowing Konkani space to survive, even
denying it its constitutional rights (as in the case of the imposition of Kannada over the Konkani
Catholics in the Bangalore and Chikmagalur Dioceses).
- Many a times, the threat to Konkani is posed by Konkanis themselves (i) by the misguided policies
(such as the imposition of the Devanagari script over others) and the manipulative politics of dominant
Konkani bodies; (ii) by the slavish mentality of many Konkanis towards English and other dominant
languages and the resultant neglect of Konkani.
- Konkani Language Plan is a wakeup call to all Konkanis to protect Konkani, as otherwise, Konkani, like
many other languages and cultures of this world will be extinct.
- There is a palpable fear today among Konkanis (who love their language and culture), for its survival
and its future. They dread that if Konkanis (as a whole) do not change course and take command of
Konkanis destiny, but instead, allow it to drift; Konkani is under threat! There is a dire need for every
family to wake up to this reality and to do everything in its power to preserve it.
- The least every family could do is to inculcate in its members (especially the young ones), a true and
genuine love for Konkani. One does not need to move mountains. All that every family needs to do is
follow the Ten Konkani Imperatives, with commitment.
Page 33
- Every Konkani community should uphold Konkani as its official language for all official purposes and
ensure that Konkani is never dislodged from this position by allowing other languages to make inroads.
- Every community should fight as one, any threat to Konkani language and culture and do everything in
its power to protect it. Because English medium education is the order of the day, there is a definite need
for every community to see that English does not infiltrate the home front and replace Konkani as the
language of the home. Also, the unnecessary use of other dominant languages (like Marathi, Kannada
and Malayalam) in the home, in prayers and religious services and at community gatherings must be
discouraged from the beginning so that the threat of these languages replacing Konkani can be nipped in
the bud.
- In the event a show of strength is called for, in the protection of the language and culture, community
could be the best forum where this can be organised and expressed. Therefore its necessary that
community leaders and Konkani activists in the community are vigilant.
- The real flag-bearers of protection of Konkani language and culture are ultimately the Konkani
organisations of a region, of a nation and at the international level. Therefore, its the duty of every
Konkani organisation to lead the struggle for protection of Konkani, when in danger. To effectively do
so, it calls for committed, enlightened leadership which should not be swayed by local, regional,
communal or any other considerations. Nothing less than true dedication to the cause of Konkani, is
expected from leadership of Konkani organisations.
- While the love of Konkani and their uncompromising commitment to its protection can go a long way in
protecting Konkani from external dangers, only healthy and equitable policies (such as respect for all
varieties) can protect Konkani from internal dangers posed by an uninformed and misguided Konkani
leadership.
- In the ultimate analysis, one could conclude that it is true love for Konkani and Konkani swabhiman
that can protect Konkani from all dangers internal and external. Therefore, organisations must focus on
inculcating these values in Konkanis at the individual, family, community, regional, national and at the
global level. At the same time, organisations should not shirk their responsibility to provide effective,
timely and enlightened leadership to any movement that may be required to protect Konkani.
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2nd Global Conclave To Adopt Konkani Language Plan

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2nd Global Conclave To Adopt Konkani Language Plan

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KONKANI LANGUAGE PLAN

(KONKNNI FUDDARA YEVZONN)

THE ROAD MAP

THE ACTION PLAN

GUIDELINES THE TEN KONKANI IMPERATIVES

Konkani Language Plan

KONKANI LANGUAGE PLAN

Konkani Language Plan

HANV KONKANI GLOBAL SURVEY

The Survey was conducted as follows

Online (in English) through Daijiworld.com http://daijiworld.com/frm_konkaniSurvey/.

(iii) Through field work in regions in India, thickly populated by Konkanis.

KONKANI LANGUAGE PLAN

Konkani Language Plan

To strengthen Konkani and enrich the same,

Konkani Language Plan

Konkani Language Plan

4. Organisations at the Regional, National and Global level.

Konkani Language Plan

THE TEN KONKANI IMPERATIVES

Own and love your mother tongue Konkani.

Speak Konkani make it bloom.

Write Konkani preserve Konkani.

Speak to your God in Konkani the language of your heart.

Avoid using words of other languages while speaking Konkani.

Live Konkani culture, enrich it and preserve it for posterity.

Foster Konkani Arts and Literature.

Respect the rich variety in Konkani and seek unity in diversity.

Contribute a definite portion of your income to the promotion of Konkani.

Protect Konkani when it is under attack or threat.

Konkani Language Plan

THE FIRST IMPERATIVE

Own and love your mother tongue Konkani.

that Konkani is our mother tongue,

Konkani Language Plan

Konkani Language Plan

THE SECOND IMPERATIVE

Speak Konkani make it bloom.

Konkani Language Plan

Konkani Language Plan

Konkani Language Plan

THE THIRD IMPERATIVE

Write Konkani preserve Konkani.

Konkani Language Plan

THE FOURTH IMPERATIVE

Speak to your God in Konkani the language of your heart.

Konkani Language Plan

Konkani Language Plan

THE FIFTH IMPERATIVE

Avoid using words of other languages while speaking Konkani.

Konkani Language Plan

THE SIXTH IMPERATIVE

Live Konkani culture, enrich it and preserve it for posterity.

Konkani Language Plan

Konkani Language Plan

Konkani Language Plan

THE SEVENTH IMPERATIVE

Foster Konkani Arts and Literature.

- Folklore, folk arts and documented works need to be specially supported.

Konkani Language Plan

Purchase and read Konkani books.

(iii) Attend and participate in literary Conferences and Festivals.

Konkani Language Plan