MY MESSAGE FOR WORLD GOA DAY 2006 The World Goa Day, a bold creation of Rene Barreto, to which I contributed my might by composing the words and music of the theme song "Proud to be a Goan" at his request, proudly celebrates its 7th anniversary. By now this annual event has been firmly planted in the socio-cultural agenda of every Goan institution, and I may say, the World Goa Day has come to stay in the hearts and minds of every Goan, just like the feast of St. Francis Xavier. It is quite an achievement for Rene, who slogged much at the computer and telephone to get his message to every Goan, successfully.
It is very gratifying to see the spirit of collaboration shown by the leaders of Goan social institutions the world over, rallying to Rene's socio- patriotic call for Goan identity and unity, and taking pride in its annual celebration, that has been growing year by year in quantity of participants and quality in presentation. We are all in for Congratulations, particularly Rene and his collaborators - the Managing Committees of Goan Associations in their respected adopted country. The Movement has spread like wild fire, thanks to the collaboration of the internet-media like: Goanet, Goa-Goans, Gulf-Goans, CGN, etc. The theme-song also went round the world for downloading, thanks to goa-world website by Gaspar and Ulysses. Rene is also thankful to Goasudharop for sponsoring goaday website through its officebearer George Pinto, which serves to radiate all WGD activities. The song is also hosted, since last year, on website Goaday-Goamog.com in Portugal run by Leao Fernandes. It is very heartening to know that some Associations, not content just to celebrate the Day with Dinner and Dance (an easy way out), have gone all out to create a really cultural evening, with members preparing some skits, short plays, sing-song, etc. promoting thereby young and old talent in their community. An example of that I found in one of the printed WGD programme I received from Goinkars Own Academy in Karachi. Its president Deborah Santamaria is a composer in her own right and a singer too. She has composed all the songs, except two. Here's their programme: Introduction by Deborah Santamaria. Welcome speech by Valentine Gonsalves. Items: 1) Opening Dance, 2) Solo: Burgeank Xikoiat Konkani, 3) Duet: Oh Francis, 4) Solo: Golden Goa, 5) Trio: Goenkar's Own Academy, 6) Solo: My Name is Clifford Fernandes, INTERVAL. 7) Duet: Shinthu ani Vittu, 8) Solo: Amerikak Attak Zalo, 9) Trio: Vhoddlo Saib, 10) A Special Dance, 11) Duet: Jimmy, Jimmy, 12) Solo: Proud to be a Goan. 13) Distribution of gifts, 14) Dinner. World Goa Day must also serve to remind us that we have one native identity: the Konkani language. The Goa Day was kept on 20 August to commemorate the Anniversary of the inclusion of Konkani Language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The older generation like me surely must know to speak in the Mother-tongue. As pensioners, these elderly gentlemen, or ladies for that matter, could help to inculcate Konkani in the younger generation by offering them FREE Konkani classes. We hear so much of "Giving back to Goa". This is one chance to Give back to Goa by sacrificing some time to teach Konkani to young Goans abroad, so that they could pride themselves in their Goanity. There is a very simplistic book to learn Konkani. It teaches Konkani in Roman script, Devnagari script, and Kanada script. Its name is: Sarki Amchi Bhas Sompi, and is available at Singbal's Book House, Church Square, Panjim, for the pittance of Rs.125/-. I wish you all a Very Happy World Goa Day 2006, and leave you with my Goan Credo: I'm first a Goan, And that I'll for ever be; And never forget that, My Mother-tongue is Konkani. or in Konkani: Konknni uloi, Konknni boroi, Khoro Goencho put mhunn dakoi. Basilio Magno (Spain) [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list Goanet@lists.goanet.org http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org