WORLD GOA DAY 2002 CELEBRATIONS
 

Daniel F. de Souza
 

It all started in the year 1999, when Rene Barreto, a U.K. based NRI Goan came up with a bright idea to dedicate one day in the year to celebrate about Goa. A day to celebrate the Goan Heritage, Goan Culture,  Traditions, Music, Goan cuisine, and just about anything and everything that is truly Goan. A dreamer that he is, Rene took the bold initiative to set the ball rolling for these grand celebrations of Goans, by Goans not only in Goa but by Goans spread across the length and breath of the globe. 20th August a memorable date to commemorate the recognition and inclusion of our mother tongue Konkani in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution was therefore

chosen to celebrate this unique World Goa Day every year.

Rene Barreto hailing from Vasco, and now a resident in London is no stranger to Goa and Goans. He is also involved in the cause for Goan football. In December 2001, he was bestowed the Goa Sudharop Award, for his social involvement at the World Wide Goans' Convention held at the Kala Academy. A great motivator and inspirer that Rene is, who will never take no, for an answer. His idea soon gained momentum among other like minded NRI Goans spread all over the world. With the help of the internet and various Goan Web sites and mailings lists Rene transmitted his ideas across to other fellow Goans. And sooner than expected Rene's dream of 'World Goa Day' became a reality from the year 2000, when the Goan Diaspora held the first celebrations in London and elsewhere. Now that the celebrations are into its' third year, Rene can rightly be called the Father of 'World Goa Day' celebrations. No body can deny this indefatigable man this honour. His motivating spirit to inspire others is so persevering and infectious to say the least. This year the World Goa Day is scheduled to be celebrated by Goans all over the world from 17th to 18th August'2002 being Saturday and Sunday. However, in London various Institutions and Social Organisation are planning a month long activity calendar besides these two days, in August. The theme for celebration this year is our Goan Cultural Heritage with special emphasis on the konkani language. This year's World Goa Day however bears special significance since the celebrations are dedicated in a special way to our mother tongue Konkani. On February 4th this year, was the fifteenth anniversary of the Language Act by which Konkani was approved as the official language of Goa by Goa's Legislative Assembly. Ten years ago on 20th August, Konkani got the unanimous approval, by the two houses of the Indian Parliament, by which Konkani was included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Moreover, the official language was a prerequisite for grant of Satehood, and on 30th May this year, Goans have also celebrated the 15th Anniversary of Goa's Statehood.
 

The convenor Rene Barreto, through his sustained efforts and never-say-die-spirit has succeeded in garnering support for his third annual celebrations from Goans living in different corners of the globe. For the first time from Mumbai we have the Goan Review Art Foundation under  the Chairmanship of Fausto da Costa, Editor and Publisher of The Goan Review, a bilingual illustrated bi-monthly magazine who have come forward to celebrate World Goa Day on the 17th August in a grand manner. The celebrations will be held at the Sacred Heart School Hall Santacruz (West).

A variety entertainment program will be held consisting of Mando-dulpods, Goan folk dances, skits and sing-along and Goan Culinary delicacies. Some great Goan personalities who have rendered yeoman service to the cause of Konkani and Goa will also be felicitated on this auspicious day. And finally to profess love and solidarity to the motherland of Goa, the song which has now become synonymous with Goa Day Celebrations "PROUD TO BE A GOAN" composed by NRI Goan Basilio Magno

from Spain, will be sung.
 

Back home in Goa, The World Goa Day is being celebrated at the Kala Academy -Panjim Goa with the inclusion of the inaugural program to be given by the GOA STATE STRING ORCHESTRA, and will be conducted by Nigel Dixon on the 13th of August 2002. The Mustard Seed Art Company, theatre group will be putting up a short play on 18th August' 2002, at 6 PM at the Betim cross as part of the World Goa Day celebrations under the auspices of Goa Heritage Action Group. The play is directed by Ms.Isabelle St. Rita Vaz and the story line dwells on the life of a Goan and his love for the land.

Besides there will also be reading of Konkani Poems by Goan Poets namely; Mrs. Nutan A. Sakhardande, Ms. Maya A. Kharangate, and Ms. Nayana Adarkar.
 

Lisbon in Portugal, will also be celebrating World Goa Day for the Second year in succession. The Goan Community in Lisbon will also be joined by the people hailing from Daman and Diu as part of the celebration. Cultural programs consisting of traditional music and dance as also special Goan culinary delights, Carom tournament, Talks etc will form part of the celebrations.
 

Also joining the celebrations are Goans living in Karachi in Pakistan, Canada, USA, Tanzania, and several other parts of the World. With the electronic media making a significant contribution in our day to day affairs, it is hoped that the importance and the purpose for which the World Goa Day is being celebrated by Goans coming together even as a small group, will spread to more and more Goans wherever they are.


Daniel D'Souza

danielf@goatelecom.com