Mangaluru: The Konkani Writers and Artistes’ Association, an agglomeration of Konkani litterateurs and artistes, submitted a memorandum to Governor Vajubai Rudabai Wala, through Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof K Byrappa, requesting him to revoke the appointment of Roy Castelino as the president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.
According to their press release, they were irked by the alleged propaganda carried out by the Academy Chief, through magazines and newspapers, portraying him as the pioneer of the Konkani chair, which was established in the Mangalore University recently. They were also unhappy that the  Konkani litterateurs are not being given priority in Konkani chair.

The Association has alleged that ever since the  study chair was inaugurated, Roy Castelino, the President of Konkani Sahithya Academy,  has been  claiming himself as the founder of this study chair  through false propaganda.   The press release states that there have been many advertisements and special supplements in Kannada and Konkani newspapers and periodicals  about this false campaign carried out by him.  Messages carrying the same tone are being publicized on social networking sites as well, stated the memorandum.

The memorandum was submitted to the Vice Chancellor, by office-bearers the Konkani Writers and Artistes’ Association, Florine Roche and Henry Mendonca. The Vice Chancellor, assured the delegation that he would look into the matter.

It was on June 12, 2015, that the Minister for Higher Education and Tourism Mr R V Deshapande inaugurated the Konkani Study Chair in Mangalore University at a function held in University College, Hampankatta in the city. The Chair was established in the Mangalore University after the State government granted Rs 2 crores in the annual budget 2014-15. It was a long pending demand of the Konkani speaking people in the city.