Title: The Goans of Poona - Stray Thoughts of a Toronto Goan By: Roland Francis Source: Goan Voice UK Daily newsletter of 31 March 2013 at www.goanvoice.org.uk
Poona, about 173kms from Bombay, was once the capital of the Peshwas, the prime minister and governor class of the powerful Bhonsales of Satara who were a formidable threat to the Mughals and the Portuguese. A small military town, known for its Camp (Cantonment) area, and India's premier officer cadet school at nearby Khadakvasala, during the British era it became a summer retreat for the elite of the Presidency of Bombay (later Bombay State) gradually transforming itself into a non-polluting industrial hub and the ninth largest city in India. Poona has had a very strong Goan connection for more than 150 years. Most early Goans went there directly from Goa or by way of Belgaum and were in self-employed occupations like tailors, bakers, musicians, people in the armed forces and professionals directly or indirectly employed in the numerous government and defense establishments. The lands for the City Church (Our Lady of Immaculate Conception) the cemetery and the Poona Goan Institute were donated by the Peshwas to the Goan Christians in appreciation of their service in his army. The parish was administered by the Padroado with priests deputed from Goa. Official Church documents until 50 years ago were still written in Portuguese. The Jesuits from the German-Swiss region conducted their missionary activity with the establishment of St Vincent's School mainly for Goan boys in 1867. Just 10 years later, opposite the school, a convent for education of Goan girls was started by the nuns of the Convent of Jesus and Mary. Both these schools maintain their high standards until today and are eagerly sought after for education by all communities. Placido D'Souza former Indian Ambassador and his son Francisco D'Souza of Cognizant international fame, Wing Commander Clarence D'Souza who was ex PM Morarji Desai's pilot, along with many other illustrious Goan and Indian military brass and eminent persons in various fields are all ex-Vincentians. Goans dominated the confectionary trade and were major suppliers to the military, hospitals and prisons. The Macedo's and Martyris' were leading city chemists with high business and social standing. The community excelled in sports, led the armed forces' bands as well as formed the leading music groups one of which was D'Souza Brothers' Jet Set performing in the area's top hotels. Among professionals, W. X. Mascarenhas was the most outstanding. He built the NDA cadet school campus at Khadakvasala and was the first Indian principal of Poona Engineering College. Most Goans lived around the Camp, Quartergate and in the neighborhood of the Church. Just as in a large Goa village, everyone knew everyone else if not personally, at least by name and face. During Christmas, reminiscent of the Goan areas of Bombay, the streets would be decorated with streamers and huge stars hung between low-rise buildings with creatively built cribs around street corners. In the background you would hear Jim Reeves and other Christmas music and carols emanating a strong Christmas spirit. Almost all wedding receptions, the Christmas Dance, Carnival and social functions were held at the Goan Institute to the accompaniment of Goan brass bands that unfailingly included in their repertoire marching tunes set to a dance beat. This was a military town after all. Marriage matches were made at such events. The Army Club was popular with Goan youth for the New Years Eve dance. What is unusual for a place inhabited by Goans of the day, is that caste was never an issue except when they were made rudely aware of it during their vacations in Goa. This was a pensioner's paradise, coming as close to idyllic small-town Goa as was possible in the British-Indian geography. No Goan Catholic tale of Poona would be complete without reference to Fr. Thomas Barco of the Barco bakery family. A Deputy Collector before his late vocation, he was in his priesthood, simple, down to earth, spiritual and everything a good priest should be. Popularly known as 'Goribancho Padre' (priest of the poor), he would minister to the most unfortunate and was in much demand for family religious events. Never forgetting a name or face even after a lifetime, he would spiritually tend to his flock anytime, anywhere. People would come from all over Poona's surrounding areas just to meet him and at his death, there were mourners from all religions - Hindus, Muslims, Parsis Jains, Sikhs, rich and poor, mighty and humble. The parish hall has been named after him. May the spirit and joy of the risen Christ manifested through the simplicity of Fr. Thomas Barco and Pope Francis and their kind, who are happy doing the humblest things, touch you all this Easter season. ====================
