The Goan Overseas Association (GOA), with president Oscar Furtado, took part in the 61st anniversary celebrations of India's Independence held at Dundas Square in Toronto. Raindrops kept falling throughout the time of the parade and also during the showcase of dances by different groups, some representing states of India. The dancing group, Malaikas, all young girls, performed three items. The first was a "remix" of Konkani songs, including a rap part, the second the Aum Saiba Poldoti Voita dekhni and the last a "fusion" featuring modern dances to English/Konkani songs. They got a big round of applause from the audience. The choreography was done by the husband-and-wife team of Akhtar and Naomi Akram. The group was coordinated by Rosie Barretto, a member of the GOA executive, and recently appointed to the Panorama India Board, which organizes the Independence Day and Republic Day events. It is such events that project the Goan culture to the public. This is not the first time GOA has participated in events held by the Indian community or the mainstream community. The GOA's efforts to promore Goan culture should be encouraged. A Goan band, Amigos de Goa, led by Selwyn Colaco, also performed. They sang English, Konkani and Hindi songs. They too received wide applause. The audience demanded the band sing at least another song before leaving the stage. The band has performed at many Indian events.
