PANJIM: Konkani audio books now the official language of Goa
Panjim: With an aim to help primary school children of Goa better master their mother tongue, Annie Rajan, Associate Professor, Department of Information Technology (IT) at Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar, prepared ‘Audio Pustakam’ Is. Cost, Standalone audio player, with educational content of Konkani subject from class I to IV as per Goa Board syllabus.
24 such units have been developed and given free of cost to six schools in Goa.
“I am able to learn my lessons better with the help of this device,” says Koel Mori, a Class 3 student of Porvorim English Primary School.
Echoing his sentiments, Mori’s classmate Zoya Abdul Nadaf says, “I like this machine. This helps me understand my chapters easily.”
This device is not only helping native students, but also non-Goan children.
Shivam Yadav, a student of the same school, says, “Earlier I used to have difficulty in understanding Konkani. But with this tool, I am able to follow my lessons better than ever.
Mithali Milind Naik, Konkani teacher at Porvorim English Primary School, says, “We have been using this device for the last one and a half years. I have noticed that children are more attentive and interested in their lessons whenever the device is played. Moreover, the pronunciation of words is better as they can understand it better than the audio, which is clear.
“I read the lessons with the students, while the lessons are broadcast simultaneously through audio devices. So, wherever students have any doubts, I am able to help them,” says Naik.
Father Anand D’Souza, SJ, Superior and Primary Incharge, St. Brito High School, Mapusa, who uses this tool, says, “Audio books in Konkani serve as a valuable resource to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage . Konkani speaking community. Introducing audiobooks in Konkani at the primary level lays the foundation for a strong educational journey.
“A lot of students experience academic stress,” says student counselor Meenakshi Prabhu Mhambrey. One of the most common challenges I see is the inability to read and understand. I believe that a tool like ‘Audio Pustakam’, which has guided audio of the subject teacher, can help students read their subject textbooks and learn better. Especially those who struggle with pronunciation and love repetition.
Speaking about their device, Professor Annie Rajan says, “Students understand complex concepts faster when they hear them in their mother tongue. ‘Audio Pustakam’ highlights this potential by enabling access to audio versions of educational content. The device can be used to provide additional support to learners, especially slow learners, by allowing them to revisit concepts at their own pace.
It is now looking to expand the reach of its technology with the help of external funds.
“I have spent Rs 3 lakh for making these instruments and for professional recording in the studio. I can expand the scope of this technology with funding from donors,” she says.
“As a researcher I feel, even if some schools can adopt this technology, it will be an achievement for me. I would like to thank Anju Sakhardande and Esha Shetty for lending their voices to this project,” says Rajan.
