- By Vaman S. Sankhalker
(The writer is a young faculty member at a Polytechnic in Goa)
In a country as rich and complex as India, language is often both a bond and a battleground. It carries culture, emotion, and identity — but it can also stir unrest. Recent linguistic flare-ups in Maharashtra and Karnataka, and even subtle tensions in usually serene Goa, remind us that words can either wound or heal, depending on how we use them.
Goa, however, quietly offers a different narrative. Here, Konkani and Marathi live side by side — not in conflict, but in comfort. Konkani, the official language, is more than just a script; it is the soul of the Konkan coast, enriched by dialects stretching from Pernem to Karwar. And Marathi? It is read widely and loved deeply, without apology or pressure. Goans have mastered the art of bilingual grace. Why disturb what works?
Elsewhere, language politics often involve force — one language pushed, another resisted. But in Goa, most people naturally speak Konkani and read Marathi. This balance doesn’t need fixing; it needs protecting. Imposing artificial rules or making political hay out of language only builds walls where bridges already exist.
Zooming out to the national scene, we often overlook something simple: when visiting a state with a different language, try learning just a few words — a greeting, a thank-you, a respectful request. You don’t need fluency, just effort. It’s not about correctness, but connection. Visitors have a responsibility to adapt, not demand that others do.
At the same time, locals must respond with empathy, not anger. When identity feels threatened, reactions can turn bitter. But vandalism and aggression don’t defend our culture — they damage it. Let us replace outrage with outreach. Cultural programs, open forums, and language workshops can help people understand one another, not fear one another.
Real change requires more than lofty statements from high places. In Goa, we can institutionalize bilingual education that honors both Konkani and Marathi. In other states, we can create safe spaces where migrants can learn local languages with dignity, not pressure. Political leaders should walk the talk, promoting unity over division. The media, too, has a role — to spotlight stories of coexistence, not just conflict.
In the end, language is more than a tool — it is a treasure. Goa’s peaceful blend of Konkani and Marathi shows us that we do not have to choose between pride and peace. We can have both. So let us speak with respect, and listen with love.
