Several issues have been on my mind after I attended Viva Goa in Toronto and in spite of the 45oC heat in the hangar on that day global warming is not one of them. If my post displeases some Gonadians (Goa-Canadians) then my apologies. Viva Goa afforded a great opportunity to meet all of you especially the goanetters (GNs). This post addresses some of the post Viva Goa discussions that I couldnt join in because of deadlines. Its surprising that although a greater percentage of GNs live and raise their kids overseas, there is almost no discussion on how we can keep our Goan culture and Goaness alive and preserve it for the next generation. How do we raise children to be part of that culture? Do we even want to? A problem that has bogged immigrants from times immemorial. It seems to me that Goa Day was initiated with some of the above objectives in mind. So whats the relation between Goa Day and the host of parties, picnics, masses and lunches that we hear about almost every day and more to the point but simply because it was the only summer event that I attended what does Viva Goa, touted as the largest meeting of Goans outside Goa have to do with this? Is it well organized event of fun and nostalgia a Saudades fest? Then it has accomplished better than it set out to do. Congratulations. Is it a cultural fest to keep Goaness alive in Junior Gonadians? I wonder. I asked several young people what the capital of Goa was and they looked at me like I had asked them to plough a field with an aging buffalo. At the risk of being offensive, the cultural programs had little merit but what concerns me most is that hardly any young person knew of their significance. A string of deknis with a Bollywood flavour whizzed past us with a lot of gyrating hips and pulsating bosoms a la Sridevi and her Thunderous Thighs. I could not figure out what the Latin dances were all about or the seniors with sparklers in their hands surely a fire hazard? Many male and female Lornas screamed at varying frequencies some of which could have sent our Goan treasure to the bottle again? Fortunately the Corridinho was not mauled nor was there a faded version of the Brazilian Encosta sua cabecinha which to me is the plain equivalent of singing Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart - once again of little relevance. What happened to our greatest musical contribution the beautiful mando with its racy dulpods? Finely balanced like Yin and Yang. Surely Dr. Jose Pereira could have helped? Why not a stall where people could dress the bas- tolop (panu baju) and understand its significance and origin? Too hot? Then maybe just view it from afar. Traditional costumes have always been part of cultural activities especially in India. The young people spent a lot of time playing or watching soccer and beach volleyball. Teams with endearing names (and Anglicized accents) like Benaulim, Colva and Aguada vied with one another for goals and the attentions of the Gonadian beauties, the sexiest were digitally captured by GN Aunty. But though I hunted I did not find a map of Goa anywhere amongst the many stalls manned by aunties selling pickles and recheio all excellent. Because I want to sound constructive (too negative said one young Gonadian of me) not destructive here are some suggestions: 1) A quiz on Goa in the genre of Who wants to be A Millionaire to whip up some excitement 2) A Tiatro in English and Konkani with collaboration from the Seniors and related to life of the immigrants. Their troubles settling down in a new country, the generation and cultural gap that they face with their grandchildren etc. Great and very humorous skits could be interposed between the main story in the style of the classic Goan Tiatro and people of all ages could participate. Some of the best and most humorous literature in the USA has come from immigrants especially Jews. Victor, Silviano, Dominic and Cecil would all help as would Isabel Santa Rita Vas. 3) Invite Goan Hindus who could contribute their culture and their delicious food. Speaking to some young Gonadians I got the impression that they did not think Goan Hindus were Goan! 4) And finally in spite of the fact that a large percent of Viva Goa organizers and participants are expatriates from East Africa I did not see a whiff of what I think is was big factor that shaped the lives of these Goans. Even a fierce Harambee would have been great and much welcomed by Canadians who perhaps are not aware of how tangibly Goa was linked to Africa. 4) Lets keep the sports it was one activity where Canadians of every background could join in and enjoy. I think this could be a great opportunity for Goans living in Goa to participate and share. I hope this will taken as a contribution not mere crabbiness.
Helga do Rosario Gomes -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list [email protected] http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org
