JOIN USIt is indeed a pride moment for the Konkani in State, a language which has more than 30 dialects and 3.6 million speakers spread across the coastal regions of South India.
The first ever SSLC batch, who opted Konkani as third language have secured 100 per cent results in the recently concluded exams. The Karnataka government had introduced the subject in 10th standard from last academic year onwards.
A total of 60 students from six schools had taken the exam in the State, out of which, 51 were from Dakshina Kannada and the rest were from Udupi. Students from Urwa Pompei High School, Permannur St Sebastian High School, Thokkottu Nithyadhar English Medium High School, Mulki Medallin High School and Kulur High School had appeared for the exam on April 13.
St Sebastian High School had most number of students who wrote the exam. Ancy D’Souza from Nithyadhar High School has topped the list with 98 marks whereas Shanthi Samantha D’Souza from Udupi Udyavar Francis Xavier High School has bagged the second place with 95 marks.
Speaking to City Herald, Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy President Kasargod Chinna said that the community is proud of the students. “They have lifted the pride of Konkani speaking community in the state,” he said adding that the Academy will be felicitating the students soon.
Academy Registrar Devadas Pai said that efforts of Academy and Konkani organisations are fructified now with the results. Efforts of Konkani Prachar Sanchalan should be appreciated in this regard.
They have visited many schools in Dakshina Kannada as well as Udupi and persuaded the School authorities to start Konkani course. Currently 108 schools are teaching Konkani. Konkani Prachar Sanchalan has also conducted training for teachers with the help of Academy and DIET (District Institute of Educational and Training).
Konkani Prachar Sanchalan Executive Secretary Victor Karkal said that they are hopeful of introducing the language in more number of schools. “Every year, we conduct meeting with heads of different schools, parents and students to create awareness on the language. We are also providing text books free of cost to students,” he said.
Introducing in PU
Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy is now planning to induct Konkani in the PU level too. A syllabus frame work has already been done after consultations with academicians and submitted to Chief Minister, Education Minister and Director of PU Board.
“We have submitted the framework one month back. So far, no communications have come in this regard”, said Academy Registrar. He said that the Academy is also ready to prepare the text books free of cost if the government gives the green signal.
The Academy is also planning to launch a campaign in Uttara Kannada to attract more number of students to learn Konkani as there are many Konkani speaking people in the area, especially Karwar and Kumta.