'' Saudades ''' is a Portuguese word that cannot be easily be translated in English language. Its nearest meaning could be ''' sighs on remembering past times '''. As a student in the forties/early fifties , I too have saudades that cannot be erased from my mind especially those of the so called members of the high society in Margao during the colonial days. They were mostly families whose members had somewhat white skin and physically were of better structure than other humble Goans. Their bungalows were concentrated in areas like Largo da Igreja ( Espirito Santo ) , on the road (I forget its name ) passing in front of Hospicio, on Abade Faria road, and in that part of Borda which is closer to church. Today these bungalows are closed with doors and windows shut and stand like tall ghosts of the past in Margao. Wonder if they are treated like evacue property by Govt of Goa. In 1954 when Daman enclaves like Dadra and Nagar Haveli were occupied by pro
Indian sympathisers both India and Portugal became antagonists till Dec.1961. During this period of 7 years, it is possible most of these families emigrated to Portugal, Angola and Mocambique . My fellow students from these families never threw weight around but there were some dark skinned students who always tried to impose their ''superiority''on others by constantly reminding us ''' Nos somos bramanes. pa ''' According to my hindsight, it is possible and I could be wrong, the Portuguese Govt. took good care of white skinned mestisos and helped them to settle in Portugal and in their colonies in Africa but left the dark skinned mestisos in lurch to fend for themselves with church as ultimate solace.
