All Tsunami relief efforts seem to have progressed to the extent that I hear some NGOs have stopped taking contributions. A number of Goan expat organizations and associations jumped on the Tsunami bandwagon. It was the right thing to do, and for some the fashionable thing to do. But where are these Goan expat organizations and associations the rest of the year, especially with respect to Goa and Goans? Overall, their efforts are isolated it appears.
The Help-A-Poor-Child (HAPC) does wonderful work in London, but how many Goans are involved in these efforts? The London youth group has a function to raise funds for a child center in Goa. Good, but it is interesting to note the child center is started by a European woman and that got their attention - a la Mother Teresa - but not Goan NGOs run by Goans - are they not good enough? In any case, charity is a good thing and people do benefit. I think the Toronto GOA has a charity group which had a booth last year at the VIVA GOA festival where supposedly 8,000 people attended and $300 Canadian dollars was raised. I hope my information was a 100% wrong and $3,000 was raised. Actually, I hope I am 1000% wrong and $30,000 was raised considering 8,000 people attended which works out to a measly $4 per person. Some years ago Toronto Goans raised $100,000 (Canadian) for medical care in Goa. Considering 25,000+ Goans live in Toronto that also works out to $4 per person. But I do not want to pick on Toronto or London or any particular Goan organization since the mindset is the problem and we universally need to give more and be involved more including Goan expat communities in the USA, Australia, etc. As we look at the modern Goan expat organization and association around the world, it is apparent very little is done to help local Goans or Goa. A quick glance at their calendars reveal mindless entertainment, dances and picnics. Until a tsunami hits. Then they try and deal with their conscience - which is silent to Goa the rest of the time or needs a European crutch. Regards, George
