PANAJI, February 04, 2026
The 39th Konkani Official Language Day (Raj Bhas Dis) was celebrated at Goa State Central Library, Sanskruti Bhavan, Panaji, today. The day marks the occasion when the Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act, 1987 was passed on February 4, 1987, which made Konkani as the sole official language of Goa. Dr Hanumant Chopdekar, Associate Professor of Konkani, Goa University who was the resource person at the commemoration recalled the journey, which involved struggles and sacrifices, to get Konkani recognized as the official language of Goa. “Its said that people who don’t know their past don’t have a future. It’s important to know our roots and language plays a huge role in it,” he said, adding that this celebration of Konkani’s official language day should be of the masses and all should identify with its significance.
Well known lexicographer and grammarian, Shri Damodar Ghanekar, also recalled highlights of the brave struggle to make Konkani the official language of Goa. “There were morchas even in the rain. We should not ask what Konkani lacks, because over the decades united efforts of people have helped develop this language and continue to do so. Konkani is the ‘Lok Bhas’ (language of the people of Goa),” he said.
‘Zaad Nirakar’, a documentary on Sahitya Academy Awardee poet and writer, Shankar Ramani and ‘Das Parv’, a documentary on freedom fighter, writer, journalist, social reformer Laxmidas Borkar were later screened.
Present were Konkani writers, poets, students, teachers, among others. Smt. Sulaksha Kolmule, Curator, Goa State Central Library, proposed the vote of thanks.
