WORLD GOA DAY 2002 CELEBRATIONS
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
theKala Academy -Panjim Goa with the inclusion of the inaugural programto
be given by the GOA STATE STRING ORCHESTRA, and will beconducted 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 F. de Souza
Vasco
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