PART – II.
Then I entered into the scene and with the help of my likeminded colleagues and supporters I started Konkani movement for the first time in Kuwait, in the Gulf and in the expatriate world as well. The response of Kuwaitkars was excellent. With my initiative and cooperation of Alexandre M. Fernandes, A.B. Fernades, Estanislaus Alemao, John Felix D’Souza and many others but none from the current so called Goan leaders, we formed Novem Goem Pratishthan Kuwait Somiti to raise funds for the establishment of people’s Konkani Daily Newspaper “NOVEM GOEM” in Goa, in Roman and Nagri scripts. This organization was formed only for a fixed period and after fulfilling its purpose it was closed down. Before embarking on this association, I requested Vincente D’Souza to take up this issue of Novem Goem under KGA since it is a Goan association and as such it must work for the cause of Goa. I even volunteered to give my and my associates full support but Vincente D’Souza refused thinking like many bastardised Goans that Konkani issue is that of hoi-polloi Goykars and not of educated and elite Goans.
There was an impression at that time into the minds of semi educated Goans that Konkani issue is meant only for uneducated and illiterate people. But I and all my colleagues proved to them otherwise because I am not an uneducated and not an illiterate person, like me my colleagues in Konkani movement had similar intellectual status otherwise it was not possible to work for the cause of Konkani. Because of the establishment of Konkani movement in Kuwait, lot of pressure came on anti-Goan Governments in Goa leading finally to the recognition of Konkani and granting of statehood to Goa.
Thru the financial force of Kuwait Goans, our brothers and sisters in Goa increased the magnitude of Konkani movement in Goa forcing anti-Konkani Rane Government into submission to our demands. During the Konkani agitation in Goa, I personally went to Goa and on behalf of all the likeminded Kuwait Goans participated in the Konkani Rallies, Meetings and even participated in Hunger Strike at Azad Maidan, Panaji.
Then again under the initiative and leadership of Vincente D’Souza, in 1979 GULF GOANS HOTELS COMPANY was formed by a group of Kuwait Goans, I was one of them. We built our “A” Grade Hotel at Calangute Gauravaddo, “HOTEL GAON HERITAGE” which is running well and employing Goans there. Kuwait Goans are the Share holders in this company. Vincente D’Souza can be called the father of this project but Wilson Coelho at the later stage played an excellent role thru his personal influence with the authorities concerned to get okay for the construction of this project. Because of this project many of the Goans are getting employment there and because of this employment many of the Goan families are getting their livelihood.
Then under the leadership of UNITED GOANS FOOTBALL CENTER, in 1979 competitive soccer activities were initiated at Sour Grounds for our young boys many of whom were otherwise wasting their time in doing unwanted things.. Along with others, I too took active part in its promotion though the major credit for this initiative should go to Custodio Crasto from Navelim, Diogo Gomes from Bastora, Tony Gonsalves from Divar, Joe F.X. D’Souza from Assagao, Antonio Lawrence from Siolim, Joe Fernandes from Colva and thers. All of them were the backbone of UGFC. Because of this bold step of UG, till today our soccer activities are going on in Kuwait. The seed that was sown in 1979 by UG is flourished now for everyone to enjoy its fruits.
Then later on we formed KUWAIT INDIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION to centralize all our soccer activities under one roof. Under KIFF lot of discipline and system came into being. The late international referee Mr. J.P. D’Mello played a very good role to initiate the KIFF and persons like me worked very hard to lay a strong foundation to KIFF. Fittingly KIFF has named its League after J.P. D’Mello as JP D’Mello Memorial League. Memorial tournaments are organized in memory of the persons who have contributed for the promotion of soccer during their lifetime. KIFF in recognizing JP D’Mello’s contribution in the promotion of our soccer rightly acknowledged his work in the field of soccer he did during his lifetime. It was done to pay respect for what he did in the field of soccer during his lifetie and not to apply “Mosko” for the family members of JP.
Then in 1984 to keep the momentum of Konkani movement pushing further, again under my initiative another Goan association KUWAIT KONKNNI KENDR was established to aid Konkani cause in Goa and to promote Konkani actitivities in Kuwait. Thru KKK lot of financial aid was provided to lot of Konkani activities not only in Goa but also in Mangalore for Mandd Sobhan. The major contribution went for Novem Goem during its last stage and also to Konkani Martys Fund in Goa, Mando Festivals, Dalgado Konkani Academy, Stephens Konknni Kendre Miramar/Porvorim and to many other associations. Mando culture and Mando Festivals were introduced in Kuwait by KKK besides other activities such Konkani Operattas etc. Konkani culture and Konkani language was implanted for the first time in 5 Star Hotels in Kuwait by KKK.
TO BE CONCLUDED.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
