City Landmarks -- Goan Association Hall
Pride of Goans. Pride of Karachi. A Vestige of
Great Goan Legacy. Walking past Karachi Goan
Association entrance is like entering a wormhole,
jumping into a universe which is oblivious to
cacophony of competing voices out on Saddar road.
Goan Association Hall is a landmark which still
plays an active role in Karachi’s Social scene.
The entrance opposite Karachi Grammar School is a
humble one and trees, as old as the Gymkhana,
shadow the front facade, or is it the back.
Never-mind both are equally impressive.
In 1886, Goans started the Goan Portugese Association which
was later renamed as Karachi Goan Association. The design
was entrusted to a relatively unknown 'Moses Somake'. The
same man went on to make his mark on Karachi the way no one
else did. The hall immediately became a center of social
life of Goans in Karachi. It hosted all kind of events for
the community. In the beginning it did not have a boundary
wall and it graced the sorrounding area. At its peak it held
ten days of celebrations where the top Goan bands performed.
During World War II the KGA was turned into Senior Officers
Club for US Army.
On a regular day you will find few janitors moping the floor,
which has characteristic prepartition tiles. The furniture
too has been preserved well. The main hall does not have
much of seating area but special arrangements are made for
Tambola nights and other social events. There is a statue of
Mr Cincinattus in the hall. He had been the President of the
KGA for a decade and has a residential neighbourhood,
Cincinattus Town, Now Garden, named after him.
To the right a small part of the hall is used for hosting
table tennis tournaments. there is a small library in the
left section which also showcases trophies from different
eras. To the left is the billiard room. The adjacent room
is used for playing cards. Move out and take the staircase
which leads to a big dance floor which has been used for a
variety of purposes. The hall is used for holding Christmas,
New year and Easter gatherings and has been rented members
for ceremonies and commercial shooting. The congregation of
the hall has dwindled over the years but it remains a social
hub for the community.
A seperate post is needed for what Goans have done
for Karachi. The thriving community of 1850s has
been migrating for pastures green abroad. There
are only about 15,000 goans still living in
Karachi. KGA celebrated 125 years of existence
this year. Menin Rodrigues of Goans of Pakistan
wondered how would it look like when they celebrate
150 years of its existence in 2036. The Karachi
walla sincerely yearns for a better promise for KGA
and Goans. They made a vital thread of pluralistic
Karachi social fabric and the enterprising
community has contributed more than its share.
A lot of Goans may have left but they have taken a small
piece of Karachi with them. Brian Gonsalves, a Goan from
Karachi who now lives on the Island of Margarita, Venezuela,
wrote to Goans of Pakistan, "My House in Venezuela is called
'Pakistan' -- how is that for patriotism!!"
PHOTOS:======================================================
To the back side
Front or back facade
Hello Mr. Cincinattus
The place for Tambola
TT Room
Dance Floor from the top
Friendly Neighbor
The Arches to die for
Unity and Brotherhood
>From the staircase
The entry
Back or front facade
Billiard Room
The Main Hall
Reading Table
http://thekarachiwalla.com/2011/10/20/city-landmarks-goan-association-hall/
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Karachi Landmarks -- The Duarte Mansion
Gavin Paul D'Lima
EXCELLENT SHOTS!
John P. Matthew
It's wonderful reading about the KGA. I am heartened to note
there are still Goans living in Karachi after partition.
Anonymous
Karachi is still waiting to be seen... thank you for those
excellent shots.
Anonymous
I have great memories of KGA....
Anonymous
Terrific post... but what do the 15,000 Goans do for Pork!!!
Pork
you get everything here if you have money including pork
Glenn Ryall
This was another surprise post for me. Well written and directed.
CHRISTINE ASSUMPTION [nee MENDONCA]
As I look at the imposing photographs of the 'KGA' of today,
I feel so nostalgic for years gone by! As a young girl, I
accompanied my uncle, aunt and cousins to all the Christmas
and New Year functions, and the KGA dance-floor upstairs is
where I first learned to 'trip the light fantastic'!! I
treasure many happy and sentimental memories of the KGA over
the years. My congratulations and thanks to The Karachi
Walla for sharing these impressive images.
Anthony Shee
Just wonderful to see and enjoy the memory of Karachi.
Andrew Joseph D'Abreo
My grand-father Cincinnatus, if he was alive to-day (he died
on January 29, 1929), would feel extremely proud and
gratified that the institution he helped to found has been
restored to its former glory. I remember with great
affection the many dances I attended there in the early 60's
plus frequent visits to the reading room... and not
forgetting the bar in the corner ( next to the billiard room).
Whatever became of the Karachi Goan Gymkhana's grounds? ... a
completely under-utilised gem of real estate?
Thanks for the pictorial memories... Andrew J D’Abreo in
Sydney Australia
Hector Inness-Perth western Australia
Thank you, for the great memories of the KGA, although not a
Goan,was very greatful to have been and experienced the
various functions- which were fantastic.in the 60's.
Thank you again.
ODELIA ALVARES
These are great pictures and leaves a very great memory of my
childhood days since 1961-1980 where I would spend time along
with my dad (Late) J.B D’Souza. I have spent time in each
and every room not forgetting the kitchen where I would enjoy
the homemade perfect french fries and other items on the
menu! My dad being a very social person and to unwind from
work stress would spend almost all his evenings with his
favourite game billiards and all other activities K.G.A. had
to offer. And on a sad note, my dear dad passed away on
these grounds of a massive heart attack. K.G.A. will always
be remembered. -- Odelia Alvares Toronto
Bosco D'Souza
Yes, I too have some very good memories of the KGA Hall.
I attended many dances there and also, periodically, played
drums with some band or other. Unfortunately, I also have
some not very pleasant memories of the place. For example, a
lot of the females would fall over backwards over anyone who
was of a lightish complexion. I being dark often times found
it difficult to get a dance. And this was from some of our
own Goan girls. Unfortunately, Goans like most Indians are
obsessed with the colour of the skin in addition to the caste
that one belongs to.
Bosco D'Souza
What does 'your comment is awaiting moderation' mean?
Leslie Soares
Wow the KGA is beautiful. I recall especially at this time of
the year the Dec 26 dance and New Years eve dances that were
crowded to capacity. The keynotes bands playing the music
and all the happy memories of the CSU(Catholic Student Union)
dances, the girlfriends we danced with and those last dances.
Our children will never know the excitement and splendor of
those wonderful days we all enjoyed.
Maurice Clarina Coutinho
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WONDERFUL PHOTOGRAPHS OF KGA. THE
RENOVATED BUILDING IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND EVOKES NOSTALGIC
MEMORIES. I WAS THE PRESIDENT DURING THE CELEBRATION OF THE
COMPLETION OF HUNDRED YEARS. DESPITE THE TURBULANCE IN
KARACHI DURING THIS PERIOD THE CELEBRATIONS LASTING A WEEK OF
EXCITING EVENTS WERE ENJOYED BY A FULL HOUSE OF MEMBERS.
CARDINAL CORDEIRO CELEBRATED THE MASS IN THE KGA HALL FOR THE
FIRST TIME AND IN HIS BRILLIANT HOMILY STRESSED ON THE NEED
OF UNITY AND BROTHERHOOD ( THE MOTTO OF THE INSTITUION).
AT THESE CELEBRATIONS DECEMBER 3 WAS DECLARED KGA DAY AND
WAS MADE A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT SO MEMBERS COULD GATHER EACH
YEAR AND CONTINUE THIS WONDERFUL TRADITION.
SUBSEQUENT PRESIDENT HAVE ENFORCED THIS REQUIREMENT AND
IT CONTINUES TO THIS DAY AND ACCORDING TO THE CURRENT
PRESIDENT MR. VALENTINE GONSALVES WILL DO SO IN THE ENSUING
YEARS
VIVA KGA VIVA GOANS.
MOG ASLEAR UNN UNDE GANTAR LEGUN PAUTA. (WHEN THERE IS
LOVE, FRESHLY BAKED BUNS OR BREAD CAN REACH FAR AWAY PLACES)
MAURICE COUTINHO
FORMER PRESIDENT
Maureen LaPorte
Maureen LaPorte, Toronto, Canada -- Thanks for the
memories
Dolores Taylor
Hi Maureen, Forgive the unsolicited communication but wonder
if you can shed some light on this. I saw your surname on
this page and as you obviously have a link to Karachi, wonder
if you can help me. I was born in Karachi but left when I
was a child. I am very passionate about family history and
have a black and white photograph wedding photo taken in 1934
in Karachi. There is a little girl sitting in front of all
the adults in the photo. Her name is Sheila LaPorte. An
elderly lady just titled 'Mrs LaPorte' sits in the front row.
Could this be a relative and if so are you related to
the 'Cutlers' 'Gonsalves' and 'Fernandez' 'Ross' & 'Rose?
Thanks Dolores (Fernandez) Taylor, London, UK
Dolores Taylor
These photographs are beautiful.
I was in Karachi last year and I wish I had visited the
Hall. Will keep this on my list for next time.
Celia Lobo, Burlington, Canada
The KGS looks magnificent! The pictures brought back some
awesome memories. Thank you so much for sharing.
Peter Dias
Served on the committee for a few years around 1988 to
1995 and have to acknowledge that the KGA has never looked
better. The photographs posted on this site certainly
portrays the KGA in a class of its own. Kudos to the
committee!!!!!!
And all those that unselfishly partake in its upkeep and
maintenance on a regular basis.
Lynette Dias-Gouveia
Simply Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing.. xxx
Anonymous
What wonderful memories. Thank You to the Karachi Walla.
Congratulations to all the Committees of KGA over the
past four decades who have selflessly contributed to upkeep
the ethos of KGA- "Leisure, entertainment & physical
development of the masses."
As a teenager i enjoyed the library (especially the
comics and Hardy Boys) and the lovely food of Ramji in the
kitchen. Not to forget the cardroom which kept my dad
Joaquim, hooked up until the last game at 10pm when we would
have to leave with everyone packing to go.
The dances, the sports in Ramadan, the Christmas
celebrations, the whist & tambola, the AGM’s -- wow Thank YOU
KGA for giving me a lovely childhood and helping me realise
that in order for others to enjoy life we must burn like
candles & give light.
Anonymous
Leslie Michael
Mary Gilbert (nee Punchard)
I have fond memories of the KGS hall and going to many a
lovely dance there. I used to go to the Karachi Grammar
School practically next door, and past by every day. My
cousin, Nelson McLeod used to play the drums in a band called
The Rhythm Swingettes. Great days!
Muz
Fantastic. Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous
your r great peoples
Iftikhar Habib Khan
I too have fond memories of Karachi KGA and Katrak Hall.
Only one person has mentioned Tambola.
Does anyone have photos of Grand Hotel Malir and Grand
Hotel on Macleod Road (now I. I. Chundrigar Road).
Iftikhar, Sydney Australia
Sun God
Tell Bosco his comments have been approved
MUHAMMAD ADIL
Very happy to read about GOAN HALL.
I would like to suggest you to post the detail of cloth
market kharadar. It was written "Thakur Ramdas Cloth Market"
Adil Oman
Terence
does anybody remember PF Pereira?
Francis
Yes especially his curry puffs
http://thekarachiwalla.com/2011/10/20/city-landmarks-goan-association-hall/
Thanks to Reba Shahid for passing on the link.
