Hi,
Greetings from Goa Chitra. Kindly publish the below attached press note on the World Elders day celebrated with Senior Citizens at Goa Chitra. To celebrate the World Elders Day, Goa Chitra threw open its doors to senior citizens on October 1, 2012. Visitors from different homes for the aged and senior citizens across Goa were invited for a free and special tour of the museum, conducted personally by the curator and collector Victor Hugo Gomes. Thank you for all the support to Goa Chitra. Warm regards, Victor Hugo Gomes Press Release Goa Chitra Celebrates World Elders Day With Senior Citizens of the State. To celebrate the World Elders Day, Goa Chitra threw open its doors to senior citizens on October 1, 2012. Visitors from different homes for the aged and senior citizens across Goa were invited for a free and special tour of the museum, conducted personally by the curator and collector Victor Hugo Gomes. The transport was sponsored by Quadros Suzuki, Margao. World Elders Day is celebrated globally on 1st Oct to consider the old people in the society and create awareness among the public about the care of the senior citizens. The event at Goa Chitra received an overwhelming response as senior citizens, in their wheel chairs and with walking sticks, roamed the corridors of Goa Chitra, echoing Konkani lexicon along with the curator and adding their own Portuguese translation. “For me this was an emotional experience since it was not long ago that I had heard similar stories from my grandmother,” said Gomes. Gomes spoke about his journey of building the museum, and his collection of various items from different corners of the state for their preservation. He explained every object displayed in the museum, including the 17 operations involved in farming to storage, and the clay vessels used for cooking. For 88-year-old, Berthalina Fernandes, the oldest visitor to Goa Chitra, the day was an extremely moving experience. With tears in her eyes, she confessed that “Goa Chitra tour took me back to my childhood days. It is sad to see that farming implements which were used earlier are on display today.'' To her it was going down the memory lane when life was simple and everything had meaning and purpose. For another senior citizen, Candida Fernandes, it was an instant connection not only to the implements on display but to the entire concept of preserving it for the future generations.. “I am happy to be at Goa Chitra. This place has preserved the ‘Real Goa’. How else would tomorrow’s youth know about their ancestry?” she remarked. The 83-years old Bonita D'Souza was all nostalgic as she revealed that she was from Bardez and had spent most of her years in Africa. “Coming to Goa Chitra was like visiting the 'Real Goa'. The museum has got very beautiful and inestimable collection. I believe that every Goan must visit this place to get in touch with the beautiful Goa which is no longer a reality.'' For Josephine Mendonca, her smile was enough to express her awe at the display. “In the past these were things that we would use every day, and now we see them on display makes me happy. Thank you for taking on this endeavour. It is not only us the aged but also the younger generation who shall be forever grateful. God bless and thanks to the founder for all his efforts.” In their own wisdom, they knew that all they saw is now history and was grateful to this experience. One could feel the hesitance as they had to leave, because for many they had come home to their youth. 78 yrs old Jacinta Gomes while blessing Victor said '' Goa Chitra is a beautiful place. I cannot offer anything to this place besides prayers and good wishes. God bless you all and keep up the good work.'' The visitors sang some old Konkani songs recollecting their childhood. The tour ended with an interaction over snacks and tea, and presenting mementos to the senior guests. Mr. Victor Gomes concluded the session stating that Goa Chitra is a tribute to the ancestors and their way of life and that it is his gift for the future generations. Goa Chitra, Goa’s first and only ethnographical museum, situated in Benaulim is open to public on all days between 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. For details call 08326579877, 08322772910, 09850466165 or email goachi...@gmail.com.