Panaji: The directorate of archives will undertake comprehensive audiovisual documentation of ‘alayo’ —traditional Konkani children’s songs and oral folklore — to preserve a cultural tradition that is rapidly disappearing, education secretary Prasad Lolayekar said on Wednesday.Speaking on the sidelines of the symposium, ‘Treasure Trove of Konkani Childlore: Compilation, Preservation and Research’, organized by the directorate, Lolayekar said preserving ‘alayo’ is important to document the distinctive language and expressions used by children in Goa and in other states where Konkani-speaking communities continue to practice these traditions.He noted that several folk traditions have already vanished, underscoring the need to preserve what remains. Lolayekar said ‘alayo’ holds a special place in Konkani folklore because it captures children’s unique vocabulary — often absent from formal language.“Konkani children have their own linguistic terms. They use words such as ‘hamma’ for cows and ‘mey-mey’ for seafood. This is a universal language of Konkani-speaking children, and it has to be preserved. If you want to understand the different vocabulary and words used in this language, ‘alayo’ is one of the most important sources,” Lolayekar said.‘Alayo’, he said, is often a child’s first point of connection with folklore and traditional culture, making its preservation especially significant.He also recalled that similar documentation work began during his earlier stint in the art and culture department, when several folk traditions across Goa were recorded, including coverage of the entire Sattari taluka and nearly half of Canacona, but that the effort was not continued.
