Friends ! A report from Edwin Pinto - The Secretary - GOENKARANCHEM DAIZ is appended here below. GOENKARANCHEM DAIZ will be participating in this years WORLD GOA DAY celebrations. Please support them in any way you can and be PROUD to be a GOAN. rene oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo If one is to capture the essence of that unique phenomenon called "Goenkarponn", there is no better representation than an audience gathered together to watch a traditional tiatr. As the lights dim and the band strikes up, a cross section of Goans from all walks of life, united in happy anticipation, sit together, to watch a form of entertainment that gives expression to their singular Goan identity. Only a true blooded Goan can identify with, appreciate and enjoy the scenes, characters and jokes as they unfold upon the stage, expressing with characteristic Goan sentimentality, emotion and often sharp, colloquial humour the hopes, dreams, fears, unfulfilled aspirations of the community and even perceived social injustices . GOENKARANCHEM DAIZ was born of a strongly felt desire to recreate that rapport, empathy and most of all, that sense of shared heritage and belonging in the larger community of Goans. Goa has produced Generals in the army, Admirals in the Navy, nuclear scientists, ambassadors, financial wizards and supercops who have done their homeland proud.. Yet, despite all the talents and resources at our command, we do not seem to have succeeded in pulling together as an amalgamated entity. GOENKARANCHEM DAIZ was conceptualised as a catalyst organization that would strive to build bridges to various sections of our Goan community, both in Goa as well as other parts of the world, so that we may function as a cohesive amalgamation, bound together by our common identity, history and heritage. It will also be our endeavour to serve as a binding force and create a platform that would facilitate Goans to put their strengths and talents to use for the good of Goa and the Goan community. And I think we have made a significant if small start in the setting up of our library, which in itself is a symbol of what Goans can achieve when they come together in a spirit of co-operation. The driving force behind this entire effort of course, needs no introduction. Antonio Piedade da Morais, is a well known Konknni mogi, and a die hard lover of all things connected with his Goan ancestry and heritage. Morais Babâs steadfast belief that our Goan identity is strongly rooted in our shared history, culture, and most of all our beloved âmaim bhasâ, motivated him to build up over the years, a collection of Konknni literature ranging from the oldest to more modern works and other connected books, documents etc. at his own cost. Along the way, he received a few books from writers, publishers, other institutions and interested individuals by way of donations. Morais Babâs deepest desire was to put this treasure at the service of the community in general and scholars, writers journalists, students of history and Konknni in particular. He hoped that these books would also serve as a ready source of resource material to help keep our history objective and factual, particularly in these troubled times. It was at this point that yet another son of Goa, Afiano Fernandes, played a part in fulfilling this vision by generously offering his spacious premises at MIDAS TOUCH, opposite the Margao District and Sessions Court, rent free, to house the library until permanent premises could be found. As word of Morais Babâs vision spread, it succeeded in capturing the imagination of a host of other enthusiastic Goenkars. They responded overwhelmingly, donating valuable old books from their family collections, others chipping in with furniture like cupboards, tables, chairs, fans and other equipment, which has together enabled us to put this unique library together for the benefit of the community Today, we can take pride in the fact that this entire library, comprising around 3,500 books, has been set up entirely through the contributions and donations of our large hearted fellow Goenkars The enthusiasm generated by this endeavour drew together a group of around 50 Goans, who today form a registered organization called GOENKARANCHEM DAIZ, a non political, non religious body embracing Goans of varying shades of opinion, but united in common love of their shared âGoenkarponnâ. This little group of enthusiastic Goenkars decided to take the vision even further by endeavouring to construct a permanent complex â a house of Goan cultural heritage which can be used to showcase and promote not only the Konkani language, but also Goaâs literature, culture, history, art and folklore in addition to our traditional flora and fauna, so that we may preserve and perhaps help pass on to future generations the common Goan heritage and culture that once bound us together so strongly. With globalisation and the stormy winds of change sweeping the state today, GOENKARANCHEM DAIZ believes that the Goan community cannot afford to have their innate strengths diluted by division and dissension on basic and important issues. If Goans as a community are to chart the course of their future, then it is imperative that we initiate and promote a healthy and constructive debate that will enable us bring about a consensus on crucial issues that affect our survival as a community. It will be the endeavour of GOENKARANCHEM DAIZ to create a platform where different viewpoints can be aired, debated and hopefully reconciled, so that Goans as a community, can together collectively influence the decision making process in the state, in a manner that truly benefits Goa and Goans. We invite you to be part of our endeavour. Edwin Pinto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
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