This is only to bring home the Theory of Relativity and not to be derogatory
towards anybody not even non-ghantis:
>From goanet posts in this thread, it seems that the word Ghanti is perceived
>by some as derogatory.
It could also be other way round. A Ghantavoirlo stays higher than a Da Costa
(meanings to be derived from the terms used in Falcao’s post). Normally, higher
standing or sitting person is considered superior. No one looks at addresses
like Altinho (Panaji), Malabar Hill (Mumbai), Pali Hill (Bandra) with contempt.
It is other way round. In Rivona, there is a place on hill named Ghant, but its
residents are respected.
Secondly, the global warming/sea level rise is threatening to drive Da Costas
to the Ghant some day. Therefore even if a Da Costa currently has a derogatory
perception of the word Ghanti, he/she (meaning to include his/her heirs) may be
forced to change.
At such a point of time, a Ghanti Maharashtrian (from Kolhapur etc) may start
looking down upon non-ghanti Maharashtrians (from Sawantwadi etc) or Goans.
The negative perception attached to the word ghanti can thus shift to the word
non-ghanti. This is Einstine’s Theory of Relativity with time as reference.
More example of Einstine’s Theory of Relativity: Sharmas of North India are
called Goenkars because they came to Goa 1000s of years ago. Today one of the
Sharma is CM and other is leader of opposition. Agarwals, Shantilals and
Maganlals who settled in Goa since 100 years are also accepted fully as
Goenkars.
One Question: Why Portuguese who came to Goa 450 years ago were not called
Goenkars pre-liberation?
I regret the mistake made while spelling fair-skinned. I still do not know the
spelling of the word Panklo, which would please the aggrieved.
Rajendra
