World Goan Convention - 2009 in Muscat Concludes
Report : Clarence Pinto
Photographs : Dilip Correa
Muscat, Nov 7: It was the final day of the Global Goan Convention 2009. It was, in fact, a thrilling experience to many Goans who had a lifetime opportunity to attend such a meaningful and well organized convention. The officials and top leaders of GCO (Goan Community of Oman) like Flynn De Lima, Celso Fernandes, Dr. Mario De Souza, Balthazar Fernandes, Alan D Costa did everything possible and observed every minute aspect that required to offer the best possible for their people and successfully offered a fantastic convention for their fellow Goans. Truly, innumerable greetings should be showered on these great, unselfish, hard working and fully passionate leaders of the Goan community in Oman. Right now, we can remember and strongly highlight the words of Eduardo Feleiro, “Honestly this is the best Goan Convention we ever had, meticulously planned, diligently organized and offered with a great love towards our mother land – Goa.”
Throughout the day, many important issues were presented, discussed and majority of them resolved too. The matters pertaining to the development of Goa, amplifying the bondage between Goans, highlighting the need to enhance the cultural identity of Goa and above all, the importance to given to Konkani, the mother tongue of many Goans.
The first session of the day and third of the convention commenced at 10.00 am which was titled as “Employment Issues in Goa and Abroad.” Moderator’s introduction was offered by Navneet Kasbekar, Chief Executive Officer of Al Kamil Power Company SAOG. An interesting topic on “Self-Employment Opportunities for Expatriate Goans” was keenly discussed and widely presented by Nitin Kuncolienkar, President of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2001 – 2009) and Vice Chairman of Goa’s Economic Development Corporation Ltd.
Investment in IT and Education, UAE Labour laws and difficulties faced by Goans were firmly debated under the able leadership of Ramnata Arjuna Mavlingcar, President of Abu Dhabi Goan Community Center and Member of Indian Business Group, Indian Social Centre and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce. Migration and Non-Resident Goans topics were presented under Ulhas Kamat’s moderation.
After the tea break, an important and extremely useful Open House for Domestic and Industrial Workers based in Oman was held under the leadership and guidance of Anil Wadhwa, The Indian Ambassador to Oman and Eduardo Faleiro, the Honorable Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Government of Goa. There were many problems and various issues concerning to the domestic workers were presented to the Embassy delegation and suitable answered. A request for direct flight from Oman to Goa was presented and The Ambassador assured his assistance and support to implement the request at the earliest. The Embassy delegation consisting of very important and high rank officials was present. They were Dr. Swati V. Kulkarni – Counselor, S. K. Namboori – First Secretary (Counselor), Anindya Benerjee – Second Secretary (Community Welfare), Chaturvedi – Attache (Passport). Rahim – PRO (community welfare), Deepa – Lawyer, Sebastian – Lawyer, Prasad – Lawyer, Girish – Lawyer.
The Viswa Konkani Sammellan (World Konkani Convention) commenced as the afternoon session and it was exclusively dedicated to Goa’s mother language – Konkani. Veteran Konkani Activist of Muscat and Niz Goemkar anim Niz Konkandar (True Goan and True Konkani activist) Celso Fernandes was the Moderator and anchor for the whole session. There was a beautiful video presentation on Goa Images prepared and formulated by well known poet and activist of Goa, Yusuf A. Sheikh. It was perfectly titled as “We are one in Goan Spirit.” Sentimental and beautiful poems were presented by Vincy Quadros, Ashok Chodankar, Sivdas and Anju Sakhardande on behalf of Yusuf A. Sheikh.
Goan Literary March was narrated by Vincy Quadros indicating the various plans and support offered by Konkani Academy Goa for the benefit of the Konkani writers. Tomazinho Cardozo – ex-speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly and recipient of many awards for his contribution to the Konkani literature presented an interested topic on Goan Culture. Clarence Pinto, ex-president of Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish presented a speech on the current situation of Konkani Language in Mangalore.
Anil Wadhwa presented mementos to all the speakers and presenters of the Convention.
An enjoyable and enchanting cultural evening was presented by Goan children, youth and adults. The welcome presentation was the first program and based on the Goans in Muscat and Golden Goa. The welcome act was composed by Sebastian Fernandes and choreographed by Pearl Correia. Manuel Fernandes, Goan with Golden voice offered three beautiful Konkani numbers captivating the audience. Music for these songs was given by Savio D Souza, vibrant musician of the Goan Community and very popular at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi. Tomazinho Cardozo sang two stunning Konkani numbers and the whole audience was thrilled with these numbers. Traditional Dekni was presented by Jean and her team. E. Perry and Avers presented a duet song specially composed for the convention and completely dedicated to Goa with great love and passion. Jenifer Santimano and her team brought a charming Amchem Goem (Our Goa) presentation and Dominic gave a thrilling song in Portugese. Four young Mangalorean children Adriana Clarissa Noronha, Chrisma Clare D' Souza, Relina Vas and Andrea Caron Noronha presented a Baila Dance under the guidance of Hema Premchand and supervision of Asha Noronha which was well appreciated by the audience. Youth Ministry members of Sts. Peter and Paul Church Ruwi sang three emotional songs and Savio D Souza and Melba presented Mando. Before the final and concluding Group song by Savio D Souza, Anthony Lourenco proposed the vote of thanks.
Eduardo Feleiro presented mementos to the core team of Goan Community of Oman who have worked relentlessly for the success of the convention. Flynn De Lima, the current president of GCO was presented with Global Goan Achievement Award by the Honorable Commissioner.
Daijiworld.com team met Flynn De Lima, the managing director of Al Hamadi Fisheries Co. LLC, the market leader in the Sultanate of Oman in its field and virtual strength behind the success of the convention. While expressing his joy to us, he said – “We, the organizing committee and the NRI office in Goa are extremely happy with the outcome of the convention. We and the participants are satisfied with the timings, organization of the events and presentations by various participants. I feel that there is more solidarity, unity and brotherhood has been built in this convention which will be used for the better Goa and brighter future of our children. The Konkani community and specially Goan people will be hugely benefited with this convention. We thank every one, every supporter, directly or indirectly helped us to make this event a grand success.”
Daijiworld.com team also met many participants who were greatly impressed with the convention and the outcome of it. Many participants felt the need of the annual conventions of this type in Oman for the people of Goa residents of Oman. Vivek Jose Araujo, who had come all the way from Malawi said “I have come all the way from Malawi exclusively for this convention. I love Goa and I mean to say – I just love Goa, nothing more and nothing less. When I hear the name Goa, the thrill runs into my blood. I had been to Canada for the last convention and today I am here. Nothing can separate me from Goa and roots of Goa. One day, I am sure, I will go back to Goa and settle down there.” About the current convention he told us – “It was an awesome and wonderful experience for me. When poet Sivadas presented a poem, tears rolled down and I was literally crying. That is real Goa for me…. That is the passion boils in my heart……. I am sure this convention is a great experience for all of us. Here everything, whatever is happening that is of Goa….. It is remarkable”
Once again great work, great results and great inspiration dear Goan friends Flynn De Lima, Celso Fernandes, Dr. Mario De Souza, Balthazar Fernandes, Alan D Costa and everyone of the organizing team.
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