Thomas Stephens Konkanni Kendr

THOMAS STEPHENS KONKANNI KENDR

This is a Konkani cultural centre named after the sixteenth century English Jesuit, Fr. Thomas Stephens (1549-1619), a renowned linguist and poet who worked and studied the Konkani language in Goa, and who wrote the first printed Konkani grammar.

TSKK has set itself the tasks of working for Konkani culture by promoting Konkani language, literature, folklore and related forms of culture. The main work is education and research in nature.

Because of the urgent need of Konkani people, at present linguistic and pedagogical work is stresses, and the centre has been involved in:

Writing grammars such as the descriptive grammar
Compiling linguistic glossary, and dictionary project
Writing courses to teach Konkani, such as TSKK Konkani Basic Course
Promoting Konkani literature by transliterating works into Devanagri from other scripts
Publishing research works such as orthography rules, and old Konkani works
Preparing and publishing children's books and cassettes
Giving various courses to Konkani teachers
Writing articles to research periodicals, giving radio broadcasts

Work on Konkani theatre, folklore, study of Konkani people and similar projects are in the incipient stages, but once the chosen specialist finishes his studies in this line we should be in a position to get into this field seriously. Inter-disciplinary w ork too should be possible on the Porvorim campus once a social anthropologist is prepared to join the effort.

Address for correspondence:

THOMAS STEPHENS KONKNNI KENDR,
Miramar, Panaji, GOA - 403 001. INDIA
Tel. # 46195

KONKANI CULTURAL CENTRE

PROPOSED FOR

THOMAS STEPHENS KONKNNI KENDR

For a long time now Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) has been contemplating and planning to have new premises, because our activities have grown and there is no room for expanding our facilities. After working ten years in the temporary premises at Lo yola Hall. Miramar, and being reasonably sure that our experiment is worth continuing we are making bold to go ahead with concrete plans for our new Konkani culture centre.

The place chosen is Alto Porvorim, next to our sister institution, Xavier Centre of Historical Research, and in the same compound. The Architect chosen for this project is Mr. Dean D'Cruz and the Engineer is Mr. S.C. D'Souza. The plans are ready and all t he necessary permission have been obtained.

If everything goes according to plans, the new premises should be ready in a year and half or two years. Funds should be forthcoming with the cooperation of all of you.

PLAN OF THE BUILDING

We have planned for small blocks around a patio in the true Goan style with stretches of the structure having bare laterite stone and most of the roofing done in red tiles.

LIBRARY BLOCK

To the right of the entrance there will be a library block with attached librarians room, below which the rest-rooms, and next to it staff utilities.

CLASSROOM BLOCK

There will be two classrooms with an audio-visual room between them. One of the classrooms will be larger so that it can be used for meetings and conferences.

OFFICE & RESEARCH BLOCK

Left to the entrance will be the offices and research related facilities such as study rooms, project room, computer room, publication room, etc.

RESIDENTIAL BLOCK

There will be a small residential area with rooms for resident staff and occasional scholars.

OTHER FEATURES

The central quadrangle will be used as an auditorium with a small stage on one end. The building is kept low with only ground floor in the classroom and office blocks.

ESTIMATE FOR THE BUILDING OF TSKK

Library Block	27 lakhs
Classroom Block	12 lakhs
Office & Research Block	15 lakhs
Residential Block	20 lakhs
Central Quadrangle	6 lakhs
Furniture & Fixtures	15 lakhs
Total	95 lakhs

FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT

The total estimate at the moment is 95 Lakhs. With escalating prices it is bound to be much higher than that. We appeal to all our friends and well wishers once again to come to our assistance generously. It should not be impossible to put up a decent cul tural centre for our Konkani with so many of you extending your willing hands to help out. TSKK is a registered Society with Reg. No. 23/Goa/82, and as such we are exempt from paying income tax, and we have been exempt also under 80G of the Income Tax Act . We will be grateful to you if you make out all the cheques or drafts in the name of