Hey people, Its seems that there are a few technicalities involving terms. To my understanding whether one likes it or not, Goans pre-1961 were Portuguese citizens -- as part of Estado da India. Unless there are shades in the concept of Portuguese citizenship that I do not understand. I also read someplace an interesting analogy that while Indians had their Penal code courtesy of the British, the Portuguese granted citizenship to Goans (whatever its burden). I found that an interesting reference in that the British did not choose to grant citizenship status, even to those who were with them as part of their colonial designs. But in any situation, different people see issues and ideas in terms of their circumstance. Which reminds me that the Jallianwala Bag (Baug) papers have not yet been released.
I often asked my friends in Mumbai why they called us Goans paowalla, or paowalle. All I got was giggles, and the occasional, Nahin tar kai? (otherwise what else )what then)? But these were my dear Maharashtrians who in their own proud way had their own unique relationships with Goans. A part of existing in the modern is to slowly drop the name calling, but its also not necessary to be too righteous about it. One has to face the pain, slowly but surely. And incidentally, who speaks on behalf of those domestics, who not only worked their backs off but as I heard and am aware, lay on their backs to satiate their employers. Or those who just disappeared somewhere up North. This happens in situations of power (in its myriad ways, including the brute as in physical, and also the brute as in charm) and financial duress. Indians have always been fascinated (for better or worse) by Goans of all religious and other ideological persuasions. A lot was learned from Goans by non-Goans, and it still happens. Now it is about making what constitutes a Goan life -- within an Indians framework. I do not care what anyone thinks but one usually assimilates into modernity -- by attempting to negate its brutality -- by softening ones ones own sharp edges. To do this one partakes or attempts to impose ones will on those who have assimilated for better or for worse. Tomorrow we may do the same to others in turn. I have heard people say that would feel comfortable to raise their daughters (precocious) in Goa, and and if not that then certainly on holidays. The environmental constructs that Goa provides is certainly worth it for the non-Goan. Venantius