[Interview as published in Arab Times]
Global Goan Convention to be held in Kuwait
on November 16 - 17, 2010
- By Paul Francis X. Fernandes, Arab Times staff
They are Indians in body, mind and soul who live and work under varying
socio-cultural and economic environments across the seven continents.
Preserving their rich cultural traditions and values, they meaningfully
integrate in the countries where they emigrate to without losing their
ethnic identity — they are the Global Goan Community.
And they are now gathering here in Kuwait to have and to create, a
better understanding of the Goan community in different parts of the
world and address issues of common concern. The 5th Global Goan
Convention, an annual international gathering of the Goan Diaspora, will
be held for the first time in Kuwait on November 16 and 17 at the Crowne
Plaza Hotel in Farwaniya. The convention will provide a venue for Goans
from around the world to come together on a common platform to share
ideas, exchange experiences and foster feelings of fellowship and harmony.
Organized by the Goan Cultural Center, Kuwait, the convention is being
held under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ajai Malhotra, Ambassador
of India to Kuwait and Mr. Eduardo Faleiro, Honorable Commissioner for
NRI Affairs, Government of Goa, in the presence of S.K. Srivastava,
Chief Secretary, Government of Goa.
Carmo Santos, the Chairman of Goan Cultural Center, speaking about the
upcoming convention said, “We are proud and privileged to host the 5th
Global Goan Convention in Kuwait, in coordination with the Department of
NRI Affairs, Government of Goa and the Embassy of India, Kuwait. Besides
strengthening the global alliance of Goans, these annual conventions
provide an international and Indian forum to raise and highlight issues
and concerns of importance to the Goan community. This year we have
several structured programs designed to address topics of specific
interest to non-resident Goans.”
“The annual Global Goan Conventions have always promoted the interests
and objectives of non-resident Goans, so it is only appropriate that
this year’s special theme is dedicated to, ‘The NRI Goan.’ This year’s
convention will, among others, explore the role of the NRI Goan in the
new world economic order and how to mobilize resources for mutual
progress and development. The convention will also encourage interaction
between communities of Goans abroad to deliberate and decide on common
issues and challenges facing them.”
Mr. Santos, continued, “I would like to invite all Goans in Kuwait to
participate in this two-day global convention, which is being held in
the country for the very first time. This is an exclusive opportunity
for Goans in this country to interact with Goans from around the world,
to debate and coordinate ideas and concepts for the benefit of Goa and
Goans worldwide. Several conferences and discussion panels have been
organized on topics related to sociological, economic, cultural and
political challenges that confront the Goan expatriate community.”
The first Global Goan Convention was held in Goa in 2006, the second was
held in Portugal in 2007, the third in Canada in 2008 and the last one
was held in Oman in 2009, revealed Mr. Santos. “The convention has been
growing in strength from year to year, and at this year’s convention we
are expecting the active participations of Goans from several countries.
Also this year we are holding a ‘Vishwa Konkani Sammelan” that will
provide a venue for Konkani speaking visual and performing artists to
exhibit their artistic creativity. A highlight of this year’s convention
will be a special ‘open-house’ for domestic and industrial workers in
Kuwait. Officials from the State and Union Governments will address
issues raised during the meeting,” added Mr. Santos.
The millions of Goans living and working abroad form a large global pool
of talent whose intellectual, professional, technical and
entrepreneurial expertise, along with their financial resources, could
be pulled together to benefit the NRI Goan and India. Within this
perspective, the Global Goan Convention, through interactive sessions,
will aim to promote a better understanding of recent development-related
laws and trends in India and widen awareness of key sectors where the
Global Goan community can gainfully contribute.
“NRI Goans have been making significant contribution to India's
development by opening new businesses, implementing latest technologies
and investing in core sectors of the economy. By contributing to India's
foreign exchange reserves, by participating in areas of education,
health and culture, and by involving in social and charitable
activities, NRI Goans have been instrumental in providing tremendous
impetus to the Indian economy, while building a good image of India in
their countries of residence. The Global Goan Convention hopes to
consolidate such gains,” concluded Mr. Santos.
courtesy: www.arabtimesonline.com
Forwarded by:
Response Media | Response Events & Exhibitions | Tel: 00965 -
24810109/24814404 |
Fax: 24834815 | www.responsekuwait.com
For more info on the Global Goans Convention 2010, visit
www.goanculturalcentrekuwait.com
Email: carmosa...@hotmail.com or goanculturalcentrekuw...@gmail.com
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