GULF-GOANS e-NEWSLETTER (since 1994)® www.yahoogroups.com/group/gulf-goans/ www.goa-world.com http://www.goa-world.com/goa/credit%5Ccredit.htm
Tumcam Maie-mogacho ieukar. Enjoy Life - This is not a rehearsal! Konkani uloi, boroi, vach ani samball - sodankal. Hich Goenchi osmitai ani amchem khalxelponn. Goenchi amchi Konkani bhas! Ekvottachem saddon Goenkaranchem. Stay tuned to Gulf Goans e-Newsletter - everyday someone, somewhere learns a little..... Click here for photo album Kuwait: Prominent Goan personalities from the four corners of the globe converged in the oil rich emirate of Kuwait for the 5th Global Goans Convention. The two day convention was celebrated at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kuwait on 16 & 17 Nov. 2010. The annual Goan Convention is organized to focus, interact and exchange ideas with various delegates on the subject of preservation of Goan identity and other matters beneficial to Goans. The theme of this year’s Global Goans Convention was NRI GOAN. Dignitaries who flew from Goa included Sanjay K. Srivastava, IAS, Chief Secretary of Goa Govt, Ulhas D. Kamat-Director of NRI Affairs of Goa Government, Luizinho Faleiro-Ex Chief Minister of Goa & Congress Working Committee Executive Member, N.Shivdas -President of Goa Konkani Akademi, Vincy Quadros-Vice President of Goa Konkani Akademi, Prof. M.S. Kamat-Educationist, Prof. M.K. Shaikh-Educationist and Adv. Pronoy Kamat. The Global Goans Convention was organized by Goan Cultural Centre (GCC) in association with the Indian Embassy under the patronage of H.E. Ajai Malhotra, Ambassador of India to Kuwait. Gaspar Almeida, the Chief Convention Adviser commenced the proceedings with a Call to Order, and conveyed Eid greetings to all. On the onset Gaspar Almeida expressed his happiness that the Goa Government is giving the due importance to the NRI Goans. This was followed by the inaugural ceremony of the traditional lighting the ceremonial lamp at the hands of the guest of honour, H.E. Ajai Malhotra, Sanjay K. Srivastava, Luizinho Faleiro, Ulhas D. Kamat and Carmo Santos, Chairman of the Goan Cultural Centre on the dias. The national anthems of Kuwait and India were played while two screens displayed beautiful landmarks of Kuwait and Goa. A colorful souvenir was released to mark the 5th Global Goans Convention 2010. Sunny J. Nazareth, the Convention Master of Ceremony introduced the delegation and speakers. In his welcome address, Carmo Santos highlighted the significance of the convention. He exuded exuberant confidence that the convention would project fundamental principles of prudence that would enhance the dignity of the Goan daispora. H.E. Ajai Malhotra lauded the efforts of the Goan Cultural Centre in organizing such an important Convention and focused on the community’s vibrancy and stated “There is a solid Goan presence and contribution to be found in Kuwait, which is a home away from home for nearly 50,000 Goans. In fact, Goans are present in almost all professions in Kuwait - from bankers to drivers, from household workers to doctors, from businessmen to journalists. The Goans residing in Kuwait are a vibrant part of the 600,000 strong Indian community in Kuwait, who are widely acknowledged as being sincere, hard-working, talented, disciplined and law-abiding. A good number of dynamic Goan associations are also active in Kuwait. I have been privileged to attend many events organised by them and can confirm that the Goans in Kuwait are indeed energetically nurturing their culture and traditions, including through music, dance, tiatr, and football, while extending humanitarian support to the needy in India and Kuwait” . Sanjay Srivastava extended full support of Goa Government to the Goan diaspora. Luizinho Faleiro was full of praise for the Goan diaspora and hoped that the convention would serve as a spring board to achieve success envisioned by the Goan Diaspora. He emphasized on the need to have the technical expertise and professional working knowledge to be brought back to Goa with you. “We do not need your finance, the Goa Government will lend you all the support and cooperation, we need your proficiency and skills”, he emphasized. Ulhas D. Kamat, Director of NRI Affairs (Goa) highlighted at length about the various schemes that have been established by the Goa Government for the benefit of NRI Goans. Dignitaries who addressed and highlighted various issues pertaining to the Goans included Bruno Gomes (Switzerland), Simon D’Silva (Qatar), Oscar Lobo (Australia), Vivek Araujo(Africa), John De Sa (Qatar), Benedict Lobo (UAE), Daryl Mascarenhas (Mumbai), Peter D’Silva (U.K.), Francis Correia (Bahrain), Pronoy Kamat (Goa), Isidore Dantas (Pune), Ms. Sheila Santos (Kwt), Dr. Jaganath R. Chodankar (Kwt), Aldrin Meneses (Kwt), R.S.Naique (Goa), Prof. M.S. Kamat (Goa), Prof. M.K. Shaikh (Goa), Vincy Quadros (Goa), T-Bush (Kwt), Lino B. Dourado(Kwt), Hormuzda Davar (Al-Mulla Group, Kwt), Gasper Crasto, Raymond Pereira (Kwt). A film show reel comprising of T-Bush Films Productions of English, Konkani and Hindi films shot in Kuwait by director T-Bush, a product of Panjim’s College of Art received appreciation as well as support from the visiting dignitaries to showcase these films in Goa. Suresh Naik, President of Goan Cultural Centre extended his sincere gratitude to H.E. Ajai Malhotra, H.E. Eduardo Faleiro-Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Government of Goa, S. K.Srivastava, Ulhas Kamat and all dignitaries from Goa and also to all the delegates gracing the Convention. Various topics pertaining to the NRI Goans were focused upon including subjects of current concerns to the Goans back home too including Migration, Career prospects and job opportunities, panchayat raj, investment in IT and education, NRI rights and obligations, Goan unit, Prevention of land sale and loss of identity, Konkani language and progress, medical facilities in the new millennium, a peep into tiatr and the Konkani stage, foreign remittances, upliftment of educational facilities, Goan youth and business prospects as well as what’s good about being a Goan. A praiseworthy feature of the Global Goans Convention 2010 was the presentation of Educational Scholarship Awards with cash prizes, medals & certificates to outstanding Goan students in Kuwait who excelled in STD X & STD XII, CBSE Board Examination for 2009-10, sponsored by Gulf Mart. The students were Carrie Ann Pinto (Indian Community School), Cherylann P. Rodrigues (Indian Community School), Dwane John Almeida (Jabriya Indian School), Eleanore E. Dias (Carmel School), Roshwyn F. Fernandes (Gulf Indian School), Leroy E. Botelho (Indian Community School) and Natasha C. Fernandes (Gulf Indian School). Messages from Dr. S.S. Sidhu, the Governor of Goa, Digamber Kamat, the Chief Minister of Goa, Eduardo Faleiro, H.E. Ajai Malhotra, Luizinho Faleiro, Manohar Parrikar, Leader of the Oppostion, Government of Goa, Bishop Camillo Ballin, Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait, adorned the Convention Souvenir. A special word of thanks and praise to Reavan D’Souza of Response Media Kuwait for his excellent contribution that ensured the Global Goans Convention was outstandingly successful. The Vice President of the Goan Cultural Centre, Martino Afonso expressed his gratefulness to each and everyone who contributed directly or indirectly to the success of the Global Goans Convention 2010. “We are profoundly satisfied with the overwhelming response and cooperation extended by the Goan community in Kuwait, the press and internet media and by the Government of Goa”, Martino Afonso elaborated. The Goan Cultural Centre express their grateful thanks to GulfMart, Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Co., Mushrif Trading & Contracting Co., Mughal Mahal, Otis Elevators Co., Al Ghannam Tires Center Co., Lulu Hypermarket, Al Mulla Exchange Co., Sadia (The Joy of Good Food), Kamat Construction Pvt. Ltd. (Goa), Kamat Real Estate Developers (Goa), Casa Severina Retreat (Calangute, Goa), Taal Restaurant, Indian Bangladeshi Translation & Typing Co., Sarina’s Saloon, English Optics, Oriental Insurance Co., Air Arabia (the official Convention carrier), Oasis Hotel, MILROC (Goa), Caesars Group of Restaurants, The New India Assurance Co. Ltd., Expat-Group (Dubai), and Bayan National Trading Co. for their distinguished support towards the Convention. The evening on Day 2 of the Convention witness the presentation a dazzling cultural programme with Goan and Mangalorean artistes. H.E. Ajai Malhotra, specially graced the programme by his dignified presence, along with Mr. Ramesh T.A., General Manager of GulfMart, and the Delegates. The fabulous event superbly organized by Kuwait’s incomparable music maestro Soccoro De Melo in coordination with various folklore troupes, popular Konkani stage artistes, singers, children’s group and professional musicians. The 150+ participants entertained the audience with a variety of nostalgic Konkani mandos, dekhnis, Portuguese fados and songs, Konkani songs – a selection by Jose Rod, solos, comedy skit and jokes. Among them included Karmen Menezes & the Folklore Troupe, Goenchim Sallkam Troupe comprising of Augusto & Gracy Morais, Adela Morais, Mariska Fernandes, Meville Lobo, Elle Fernandes, Gaynelle Morais, Leshania Gomes, Valdemar Martins, Kendrick Fernandes, Joylon Fernandes, Dwayne Lobo accompanied by musicians Menino Fernandes, Merwyn Fernandes & Francis Fernandes, Singers: Osvi Viegas, Adolf Fernandes, Filipe Pereira, Jose Fernandes, Junifer Rodrigues, Querobina Carvalho, Micky Fernandes, Michael D’Silva, Programme Musicians: Roni Rodrigues, Faustino Menezes, Philip Gracias, Dennis Gonsalves, Merwyn Fernandes & Socorro de Melo – other casts: nelson Collaso, Peter Franco, Nelita Darisha Collaso & Effie Martins; Country Kidz Band comprising of Keagan Meneses, Sleegy George, Sleevey George, Kingsley Fernandes, Johanson Fernandes, Amanda Fernandes and Rachael Dsouza – musicians: Ramos Fernandes, Aldrin Meneses, and Wilma Fernandes; Mando Troupe (I) comprising of : Gracias Morais, Cindy Fernandes, Clara Rodrigues, Ema Gomes, Fatima Travasso, Deborah I. Lobo, Martinho Martins, Saluzinho Vaz, Jose Anthony Fernandes, Laurence Miranda, Simon Dias and Xavier Mathew Lobo; Mando Troupe (II) comprising of: Karmen Meneses, Cynthia Noronha, Edwin Nazareth, Norraine Mendes, Angela Lorena, Luis Morais, Wilma Fernandes & Vivek Araujo. GCC Kids Special “Konkani Amchi Goenchi Bhas” comprising of Jesniya de Melo, Shaniya Rebello, Jade Alphonso, Jolita Fernandes, Leanne De Souza, Shania Sardinha & Lindsey Fernandes; and Mangalorean Stars: Gladys Lorenha, Warren D’Souza, Wanishia D’Souza, Orson D’souza, Joy Fernandes. The stage co-ordinators comprising of Flavia, Larin, Anjali Amonkar, Lindsey, Effie, Carrie, and Gilberto received a special mention for their untiring efforts. S.K. Srivastava presented a beautiful memento to Carmo Santos, on behalf of Commissioner for NRI Affairs (Goa), which he dedicated to all Goan residents in Kuwait to a thunderous ovation. A very special memento was presented to H.E. Ajai Malhotra on behalf of Goan Cultural Centre. Upbeat to the occasion, Kuwait-based Konkani poets recited two of his compositions which were well received. Ms.Anjali Amonkar, Gasper Crasto & Sunny Nazareth were in commendable control of airwaves and delighted the audience with their mellifluous compeering. Konkani and English books, namely Isidore Dantas’ ‘Konkani Cholchitram’, Selma Carvalho’s ‘Into the Diaspora Wilderness”, Vincy Quadros’ “Porsum” and Global Goans UAE magazine ‘Goan Review” were released on the occasion. The attendees were treated to a sumptuous lunch and mouth watering delicacies of Crowne Plaza Hotel. The organizers and the delegates will ensure that the Convention proceedings are followed-up with the concerned Government entities in Goa as desire of the Convention attendees. The question and answer sessions were focused on the betterment of the NRI Goans and the folks back home in Goa. Click here for photo album Micky's Konkani Songs (Kantaram) now online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WPs9sfN488 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFFZObO9Lwg http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/gulf-goans Presented to you by Ulysses Menezes & Moderated by Gaspar Almeida, since 1994
