In Search of Greener Pastures

  •   Sun, May 01 2011
  •   By Arun A D'Souza

May 2, 2011

Relocation seems to be synonymous with us Mangalorean Konkani speaking people, starting from our forefathers from Saraswat Mandal in Rajasthan to today’s generation, mainly to the Gulf and a few other parts of the western world.

Relocation happens due to many factors and, more so in today’s world, due to political harassment and economic considerations. In the present times, recession in one area contributes to the population moving to another area. We are experiencing similar pattern here in the Middle East, with some countries still facing severe recession and others starting to boom.

Being one of the privileged, or the victim, who moved away from a very developed country to a new one which has started developing, the difference is palpable. The reason for relocation was more pragmatic, taking into consideration the overall economic situation. The focus remains on moving on to new areas and new challenges.

In this quest of something new, we totally forget the emotional aspects of making such a change. Staying on in a place for many years and seasons, one becomes accustomed to the way of life and adjusts his routine activities accordingly. Added to this is a friend circle, relatives over the years, the relationships that matured and developed. Many years before the same emotional situation would have arisen amongst us when we left home, leaving behind our place of birth, school, parents, friends, all those memories.

Many a time we feel that the grass is green on other side and take hasty decisions based on emotion rather than reasoning and proper introspection. Being in a new place can be unsettling both emotionally and economically. This is the time when positive thinking and pragmatism is needed. As the successful say, dream big and think positive.

This poem is a tribute to all those who relocate to new areas for various reasons:


Greener Pastures - A New Beginning

Moving away from known to unknown
Leaving behind thoughts of a million
Friends and relatives left behind
Thoughts linger on in a bind.
A decade of life swept past
Struggle and achievements linger on to last
New life and a fresh beginning
In a world of unknown thing
Challenge is what we are ready to take
To start a new decade of lasting awake
Meeting new friends and building relations rife
Adding treasury of new memories alike.


 

Arun D'Souza Archives:
By Arun A D'Souza
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Comment on this article

  • Daizy, Yedapadav, British Columbia

    Fri, May 06 2011

    Hard work is required in every country. unlike in the west,In India even the farmers work hard, if the crops are failed there is no insurance, no help from the govt. some countries pay very little wages to the labors, no one is appreciating their work, eventhough the country is built from their sweat. no assistance from the government if they loose the job, sometimes salary is held upto six months. My personal opion is there day and night difference btwn east,middle east and the west.

  • susan, Moodbidri, Canada

    Thu, May 05 2011

    Families who relocate mainly to western countries are qualified skilled people and they weigh things out. There are families waited for seven years just get their landing rights to the west.western countries are open book.. nothing hidding.whoever commented bitter abt relocation especially to the west who didn't get a chance or it was declined.

  • John Pinto, Chickmagalur/Doha

    Wed, May 04 2011

    It is because of of hard work and great thinking , we find that Saraswaths ( Konkans ) have contributed greatly to the society , in the form of providing excellent education, Good health sectors is Comandable.Jai ho Konkans . Congratulations Arun for your great contribution in writing good articles .Keep up your good works.

  • Manohar Veigas, UDUPI

    Tue, May 03 2011

    While appreciating the theme of this article by Arun D'Souza, I would like to add from my experience that relocation of our community to other states within our country, enabled our people to prosper and be predominant in the relocated place. But relocation to the Western or european countries have only diluted our community unlike our other indian counterparts, the only exception I remember is Mr. Keith Vaz, goan konkani origin, now Member of Parliament, U.K.

  • Glenn Vaz, Thottam/Dubai

    Tue, May 03 2011

    Hi Arun ! Nice write up....keep up the good work

  • Prisha Mascarenhas, kirem, kankanady

    Tue, May 03 2011

    Good article but i feel we need one more elaborated with few examples. Ego and status involved i guess among many of us, or until we are relocated we donot know that far away place looks greener until we reach there. When we reach there we come to know that, that place also has stones and my place is far more greener. But then it becomes too late. So please those who have experience come forward and guide.

  • ashenoy, mangloor

    Mon, May 02 2011

    Economic situation in India is the best and envy of the world today. How many relocated Indians come back?
    Perhaps not many because Mangies in particular have developed a taste to relocation and migration. Not for economics alone perhaps for ego and status in many cases.

  • Harold Dsouza, Belman, Qatar

    Mon, May 02 2011

    Nice one Arun, suits many of us…it can be taken for long with some more issues where changing place / job…etc are happening…!
    Hope to see such more articles from you..
    With wishes
    Harry,
    Qatar / Belman


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