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Happy New Year Twenty-Ten --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hello readers You decide for yourself Here are two reports one published from Navhind times regarding Edurado Faleiro getting the Goan of the year award. And the other old report about the Goan Global convention, held in Oman. *Are former director of Indian Television (Doordarshan) and noted poet,, Mr Yusuf A Sheikh, editor of ‘Konkonn Divo’ and Roman Konkani script activist, Mr Ashok R Chodankar paying back Edurado Faleiro for the taking them as part of the group to Oman on an all-expenses paid travel jaunt at the cost of the tax payer?* * * * * Edwardo wins Goan of the year VASCO: Kalavistar, a premier organisation known for activities of bringing people together has declared chairman of Universal Peace Federation of India and Goa NRI Commissioner, Mr Eduardo Faleiro as the Goan of the Year 2009. A committee chaired by Mr Clarance alias Kelly Furtado, a senior journalist from Mormugao and comprised of *former director of Indian Television (Doordarshan) and noted poet,, Mr Yusuf A Sheikh, editor of ‘Konkonn Divo’ and Roman Konkani script activist, Mr Ashok R Chodankar, cultural ambassador of Kalavistar,* Mr Gopinath Shah and a noted stage artist and writer, Mr Stanley Vaz unanimously selected Mr Eduardo Faleiro for this coveted honour. Reacting to the declaration, Mr Eduardo Faleiro said, “With the advancement of science and technology the whole world has become a small place and we all are the members of one big family”, adding “we should, collectively try to convert adversities into opportunities and work together for ushering in peace and harmony in the society.” His daughter, Ms Sonia Nisha said that she was delighted and the family felt greatly humbled. “I feel extremely happy that my father is involved in work which is noble and his service is recognised by the society,” stated Ms Knight. The selection committee has noted that Mr Faleiro is a visionary who has offered valuable suggestions for planning the future of Goa and has worked throughout the year for uniting Goans and the persons of Goan origin abroad and for instilling in them a sense of belonging and love for the Goan soil. As a person in public life, Mr Faleiro has shown tremendous interest in improving the quality of life for the underprivileged in different parts of Goa and that he has kept the Konkani language at his heart and played a significant role in bringing understanding on issues related to the Konkani script. One of the members of the selection committee, Mr Ashok Chodankar has said that, Mr Faleiro who is a five time elected member of the Parliament has an outstanding record of his work as a Union Minister in the Indian cabinet. The Committee has also recorded overall credentials. The former deputy speaker, Mr Simon D’Souza congratulated Mr Faleiro and said that the service rendered to the Goan community, and the timely help that came from him to the Goans in trouble during any foreign visit is unique and highly commendable. “During the year 2009, Mr Faleiro’s immediate response to a request during such a problem brought much relief,” recalled Mr D’Souza. Former Principal of MES College of Arts and Commerce, Mr Harischandra Nagvenkar and Mr Yusuf A Sheikh described Mr Faleiro as a Goan genius who has worked with unflinching interest throughout the year for asserting Goan identity and for creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Global Goan '09 Convention in Oman - 5-6 November 2009 In order to promote Goan art, culture and social interaction, and also to provide an emotional link and platform for all the Goan diaspora to unite, the Government of Goa has been periodically holding Global Goan Conventions. These have been held previously in Goa, Portugal and Canada. The Goan Community of Oman (GCO) has been requested to host the 2009 Global Goan Convention. It is being organized under the patronage of The Hon’ble Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Government of Goa and His Excellency the Ambassador of India to Oman. The Convention will be held at the Indian Embassy, Muscat on Thursday-Friday, 5-6 November 2009, from 9 am to 5 pm. About 250 Goans from all over the world, and more particularly those residing in GCC countries, are expected to attend. The theme of the 2009 Global Goan Convention is dedicated to The Gulf Goan. Revolving around this theme, there will be presentations on various topics including Overseas Goan Groups; Employment Opportunities and Conditions abroad; Preserving and Promoting Goan Identity and Culture; Family Issues – Education, Communication, Travel, Housing, Entertainment; Investment Opportunities in Goa and Relocating back to Goa. Besides speakers from various Goan groups in the Gulf, the eminent Speakers those who have agreed to address the Convention include H.E. Mr. Eduardo Faleiro, The Hon'ble Commissioner for NRI Affairs ; H.E. Mr. Anil Wadhwa, The Ambassador of India to Oman ; Mr. S K Srivastva, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa ; Mr. Ulhas Kamat, Director, NRI Affairs, Government of Goa; Dr. Satish Nambiar, President, Indian Social Club; Dr. Oscar Rebello, Physician and Social Activist; Dr. Prajal Sakhardande, Prof. of History and Heritage, Dhempe College; Dr. Rajendra Kerkar, Noted Environmentalist; and Adv. S.V. Pikale, Advocate and Industrialist. The program for the Convention has been displayed on the GCO website www.goansinoman.com An Open House for Domestic and Industrial Workers will be held on Friday, 6th November, from 11 am to 1 pm. This special session will provide an opportunity to Goan workers to voice their grievances, concerns and suggestions for follow-up action by the Government of India, the Indian Missions and the State Government, depending upon the issues involved. Goans who cannot attend the Convention but wish to attend this session only should phone 99008931. As part of this Convention, there will be an exclusive Global Konkani session on Friday, 6th November, from 2 pm to 4 pm. The following Konkani experts will expound on the relevance and concerns of Konkani in today’s world: Mr. Tomazinho Cardoso, former Speaker Goa Legislative Assembly, President of the Dalgado Konkani Academy, and well known Tiatrist * Mr. Vincy Quadros, Vice President, Goa Konkani Academy, and respected Konkani Literary Activist *Mr. Yusuf Abdulla Sheikh, former Station Director, Doordarshan, Konkani Poet and Lyricist, Freelance Writer and Journalist * *Shri. Ashok Chodankar, Editor and Publisher of ‘Konkonn Divo’ Konkani Periodical and Freelance Writer * * * * *