Kuwait Goans urged to direct grievances to NRI Affairs
- By Sanny Nazareth
Kuwait Nov 22: When it comes to hosting receptions, banquets or occasional celebrations, Goans do it with passion. This was conspicuously discernible on Friday, November 9, 2007, when a segment of the Goan community in Kuwait threw in a lavish reception in honour of the visiting delegation from the Indian State of Goa.
The delegation comprised of Eduardo Faleiro, Honorable Commissioner for NRI Affairs-Government of Goa, Vice-Admiral (Rtd.) John Colin De Silva, Chairman, Overseas Employment Agency of Goa, Ulhas D. Kamat, Director of NRI Affairs, Government of Goa and Ms. Sabina Martins, social activist and President of "Bailancho Saad", a powerful regional organization that spearheads the movement for the emancipation of women. His Excellency M. Ganapathi, the Ambassador of India, V.K. Mahajan, First Secretary, Education & Information and other Indian Embassy officials also graced the occasion that was set in a luxurious Mughal ambiance at the Mughal Mahal hospitality chattels in Hawally.
Carmo Santos, founder and chief patron of Goan Cultural Centre in his welcome address highlighted the steadfast endeavours of the NRI Affairs Goan in the interest and for the benefit of the NRI Goans. Santos was particularly ecstatic at the visit of the delegation and expressed confidence that with Faleiro at the helm of NRI Affairs, a new leaf would be turned to redress issues that obsess the NRI Goans. Santos also gratefully appreciated the kind guesture of His Excellency, M. Ganapathi for gracing the occasion despite the fact that it was the day of Deepavali, the great Indian Festival of Lights.
Eduardo Faleiro speaking in Konkani pledged full support, cooperation and assistance and advised Kuwati Goans to direct genuine grievances to the NRI Affairs, Goa. Faleiro apparently elated at the overwhelming reception then presented a beautiful memento to Carmo Santos and hailed him as, "an excellent leader of the Goan community in Kuwait".
His Excellency, M. Ganapathi then tossed in a big surprise by saying a few admirable words with a touch of Konkani to the cheerful applause of the guests who thronged the venue. A surprise guest speaker was Ashok Karla, one of the managing partners of the prestigious Mughal Mahal chain of restaurants who extolled the Goan community for their "organizational dexterity" and added, that every Goan function was a mini Goa reflecting "Goans inherent desire for joie de vivre".
Suresh Naik, President of Goan Cultural Centre proposed a vote of thanks. Earlier, the delegation was profusely welcome with flowers bouquets and later, presented with gifts at the hands of the leaders of several Goan social, cultural and sports organizations active in Kuwait. Several prominent Goan personalities along with their families and guests who warmly interacted with the members of the delegation included Engineer Suresh Naik, President of Goan Cultural Centre, Dr. Jagganath Chodankar, President of Club 9, Alexander Fernadnes, President of Colva United Centre, Bosco Leitao, President of CRC Chinchinim, B.M. Viegas, President of United Goans Centre, Derrick Gomindes, Sports Secretary (Hon) Kuwait India Football Federation (KIFF), and, S.J. Nazareth, President of Kuwait Goa Foundation, among others.
This Article is featured in Mangalorean.com
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Forward by Carmo Santos carmosan50@hotmail.com
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