Prof. Dr. Olivinho J. F. Gomes (1943–2009) was a towering figure in the preservation and promotion of the Konkani language and the cultural ethos of Goa. A scholar, polyglot, poet, translator, historian, sociologist, and former acting Vice-Chancellor of Goa University, Gomes dedicated his life to enriching Konkani literature and articulating the essence of “Goan-ness.” His contributions, marked by over 40 published books and extensive academic work, have left an indelible mark on Goan society and the broader Indian literary landscape.
This article explores his multifaceted contributions to Konkani and the cultural identity of Goa.
Early Life and Career Shift
Born in Santo Estevam, Goa, in 1943, Gomes was a proud Goan whose intellectual journey began in a region shaped by its unique blend of Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, and Portuguese influences. Initially, he served as a translator for the Goa Government Secretariat (1965–1970), proficient in Konkani, Portuguese, French, and English. His career took a significant turn when he joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 1970, working in Customs and Central Excise. However, his passion for Konkani and Goan culture led him to abandon this prestigious position in 1987 to return to Goa and join the Konkani Department at Goa University. This shift from bureaucracy to academia underscored his commitment to his mother tongue and cultural roots.
Contributions to Konkani Language and Literature
Gomes was a prolific writer and scholar whose work significantly elevated the status of Konkani, a language often overshadowed by Marathi and Portuguese in Goa’s complex linguistic history. His scholarly contributions include:Literary Works and Translations: Gomes authored over 40 books, covering language, literature, history, sociology, and culture.
His notable works include Old Konkani Language and Literature (1999), Konkani Saraspaticho Itihas (1989), Village Goa (1987), and Eka Goenkarachi Bhaili Bhonvddi (2007). One of his most remarkable achievements was the 747-page translation of the Portuguese epic poet Luís de Camões’ work into Konkani, titled Luzitayonn. This five-year endeavor reflected his fascination with Camões, whom he believed wrote significant portions of his poetry in Goa. Gomes’ translation bridged Portuguese and Konkani literary traditions, enriching Konkani’s literary corpus.
Konkani Folklore and Cultural Documentation: Gomes’ Konkani Folk Tales is a seminal anthology that captures the cultural ethos of Konkani-speaking communities. The tales, imbued with moralistic undertones, reflect Goan social customs, beliefs, and the region’s lush natural environment. His work preserved oral traditions, making them accessible to a broader audience and highlighting the interconnectedness of Konkani folklore with other Indian regional narratives.
Historical and Linguistic Scholarship:
Gomes’ research delved into the historical evolution of Konkani, tracing its Austro-Asiatic and Dravidian substrata and its development as an Indo-Aryan language. In his essay “Medieval Konkani Literature,” he identified Mundari influences in Konkani vocabulary, such as words like mund and goem-bab.
1. His Old Konkani Language and Literature: The Portuguese Role explored the impact of Portuguese colonialism on Konkani, including the use of Roman script by European missionaries. Gomes also critiqued the categorization of Konkani in global linguistic databases like Ethnologue, advocating for greater Goan participation in defining the language’s identity.
2. Advocacy for Romi Konkani:
Gomes was a vocal supporter of Romi (Roman script) Konkani, which faced marginalization compared to the Devanagari script post-Goa’s liberation. His writings, often acerbic, called for the recognition of Romi Konkani’s literary contributions, including the first Konkani novel, newspaper, and film. His efforts helped sustain the script’s relevance in Goan Catholic communities and the diaspora.
3.Institutional Leadership:
As a member of the Sahitya Akademi’s executive board for Konkani, Gomes represented the language at the national level. He also served on expert panels for the University Grants Commission, National Council of Educational Research and Training, and the K. K. Birla Foundation, influencing policies to promote Konkani education and literature. His tenure as acting Vice-Chancellor of Goa University further amplified his impact on Konkani studies.
4.Contributions to Goan Identity
Gomes’ work transcended linguistics, encapsulating the essence of “Goan-ness”—a syncretic identity shaped by Goa’s history, geography, and cultural diversity. His contributions to Goan identity include:
Articulating Goan-ness: In articles like “Goan Identity in Crisis!” (2002), Gomes explored the challenges of maintaining a distinct Goan identity amidst post-colonial shifts and linguistic debates. He emphasized Konkani as the bedrock of Goan culture, uniting Hindus, Christians, and Muslims despite historical divisions. His book Village Goa offered a sociological and historical portrait of rural Goa, documenting its traditions, caste dynamics, and economic structures.
5.Cultural Syncretism: Gomes highlighted Goa’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, evident in its language, cuisine, music, and festivals. His study “The Konkani Flavor in Goa’s Spoken Portuguese, as Witnessed in GIP’s Jacob e Dulce” (2007) examined how Konkani shaped the Portuguese spoken in Goa, underscoring linguistic interdependence. His work on Konkani tiatr, a popular theatrical form, traced its origins to 1892 and its role in social satire and cultural expression.
6. Preserving Historical Narratives:
Gomes’ biographies, such as Dr. Francisco Luis Gomes (1968), celebrated eminent Goans who shaped the region’s intellectual and political landscape. Francisco Luis Gomes, a 19th-century parliamentarian and economist, was portrayed as a patriot whose nationalism extended beyond Goa to India. Olivinho Gomes’ historical works, including Goa (2004), provided a comprehensive view of Goa’s pre-Portuguese, colonial, and post-liberation phases, fostering pride in Goan heritage.
7. Environmental and Social Advocacy:
Gomes’ writings often reflected his concern for Goa’s environment and social fabric. He critiqued industrialization’s impact on Goa’s tranquil landscape and advocated for sustainable development. His sociological lens, informed by his Ph.D. in Sociology, analyzed caste, class, and communal dynamics, promoting a vision of Goan society rooted in equality and cultural pride.
Legacy and Impact
Prof. Olivinho Gomes’ sudden passing on July 30, 2009, was mourned as a significant loss to the Konkani literary world and Goan society. Tributes from the Goan Poet’s Forum, Konkani Writers’ Forum, and figures like fashion designer Wendell Rodricks underscored his influence. His books remain vital references for scholars, writers, and those exploring Goan culture. The Goan community continues to honor his legacy through initiatives like the Dalgado Konknni Akademi and seminars on Konkani literature, such as the 2025 National Seminar on Konkani Novels at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa.
Gomes’ life was a testament to his belief that “Goem moddlem ani Zunvem ghoddlem” (From the ruins of Goa rose the island of Jua). His scholarly rigor, linguistic prowess, and unwavering love for Konkani and Goa have ensured that his contributions endure, inspiring generations to embrace their mother tongue and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Goan-ness.References
