Team Goemkarponn
Valpoi: Goa Marathi Academy President and Principal Prof. Anil Samant has stressed the need to preserve Marathi culture alongside protecting the Mhadai River, warning that both face existential threats.
Speaking at the ‘Nadi Vahte’ programme organised by Masorde Marathi Sanskar Kendra at Hedgewar Vidyalaya, Samant said Marathi schools are closing in large numbers and called on people to adopt such schools to safeguard the language. He likened the Mhadai River and Marathi culture to “two streams” that must be preserved.
Highlighting the Mhadai water diversion issue, Samant accused the Karnataka government of threatening Goa’s water security and warned of a severe crisis if the river’s flow is blocked. The programme showcased the river’s life journey through narration, melodious singing, and symbolic presentations, written by Shubhada Chari, with contributions from Pournima Kerkar, Samruddhi Kerkar, Vitthal Shelke, and Gautami Gavas.
The event was attended by social activist Dr. Ashok Amshekar, Sattari taluka in-charge of the Goa Marathi Academy Mhalu Gavas, Marathi Sanskar Kendra secretary Gautami Gavas, folk literature student Pournima Kerkar, and Hedgewar School principal Nilangi Shinde.
Samant lamented the marginalisation of Marathi in Goa and urged collective efforts for its revival. Dr. Amshekar called for unity among Marathi speakers to push for official language status. The programme opened with a hymn by Hedgewar Vidyalaya students and concluded with a vote of thanks by Krishna Gavas.
