International Mother Language Day, ‘Matribhasha Diwas’ was celebrated at VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, Margao, Goa on 20th February, 2020 from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm in the College Reading room. Various activities were organised, highlighting the importance of the Mother Tongue and celebrating the rich diversity in Indian languages. To mark this celebration, The Library arranged an exhibition of Konkani books from its collection, which students enthusiastically perused.
The formal programme commenced with the welcome address by the College Principal Dr. Prita Mallya, who highlighted the role of Konkani in the cultural identity of Goa. Principal called upon students to make all efforts to learn the language which needs to be preserved and protected for safeguarding the identity of the State. She also highlighted that the College has a rich diversity of teachers coming from different parts of India, which helps the students and teachers to learn and respect the different languages of the country.
The students put up two beautifully conceived Skits in Konkani depicting the social issues facing Goan society. This was followed by a Short Film in Konkani(made by students) on the evils of alcoholism and the problems faced by the girl child, particularly with their education. Ms. Dyanada Prabhudessai recited a Poem in Konkani specially written to commemorate the Matribhasha Diwas celebration. Students also actively participated in the Debate Competition where they eloquently argued on the topic ‘What Should Be the Medium of Instruction at the Primary Level of Education – Mother Tongue (Konkani) or English’.
The highlight of the program was an invited lecture by Mrs. Rekha Rao on the need to preserve and protect mother tongue in a world which is rapidly changing due to technology and globalisation. Mrs. Rekha Rao said learning becomes natural and effortless when it is through one’s mother tongue and conversations in mother tongue provide soothing feeling and healing touch to people who have moved out of their home state for any reason. She called upon students to make it a point to develop proficiency in their mother tongue which will help them to achieve greater leaning in their life. She also recited a poem in Konkani on the power and beauty of the language.
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks. A total of 60 students participated in the Matribhasha Diwas celebration.
