Panaji: The pioneering Goa Heritage Festival spread over five days commenced at the Campal Heritage Precinct in the city on Tuesday.
Jnanpith awardee, short story writer and Goan novelist Damodar Mauzo opened the festival with an insightful commentary on the Konkani language and how integral it is to the heritage and culture of the state.
“Konkani is an independent language and many celebrated personalities such as Sant. Namdev, Dr. Francisco Luís Gomes, Dharmananda D. Kosambi, Abbé Faria studied it along with different languages, in turn showing how being a multi-linguist can bring diversity and unity”, Mauzo said.
“Multilinguality runs through the veins of every Goan and has been nature’s gift to our land. Although the trend is on a decline, I have witnessed and been amazed by the stories I have heard of, it makes me feel proud that it is still prevailing in many places,” he said.
Chairperson of the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG) Dr Jorson Fernandes said,“It is crucial for us to understand how science has evolved through decades and how communication plays a part in this. What took skills, blood and sweat in the past has certainly been made easier with technology taking over. The same goes for heritage and culture.”
“It is our responsibility to reminisce and relive the past so as to connect and build a new pathway for the future,” Dr. Jorson said.
