AUTHOR: Clarence Pinto
DaijiWorld.com
Muscat, Nov 5: It was like the whole Goan Diaspora from all over the world coming together at one venue as one family to present the past, discuss the present and plan the future. It was a meet of many intellectuals from Goa and Goan origin to exhibit their knowledge on Goa, outline the full length past history and present the future prospects of the land of joy, Goa.
The fourth Global Goan Convention commenced at the Indian Embassy Multipurpose hall on Saturday, 5th November 2009 at 10.00 am was a dream of HE Mr. Eduardo Faleiro, the Honorable Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Government of Goa, primarily to unite the Goans spread all over the world and then, to focus on the problems of Goans. It was a suitable platform to promote Goan art, culture and social interaction, and also to provide an emotional link between the Goans of the world.
The first Global Goan Convention was held in the year 2006 in Goa and then, in Portugal (2007) and Canada (2008). The current convention is being organized under the patronage of HE Mr. Eduardo Feleiro and His Excellency Mr. Anil Wadhwa, the Ambassador of India to Oman. The whole program of two days, 5th and 6th November, is formulated and arranged by the Goan Community of Oman (GCO) under the able leadership of Flynn de Lima, the current President of GCO.
In the morning hours, there was a graceful Goan spirit spreading around the venue at the lawns of Indian Embassy Building at Al Khuwair. Every Goan who entered the premises had a cheerful smile to share with fellow Goans. Everyone was beautifully dressed for the grand occasion of the year.
The ceremony commenced with a call order by Ms. Jocelle Fernandes, young and enthusiastic youth ministry leader of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi. Young children of the Goan community then presented a beautiful invocation song, ‘A Day of Joy; A Day of Hope’, composed by Mr. Savio D’ Souza, a vibrant musician of the Ruwi Parish and the Goan community. “Ievkar ” (Welcome) the Konkani part of the song was composed by Mr. Celso Fernandes, a renowned Konkani activist of Goan origin.
Mr. Flynn de Lima, GCO president welcomed the dignitaries and the audience on behalf of GCO and the organizing committee of the Global Goan Convention 2009. He highlighted the necessity of the convention to bring solidarity, strengthen the united Goan Spirit, inculcate fun and fellowship among Goans, expose a platform to exhibit the Goan art and culture and finally, help and support the needy in their financial requirements and difficulties.
The lighting of the traditional lamp ceremony was performed by Hon’ble Commissioner Mr. Eduardo Feleiro, HE Mr. Anil Wadhwa, and Shri. Agnelo Fernandes, Dr. Satish Nambiar, Dr. Mario de Souza, Mr. Celso Fernandes, Mr. Flynn De Lima and other Goan dignitaries. The Convention souvenir was then released by HE Mr. Anil Wadhwa.
In his speech presenting the Convention theme, ‘The Gulf Goan’, Dr. Mario de Souza beautifully outlined “The Gulfie” the popular term for Goans working in the Gulf. He narrated the transformation that takes place in the living standards in Goa, once a Goan becomes a Gulfie. He stressed that Goans all over the world are truly famous for their diligence, loyalty and integrity. He also highlighted the core topics revolving around this theme:
- 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
- Relocating back to Goa.
Dr. Mario pointed out the existing problems of Non-resident Goans in Goa, especially in securing seats for NRG’s children in the Medical colleges and the Goan Identity for NRGs. He also requested the Government authorities to help to sort out the existing problems of NRGs.
Simon D’Silva, the current president of Qatar Goan Welfare Association, addressed the audience and presented the need of various programs to help the needy Goans who are returning to the mother land due to recession around the world.
Dr. Satish Nambiar, the lively and supportive president of Indian Social Club addressed the gathering and expressed his joy of seeing Goans at one venue.
Mr. Agnelo Fernandes, Member of the legislative Assembly in Goa and Chairman of the EDC (Economic Development Council) addressed and explained the various development plans implemented by the Government and EDC for the benefit of the Goans.
The Indian Ambassador to Oman, HE Mr. Anil Wadhwa expressed his extreme joy to become the part of Global Convention. He also mentioned that the Goan community in Oman is one of the least problematic and hardly approach the Embassy with any complaints or problems. He agreed that the Goans are always diligent in their work place and offer complete solidarity to the employer. He outlined the various facilities offered by Indian Embassy to tackle various needs of Indians in Oman.
Eduardo Feleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Government of Goa, in his address assured to form an apex body within one year in Panjim to address and solve various problems pertaining to NRGs. He also highlighted the importance given to the Migration study by the Goa Govenrment.
Alan D Costa, active social activist and present Vice-Ppresident of the pastoral council of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi proposed the vote of thanks.
The anchor for the whole morning session was Jocelle Fernandes.
After the traditional and sumptuous Goan lunch, the afternoon session commenced at 1.00 p.m. It was titled as Amchi Goa (Our Goa). Senior Consultant and Head of Neurosurgical Services of the Ministry of Health, Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Santosh D. Lad was the moderator. Mr. Prajal Sakhardande, Senior Lecturer at History Department of Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar Panaji, Goa presented a vivid and illustrative picture of Goa’s history and heritage. A renowned environmentalist of Goa and Maharashtra region, Mr. Rajendra Pandurang Kerkar presented a briefing on the Eco-cultural Heritage of Goa with a reference to the recent environment issues. Dr. Oscar Rebello, well-known consultant physician of Panaji, described the future of Goa and requirements for unity to face various turmoil and difficulties in the mother land.
Arwin Mesqita, senior brand manager for Nautica branded stores in the Middle East, presented a talk on the methods required to preserve Goa and its unique identity. Freddy Agnelo Fernandes, a social activist working in Dubai, spoke on “Goa yesterday, Goa Today and will there be Goa tomorrow?” John DeSa, ex president of the Goan Sports Club, Qatar presented a beautiful narration on “Goa, going….. gone?” while Benedict Lobo described his project of Radio Goa.
The program ended with discussions on the above topics.
Dine and Dance program was presented in the evening at the Indian Embassy Lawns from 7.30 am
Muscat, Nov 7: It was the final day of the Global Goan Convention 2009. It was, in fact, a thrilling experience to many Goans who had a lifetime opportunity to attend such a meaningful and well organized convention. The officials and top leaders of GCO (Goan Community of Oman) like Flynn de Lima, Celso Fernandes, Dr. Mario De Souza, Balthazar Fernandes, Alan D Costa did everything possible and took care of every minute aspect that was required to offer the best possible for their people and successfully offered a fantastic convention for their fellow Goans. Truly, innumerable greetings should be showered on these great, unselfish, hard working and fully passionate leaders of the Goan Community in Oman. Right now, we can remember and strongly highlight the words of Hon’ble Mr. Eduardo Feleiro, “Honestly this is the best Goan Convention we ever had, meticulously planned, diligently organized and offered with a great love towards our mother land – Goa.”
Throughout the day, many important issues were presented, discussed and majority of them resolved too. The matters pertaining to the development of Goa, amplifying the bondage between Goans, highlighting the need to enhance the cultural identity of Goa and above all, the importance to given to Konkani, the mother tongue of Goans.
The first session of the day and third of the convention commenced at 10.00 am, which was titled as “Employment Issues in Goa and Abroad.” Moderator’s introduction was offered by Mr. Navneet Kasbekar, Chief Executive Officer of Al Kamil Power Company SAOG. An interesting topic on “Self-Employment Opportunities for Expatriate Goans” was keenly discussed and widely presented by Mr. Nitin Kuncolienkar, President of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2001 – 2009) and Vice Chairman of Goa’s Economic Development Corporation Ltd.
Investment in IT and Education, UAE Labour laws and difficulties faced by Goans were firmly debated under the able leadership of Mr. Ramnata Arjuna Mavlingcar, President of Abu Dhabi Goan Community Center and Member of Indian Business Group, Indian Social Centre and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce. Migration and the Non-Resident Goan issues were presented by Mr. Ulhas Kamat.
After the tea break, an important and extremely useful Open House for Domestic and Industrial Workers based in Oman was held under the leadership and guidance of HE Mr. Anil Wadhwa, The Indian Ambassador to Oman and Hon’ble Mr. Eduardo Faleiro, the Honorable Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Government of Goa. There were many problems. Various issues concerning domestic workers were presented to the Embassy delegation were suitable answered. A request for direct flight from Oman to Goa was presented and The Ambassador assured his assistance and support to implement the request at the earliest. The Embassy delegation consisting of very important and high rank officials was present. They were Dr. Swati V. Kulkarni – Counselor, Mr. S. K. Namboori – First Secretary (Counselor), Mr. Anindya Banerjee – Second Secretary (Community Welfare), Mr. Chaturvedi – Attache (Passport). Mr. Rahim – PRO (community welfare), Ms. Deepa – Lawyer, Mr. Sebastian – Lawyer, Mr. Prasad – Lawyer, Mr. Girish – Lawyer.
The Viswa Konkani Sammellan (World Konkani Convention) commenced as the afternoon session and it was exclusively dedicated to Goa’s mother language – Konkani. Veteran Konkani Activist of Muscat and Niz Goemkar anim Niz Konkandar (True Goan and True Konkani activist) Mr. Celso Fernandes was the Moderator and anchor for the whole session. There was a beautiful video presentation on Goa Images prepared and formulated by well known poet and activist of Goa, Mr. Yusuf A. Sheikh. It was perfectly titled as “We are one in Goan Spirit.” Sentimental and beautiful poems were presented by Mr. Vincy Quadros, Mr. Ashok Chodankar, Mr. N. Shivdas and Mrs. Anju Sakhardande on behalf of Mr. Yusuf A. Sheikh.
Goan Literary March was narrated by Mr. Vincy Quadros indicating the various plans and support offered by Konkani Academy Goa for the benefit of the Konkani writers. Mr. Tomazinho Cardozo – ex-speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly and recipient of many awards for his contribution to the Konkani literature presented an interested topic on Goan Culture. Mr. Clarence Pinto, ex-president of Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish presented a speech on the current situation of Konkani Language in Mangalore.
HE Mr. Anil Wadhwa presented mementos to all the speakers and presenters of the Convention.
An enjoyable and enchanting cultural evening was presented by Goan children, youth and adults. The welcome presentation was the first program and based on the Goans in Muscat and Golden Goa. The welcome song was composed by Mr. Sebastian Fernandes and choreographed by Mrs. Pearl Correia. Mr. Manuel Fernandes, Goan with Golden voice offered three beautiful Konkani numbers captivating the audience. Music for these songs was played by Mr. Savio D Souza, vibrant musician of the Goan Community and very popular at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi. Mr. Tomazinho Cardozo sang two stunning Konkani numbers and the whole audience was thrilled with these numbers. Traditional Dekni was presented by Mrs. Jean Menezes and her team. Mr. E. Perry and Mr. Avers presented a duet song specially composed for the convention and completely dedicated to Goa with great love and passion. Mrs. Jenifer Santimano and her team brought a charming Amchem Goem (Our Goa) presentation and Mr. Dominic Fernandes sang two splendid songs in Portugese. Four young Mangalorean children Adriana Clarissa Noronha, Chrisma Clare D' Souza, Relina Vas and Andrea Caron Noronha presented a Baila Dance under the guidance of Hema Premchand and supervision of Asha Noronha which was well appreciated by the audience. Youth Ministry members of Sts. Peter and Paul Church Ruwi sang three emotional songs and Mr. Savio D Souza and Mrs. Melba Santimano presented Mando songs. Before the final and concluding song by Mr. Savio D Souza’s group, Mr. Anthony Lourenco proposed the vote of thanks.
Hon’ble Mr. Eduardo Faleiro presented mementos to the core team of Goan Community of Oman who had worked relentlessly for the success of the convention. Mr. Flynn de Lima, the current president of GCO was presented with Global Goan Achievement Award by the Honorable Commissioner.
Daijiworld.com team met Mr. Flynn De Lima, the managing director of Al Hamadi Fisheries Co. LLC, the market leader in the Sultanate of Oman in its field and the virtual strength behind the success of the convention. While expressing his joy to us, he said – “We, the organizing committee and the NRI office in Goa are extremely happy with the outcome of the convention. We and the participants are satisfied with the timings, organization of the events and presentations by various participants. I feel that there is more solidarity, unity and brotherhood has been built in this convention which will be used for the better Goa and brighter future of our children. The Konkani community and specially the Goan people will be hugely benefited with this convention. We thank everyone, every supporter, directly or indirectly helped us to make this event a grand success.”
Daijiworld.com team also met many participants who were greatly impressed with the convention and the outcome of it. Many participants felt the need of the annual conventions of this type in Oman for the people of Goa residents of Oman. Vivek Jose Araujo, who had come all the way from Malawi said “I have come all the way from Malawi exclusively for this convention. I love Goa and I mean to say – I just love Goa, nothing more and nothing less. When I hear the name Goa, the thrill runs into my blood. I had been to Canada for the last convention and today I am here. Nothing can separate me from Goa and roots of Goa. One day, I am sure, I will go back to Goa and settle down there.” About the current convention he told us – “It was an awesome and wonderful experience for me. When poet Sivadas presented a poem, tears rolled down and I was literally crying. That is real Goa for me…. That is the passion boils in my heart……. I am sure this convention is a great experience for all of us. Here everything, whatever is happening that is of Goa….. It is remarkable”
Once again great work, great results and great inspiration dear Goan friends Flynn De Lima, Celso Fernandes, Dr. Mario De Souza, Balthazar Fernandes, Alan D Costa and everyone of the organizing team.
GALLERY
A. http://www.goansinoman.com/photos
URL:
1. http://tinyurl.com/ggc09-begins
2. http://tinyurl.com/ggc09-concludes
This report was also published at gulf-goans e-newsletter (http://www.goa-world.com/)
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