Ravindra Kelekar (1925–2010), a Gandhian activist, Konkani scholar, and Jnanpith Award-winning writer, is a towering figure in Goan history whose contributions to Goa, its people, and the essence of Goan-ness remain unparalleled. Through his literary works, linguistic activism, and social engagement, Kelekar not only championed the Konkani language but also shaped the cultural and intellectual identity of Goa. His writings, infused with Gandhian humanism, philosophical insight, and a fierce commitment to regional pride, continue to inspire Goans to embrace their unique heritage.
Drawing on his insightful quotes, themes, and activism, this article explores Kelekar’s profound impact on Goa and the Goan spirit.
Championing Konkani: The Soul of Goan Identity
At the heart of Kelekar’s contributions lies his relentless advocacy for the Konkani language, which he saw as the bedrock of Goan-ness. During the 1960s, when Konkani faced marginalization and was often dismissed as a dialect of Marathi, Kelekar emerged as a vocal defender of its distinctiveness. His seminal works, Aamchi Bhas Konkaneech (1962) and Shalent Konkani Kityaak (1962), articulated the cultural and linguistic significance of Konkani, urging Goans to take pride in their mother tongue.
“Konkani is not just a language; it is the voice of our soil, our struggles, and our dreams,” he wrote, encapsulating its role as a unifying force for Goans across caste, religion, and geography.
Kelekar’s activism was instrumental in the Konkani language movement, which culminated in its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 1992. His efforts during the Opinion Poll of 1967, which preserved Goa’s distinct identity against merger with Maharashtra, underscored his belief that “Goa’s soul lies in its language and its people’s will to remain unique.”
By compiling A Bibliography of Konkani Literature in Devanagari, Roman, and Kannada Characters (1963), he documented Konkani’s rich literary heritage, reinforcing its legitimacy and inspiring a generation of writers. Through his editorship of Jaag magazine, Kelekar nurtured talents of Gosns fostering a Konkani literary renaissance that gave Goans a platform to express their stories and aspirations.
1. Gandhian Humanism and Social Justice
Kelekar’s contributions to Goa were deeply rooted in his Gandhian philosophy, shaped by his association with Mahatma Gandhi and mentor Kakasaheb Kalelkar. As a freedom fighter during India’s independence struggle and a participant in Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961, Kelekar brought a commitment to non-violence, truth, and social justice to his work. His essays, such as those in Velavaylo Dhulo, reflect a humanistic vision that transcends communal and caste divides, urging Goans to build an inclusive society. “We don’t need statues of Gandhi in every village; we need his principles in every heart,” he famously remarked, emphasizing the need for ethical living over symbolic gestures.His writings addressed social ailments like materialism and communalism, offering insights that were both profound and accessible. In an essay questioning why Buddha was absorbed into the Vedic fold as an incarnation of Vishnu while Mahavir was not, Kelekar wrote, “History is shaped by those who control its narrative, but truth speaks through the silenced.” This ability to distill complex historical and social dynamics into simple yet powerful observations made him a voice for the marginalized, resonating with Goans navigating their post-colonial identity.
2. Preserving Goan-ness Through LiteratureKelekar’s literary oeuvre, spanning essays, travelogues, translations, and dialogues, is a celebration of Goan-ness – a unique blend of cultural pluralism, linguistic pride, and spiritual depth. His Sahitya Akademi Award-winning travelogue Himalayant (1976) captures the essence of Goan introspection, with descriptions of the Himalayas that evoke a timeless connection to nature: “The evening in the Himalayas whispered to me of an existence before my birth and after my death.” While set outside Goa, such works reflect a Goan sensibility – a curiosity about the world paired with a deep-rooted love for home.His translations, such as the Konkani rendition of the Mahabharata and Ami Taankan Manshant Haadle (from Gujarati essays), enriched Konkani literature by bringing diverse voices into the language. These efforts reinforced his belief that “a language grows when it embraces others without losing its own voice.” By fostering literary excellence, Kelekar gave Goans a medium to articulate their identity, ensuring that Goan-ness was not confined to folklore but elevated to a sophisticated literary tradition.
3.Critiquing Modernity and Cultural Erosion
Kelekar’s activism extended to a critique of modernity and the dominance of English, which he saw as a threat to Goan cultural roots. In his Jnanpith Award acceptance speech, he lamented, “English has given us bonsai intellectuals, bonsai writers, and bonsai readers – stunted in their connection to their own people.” He argued that Goans, like other Indians, must prioritize their mother tongue to preserve their cultural heritage. His essays in Bahu-bhashik Bharatant Bhashenche Samajshastra advocate for multilingualism as a strength, encouraging Goans to embrace Konkani while engaging with the world.Living as an “intellectual recluse” in Priol, Goa, Kelekar embodied a simplicity that contrasted with the materialism he critiqued. His lifestyle and writings inspired Goans to reconnect with their villages, traditions, and communal harmony – elements central to Goan-ness. “Goa is not just its beaches or its churches; it is the heartbeat of its people, their language, and their shared history,” he wrote, urging Goans to resist the commodification of their culture.
4. Legacy and Lasting Impact
Kelekar’s contributions earned him accolades like the Padma Bhushan (2008), Sahitya Akademi Fellowship (2007), and Jnanpith Award (2006), but his true legacy lies in the empowerment of Goans. By institutionalizing Konkani through organizations like the Konkani Bhasha Mandal and mentoring writers, he ensured that the language and its literature would thrive. His vision of Goan-ness – a proud, inclusive, and culturally vibrant identity – continues to guide Goa’s literary and social movements.
For Goans today, Kelekar’s life and words remain a clarion call to cherish their heritage. As he wrote, “A people without their language are like a tree without roots – they may stand for a while, but they cannot grow.” Through his activism, literature, and philosophy, Ravindra Kelekar not only preserved the roots of Goan-ness but also nurtured its growth, leaving an indelible mark on Goa and its people and thier Goan-ness
