"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." For the last many years, we were fed up listening to the common proverb, which our Indian friends cited, when they wanted to refer to the near dormant status of the social, cultural and sports events of the Goan community in Qatar. We Goans are God fearing, fun loving, kind, generous and a peace loving community. It is all in the genes and conditioned by culture. And we love life. Goa is well known as a tourist destination. It is a very beautiful country abounded with natural beauty, places of worship, world heritage architecture and hospitable people. But, how to channelize the positive vibes for the greater good of the community had been a question which had been troubling many prominent long-time Qatar residents. What ,we Goans see and read about our community-related activities in Qatar is meagre. That means, we are dormant. This deplorable situation has been realized by many likeminded Goans who have come together to revive DOHA GOANS SPORTS CLUB which had ceased to function, in line with others, for the purpose of establishing one Goan club in Qatar. It may be recalled here that, in the good old years, Goans in Qatar have had a ball of a time through various sports, social and cultural activities initiated by various clubs in Qatar. But during 2003, all these clubs were dissolved and brought under one umbrella by a competent authority for the unification and solidarity of our community. Regretfully, the leadership that engineered the take-over of the reins failed to meet the expectation of the Goan Community in Qatar. We have been tolerant all these years but have run out of patience. It is not right to allow any individual or individuals to take advantage of the situation. Let us recall the adage “You can fool some of the people some of the time and not all of the people all of the time”. I believe that it is most important to sustain transparency and openness in all our endeavors since it is the only way to preserve everyone’s confidence and trust within our community. This will help us to overcome any challenge to reach our ambitions and goals. I believe that, in today’s world of human affairs, it is vital to be heard and seen and do things with a “bang”. We have begun the process. SHORT/LONG TERM PLANS Our primary short and long term plan is to meet and reach out to humanity in general and the Goan community in Qatar in particular. The Managing Committee of DGSC has drawn up a comprehensive plan, up to December 2010, with a good mix of activities to accommodate Social, Cultural and Sports events details of which will be released in due course of time. Presently, we are young to attempt drawing up long term plans for the future. Nevertheless, we will strive to go to any length for the welfare of our Goan Community in Qatar.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE The Membership drive is on and very encouraging; but shall receive a boost as from 24-09-2010. GOAN YOUTH IN QATAR The Goan Youth in Qatar shall be our prime focus and we shall do all in our power to appreciate and encourage the talents they possess and help them to grow up as good humans. We have introduced the Youth Cell in our Managing Committee which shall be headed and managed by our youth. In the past, Goans in Qatar excelled in Social, Cultural and Sports activities; thanks to the dedication and sincerity of many Goans who understood the needs of our community in Qatar and provided the necessary ground support. Many of our children were born in Qatar and have taken part in the various activities initiated by our club. Some of these children are residing in Qatar and are blessed with prospective employment. Quite a number of them have got married and have children of their own. What memories can these children have about the Goans in Qatar? That is something we have seriously thought of and initiated the revival of DGSC. The baton has to be handed over through the hands of true sons of the soil. GOANS IN QATAR The Goan community in Qatar is a happy lot and we are grateful to the Government and the people of Qatar for making us feel at home. Many Goans have excelled in different fields and some of them have ¾ generations in Qatar. In most cases, both husband and wife are employed and complement each other with all family chores while finding time to relax and enjoy good life. However, several of the Goans in Qatar have had humble beginnings and they have sacrificed their lives for the contentment of their children and imparting quality education to their children. Life is Qatar is safe, peaceful, enjoyable and prosperous. God bless Qatar
