I commend the efforts of all who were instrumental in Celebrating Goa Day this year; particularly in Goa.
Mr. Rene Barreto in particular needs to be complimented for pioneering and pursuing the same for such a long time, from the Global/Overseas Platform. I believe that if anything good has to happen for Goa and Goans, then some important things are: (1) Emotional bonding/integration of Goans (local & overseas) to our prized Goan Identity (2) Changing the Way Goans think and last but surely not the least (3) Bringing back our pride in being Goan and overall hope in Goa; that we can make Goa the way we really want to be for Goans and a shining example to the Indian & World Community Celebration of Goa Day and all of its experience has certainly helped with the above points; with the success it has achieved so far, I hope it continues to the next level towards preserving Goan Identity in Goa. Arwin Mesquita, UAE Daijiworld.com Emotional Integration of Goans Necessary: Simon D?Souza http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=83798&n_tit=Emotional+Integration+of+Goans+Necessary%3A+Simon+D%92Souza Saturday, August 21, 2010 1:09:25 PM (IST) Vasco, Aug 21: Falling in line with over 60 world wide organizations of the Community of Goans, Goa Day was observed in Vasco expressing bonds of unity and resolving to rededicate for collective growth and progress. Speaking on the occasion, Former Deputy Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Simon D?Souza, who presided, said that he was emotionally moved at the laudable work undertaken by Rene Barreto who took the lead in constituting the organization a decade ago and brought about integration of hearts. Emotional integration of Goans is necessary for our happy growth, he said, ?It is necessary that we rediscover ourselves and adhere to our language and culture to enjoy position of pride in our country and the world?, said D?Souza. He also called upon all Goans not to forget their roots. He reminded that ?Goa Day? this year was also ?Sadhbhavana Din? and said that Goans have made commendable contribution to a harmonious living and he felt extremely proud of it. It was incidentally the day that brought inclusion of Konkani language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and we all are indebted to late Rajiv Gandhi?s contribution in this regard, he said. Our youth should understand its significance and carry forward the work of the Konkani luminaries, he added. Noted Konkani poet Yusuf A Sheikh, who was the Chief Guest, said that Goa, as he saw in yester years was a place of roaring sea and soaring hopes. Hopes and aspirations of the community of Goans did not seem to have materialized as Goans are seen to be submerged under developmental projects which, to them, are not meaningful. He attributed this to the fast degeneration of the identity factor. ?Happiness of Goans should be the prime concern of the authorities. If the Goans in Goa are unhappy, the world community of Goans will surely be worried and abstain from investing in Goa and making valuable contribution to our contentment?, he said. ?With Konkani language as its base, area of art and culture should bloom and that would always keep us emotionally integrated, he added. Sheikh also commended the task undertaken by Rene Barreto and referred to him as a world leader representing Goa in the global village of the computer age. He also referred to the significant contribution being made by the NRI cell of the Goa government to reunite global Goans. Anil R Chodankar, general secretary of the Senior Citizens Forum who was the Guest of Honour said that he was also equally touched at the fact that global Goans are meeting to observe Goa Day. What concerns Goans today is identity crisis and the unique features of our identity are needed to be preserved at all cost, he said. Linton Barreto, President of the Mormugao Communidade and the Convener of the programme presented the song from the CD ?Proud to be Goan? composed by Basilo Magno settled in Spain. Attractively adaptated to the Goan music by Emiliano D?Cruz, the song is sung by Lulu Fortes. Ex Councillor of Mormugao Municipal Council, John Rodrigues who attended as Guest of Honour also expressed his sentiments. Clerencio Furtado, president of the Konkan Kala Vistar Kendra and the co-convener proposed the vote of thanks. ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo rene barreto -- Please post your comments on my Blog: http://goanidentity.blogspot.com/ Please also see below: 1. Benaulim Village Action Committee: http://www.bvacbenaulim.blogspot.com/ 2. "Rape of Goa" : http://www.parrikar.com/blog/the-rape-of-goa/ 3. MAND - an adivasi-rights resource centre : http://mandgoa.blogspot.com/ 4. EVERY GOAN SHOULD SEE THIS VIDEO: http://infochangeindia.org/Infochange-documentary.html 5. For the Love of Konkani: http://www.radiogoa.net/ 6. Goa's Identity Movement website: http://www.goamag.net/gim 7. Goa's Identity Movement group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//#/group.php?gid=193497031686 8. Official Government Site NRI Office (GOA): http://www.globalgoans.org.in/ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ISSUES BEING DEBATED: In East Africa, despite colonialism, the British afforded the Goan a sliver of a socio-political voice. Read *Into The Diaspora Wilderness* by Selma Carvalho. Soon to be available in Toronto. Pp 290. Via mail-order from goa1...@gmail.com http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/