G’BYE GOA: GOAN EMIGRATION.
By Valmiki Faleiro.
Goan paradoxes will never cease to fascinate. If she got populated through a series of waves of in-migrations at different points of time in her history, beginning from about 4,000-3,000 BC, Goa also got depopulated through an almost equal and reverse process of out-migrations. The idea that emigration was largely forced and occurred only during the Portuguese era is, as I wrote last Sunday, entirely erroneous. Goan émigrés are almost as old as Goa herself.
Panna, a Goan Saraswat from Ambaulim-Quepem, migrated to Sopara, traded in things like sandalwood and areca,with as distant places as Mudguiri and Tibet, then turned into a disciple of Buddha,returned to Goa to spread the faith, and died at age 80 – all in the pre-Christian(forget Portuguese!) era. Panna is the first famous Goan expatriate. There could have been others before. Down history, Goans – Saraswats and Vanis in particular – moved outside Goa for better economic opportunity. Save during the Kadamba and Portuguese epochs, Goa witnessed political vicissitudes. New rulers or kingdoms generally brought with them new economic opportunity. And fresh waves of out-migration.
The Shenvis of Cortalim, rated intellectually the most ‘superior’ of Salcete Saraswats,were known across ages to have migrated to neighbouring kingdoms. They worked as teachers and accountants, may have depleted treasuries at their workplace, but dutifully returned to hearth-‘n’-home, built new temples or added to existing ones, or bought properties and bequeathed them to temples, to perpetuate their memory! All these, remember, were voluntary – not forced – emigrations. Down the wavers of history, finally arrived the Muslims. Many Goans fled during the invasions of Mallik Kafur and Ghazni Mohammed. Then came the Portuguese. And,soon, a mass Goan exodus. One arose from socio-religious bigotry. The other, from fresh economic opportunity outside Goa (and later, the lack of any within Goa.) The former was not restricted to Hindus alone, as wrongly believed, but covered Catholics as well – who, running the risk of being reported to the ‘Holy Office’ of the Inquisition, fled to coastal Karnataka and elsewhere.
New economic opportunities took Goans to places as afar as Cochin, San Thome(Chennai), Bassein (Vasai), Gujarat, and Chittagong/Ungolim (Hoogly) in Bengal. Many prospered – as did Sir Roger Faria, from Panjim, who dumped opium on Chinaby the shipload, from his bases in Calcutta, Bombay and Macau, but in latter times. Colonialism was a drain on the Goan economy. Locals were taxed to fund colonial wars with neighbouring kingdoms and missionary activities in India. Bulk of Goa’s land was owned by a few ‘ganvkars.’
For the common Goan, subsistence farming was the only way to keep body and soul together. In this grim scenario came the decline of the Portuguese in the East. Goa, by the last quarter of the 16th century, was engulfed in all round Portuguese profligacy, venality and corruption. Lassitude reigned supreme, and the Dutch struck. With their frequent naval blockades from 1603 to 1644, the Dutch starved an already languishing Goa. Economic decline led to the per force emigration. This time largely of Goan Catholics,by now the vast majority of Goa’s populace (then comprising of only the three Old Conquest talukas of Bardez, Tiswadi and Salcete.) This wave of ‘per force’ migration gradually began from the 17th century. It arose purely from economic realities, and survives to this day, encompassing the wider boundaries of modern Goa – despite the fact that we have held our destiny in our hands now close to fifty years.
By the early 1700s, Portuguese historian Vitorino Magalhaes Godinho estimated that Bengal alone had between 20,000 to 34,000 Goan emigrants. Things got worse locally with Portugal’s new found interest in sugarcane-rich Brazil. Vitorino summed it succinctly: the Luso Empire thrived on West African gold in the 15th century, on Oriental pepper in the 16th and on Brazilian sugar in the 17th century. By the 18th century, helpless Goans had to fend for themselves – beyond Goa.
PS: Internet trivia: the total solar eclipse July 22, at 6.26-6.30am, will be the last in our lifetime. It’ll next occur over India on June 3, 2114! (ENDS.)
The Valmiki Faleiro weekly.
July 19, 2009
July 17, 2009
ADEUS IXTTA THOMAS.
ADEUS IXTTA THOMAS.
Almost after 40 years of working in Kuwait, my friend and once colleague Thomas Martinho Fernades finally bade adieu to Kuwait last week. A very active member of Goan community hailing from Navelim the village that gave two great sons to Goa and India, namely Portuguese Parliamentarian who represented Goa in Portuguese Parliament Dr. Francis Luis Gomes and Cardinal Gracias – the first Goan Cardinal. I first met Thomas in 1975 when I joined Behbehani Motors Company where he was already working successfully. When he came to know of my credentials in Goa in sporting fields in athletics and in soccer thru mouth to mouth propaganda and also thru media, he hugged me with admiration saying “Are you the same Anthony Veronica the champion athlete of Goa, fastest runner of Goa and defender of Sesa Goa soccer team?” When I replied affirmatively, he became very good friend of mine guiding and helping me on the job. He was good in his job and liked by our superiors. Because of his smartness on the job, he was seconded to company’s Bahrain branch for one year to help develop Bahrain branch. He was very young and youthful then and still he looks youthful.
Being a member of yesteryears Goan community, he showed great love for all Goan causes and truly supported every Goan cause that we initiated from Kuwait for the cause of Goa and community. When Goans initiated competitive soccer activities for Indians, he was on forefront with United Goans Football Center to promote our soccer. Day and night one could see him at Sour Grounds during those hectic days. In 1980 -81 season when UGFC vindictively suspended G.O.A. Maroons from the League tourney and thereby created foul athmosphere all around, Thomas opposed this suspension and tried as a peace maker to bring reconciliation between the two warring clubs but in vain. He loved peace and friendship.
When I took the initiative to form KUWAIT KONKNNI KENDR with the help of another prominent Navelkar, Mr. Elvino Rodrigues, Thomas was one of the first to support me with his active participation but due to his difficult job schedule he failed to become active Executive Body Member. Otherwise he helped all our activities since he was a great lover of Konkani.
When I formed Novem Goem Pratishthan Kuwait Somithi with Alexandre M. Fernandes and others for the starting of people’s Daily “NOVEM GOEM” in Goa, though Thomas was not our Kuwait committee member yet he supported this move very strongly. During those days he was the only Navelkar displaying prominently the flag of Navelim in support of Goa, Goan culture and tradition.
As a lover of Tiatro, he always supported me in organising Tiatros for the cause of Konkani and to raise funds for the cause of Direct Flight from Kuwait to Goa. It always gave him pleasure to work for the cause of Goa and community. He was not a sectarian Navelkar confining his activities for the cause of Navelim only and looking around Navelim only but he was also a metropolitan Goan looking beyond Navelim and as a matter of fact, he had acceptance from Goan community beyond Navelim residents in Kuwait. Even though he was so popular in Goan community yet he never allowed to make publicity of his social work thru Press writings. He did not like cheap publicity to gain cheap prominence, neither in the Goan community nor among Navelkars. He was not a cheap Navelkar,he was a thorough humble gentleman and was very much responsible for creating a good image of Navelim Youth Center.
His greatest contribution for the cause of Goan community was his strong support for the promotion of GOA-KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER activities during the invasion of Kuwait. Along with Elvino Rodrigues, Thomas made heavy awakening in Navelim to mobilize strong force of Kuwait evacuee Navelkars to join in our Rallies at Panjim in support of the liberation of Kuwait. Kuwait evacuee Navelkars came in special Buses with big banners displayed on the hood of the Buses. Unfortunately those who claim to be the leaders of Navelim abstained from participating in this movement thereby showing their opposition to the liberation movement of Kuwait. Such people should be thrown out not only from the Club circle but also from Kuwait.
Thomas Martinho Fernades made Navelim proud. Thomas was great for dishing out great efforts for the cause of Goa. I salute him and wish him best of retired life in Goa and hope, if possible, given a chance he would take active part in the local affairs of Navelim. Under the current corrupt political bigwigs, Navlim lost its pristine greatness. Parliamentarian Francis Luis Gomes brought political honour for Navelim while the current Navelim politicians brought corruption in all fields. This trend has to be arrested. I hope our Thomas will play his role well to bring political discipline in his locality.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
Almost after 40 years of working in Kuwait, my friend and once colleague Thomas Martinho Fernades finally bade adieu to Kuwait last week. A very active member of Goan community hailing from Navelim the village that gave two great sons to Goa and India, namely Portuguese Parliamentarian who represented Goa in Portuguese Parliament Dr. Francis Luis Gomes and Cardinal Gracias – the first Goan Cardinal. I first met Thomas in 1975 when I joined Behbehani Motors Company where he was already working successfully. When he came to know of my credentials in Goa in sporting fields in athletics and in soccer thru mouth to mouth propaganda and also thru media, he hugged me with admiration saying “Are you the same Anthony Veronica the champion athlete of Goa, fastest runner of Goa and defender of Sesa Goa soccer team?” When I replied affirmatively, he became very good friend of mine guiding and helping me on the job. He was good in his job and liked by our superiors. Because of his smartness on the job, he was seconded to company’s Bahrain branch for one year to help develop Bahrain branch. He was very young and youthful then and still he looks youthful.
Being a member of yesteryears Goan community, he showed great love for all Goan causes and truly supported every Goan cause that we initiated from Kuwait for the cause of Goa and community. When Goans initiated competitive soccer activities for Indians, he was on forefront with United Goans Football Center to promote our soccer. Day and night one could see him at Sour Grounds during those hectic days. In 1980 -81 season when UGFC vindictively suspended G.O.A. Maroons from the League tourney and thereby created foul athmosphere all around, Thomas opposed this suspension and tried as a peace maker to bring reconciliation between the two warring clubs but in vain. He loved peace and friendship.
When I took the initiative to form KUWAIT KONKNNI KENDR with the help of another prominent Navelkar, Mr. Elvino Rodrigues, Thomas was one of the first to support me with his active participation but due to his difficult job schedule he failed to become active Executive Body Member. Otherwise he helped all our activities since he was a great lover of Konkani.
When I formed Novem Goem Pratishthan Kuwait Somithi with Alexandre M. Fernandes and others for the starting of people’s Daily “NOVEM GOEM” in Goa, though Thomas was not our Kuwait committee member yet he supported this move very strongly. During those days he was the only Navelkar displaying prominently the flag of Navelim in support of Goa, Goan culture and tradition.
As a lover of Tiatro, he always supported me in organising Tiatros for the cause of Konkani and to raise funds for the cause of Direct Flight from Kuwait to Goa. It always gave him pleasure to work for the cause of Goa and community. He was not a sectarian Navelkar confining his activities for the cause of Navelim only and looking around Navelim only but he was also a metropolitan Goan looking beyond Navelim and as a matter of fact, he had acceptance from Goan community beyond Navelim residents in Kuwait. Even though he was so popular in Goan community yet he never allowed to make publicity of his social work thru Press writings. He did not like cheap publicity to gain cheap prominence, neither in the Goan community nor among Navelkars. He was not a cheap Navelkar,he was a thorough humble gentleman and was very much responsible for creating a good image of Navelim Youth Center.
His greatest contribution for the cause of Goan community was his strong support for the promotion of GOA-KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER activities during the invasion of Kuwait. Along with Elvino Rodrigues, Thomas made heavy awakening in Navelim to mobilize strong force of Kuwait evacuee Navelkars to join in our Rallies at Panjim in support of the liberation of Kuwait. Kuwait evacuee Navelkars came in special Buses with big banners displayed on the hood of the Buses. Unfortunately those who claim to be the leaders of Navelim abstained from participating in this movement thereby showing their opposition to the liberation movement of Kuwait. Such people should be thrown out not only from the Club circle but also from Kuwait.
Thomas Martinho Fernades made Navelim proud. Thomas was great for dishing out great efforts for the cause of Goa. I salute him and wish him best of retired life in Goa and hope, if possible, given a chance he would take active part in the local affairs of Navelim. Under the current corrupt political bigwigs, Navlim lost its pristine greatness. Parliamentarian Francis Luis Gomes brought political honour for Navelim while the current Navelim politicians brought corruption in all fields. This trend has to be arrested. I hope our Thomas will play his role well to bring political discipline in his locality.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
July 16, 2009
Warm Farewell extended to Founder Member
By Gasper CrastoKuwait: Thomas Martinho Fernandes, founder member of Navelim Youth Centre(NYC) was felicitated at a warm farewell party organized by the club at Village Inn Hotel on Monday, 13th June 2009.
The evening was set in motion by live music by young talented musicians of Navelim, Lentini and Platini Luis.
Thomas was honored with a memento for being the founder member of the club and in recognition for his immense contribution towards the club and community. Speaking on the occasion, NYC Vice-President Luis D’Silva said, “Thomas was an architect and one of the pillars of the club who always stood for unity among its members.”
Thomas, who first came to Kuwait in 1970, was employed by Morad Yousuf Behbehani Group for whom he worked for a year in Bahrain as well. Later he worked with Al Nisf, Boodai Group and Atlas Copco.
Thomas was one of the foremost persons instrumental in establishing Navelim Youth Centre in Kuwait. He was highly active in social, cultural, sports and charitable works of the club since its inception in 1987. He has served NYC for several years in different capacities. Keeping the youth and senior members of the club united has been one his forte. His creative and dynamic ideas have gained applauds from many members of the club and community.
The members in their speeches recalled Thomas’ humbleness, immense talent and his selfless contribution in helping NYC organize events of excellence in Kuwait and back home in Goa. Senior NYC member Elvino Rodrigues praised Thomas for his gallant efforts in spreading friendship within the community while popular member Junnifer Rod paid rich tributes for his role in serving Konkani dramas and contributing towards Indian Football in Kuwait. Incidentally, it should be noted that Thomas was one of the members of United Goans who were involved in initiating football activities in Kuwait way back in 1979. Thomas was also a strong supporter of Kuwait Konkani Kendr.
"I am leaving with fond memories of Kuwait and the friends that I have made over the years," said an emotional Thomas in his farewell speech.
Thomas leaves Kuwait for good to be with his wife Natalia and two children Kevin and Kimberley.
The evening was set in motion by live music by young talented musicians of Navelim, Lentini and Platini Luis.
Thomas was honored with a memento for being the founder member of the club and in recognition for his immense contribution towards the club and community. Speaking on the occasion, NYC Vice-President Luis D’Silva said, “Thomas was an architect and one of the pillars of the club who always stood for unity among its members.”
Thomas, who first came to Kuwait in 1970, was employed by Morad Yousuf Behbehani Group for whom he worked for a year in Bahrain as well. Later he worked with Al Nisf, Boodai Group and Atlas Copco.
Thomas was one of the foremost persons instrumental in establishing Navelim Youth Centre in Kuwait. He was highly active in social, cultural, sports and charitable works of the club since its inception in 1987. He has served NYC for several years in different capacities. Keeping the youth and senior members of the club united has been one his forte. His creative and dynamic ideas have gained applauds from many members of the club and community.
The members in their speeches recalled Thomas’ humbleness, immense talent and his selfless contribution in helping NYC organize events of excellence in Kuwait and back home in Goa. Senior NYC member Elvino Rodrigues praised Thomas for his gallant efforts in spreading friendship within the community while popular member Junnifer Rod paid rich tributes for his role in serving Konkani dramas and contributing towards Indian Football in Kuwait. Incidentally, it should be noted that Thomas was one of the members of United Goans who were involved in initiating football activities in Kuwait way back in 1979. Thomas was also a strong supporter of Kuwait Konkani Kendr.
"I am leaving with fond memories of Kuwait and the friends that I have made over the years," said an emotional Thomas in his farewell speech.
Thomas leaves Kuwait for good to be with his wife Natalia and two children Kevin and Kimberley.
For more Photos: Play slideshow
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)