Norman Noronha - A Goan with a Dream...!

Norman Noronha - A Goan with a Dream...!

-by Gasper Crasto

Read the complete article at: http://gaspersworld.blogspot.com/ 

All throughout history, Goans are known to have ventured out to different parts of the globe in search of new prospects.

Prominent Goans living abroad have excelled outstandingly in various fields with their dedication and hard work. In Kuwait, Goan individuals have long made a mark as leaders in their own right. The most important thing is that Goans have retained their emotional, cultural and spiritual links with Goa.

In this article, we trace the life of Norman Noronha - a Goan in Kuwait, a Goan with a dream. 24th June 2013 marks a new landmark in Norman’s life as he celebrates his 50th year!

Norman Noronha, hails from Colmorrod ward in Navelim, Goa, famous for producing some of the finest footballers who have represented Goa and played at International level.

:::Love for Football:::
Norman has represented Rosary High School, Navelim at Under-16 & 19 tournaments, represented Shree Damodars College of Commerce & Economics, Margao - Goa in Football for 5 years. He is a gold medalist at Inter-collegiate football tournaments of Mumbai University, Mumbai. Norman also played for his village clubs CRSC, Enfermos, Navelim Sporting, etc, in Inter-Village tournaments all over Goa.

In Kuwait, Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) runs football for the expatriates in Kuwait. Players from all over India are eligible to participate in football tournaments under KIFF. Most of the teams are from Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, etc.

Many famous ex-players who have represented Goa and India have played in Kuwait, with some young stars heading to the Oil rich country every year. Some of the most prominent players to have played in Kuwait are Joseph Machado, ex-Dempo and East Bengal; Joseph Salemao, ex-Mafatlal; Anthony Rebello, ex-Salgoancars; Sarto Baptisa, ex-Salgoancars; Tiago Fernandes, ex-Dempo-Salgaocars; Gasper Crasto -ex-Salgoancars; Britto Pereria, ex-Vasco Sports Club; Agnello Miranda, ex-Dempos; Avelino Dias, Goa Under-21 National; Alvaro Dias, ex-Churchill Brothers.

While in Kuwait, Norman played as a rearguard defender for United Goans Centre and his village team Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) on the famous Sour grounds of Kuwait till 1995. His combination alongside Alcantra Barretto (ex-Salgaocars), Albin (Sesa Goa), etc, was most fearsome at that time.

Norman left active participation in football following a lethal knee injury and an ensuing knee operation.

After football, Norman has been very lively in management activities of KIFF. He was KIFF Sports Secretary during the Kuwait visit of dynamic GFA administrator and then Hon. General Secretary of All India Football Federation Mr. Albert Colaco.

Norman is one of the founder members of one of the most popular clubs in Kuwait - Navelim Youth Centre, which was formed in 1987 under the presidentship of Mr. Joseph Salema. Since the inception of the Navelim, Norman has held various positions for the club in the capacity of Vice President, General Secretary, Asst. Treasurer, Auditor, Advisor, etc, and continues to do so with great enthusiasm.

Norman is working for Lloyd's Register EMEA, Kuwait, as an Administrator. He has travelled extensively, visiting most of the Middle-East Gulf countries.

:::Advice to Footballers and Writers:::
Norman says, “My advice to footballers in Kuwait, where most are playing for leisure, is that, players should play in the true spirit to enjoy the game. As for writers, more people should come forward to write in our own mother tongue Konkani.”

:::Writing Skills:::
Right from a very young age, Norman has been blessed with profound writing skills. He has written a number of Konkani articles and short stories which are published in various magazines and newspapers. His penchant of writing short stories has improved since 2010 when his first story ‘Mhojea Bhurgeaponnacho Ugddass’ was published.

Till date, Norman has a collection of 13 stories, 3 of the best ones are published in the Goan Review magazine published from Mumbai. His story ‘Festacho Dis’ is very popular among readers. Most of his works are archived in his blog:http://normannoronha.blogspot.com/

“Someday, I intend to publish a book - a collection of my stories,” reveals the enthusiastic writer.

:::Life in Kuwait:::
Norman is greatly indebted to the country of Kuwait. In his own words, he says, “What I could not achieve or think of achieving in Goa, I have accomplished working in Kuwait." He feels life, both in Kuwait and Goa, is susegad. "However, there is a lack of unity among Goans which is a major concern for every generation.”

:::Source of Inspiration:::
Norman says he is highly indebted to his brother-in-law late Mr. Joe Coutinho who was a source of inspiration and great help when he was young.

:::Memorable Moment in Life:::
“My most memorable moment in life remains my graduation day. It was highly distinctive for any middle-class person of my time to be a graduate in the family.”

:::Greatest Loss in Life:::
“The untimely death of my nephew Elias Coutinho at a young age will personally remain a great loss in my life.”

:::Best Friend in Life:::
“Cyril Fernandes (Ex-President – Goa Shipyard Employees Union), is my close friend for the last 25 years.”

:::Life with Family:::
Norman married Tase Crasto in 1994 and has a daughter (Marissa) as tall as him. The family is happily living in Kuwait.

:::Future Plans:::
“To settle down in Goa, and try my hand at mechanized farming.”

:::Email:::
normankwt@hotmail.com

NAVELIM YOUTH CENTER WINS FINAL IN KUWAIT.

NAVELIM YOUTH CENTRE LIFT GLITTERING J. P. DMELLO TROPHY

INDIAN ICON SUNIL CHHETRI GRACES FINAL.

 

Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) inscribed their name on the glittering J. P. D’Mello Trophy when they subdued a fighting 10 men Indian Strikers FC 2-1 in the final of the KIFF League Championship organized by Kuwait Indian Football Federation and played at the Al-Qadsyia Stadium on Friday, 14th June 2013 at 6:30pm. The yearlong tournament featuring 18 teams from the expatriate Indian community in Kuwait was officiated by the Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) and the final was sponsored by Gulf Cable & Electric Industries Company, Kuwait.

The final got underway when the day’s dashing host Kevin Vaz the Sports Secretary of KIFF welcomed the guest and KIFF General Secretary Praveen Kumar escorted Sunil Chhetri the captain of India Soccer Team and a special invitee of KIFF to the field to take the first kick, while both captains released symbolic balloons. Other dignitaries present in the VIP box were the chief guest first secretary Mr. Sushil Kumar on behalf of the Indian Embassy, the guest of honor, Naser Omran Kanan representing Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Company, Asif Juzar owner of Pro Sports and all club presidents.

Indian Strikers FC making their first appearance in the KIFF League final started the game on the back foot with the experienced forwards of Navelim led by the opportunistic Cruzedio Rodrigues and Simao Gaunkar and ably supported by Sunford Cardoz and Bernardo Pires in midfield led wave after wave of attacks and it was only a matter of time before Cruzedio drew first blood when he headed in the first goal in the 20th minute of the first half off a corner kick. Samson who had a wonderful game, made it 2-0 from the penalty spot a little later, when defender Shihin of Indian Strikers acrobatically handled a goal bound ball , and referee Julio Cardoso had no hesitation in giving him the marching orders.

However after interval and with only ten men, the physically stronger and never say die Indian Strikers made a great comeback in the second half when one of their players was brought down in the box and Dustan Paul confidently converted to give his team a glimmer of hope. With the beating of drums and encouraged by their large number of supporters, Indian Strikers forward Roy Pathrose, Biju and Amada tried their level best to find the equalizer, but Navelim Youth Center had other plans and their defense held firm with Man of the Match and captain Duarte Ferrao marshalling from an unusual position of central defender, thwarted all the their attempts. The match ended 2-1 in favor of Navelim when the referee who was ably assisted by Francis Fernandes and Nicholaus Fernandes on the lines finally blew the whistle, much to the relief of the Navelim supporters.

Before the start of the final, the teams paid respect to the late J. P. D’Mello in whose memory the tournament is conducted and after the national anthems of both Kuwait and India were played, Fidelis Fernandes the President of Kuwait Indian Football Federation welcomed the guests and thanked the participating teams as well as the officiating body IFRA. Sunil Chhetri in his brief speech thanked KIFF for inviting him to Kuwait and said he was very impressed with the way the Indian Expatriate community promoted the game of soccer in Kuwait. During half time, The Federation also made time to honor Mr. Raymond D’Sa the longest serving president of Goan overseas Association (Goa Maroons) for his selfless service to the community and Indian soccer while Fr. Francis (Franco) Pereira Sdb., was also felicitated for his contribution to promoting soccer among the youth and for having completed 25 years of priesthood. Both the awards to the distinguished gentlemen were given by KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes.

In the prize distribution ceremony, Navelim Youth Centre swept all the individual trophies with Man of the match being rightly won by Duarte Ferrao and given by Kevin Vaz, Best Goalkeeper Britto Pereira given by Stephen Fernandes, best defender was Alfred Pires and given by Seby Dias, best midfielder was Bernardo Pires given by Joseph Gomes and best forward was Cruzedio Rodrigues and the award was given by Mrs. Rauzat Juzar.

The runners-up and individual trophies were given away by the guest of honor Naser Omran Kanan to Dustan Paul the captain of Indian Strikers and the players, while Fidelis Fernandes and Sunil Chhetri jointly gave away the winner’s trophy and individual trophies to Duarte Ferrao of Navelim Youth Centre and their players. Mrs. Aratha Fernandes gave away the trophies to the Referees.

AVC Sports & Cultural Association under the captainship of Kevin Vaz were declared the ‘Seasons Champions’ and this is the 5th time AVC - Kuwait have been awarded season championship by KIFF in a span of 12 years from the club inception . In this season AVC - Kuwait accumulated the maximum number of points to win the championship after winning the season ending NYC trophy. The glittering trophy was collected by Alvaro Dias and given away by Mr. Sushil Kumar. The Rolling Trophy was given away by Sunil Chhetri and collected by Vincy Pereira on behalf of his club. Striker Anthony Rodrigues of AVC – Kuwait was also awarded the highest goal scorer for the season and besides the trophy given away by Praveen Kumar, Anthony also received a gold coin from the hands of Mr. V. K. Vohra.

The Fair Play Trophy for being the best disciplined team during the season was won by Real Betalbatim FC and it was collected by the club president Vijay Gonsalves and given away by KIFF V. President, Derrick Gomindes .

GOA GIVES A LUMINARY TO THE JUDICIARY

By Aires Rodrigues

 

It will be a proud moment for Goa and Goans when our very own Mahesh Sonak is sworn in as Judge of the Bombay High Court at a function tomorrow at 10 am at the Bombay High Court in Mumbai. It will be a very special moment for Mahesh’s mother while his father the late Adv. S.K.Sonak , who was also a very illustrious lawyer, will be cheering his son from the heavens. Indeed, his imprint of moral integrity is unmistakably to be seen in his son.

As Mahesh Sonak assumes this momentous responsibility and the onerous burden cast on him, may these words of Mahatma Gandhi be his guiding maxims “There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supercedes all other courts”.

Mahesh, along with another seven other very distinguished practicing lawyers, will take on the responsibility to dispense justice. Of the other seven being sworn in as Judges, five are from Mumbai and one each from Nagpur and Aurangabad. This will bring the strength of the Bombay High Court judges to 60, as against the sanctioned strength of 75. Three judges are due to retire later this year, including Justice A.P. Lavande on 20th August.

Our all deserving Mahesh Sonak who has always conducted himself with utmost dignity and decorum has been rightly selected to be a Judge. I have over the years had the occasion to appear against him in various petitions. A gentleman to the core, with a very broad outlook. Always very fair and understanding even to his opponent lawyer. It was a pleasure to appear against him. Very straight forward, humble, soft-spoken and very sincere. Never had a legal trick concealed under his sleeve which today unfortunately is becoming an integral vital part of the legal profession.

Mahesh Sonak has been unique. Despite having big business houses, the Casino operators and the Mining lords as his clients, he always also had the time and zeal to espouse the causes of the poor, deprived and the down trodden. All these typical qualities of Mahesh Sonak need to be imbibed by all those in the legal profession.

The meaning of the name ‘Mahesh’ is ‘great ruler’. Wishing Justice Mahesh Sonak all the very best while he steps up on the Temple of Justice. May he continue to be the Mahesh he always has been for the enlightened.