Margao, Aug 21: Falling in line with over 60 worldwide organizations of the Community of Goans, Goa Day was observed in Vasco expressing bonds of unity and resolving to rededicate for collective growth and progress.
Speaking on the occasion, former deputy speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Simon D’Souza, who presided, said that he was emotionally moved at the laudable work undertaken by Rene Barreto who took the lead in constituting the organization a decade ago and brought about integration of hearts. Emotional integration of Goans is necessary for our happy growth, he said and added that “It is necessary that we rediscover ourselves and adhere to our language and culture to enjoy position of pride in our country and the world”.
He also called upon all Goans not to forget their roots. He reminded that “Goa Day” this year was also “Sadhbhavana Din” and said that Goans have made commendable contribution to a harmonious living and he felt extremely proud of it. It was incidentally the day that brought inclusion of Konkani language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and we all are indebted to late Rajiv Gandhi’s contribution in this regard, he said. Our youth should understand its significance and carry forward the work of the Konkani luminaries, he added.
Noted Konkani poet Yusuf A Sheikh, who was the chief guest said that Goa, as he saw in yesteryears was a place of roaring sea and soaring hopes. Hopes and aspirations of the community of Goans did not seem to have materialized as Goans are seen to be submerged under developmental projects which, to them, are not meaningful. He attributed this to the fast degeneration of the identity factor. “Happiness of Goans should be the prime concern of the authorities. If the Goans in Goa are unhappy, the world community of Goans will surely be worried and abstain from investing in Goa and making valuable contribution to our contentment”, he said.
“With Konkani language as its base, area of art and culture should bloom and that would always keep us emotionally integrated, he added. Sheikh also commended the task undertaken by Rene Barreto and referred to him as a world leader representing Goa in the global village of the computer age. He also referred to the significant contribution being made by the NRI cell of the Goa government to reunite global Goans.
Anil R Chodankar, general secretary of the Senior Citizens' Forum who was the guest of honour said that he was also equally touched at the fact that global Goans are meeting to observe Goa Day. What concerns Goans today is identity crisis and the unique features of our identity are needed to be preserved at all cost, he said.
Linton Barreto, president of the Mormugao Communidade and the Convenor of the programme presented the song from the CD “Proud to be Goan” composed by Basilo Magno settled in Spain. Attractively adapted to the Goan music by Emiliano D’Cruz, the song is sung by Lulu Fortes.
Former councillor of Mormugao Municipal Council, John Rodrigues who attended as Guest of Honour also expressed his sentiments.
Clerencio Furtado, president of the Konkan Kala Vistar Kendra and the co-convenor proposed the vote of thanks.