Karachi celebrates World Goa Day
By Gavin D'Lima One hundred and seventy-eight Goans spent a day at a farm on the city's outskirts in the Malir area on September 20. The farm served as a wonderful backdrop for World Goa Day celebrations. Osman Farm with two inviting swimming pools, lush green gardens with coconut trees brought back memories of good old Goa minus the feni and choricao. Upon arrival, the members of the Executive Committee of the Goinkars Own Academy served delicious hunter-beef sandwiches, samosas, fruit juices and goody-bags consisting of daily use items. Rene Baretto--- thanks, kudus, congratulations to you for your enthusiasm and persistence for not only starting this universal day but ensuring that it flourishes. Were it not for Rene passing this unique sense of togetherness to our fellow Goans, 'World Goa Day' would not have been a reality. It was wonderful to see a large crowd comprising of young and old assemble on a single platform to celebrate 'World Goa Day' in Karachi. The morning commenced with a prayer for the sick and deceased members of the Goinkars Own Academy, followed by a welcome address by the MC's Marshall Fernandes and Deborah Santamaria (President, GOA). Registration and setting up teams for a cricket tournament started at 1030 a.m. The matches evenly played by five mixed teams (boy and girls) were amicably umpired by Valentine Fernandes. The matches had its moments of laughter and tension amongst the players and the crowd as runs were scored, wide and no balls bowled and catches dropped. Finally the winning team was awarded wrist-watches while the runners-up got P-caps. Before lunch, a round of Tombola was played and the winners were issued dinner/lunch/cake vouchers. At 2 p.m. a delicious lunch of Biryani, Shami kebabs, salad, raita and kheer was served. To relax after a heavy meal, a round of Silver-Pool Tombola with attractive cash prizes was eagerly played by Tombola enthusiasts. After Tombola, a lucky draw session was held and about 70 gifts were distributed as young and old gathered, holding on to their lucky coupons. The prizes was an assortment of pens, Goa tote bags, mugs, key-chains, T-Shirts, pouches, jewellery boxes etc At 5 p.m. Lemon cake was served with hot cups of tea. DJ Fabian played English and Konkani songs throughout the day. At 6 p.m. guitarist Louis Fernandes along with a group played English, Konkani songs and Mandos which was enjoyed by all. At 7 p.m. the President of G.O.A. announced the close of the day's event, thanking the members and participants for being cooperative and making the entire event a thorough success.
