POINGUINNIM: A Shikshak Parishad organised by the Gomantak Rashtriya Bhasa Vidhyapeet, Margao, was held on Sunday at Ashwath Narayan Sabhagraha, Mokardamoll, Shristhal, Canacona.

The Canacona MLA, Mr Vijay Pai Khot was the chief guest for the inaugural function.

JNV Canacona Principal, Mr R S Nayak presided over the function while the Principal of S S Angle Higher Secondary School, Maxem, Dr Narayan Desai was the main speaker.

Others present on the occasion were Saunstha president, Mr Mohandas Surlakar, secretary Mr Vinayak Narvenkar, treasurer, Mr Anil Pai and Mr Shirish Pai.

Dr Narayan Desai in his key-note address said that due to globalisation, we have become mere customers instead of being citizens in our own land. He pointed out that it is a baseless fear that without English we will not be able to survive.

"We should be proud of our language and love it," he said adding due to the use of foreign languages our emotional feelings have been suppressed.

Mr Pai Khot said that "India is the only country in the world which has variety of languages. In the North, people love the national language but it is a pity to see the people in the South, feel ashamed to converse in Hindi."

Mr Nayak stated that it is never too hard to learn languages and added that only Devanagiri script can and will survive our languages in the country and urged the people to speak Hindi for its development.

Mr Kamlakar Mhalshi and Dr Tripathi also were present on the occasion and spoke.

Mr Ulhas Pai Bhatikar graced the occasion during the concluding function. Many Hindi lovers and several Hindi teachers from different places participated in the day-long seminar.

Earlier, Mr Mohandas Surlakar welcomed, Mr Anil Pai compered and later Mr Shirish Pai proposed a vote of thanks.