Hi Frederick, Thanks for your response and building on my post. As usual, many of your comments were on target. "Treasure" is often considered by Goans (organizations and even family) as the only form of contribution. As seen on Goanet, (and from personal experience) sometimes it is used to 'blackmail' potential donors. Of course that happens even in the USA, especially when one participates in political conversation. To my patients (and this may apply to Goa too), I say, "Your elderly parents do not need your money. They need your time."
Like you and Vivian, I think skill-transfer is the most important ingredient to HELPING others. In the USA, we pay (a lot) for skill transfer - often HIRING "consultants" for a lecture and / or continuing hands-on training. Yet in the field like medicine (from what I see), an Indian institution will want to sign on a "cooperative agreement" with an institution like Cleveland Clinic or Mayo Clinic; but will not want to work with a physician (who may even have worked at that institution). Looks like these high profile "cooperative projects" get funding from one or both governments or private sector. And the project lives on even after the individual have moved-on to other priorities. Your final point is well taken. Goa and India has some sound fundamentals. My Goan predecessors (like Dr. Borges or Dr Arthur Desa) did not know or meet me. Yet they (and others) served as role models for me and likely others. These NRG Goans served as mentors and played a vital role within their community and well beyond it, for many decades after they lived. Yet it is for me to use them as inspirational tools; without even their knowing. My original beef with Selma (and with many others) was the name dropping without knowing (or telling others) what are the achievements. As we pay homage to these individuals at least we should recap their factual contributions - like you did. On a lighter note, we often claim someone is famous because their relatives are famous; even though the individual has achieved a lot themselves. A good example may be Maria Couto. Individuals will mention her name - but always / only link it to her husband. There are many others who parasite on their ancestral name with little achievements of their own to speak off. They survive thanks to "name droppers". Regards, GL ------------- Frederick Noronha Hi Gilbert, I think the "Treasure" brings in more problems than it solves. It creates a local parasitism (often attracting the wrong types) and gives expats a cheap feeling of superiority I think we could do with a lot of skills transfer. Goa also has a lot to contribute to the outside world by way of human resources, giving people here a sound foundation and education (despite all its current shortcomings). It is no coincidence or accident that a lot of people educated in Goa have gone on to achieve name and fame across the globe. Instead of blaming Goa for not giving them further opportunity here itself, we perhaps need to build a win-win equation which (i) understands the strengths of Goa in the midst of all its problems (ii) see what could be done, despite our politicians and their lack of any substantial vision for the future, to build further and make sure people from this region get their due. ---------- Gilbert Lawrence wrote: One way, long-time non-resident Goans can contribute to Goa is via already established local groups. Now that overseas Goans are known by their interest, skill and internet address; it is for the local organizations (and even diaspora groups) to get in touch with the respective talents they think they could utilize to advance their cause and that of Goans and Goa. In due course the contributions of time and talent will also likely translate to treasure.
