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The Karachi Goan Association witnessed an unprecedented event as the Goans of Karachi were entertained by the Goinkars Own Academy on Saturday 25th October 2003 as they celebrated WORLD GOA DAY in Karachi, Pakistan. It was a wonderful sight wherein Goans assembled on a single platform. Sincere thanks and appreciation for Rene Barreto's tremendous and successful efforts not only for starting this universal day but ensuring it took hold and keeps flourishing. The evening commenced with a welcome note by Deborah Santamaria - President - Goinkars Own Academy. Thereafter a one-minute silence was observed for Late Alfred Rose - Ace Singer of Konkani stage who passed away in Mumbai on 21st October 2003. The President then highlighted Alfred Rose's love for Konkani. And that he was instrumental for elevating konkani stage at international level. His songs will always be on the lips of many Goans both old as well as young. With his death a long and glorious chapter in Konkani music has come to an end. Thereafter Rev. Fr. Robert D'Silva was asked to come on stage to say a thanksgiving prayer. After which, in her speech the President of Goinkars Own Academy stressed that we Goans need to set good examples to our young ones and groom them to keep our culture, music, crusine, history and above all our Konkani language alive. She earnestly requested the crowd to please teach their children our future generation to speak in Konkani and in the years to come even they too will look forward to celebrating WORLD GOA DAY and proudly say ANV NIZ GOANKAR MUNN. This was followed by a welcome speech by Valentine Gonsalves, President of Karachi Goan Association in which he stressed the need for unity and brotherhood among Goans of Karachi and also Goans world over. Thereafter, the entertainment segment of the program commenced with a beautiful song of Remo Fernandes Maria Pete Che, to which eight children danced namely, Naomi Santamaria, Elronna Fernandes, Nikita Fernandes, Michelle Fernandes Rochelle Fernandes, Stafford Fernandes, Sherman Fernandes and Alvin Colaco which placed the audience in a very receptive mood. This was followed by a solo Burgank Shikoiat Konkanim which was written and sung by Deborah Santamaria. Then came the Duet "Oh Francis" also written by Deborah Santamaria and sung by Melba Pinto and Francis D'Silva. Tall and handsome Clifford Fernandes thereafter came on stage and sang a solo "Golden Goa" written by Bernard D'Souza. This was followed by a trio written by Deborah Santamaria and sung by Melba Pinto, Francis D'Silva and Deborah Santamaria " GOINKARS OWN ACADEMY". Clifford Fernandes once again mesmerized the crowd when he sang yet another solo written by Deborah Santamaria " My Name is Clifford Fernandes " Konkanim version of the Hindi song "My Name is Anthony Gonsalves" Then came a Duet Shinthu ani Vittu written by Elu D'Souza and sung by Deborah Santamaria and Francis D'Silva which was much appreciated by all. Clifford once again came on stage to sing yet another solo which was written by Deborah Santamaria in memory of the victims of 11th September 2001 "Amerack Attack Zalo". This was followed by a Trio by Francis D'Silva, Nacsimento Satamaria & Francis Pinto "Voddlo Sahib" The ever stunning Gertie D'Silva performed a goan dance Viva Goinkar, Thereafter Francis D'Siva and Melba Pinto came on stage and sang a duet which was also written by Deborah "Jimmy Jimmy", But as Naomi Santamaria came on stage to sing the Theme Song written by Basalio Magno "Proud to be a Goan". She received the warmest applause from the audience, she was accompanied by her Mum Deborah Santamaria. Deborah also composed a verse in Konkanim to the theme song which was sung at this event. The scenic backdrop and the musicians all dressed in bright colorful shirts and straw hats brought back memories of our beautiful Goa. The band was led by versatile Allan Goveas accompanied by Anthony James on the Clarinet, John D'Abreo on keyboard, Vincent D'Cruz on Bass, and Giles Goveas on the Drums kept the audience mesmerized. Lucky draws for the invitation cards and the souvenir were thereafter held which lasted for about 30 minutes. About 80 gifts were distributed. The President of Goinkars Own Academy - Deborah Santamaria thanked the audience for their support. This was followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Deborah Santamaria President Goinkars Own Academy Karachi - Pakistan ooooooooooooooooWORLD...GOA...DAY oooooooooooooooooooo 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 ########################################################################## # 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 # ##########################################################################
