SPEAKERS AT THE GLOBAL GOAN CONVENTION
INDIAN EMBASSY, MUSCAT, 5-6 NOVEMBER 2009
AGNELO FERNANDES
B.Sc., M.A., Diploma in Computer Programming, Hotel Businessman by profession.
Village Panchayat Candolim: Member (1991), Deputy Sarpanch
(1998-2001), Sarpanch (2002), Administrator (2002).
Elected MLA in 2002 and re-elected in 2007, from the Indian National
Congress, representing Calangute Constituency.
Member, Committee on Public Undertakings, Estimate Committee, Zilla
Panchayat of North Goa (2002-2003).
Chairman, Planning Development Authority (2002), Economic Development
Corporation Ltd (from 2007), Public Accounts Committee (from 2007).,
Ad-hoc Committee on Finance (2008).
Has special interest in Social and Cultural activities and in
Environment issues.
ARWIN MESQUITA
Born in Goa, he hails from Colva. He did his schooling in Kuwait and
completed his B.Sc. in Computer Science and MBA in Goa.
Senior Brand Manager for Nautica branded stores in the Middle East and
has been in the retail business, for 10 years in Kuwait and current in
the UAE for 4 years.
Like many other Goans, he is concerned about the rapid deterioration
of our prized unique Goan identity and wishes to work together with
like minded people to save and preserve our beautiful land for future
generations.
ASHOK R. CHODANKAR
Hails from Baina, Vasco da Gama, Goa.
His multi-faceted personality encompasses his contribution as editor
and publisher, Konknni poet and freelance writer.
On advisory boards and associated with several social, cultural and
literary organizations including Universal Peace Federation of India.
Participated in several radio and television programmes
Presented poems in Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra
Winner of the First Florian Vaz Puroskar sponsored by Thomas Stephen’s
Konknni Kendr, Porvorim, Goa, for his Konknni poetry book ‘Jivit
Fulumdi Somestanchem’.
BENEDICT LOBO
Dubai based, Benedict hails from the village Calangute. He was
instrumental in setting up the RadioGoa Network which broadcasts 2
Konkani channels 24 hours a day via internet. He is also the founder
of Global Goans UAE, intended to bring all the Goan overseas groups in
the UAE under its umbrella. He is also a core team member of St.
Mary's Goan Sodality (Marketing Head).
CELSO FERNANDES
A proud Taleiganvkar, Celso was founding member of Taleigao Kala
Sounstha and secretary general of St Michael’s Club.
Actively involved in various socio-cultural and sports events for
nearly 30 years and more importantly the annual feast of St. Francis
Xavier, patron saint of Goans.
Chosen to represent the Goan community for 3 terms in the Sts. Peter
and Paul Church Pastoral Council and was its Vice President from 2005
to 2007.
With his enormous love and support for Konkani language, he arranged
various musical shows and tiatrs in Oman and was one of the main
organizers in the historic Mangalorean-Goan drama.
Employed as Senior Manager in BankMuscat, Celso is a Niz Goemkar ani
niz Konkankar. Known for his humility he proudly says, “ Goemkarpon
samballat. Konknni uloiat. Konkni uloun, hoi tum girest zaumchonaim,
ghoddie goribuch urtoloi. Hem sot. Punn tachem von vhodd sot
mhontlear, tujea vavran tum Konknink ani Goemkarank girest kortoloi.”
CLARENCE DONALD PINTO
Clarence ‘Kaikamba’ has written more around 300 short stories, 5
novels, 25 poems and several articles published in various Konkani
weeklies.
Won “Goa Konkani Sahitya Academy Award” for his novel – Yemkodanchim
Metham (Steps to Hell) in 1986 and “Daaij Short Story Writer of the
year 2007”. Honorary Editor of Jhello, Mithr and Kannik special
Muscat issues from 1999 to 2008.
Honorary editor of “Kathamrith” published in www.daijiworld.com.
Current team leader of www.daijiworld.com’s Muscat team.
Founder member and convener of Borpi Mithr Muscat and instrumental for
Konkani activities in Muscat.
Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish of Sts. Peter and Paul
Church: Public Relations 1999–2000, Vice President 200001, Coordinator
of various committees 2006–07, President 2008-09.
FREDDY AGNELO FERNANDES
Hails from the beautiful scenic village of Nuem, Cabo-de-Rama, Khola
village of Canacona Taluka. Ever since his college days, he had an
ardent desire to do something for his village. In May 2008, some
vested interests tried to restart a mine that was abandoned for more
than 40 years. It was then that his village united under the
leadership of its Parish Priest, which in turn reignited the fire
within him to fight alongside his villagers. They fought the miners
and the mega builders and are still holding fort. Since then he has
been participating actively, particularly through his writings, in
fighting atrocities against Mother Goa. He is aware that he owes a
lot to Mother Goa and at present she needs all the help that he can
provide. He intends to do just that, physically, financially and by
his writings. Goa Jai Ho !
JOHN DESA
John rendered social services during his youth when he was a member of
the Social Workers Association in his native village of Cortalim.
Since 1985, he has been in Qatar and is presently employed as a
Paralegal with the Qatar Petroleum Legal Department. He was earlier
President of the Goan Sports Club and the Vice President of the Goan
Welfare Association, subsequent to it being formed by a merger of four
Goan clubs. Currently he renders social service on a case by case
basis in his individual capacity. He is a current member of Goa Barge
Owners Association, and his personal interests are in reading,
football, jogging and swimming.
MARIO C. DE SOUZA
Medical Graduate from St. John's Medical College, Bangalore.
Doctorate in Health and Hospital Management from I.I.M., Bangalore.
Assoc. Hospital Administrator, St. John's Medical College Hospital, 1981-92.
Since 1992, Advisor, Hospital Administration, Ministry of Health,
Sultanate of Oman.
Member, Management Committee, Indian School Al Ghubra, Oman.
Board Member of the Al Amana Center for Christian Muslim Inter-faith Dialogue.
Founder President of St. Luke's Medical Guild of Oman.
Founder General Secretary, Goan Community of Oman.
NITIN KUNKOLIENKAR
B.Com, Diploma in Foreign Trade
Director of several firms and industries.
President of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (2001-09).
Member of Executive Council of Manufacturer’s Association for
Information Technology, and National Council of Associated Chambers of
Commerce and Industry of India.
Vice Chairman of Goa’s Economic Development Corporation Ltd, and
Committee on improvement of Academic & Management activity of the
institutes regd with HRDF
Member: Professional Management Group of Government of Goa, Steering
Committee for new International Airport, Public Grievance Committee,
Direct Tax Advisory Committee of Income Tax, Watch Dog Panel for
Custom House, Town and Country Planning Board
Awards: Jaycees Creed Award (2006-2007), Best Manager of the Year
(2001), Best Chamber of Commerce in the Country (2006).
OSCAR REBELO
Physician M.D. from Goa Medical College.
Worked as Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Goa Medical College.
Presently a Consulting Physician in Panaji.
Was thrust as Convenor of G.B.A during the agitation to scrap the
Regional Plan 2011.
Interested in resolving various social ills affecting Goa and desired
to contribute towards making Goa a better place for our kids.
PRAJAL SAKHARDANDE
Hails from Margao..
Senior Lecturer at History Department of Dhempe College of Arts and
Science, Miramar Panaji, Goa; since 1993.
Founded History Forum in Dhempe College of Arts and Science.
Presently pursuing M.Phil in History on the topic ‘Pre-Portuguese
History and Heritage of Goa’.
Appointed by the Government of Goa on the Committee of Preservation of
Historic Statues and Memorials.
Multi-faceted personality as educationist, historian, writer, and
actor and is a recipient of many awards.
RAJENDRA PANDURANG KERKAR
B.A. (Marathi – History) Bombay University., M.A. (History) and M.A.
(Sociology) Shivaji University, Kolhapur, B. Ed. (Goa University).
Recipient of various awards as student and in fields of wildlife
conservation, environment education and conservation, social, cultural
and rural development.
Membership of various bodies involved in the field of environment in
India and abroad.
Published several books in Marathi, English and Konknni.
Delivered more than 3000 lectures, slideshows in different parts of
Goa and border areas of Karnataka and Maharashtra to create awareness
among the various rural as well as urban communities on the
environmental issues.
RAMNATA ARJUNA MAVLINGCAR
Born at Tivim, Goa, into a business family.
Excelled academically at school; Holds B.Com degree and has done
Computer Programming from University of London.
Good football player and represented his school, university and clubs in Goa.
Presently managing his computer business in Abu Dhabi.
President of Abu Dhabi Goan Community Center,
Member of Indian Business Group, Indian Social Center, Abu Dhabi
Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Business Group.
Involved in charitable works and promoting the spirit of Goa.
SABASTIAO BONEY VAZ
Born in the village of Cavelossim, Salcette.
Completed education in Goa at Fr. Agnel’s, Pilar; Dhempe college,
Miramar; and Chougule College, Margao.
Moved to Bombay and completed the Seamen’s training with an ambition
to join the merchant navy.
Destiny had other plans. Landed in Muscat to join Ministry of Health,
and never looked back.
SIMON D’SILVA
Hails from Sao Jose de Areal, Salcette, Goa. Resides with his family in Qatar.
Bachelor of Commerce Degree
Currently working for Norsk Hydro Yara International in Qatar, a
Norwegian based Company. President of Sao Jose de Areal Jaycees in
the year 1991.
President of Goan Welfare Association, Doha, Qatar for the last 9 years.
Conducted various socio-cultural activities as well as different
training courses for the members and community under the guidance and
leadership of national and state trainers.
Philanthropist and has extended financial help to many needy and
charitable institutions.
TOMAZINHO CARDOZO
Hails from Orda, Candolim, Bardez, Goa.
B.Sc., M.A., B.Ed., Headmaster by profession (retired).
Contributed immensely in the fields of education, culture, literature
and public service.
Awarded the ‘State Award’ for excellence in the teaching profession by
the Goa Government in 2003.
Written and staged 33 dramas, published 21 books in Konkani and 2
books in English.
Honoured with the ‘Best Sarpanch Award’ by the Goa Government in 1993.
Recipient of awards for his contribution to the Konkani language.and culture
As the Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, he attended and
participated in international conferences and has held various
executive positions in public service.
ULHAS D. KAMAT
Served the Government of Goa for 42 years during which he held very
senior and important assignments: Chief Officer Daman Municipal
Council (1974-77), Under Secretary Protocol (1983-87), General Manager
of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (1987-90), Director of Tourism
(1990-99), Deputy Director General of Tourism, Government of India
(2000-02), Special Secretary (Health) Government of Goa (2002-04).
Primarily responsible for promoting and marketing Goa as the foremost
beach leisure tourist destination of India in Europe and UK.
Recipient of the State Award by the President of India on 19.12.86 on
the occasion of Silver Jubilee of the Liberation of Goa, Daman and
Diu. Marketing Distinction Award from the Columbus Press London in
November 1995.
VICENTE QUADROS
Hails from Raia. He holds an MA in Sociology Degree and a Diploma in
Journalism and Secretarial Course.
He has been contributing to literary works and has been an Editor for
various periodicals.
Written around 15 ‘tiatrs’ and acted as well.
Presented poems, short stories, one act plays and Konkani songs.
One of the translators of the Bible in Konknni.
Presented programmes for Doordarshan.
Recipient of various awards in recognition of his literary works.
Held executive positions in public service.
YUSUF ABDULLA SHEIKH
Hails from Vasco. He holds a M.Sc. from University of Bombay.
Aggressively participated in the Konknni language movement and started
“Konknni Sonvskrutik Mandal” in 1968.
Associated with several institutions and bodies like Akhil Bharatiya
Konkani Parishad and Goan Poet Circle in different capacities.
Contributed Konknni articles in Devanagari, Roman and Kannada scripts
to periodicals.
Received National Akashwani award for the documentary in Konknni titled ‘Poder’
Recipient of Goa Kala Akademi’s “Sahitya Puroskar” and Konkani Bhasha
Mandal awards for the book ‘Gantthi’. Awarded prestigious Antonio
Pereira Puroskar.
Joined 1980 All India Radio as the Programme Executive for Konknni.
First Goan to occupy the rank of Station Director in Doordarshan.
Presently the editor and publisher of English magazine “O Re Soi”.
