"Kevin Saldanha" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
< whenever I'm asked about my origins, I consider myself Indian first and
Goan second. Portuguese never enters the equation unless the conversation
drifts to my last name.
There are such strong sentiments for and against the Portuguese on GoaNet
and elsewhere that I wonder what I missed being born in Kenya.>
Dear Kevin,
Interesting that you should bring up this topic. It's been discussed many
times before; another time might not matter.
A few comments and questions put together; you may wish to respond to them
if you feek like:
1: What exactly do you mean by the word "Indian"? Citizen of the Republic
of India, Born in the Republic of India, or Racially Indian.
2. If it is "racially Indian" , May I ask IF there is something called the
"Indian Race".
3. How would you classify the people of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanisthan
and Pakistan? Would you call them Indians? why/Why not?
4. How would you classify the Goans in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanisthan
and Pakistan? Would you call them Indians? Why/Why not?
5. How would you classify the tribal people of the Andamans (near Thailand)?
Would you call them Indians? Why/Why not?
6. Now, as far as I am concerned, you are Kenyan (by birth) first; every
thing else afterwards. Unless your parents registered you as an Indian
citizen at the time of your birth, I do not know HOW you could legally or
logically classify yourself as Indian first. Unless, you contend that there
is something called an Indian Race.
7. When you fill your forms (or whatever) in your present place of
residence, How do you describe yourself? Indian, canadian or kenyan?
8. I will not ask about your children ....They are not participants in this
discussion.
9. Of course, you will advise us that you are holding Indian nationality,
and none other. That would be the only condition under which you, Kevin,
born in Kenya can claim to be Indian first.
10. You may wish to advise us HOW your parents travelled to East Africa when
they did. As Portuguese Goans, Goans, Indians or British citizens.
I'll now sit in my corner and await your response.
much love
jc
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