Edgar Valles [diasval...@gmail.com] (63) is the president of Casa de Goa [http://www.casadegoa.org/], a three-decade old of Goans, 'friends of Goa', and a centre to promote the cultural values of Goa, Daman and Diu in Lisbon.
He has authored 13 books, and is a member of the Socialist Party ("the party of Antonio Costa", the Portuguese prime minister of Goan origin, as he points out). An e-interview with him, in which he talks about an ambitious upcoming event that happens this weekend with Frederick Noronha (FN): ------------------------------------------------------- FN: Please tell us a little about this weekend's plans? ------------------------------------------------------- our international conference which will take place in Lisbon on May 6 [2017 and will have Goans from diferente countries who love Goa but are also interested in knowing the problems that exist in Goa and the ways to improve Goa situation. It will not be a conference of Goans of diaspora, as we will have Goans coming from Goa, just to participate at the conference. We will have the official opening of the conference by the Goan-origin Prime Minister of Portugal, Antonio Costa, and by a representant of Indiam Embassy. The Ambassador, Ms Nandini Singla, will not be able to be present, as she will be in New Delhi to participate in a meeting of all Indian ambassadors with the Indian Prime Minister. Then there will be there workshops; on culture, economy and environment and education. At the end of the day, the conclusions will be approved in a plenary session. ---------------------------------------------------------- FN: What is its goal of an event of this kind? ---------------------------------------------------------- We know we will not solve the problems of Goa. But we love Goa and we want to be aware of the economic, environment and other problems afecting Goa. As citizens of the world, and although we have no political rights in India, we feel it is our duty to think about Goa not just when it comes to having nice holidays or a good fish-curry. ---------------------------------------------------------- FN: What has the response been like? ---------------------------------------------------------- The response has been entusiastic. Although there are people who say, "Why are you discussing sustainable development in Goa, when you yourself do not live in Goa?" most of our members look forward for the conference. We have also received participation form Goa, Great Britain, and other countries. The Goan governtment was also invited for the conference. ---------------------------------------------------------- FN: What is the history of Casa de Goa itself? We keep hearing about it.... ---------------------------------------------------------- Casa de Goa was founded thirty years ago. It is a association formed in public interest. It is a association which congregates not only Goans, but also people from Damao and Diu, the former Portuguese colonies in India. This year, we comemorate our 30th aniversary, with many events ---------------------------------------------------------- FN: What are the future plans for the Casa de Goa? ---------------------------------------------------------- We want to preserve Goan culture and links to Goa, to promote a love for Goa among our comunity. We also want the Portuguese people to know more about Goa and India. ---------------------------------------------------------- FN: How big is the Goan community in Lisbon and Portugal? ---------------------------------------------------------- We are about 20,000 strong. Of course, there is no census. ---------------------------------------------------------- FN: What are the biggest challenges before the Goan community there? ---------------------------------------------------------- To retain ties with Goa. We are 8,300 km away from Goa, very well integrated in Portuguese society and we cannot forget Goa and India. ---------------------------------------------------------- FN: What do you see as its main achievements of the community? ---------------------------------------------------------- Our main achivement is indeed to have a Portuguse Prime Minister of Goan origin. In fact, our general assembly decided to confer on Antonio Costa the title of honorory member of Casa de Goa. ---------------------------------------------------------- FN: How do the operations of the Casa de Goa compare with Goan communities elsewhere? ---------------------------------------------------------- We have ties with other Goan associations around the world. We have a strong cooperation with Indo-Portuguese Friendship Society, with its headquartes in Panjim. ---------------------------------------------------------- FN: If you had three wishes for the Casa de Goa, what would these be? ---------------------------------------------------------- To be stronger, to unite Goans and to make a big contribution to the field of Goa culture.