Gaspar Almeida - A multifaceted persona

By N.C.Mohandoss

Kuwait March 2, 2008: Gaspar Almeida's straight forwardness and ethical behaviour stands out among the vibrant Goan and the Indian community! There is hardly any Goan organization left where he has not contributed or assisted in some way or the other - be it for sports (football and cricket), cultural or social. "You see several Goans now in the forefront, he confides, "well, I nominated, groomed and guided them" over the years!

He studied at Victoria High School, Mahim-Bombay and completed S.S.C.E. St. Joseph's High School, Arpora-Goa at the age of 14 years, and later graduated at DM's College of Commerce, Mapusa-Goa. Gaspar landed in Kuwait in 1981 directly with the M.S. Al-Essa Group. His father, Geraldo G. Almeida worked in Kuwait since 1961 for the same establishment.

At this time he received training through Pitsman's Institute London, and later joined M.A. Al-Kharafi Industries and Establishments. Presently he works as the 'Department Head' for M.A. Al-Kharafi Group's international marketing division. He is simple, frank, open hearted, fast at the keyboards and a dedicated person, always in the forefront! It is these attributes that helps him to assist the community and through his social contacts.

Together with Ulysses Menezes of http://www.goa-world.com/ website, they pioneered the only online Konkani international music station in 2000, and the first Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter - the finest having the largest subscriber base for the Middle East-based Goans in 1994.

This tall and resourceful Goan was hand-picked for a special guest appearance role in the first Konkani e-cinema "BLACK" produced by the award winning director T-Bush. He was also the lead publicists with Gasper Crasto for the film. "Computer technology changes at lightning-fast speed. So it's no surprise that the way computer generated images depicted on the silver screen has developed rapidly in recent years".

And "BLACK" has created history for Konkani cinema, propelling it in futuristic film genre as envisaged by T-Bush Films International. Gaspar is the longest elected Hon. General Secretary of the Goan Welfare Society (GWS) - a unique record to-date for any Goan. "I am elected 'unopposed' always", he coyly smiles.

It's a rare honour for this Goan who is known for his simplicity and style. He has immensely contributed towards scores of Goan/Indian organizations including Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) as Vice President and earlier Gen.Secretary, as President of Saligao Sports Club (Kuwait), as Secretary of Young Goans Association (Kuwait), Member of Goans International Worldwide - a cyber organization since 1995, as committee member of CRY-Child, Rights & You-FOCC Kuwait Chapter, as member of Writers Guild Kuwait, and as coordination committee member of India's 40th anniversary celebrations in Kuwait, and PR & Exhibitions Coordinator in Kuwait and Lebanon, among others.

Events like 'Goa Day' in Kuwait has been promoted by him, and he fondly claims that it was through the internet media and the www.goa-world.com website team that this concept has now taken wings and is organized now in the Middle East, Europe, Australia, India and the Americas annually. A special mention has to be made on Gaspar - He assisted scores of Indians in the post-invasion period to get their previous assignments and jobs to many new comers. It was by sheer opportunity, having stayed back during the occupation period that he was able to do this yeomen service specially to the Goans in Goa and Mumbai.

Writing for Konkani and English publications in Goa and Mumbai, Gaspar says his favourite Konkani magazine is 'GULAB' - now in its silver jubilee year, and the Konkani weekly "V-Ixtt" and he loved Khuswant Singh's articles and RK Laxman's Cartoons. "I have been reading Konkani magazines like 'Dor Mhoinneachi Rotti' since I was 8 years", he recollects.

We are the third generation subscribers to this periodical! My favourite Indian English newspaper is "The Indian Express". Having contributed for English newspapers in Kuwait covering Goan/Indian sports, cultural and social events, Gaspar has also been nominated as the representative/special correspondent for Middle East Construction - a U.K. based trade publication. The best article penned by him in English titled "Another Sunday" depicting a short family story - summing up a day's throughfare based on his village lifestyle in Parra, Bardez, has been translated in over 15 Indian languages including Konkani (in three scripts), Kannada, Marathi, Tamil, Malayalam, etc. and also in French.

He says. "I will publish it in print some day" when more translations are done. Presently it is online in 'blog' format and on several online writers' websites. He likes to contribute to websites which promotes Goans and Konkani. "At www.goa-world.com we are happy to have promoted several English and Konkani writers/poets/contributors and small business endeavours of Goans in Goa and abroad since 1994". As an example, he mentioned having contributed to a historic research paper "Goans Away from Home - Migration to the Middle East" by Fatima da Silva Gracias -Lusotopie 2000"! Having had the opportunity to visit many European, Middle East, Asian and the CIS countries during his official business visits and holiday tours, he says "I like 'Cyprus' and the lifestyle of Cypriots". They have vast similarities to the Goans in all walks of life.

When asked for his views on the Goan community in Kuwait, Gaspar proudly says, "Goans, have craved a name and prestige among our Kuwaiti brethren especially in business and the services industries. Goans have excelled in important positions as administrators/quality control managers in contracting companies, engineers/technicians/planners in construction and consulting enterprises, professionals/ marketing executives in trading, IT and consumer products industry, doctors/nurses/ medical professionals in hospitals, blood bank, health centres, as school principals and teachers, photographers, as executive/services personnel in the airline, travel and hospitality trade, and not to forget the services of those in the domestic sector since the early '60s!"

He has always strived to improve the Goan and Konkani image - more importantly of that of tiatrists (stage artistes), composers, sportsmen and musicians. He has been known to have countered those who create ripples and controversies in the community. "I go out of my way to get the facts right". When questioned if these had any impact on him personally, he laughed, "You see, I have no enemies of my own making". To a curious observer, many-a-times one sees him as 'special invitee' at social and sports events and Konkani dramas/musicals, both of the professionals and the amateur lot. "I like to call a stone a stone", his well known popular remark sums it all. And it is very much evident when he is specially called in to write a review for the press and internet media.

His wife, Dorothy DeSouza Almeida, excelled in studies being a second state ranker at the higher secondary Goa Board exam while at St. Xavier's College, Mapusa-Goa. Presently, she works as Administrator cum Business Development Co-ordinator for Parsons Brinckerhoff - International Engineering Consultants, having worked earlier for the British Business Forum (BBF) as Administrator. They are blessed with two children, son Dwane John and daughter Charmaine Melrose studying in Jabriya Indian School. While Charmaine is a studious girl with flair for painting and writing, Dwane is keen about cricket and sports. Gaspar enjoys life with full satisfaction and once back in Goa, wishes to establish a specialised PR firm to promote Goa's leisure industry. It's his ambition and I wish him the very best.

-Forwarded by gaspersWorld

On Babush Monsurate Incident.

To Veronica,

From Olavo Joao, Merces St.Cruz, Goa, Kuwait.

Sub: One voice to save our future generations.

I am in Kuwait and famous reader of Kranti.com. I really appreciate your concern for Goans in Kuwait & rest of the world. I am not a member of any club in Kuwait. So I am writing from my heart. I really love your writings in goa.kranti and coming forward to tell you what's in my mind. I would highly appreciate if you could send this email to all around the world and on newspaper in Goa. With all my LOVE for all the Goans around the world.

Day 19th Feb 2008, murdered all the GOANS/rest of all the Indians all around the world. A day to remember for all the Goans. SAVIOR is born to save Goa, and that is MLA Babush Monserrate of Taleigao, Goa. 19th Feb 2008 a day we all Goans should be mourning. Just like 9/11 in America. Please do not sleep now requesting all the Goan clubs in Kuwait and all over the world. Pleace come out in ONE VOICE and bring justice, law and order for Goa. WHO ?////////// ????????? ???? ???????/

Common man in Goa now cannot sleep in peace. Requesting all the Goans now to fight for our human rights as what happened in Goa on 19th Feb 2008, should not happen to our Goans in Goa when we are there. Requesting all the Goans CLUBS, associations to be united under one banner. Please do not think that what happened is political game. Government is not in this game. It's totally personal. CM of Goa is Mr. Clean where this matter is concerned. So please do give your support to Mr. Digamber now as he is really in need. Without you in Kuwait he can do nothing, just think how many Goans are in Kuwait and justifly. If all the Goan clubs are true Goans than show me who you all are. Ultimately your children will be in Goa one day. I am coming forward to save our future Goan generation. If all think that you can sit here all your life, you all are mistaken. I am not a member of any Club in Kuwait. I am independant and will always remain WHO I am. You all the clubs have so many things in life to do. Do now for Goa.

See what is happening as I don't have to tell you all. My humble request to all the Clubs in Kuwait to be united and fight now or never. Tomorrow your children will be in Goa, we will all die. Save them now. (ALL THE CLUBS ARE ALL WELCOME TO MAKE ANY SUGGESTION) EMAIL: olavocarlos@yahoo.co.in I am looking forward for suggestions from all the clubs. I may not live today but its to save our future generation. Wake up all the CLUBS in Kuwait.

With Love,
Olavo Joao,
Kuwait/Merces Goa.

Konkani Kullvar Seminar on short stories

Kuwait Feb 24, 2008: Konkani Kullvar, Kuwait, a Konkani Writer's Forum in Kuwait, organized a one day Seminar/Workshop on Short Stories with Mr. Dolphy F. Lobo (widely known as Dolphy Cascia, a Konkani Writer, Novelist, and Editor in Konkani ), on Friday 22nd February 2008 at Indian Community School (Amman Branch) Salmiyah, Kuwait.

It was a remarkable day in Konkani Literature here in Kuwait as more than forty participants participated in this event including some new comers and two Goan Writers. The day began with the registration of participants followed by breakfast. The workshop was divided into three sessions.

The first session began with Lancy Pinto Nayak, the convener of Kullvar welcoming the crowd with enthusiasm followed by a silent prayer. He presented the importance of the workshop and requested all the participants to introduce themselves. Mr. Nayak gave detailed introduction about the new comers and the Goan participants before handing over to Shaan Bondel to conduct proceedings of the day.

The workshop began with the lighting of a lamp by Lacy Pinto Nayak (Convener), Janet Almeida (Ghurkarnn), Shaan Bondel (PRO) and Dolphy Cascia. Shaan gave a brief introduction of Dolphy Cascia. In his introduction, he said, this is a memorable day to have Mr. Cascia with us, as we will have an opportunity to learn more than we know about short stories and he is highly known for it. He recalled Cascia's contribution to Konkani as a writer (46 novels, 35 dramas and more than 300 short stories) and said, it was a Konkani Record that, his ‘Dee Mhaka Bhogsannem' drama had recorded 148 shows and there was no other Editor who had worked as an Editor for more than 25 years with three papers together (Jhelo, Mitr and Kurov).

Participants: (Sitting) M/s. Olivera Flavia, Lino, Lawrence Pinto, Dolphy Cascia, Veronica Fernandes, Janet Almeida, (standing - first row) Reyan Lobo, Precilla, Pashant Ferrao, Christine Pinto, Ida D’silva, Clara Fernandes, Ivan Almeida (second row) Lancy Pinto Nayak, Ronald D’souza, Benna Fajir, Thomas Lobo, J. D. S. Navunda, Austin Brahmavar, Gibba Kulshekar, Vinay Lewis, Alexander Fernandes, Vincent Barboza, Faustine Pinto, L. J. Brahmavar and shaan bondel

Mr. Cascia shared his knowledge in Konkani Literature, especially in Short Stories as a writer and an editor. He gave basic introduction on Konkani literature to the new Writers and spoke on the fundamentals of Short Stories. Mr Cascia speaking on different stages of writing a Short Story said that any story would begin with a plot of the story (vost), followed by beginning of the story (survat), flow of the story (vhallo), and finally, ending the story (anthy). He spoke continuously for more than two hours in the morning session including the Short Stories Title(naamv). By the end of first session he presented his views about the activities to be done by a writer with an editor of the newspaper and he explained the responsibilities of a writer with any editor. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a good relationship between a writer and an editor to the growth of Konkani.

Recalling his experience as an editor he said that he nurtured many new writers under his guidance who have become well known writers today.

The first session was followed by a lunch catered by Mr Jossie of M&M confectionary. Mr. Ivan Almeida and friends presented some melodious Konkani Songs and entertained the participants during the lunch break. M/s. Vinay Lewis, Vincent Barboza and Vrinda Lewis added their voices. Austin Brahmavar arranged the music. After the lunch, Ivan continued the fun by conducting the games organized by Prashant Ferrao and Janet Almeida.

This was followed by Shaan Bondel presenting the Humorous Poetry Session. M/s. Austin Brahmavar, Olivera Flavia Trasi, J. D. S. Navunda, Ida D'Silva Paladka, Silvan D'Almeida, L. J. Brahmavar, Faustine Pinto Ghantalkatte, Lancy Pinto Nayak and Shaan bondel presented their poems and entertained the crowd. Two poems from Mr. Lino (Goan Poet) especially attracted the participants as well as Lancy's 'ticho ani tacho' and Shaan's 'vecho kaall' received showers of claps.

Mr Dolphy Cascia continued to anchor the rest of second session in which he reviewed the book 'Kullvarchem Dirvem' written by various writers of Konkani Kullvar, published by Konkani Kullvar Kuwait in year 2007, edited by Shaan Bondel and dedicated to Late Johny Suratkal. In his review, he appreciated the great work of Kullvar by publishing the book like Kullvarchem Dirvem, which included 13 high quality short stories, 5 poems, one article on Johny Suratkal, poems on Johny Suratkal, and a editorial. He congratulated the Kullvar Members for their efforts towards the Book and requested to publish more books in future. He however though felt the absence of humorous articles. He also congratulated the Editor of this book Shaan Bondel. Mr Cascia remembered late Johny Suratkal and his association with him. Mrs. Ida D'Silva recalled that, this day was also Johny's birthday and it was really a very big coincident and surprise for the participants.

The final session of the day was felicitation. Mr. Veronica Fernandes (a wellknown Goan Journalist who attended the workshop from morning session) presented a memento to Dolphy Cascia. Mrs. Janet Almeida presented a brief introduction of Dolphy Cascia and Mr. Nayak introduced Mr. Veronica Fernandes respectively. Mr. Lino (Goan Poet) also accompanied Mr. Veronica Fernandes to greet Mr. Cascia.

Mr. Lawrence Pinto (widely known as Loryaab in Kuwait) felicitated Mrs. Olivera Flavia, Trasi, the winner of ‘Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Special Award 2007' for her book 'sukha-dukhachim don panam punn mogachim'. She is also an active member of Kullvar. Mrs. Janet Almeida presented her achievements in Konkani and Mr. Nayak gave a short introduction of Mr. Lawrence Pinto. Olivea Flavia thanked Mr. Lawrence Pinto and Kullvar. Shaan on this occasion said that it was a happiest moment for the Kullvar as Olivera Flavia was the third member of Kullvar who won the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Award. Prior to her, Lancy Pinto Nayak Kulshekar and Stanro Ajekar were honored.

The organizer of the event Mr. Prashant Ferrao gave vote of thanks. Shaan Bondel compered the seminar. Mr. Kevin D'Mello Karkal and other senior writers such as M/s. Gibba Kulshekar and Benna Fajir were also present on the occasion.

-News foward by Lancy Nayak lancynayak@yahoo.com