“SANGODD”

In 2001, at the International Goans Convention, the poet with the silver mane enthralled the audience with yet another golden speech. Manoharrai Sardessai was always an inspirational muse to scores of the loyal fans of his poetry, prose and philosophy. On that day, he was speaking about the Konkani quotation “Don Voddeani paim…” (feet in two canoes) which highlighted the futility of doing so. However, Manoharrai was unveiling a new dimension… the ancient Goan tradition of combining two boats to create a larger platform called “sangodd”.

Last Friday, recorded a full year since the demise of Goa’s most adored poets. But his take on things, both, Goan and global, continues to hold immortal inspiration. Manoharrai Sardessai’s poems and songs, speeches and talks, writings and musings continue to be a guiding light as we stand at the crossroads pondering over looming questions. Whether to go global with English in primary education or embrace the mother tongue, Konkani? Whether to stick to the Devanagri script or patronise the Romi script? Whether to pursue development or bother about the environment?

Sardessai’s message of the harmonizing dimension of “sangodd” assumes greater relevance in today’s times when every question arouses diametrically extreme viewpoints that spark off bitterness and hostility. His own life reflected the “sangodd”. Sardessai wrote mature political ballads as well as delightful songs for children. While he wrote extensively in Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and other Indian languages, he also indulged in the mastery of French, English, Portuguese and other international languages. He was a fine teacher who never gave up on studying. He would write about rationalism and socialism and simultaneously pen prayers to Shantadurga and Jesus. He initiated the publishing of his books in both Devanagri and Romi scripts.

Every fight is essentially started over a difference in perceptions. Many such perceptions are based on prejudices. An open mind is one that can combine diverse opinions to create a “sangodd” and develop new dimensions that will foster unity amidst hearts….

With a “sangodd”, it is possible to ride two boats
“Develop new dimensions” to cross every moat…