Qatar Goans celebrate World Goa Day
A cultural event in progress at the Doha Goans Sports Club’s World Goa Day celebrations.
Members of the Doha Goans Sports Club recently celebrated World Goa Day with a number of activities at a recent function held at the Doha Municipal Conference Hall. Music and dancing marked the proceedings that attracted a number of community members.
World Goa Day commemorates the anniversary of the inclusion of Konkani in the Indian Constitution in 1992, when it was recognised as one of the official languages in India. The World Goa Day is observed by the Goans worldwide, who take pride in their identity, culture, language, traditions, music and cuisine.
In keeping with tradition, the local event started with the song ‘Goan Ekovt’ (Goan unity) and ended with the ‘Noman Tuka Goa’ (Tribute to Goa). Children, youth and also elders took the centre stage in a four-hour programme, keeping the packed audience glued to their seats until the very end.
Goan cuisine reflects a combination of Indian, Arabian and Portuguese tradition, with a unique blend of both richness and simplicity. The Goan way of life is also unique in that this blend of East and West co-exists peacefully.
And this was most evident in the delicious Goan food, sweets and other traditional items that were on display.
The Club also felicitated winners of an essay writing competition held recently at hotel Grand Mercure, besides community members who have enhanced the Goan image and contributed to the community in Qatar.
The forum president Ambrosio Dias also introduced its new managing committee for 2011 – 2013 and has dedicated his term to empowering women and encouraging the youth. He said: “This is just the beginning. We intend to encourage more children to come forward and explore their talents. Three meritorious children each from Class 10 and Class 12 will be honoured at a function to be held shortly.”