-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goanetters annual meet in Goa is scheduled for Dec 27, 2005 @ 4pm | | | | Watch this space for more details | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I read the thought-provoking article by Ben Antao with interest. I have to compliment him on a well written piece and for surfacing many issues. But, I found the article long on challenges and short on solutions. And in so far as the solutions are presented, it was what others should do for Goans.
The first part of the article outlined the difficulties Goan writers have about having their works published. Yet, we do not blame Goans for not reading Goan writings / literature. How many Goans in the Diaspora (where economics is not a major issue) have their own personal Goan library? Since I have written about this issue before, I will not belabor the point. And I do not see many Goan authors making this an issue. Publishers can / will only publish what they are assured readers will read. This is specially so as much of Goan writings are Goa based. As far as diluting Goan culture, no one can do so except the Goans themselves. In my interactions with Goans and query on Goan cultural rituals, the answers I receive is "our Goan cultural practices are changing." Well it is being improvised. This is because we do not know what it was. I have often asked how many Diaspora Goan associations celebrate the feast of the Patron (Saint) of Goa - Blessed Joseph Vaz? Just before posting this post, I checked the Canada's web newsletter - Goan Voice. It informed members about the Christmas and New Year Dances but had no mention about mid January celebrations for Blessed Joseph Vaz. The same was about Goan Voice UK. These reflect the plans and priorities of the Goan communities, their leadership (National /City association and Village associations) AND the Goan priests in these communities. This may explain why Indian film-makers perhaps present our priorities as outlined in Ben's article. So while we Goans love to lament about our issues, perhaps we need to look at ourselves and our own back- and front-yard and try to get our neighborhood in order. The first step is for Goan leadership to move from social activists to economic and intellectual leaders who to-date have been "busy doing their own thing" be it in Goa or in the Diasporas. Regards, GL -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
