Global Konknni Forum Demands Equal Status for Roman Script in Goa’s Language Policy

The Global Konknni Forum has issued a strong appeal to the Goa government, reiterating its long-standing demand for equal recognition of the Roman script in the Official Language Act (OLA). While the current BJP-led government under Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant claims to have extended unprecedented support to the Konknni language over the past six years, the Forum asserts that this support has been exclusively for Konknni in the Devanagari script.

“By saying so, he is confirming that he has supported Konknni in Devnagari only,” the Forum stated, pointing out that this ongoing bias continues to sideline Konknni in Roman script — a script deeply embedded in Goan identity and heritage. Despite receiving grants through institutions like the Dalgado Konknni Akademi and support for cultural activities such as the Mando and Tiatr festivals, advocates argue that Roman script deserves recognition, not charity.

For over 36 years, Roman script Konknni supporters have been demanding equal treatment under the OLA, citing educational disadvantages and cultural marginalization. The Forum criticized the CM for not addressing these grievances in his six-year tenure, despite widespread appeals from Konknni activists.

Current educational policies, they argue, favour Devanagari at the cost of student engagement and cultural continuity. “As a result, these students lose interest in the language and move away from Konknni in their daily life,” the Forum stated. They reiterated the urgent need to introduce Konknni in Roman script in schools to bolster language proficiency and reconnect students with their heritage.

Beyond education, the Forum emphasized that the Roman script is not just a writing system — it represents a historical and cultural struggle for identity. With deep roots in Goan society, the script has organically evolved into the region’s primary medium for Konknni over centuries.

Reaffirming its twin demands — formal recognition of the Roman script in the OLA and its inclusion in school curricula — the Forum urged the BJP government to act in the upcoming Assembly session. They stated that such a move would not only correct a long-standing injustice but also reflect true commitment to the motto “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”