WORLD GOA DAY 2003 On August 20, 1992, both houses of India's Parliament unanimously approved of Konkani being included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It was a historic vote for the Goan language. But more importantly, Konkani's official language status fulfilled the prerequisite for the granting of Statehood on Goa - home of the Konkani language. This year, World Goa Day will be officially celebrated on August 20.
On GOA DAY this year, thousands of Goans will once again remind themselves of the need to work to preserve OUR culture, music, history, language, cuisine, and art for our children, the non-Goan community, and for posterity. Various institutions and social organizations are planning festivals all over the Goan World. It all started in 1999, when we decided to dedicate a day in the year to the celebration of World GOA DAY. It was meant to be a day when Goans worldwide focused on and took pride in every aspect of Goan culture - language, traditions, the performing arts, cuisine etc. The WORLD KONKANI FORUM was formed to re-establish cultural unity and foster a sense of solidarity among Konkani speaking people all over the world. Dreams and ambitions take hold more quickly when shared with others. Over the years, we have learned much from non-Goans and improved ourselves in the process. By the same token, they, too, whether they are European, American, Japanese, or African can learn from us. We have a lot to offer the world and should not be ashamed of or shy away from our own glorious culture. We are as gifted as any other people, and we should be willing to demonstrate that pride in our actions. The theme of "Giving back to Goa" is a good way to inspire our Goan community to do more for Goa and Goans worldwide. Let GOA DAY be a beacon of light and inspiration throughout the year and for the rest of our lives. Let us make this our motto: "Proud To Be a Goan," and live up to that motto. Goan Basilio Magno from Spain wrote the theme song, "Proud to be a Goan," especially for the celebration of the First World Goa Day on August 20, 2000. His composition has become synonymous with Goa Day celebrations. The lyrics and music perfectly profess love for and solidarity with our motherland, Goa. This year, the song has been re-arranged by Emiliano da Cruz and sung by Lulu, one of Goa's top singers. This song can be downloaded from the website www.goaday.com This year's GOA DAY event has captured the imagination of many Goans. The many postings on the various Goan internet forums have stimulated the understanding Goans have of their unique heritage. The world-wide organizing and coordinating committees will help us achieve results. rene barreto WORLD GOA DAY 2003 www.goaday.com ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
