Margao, Nov 2026 : Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has described the unity of Konkani-speaking people across different states as the language's greatest strength, emphasising that regional dialects and variations in scripts have not weakened their cultural bond.
Sawant was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the 34th All India Konkani Convention at the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hall in Nigdi, Pune. He said his government was committed to promoting Konkani culture, literature and cinema.
Renowned writer Aruna Dhere, All India Konkani Parishad president Nandagopal Shenoy, Maharashtra Legislative Council member Amit Gorkhe, Reception Committee chairperson Ashwini Jambhekar Kulkarni, Parishad working president Chetan Acharya, General Secretary Sneha Sabnis and Convention working president Alfie Monteiro were among those present.
The convention venue was named after renowned publisher and writer Sumant Kelkar. The entrance gate was dedicated to Eduardo Bruno Souza, who published the first Konkani magazine from Pune, while the stage was named after Shenoi Goembab, widely regarded as the father of modern Konkani.
Chief speaker Aruna Dhere said literature was not merely about mastering a language of communication but also about developing a deeper understanding of nature and society. She described concern for the environment and human society as the soul of genuine literature.
Addressing young people, Dhere said the importance of the human brain had not diminished in the age of artificial intelligence. She urged the younger generation to use modern technology wisely rather than become dependent on it.
Nandagopal Shenoy appealed to the Goa Chief Minister to coordinate with the governments of Karnataka and Kerala to promote Konkani language education and give it greater priority in the neighbouring states.
Reception Committee chairperson Ashwini Jambhekar Kulkarni, working president Chetan Acharya and Alfie Monteiro also addressed the gathering. General Secretary Sneha Sabnis proposed the vote of thanks, while Anant Agni compered the programme.
The convention opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a Ghumat performance by 'Aami Kankonkar'. Chief Minister Sawant also released several books during the event.
Tiatr's International Recognition Highlighted
Separately, Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) president Anthony Barbosa said Sawant had highlighted the international reach of Goa's traditional theatre form, tiatr, during the inaugural programme.
According to Barbosa, the Chief Minister pointed out that even people familiar with Marathi watch tiatr performances in different countries.
Sawant also highlighted the inclusion of tiatr as the 56th element in the Union Ministry of Culture's Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of India.
Barbosa said the Chief Minister appreciated the Tiatr Academy of Goa for its contribution to documenting, preserving and promoting the state's distinctive theatrical tradition internationally.
Sawant described tiatr as an important part of Goa's cultural heritage, noting its role in keeping the Konkani language alive among communities across the world.
The convention highlighted the importance of preserving Konkani language, literature and performing arts while encouraging younger generations to remain connected with their cultural roots.
