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.
