Menin You Make Us Proud
Menin Rodrigues presented award
for supporting educational causes in Pakistan by Ms. Pamela
Tarshish, Community Liaison Officer, British Deputy High Commission
Karachi at the ESUP National Public Speaking Comptition 2012
Jesus and Mary Convent principal to be honoured with Sitara Quaid-e-Azam
Father Robert McCollouch also honoured with
Sitara Quaid-e-Azam for his societal and cultural work.
Sister John Berchmans Conway, the Principal Convent of Jesus
& Mary Karachi, and Father Robert McCulloch, Religious Priest Procurator
General to be conferred Sitara Quaid-e-Azam.
The conferment of civil awards upon them was recommended by Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan and endorsed by the Prime Minister. Sister John Berchmans Conway, Principal Convent of Jesus and Mary Karachi, has been conferred Sitara Quaid-e-Azam for her services towards education and promoting interfaith harmony in Pakistan. She has spent 59 years teaching young girls of all faiths from different parts of Pakistan. Under her able leadership, the institution has been providing quality education to Pakistani girls. Sister Conway has touched the lives of countless Pakistani schoolgirls as a mentor, counsellor, friend and teacher. Her constant adherence to the call of duty has made her a living example to emulate, reads a citation forwarded to the President for conferment of Sitara Quaid-e-Azam. Father Robert McCulloch is a member of the Society of Saint Columbian. Apart from being a priest, Father Robert is also the Chairman of the Saint Elizabeth Hospital’s Administrative Council-the hospital that is providing quality medical services to the people of Hyderabad and rural parts of Sindh and also runs a medical outreach programme in the rural Sindh. This hospital is home to one of the few post natal intensive care units in Pakistan. Father McCulloch has also set up the Catholic Centre for Academic Excellence in Hyderabad that provides free education to children from underprivileged families. He has also set up a health development centre. His other major contributions include taking steps to preserve language of Tharparker known as Pakrikohli. He engaged experts around the world and worked on a script to turn this language into a written language. He has also worked hard during the floods of 2010 in Sindh to save precious lives of flood affected people. He arranged to provide food and medical treatment to 1000 families in Southern Pakistan. He is now building accommodation for the flood affected people.
St. Anthony's Parish
celebrates Platinum Jubilee
by Michael Ali
On February 13, 2012 the St. Anthony's Parish in Frere Town,
Karachi will complete 75 years of its existence. In this span of time, the
parish has grown from a small church housed in a donated bungalow to
today's grand building and is one of the leading parishes of the Achdiocese.
History of the parish
The areas constituting – St. Anthony’s parish were formerly a part of
St. Patrick’s Parish. However it was difficult for the families residing beyond
Frere Hall around the Cantonment railway station and all the way to Clifton to
attend masses St. Patrick’s. It was still more inconvenient for the children to
walk all that way and back.
A decision was therefore taken to cut off that
part of St. Patrick’s parish situated beyond the Frere Hall and to erect it
into a separate unit.
Thus, in early 1937 a plot of land with a large
bungalow was acquired in a central locality on McNeil Road. The Bungalow
belonged to Mr. J.S. D’Souza. (Mr. J.S. D’Souza owned a large furniture hiring
firm on Elphinstone Street, Opp. present Moosajee and Sons. Mr. D’Souza
migrated to Canada in the early 1970s).
The First Church
The bungalow, acquired consisted of a
drawing-room surrounded by four large rooms. The central room was converted
into a mini church, two rooms on one side served as the parochial house while
the two others would be utilized as a school.
On February 13, 1937 a relic of St. Anthony was
solemnly brought in procession to his sanctuary and the first parish priest
installed. He was Rev. Fr. Aquina van Liebergen O.F.M.
In early, 1937 the Catholics of the newly formed
parish, formerly under the Archdiocese of Bombay and now a ‘Missio
Independenens’ entrusted to the Franciscan Fathers of the Dutch Province,
consisted chiefly of Europeans and Anglo-Indians employed for the greater part
in the railways and a large number of Goans, South Indians and Punjabis who
worked around the area.
On June 25, 1939 the foundation stone of the
present church was laid, but due to the war, it was decided to postpone the
construction.The architect of this church, built in traditional Gothic style
was Bro. Hilary Lardenoye O.F.M
In the compound of the church is a beautiful
grotto honoring Our Lady.
Thus, the parish of St. Anthony’s is
multi-lingual. Masses are said in English, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil and Konkani
though not necessarily every week but at special times of the Ecclesiastical
year.
According to the Church records St. Anthony’s is
a growing parish. The parish has grown from strength to strength. In 1941 it
had 829 parishioners while in 1945 it rose to 1,021. In 1983, the figure went
up to 6,000 and today, it is estimated to be in the region of 8,000 owing
largely to inter-parish migration mainly from the parishes of Christ the King
and St. Patrick’s and the construction of many residential blocks within
walking distances of the Church, inhabited solely by Catholic families.
Incidentally, St. Anthony’s parish has the
largest number of foreigners as its parishioners. The covered territory
includes the posh area of Clifton and the Defence Housing Society (DHA).
The Apostolic Delegation of the Vatican was also
housed in the parish in its Chancellery at old Clifton after the Holy See
established diplomatic relations with Pakistan on July 17, 1950 in the precinct
of the parish (Stella Maris).
According to the latest figures ( Feb. 2011) the
parish comprises of about 1,250 English and about 1,600 Urdu speaking families
making up a total of roughly 15,000 -18,000 parishioners.
Parish Statistics
In the first year of the erection of the parish
there were 39 Baptisms with the honour of being the first to be Baptised in the
new parish going to Anthony Joseph Mahnga ( February 7, 1937). The first to be
Confirmed by Msgr. Salesius Lemmens, O.F.M. the Ecclesiastical Superior of the
Province was John Ligory Castro on August 1, 1937. In that year 11 children
received this sacrament.
In 1937, only one marriage took place, that of
Hector Rollins and Gladys Morris on November 7. And in the same year the first
funeral was of Philomena Moses who passed away at the age of 1 year and 2
months on April 5, the first adult funeral was of Francina Gomes on June 21,
1937.
The only person from this parish to be conferred
the sacrament of Holy Orders was Rev. Fr. Theophilus D’Souza on January 9,
1972. However, St. Anthony’s has offered seven to the religious life.
They are Sr. Maria Monica, Sr. Cecelia Martin, Sr. Theresa Pinto, Sr. Ernestine
Gomes, Sr. Julie Pacheco and Sr. Clarissa Mary. All joined the Daughters of the
Cross. Also from this parish is Sr. Maqsooda of the Sisters of the Good
Shepard.
The Present Church
On June 25, 1939 the first corner stone of the
new (present) church was laid, but due to the war, it was impossible to execute
the plans. It was decided, therefore, to postpone the construction till after
the war.
In mid 1941 the old ‘Mini-Church’ was painted
and renovated just before the feast of Pentecost. At this celebration the new
and beautiful antependium of the altar, the work of a generous lady artist was
used for the first time. At that time, Rev. Fr. Valens Wienk O.F.M was the
parish priest. Collection of funds for the new church carried on unabated and
the new church dedicated to the great Franciscan Doctor St. Anthony of Padua
was completed in the early 50’s. The architect of this church built in
traditional Gothic style was Bro. (later Fr.) Hilary Lardenoye O.F.M. It has a
seating capacity of about 300. In the compound of the church is a beautiful
grotto honoring our Lady.
In the 2004, the church’s seating capacity was
expanded by building an extension on its left side. This plan was executed
keeping the structure’s overall architectural appearance in mind.
Groups in the Parish
Over the years the following groups have
functioned in the parish, Parish Council, Senior, Junior and Children’s Choirs
(English and Urdu), Legion of Mary ( several presidia), Vincent de Paul Society,
Youth group (English and Urdu), Lector’s group (English and Urdu), Eucharistic
Ministers, Ushers and Collectors, Family of Jesus and Mary, Familia group,
Sunday school (English and Urdu) and Security group.
The parish also has chapters of the Catholic
Women’s Guild, Womens' Sodality and the Goinkar’s Own Academy.
Parish Priests
Below is a list of Parish Priests to date:
Rev. Fr. Aquina van Liebergen, O.F.M.,
Rev. Fr. Valens Weink, O.F.M., Fr. Gordon Weink O.F.M., Fr.
Xavier Paes O.F.M., Fr. Erastus O.F.M., Fr. Michael D’cruz O.F.M.,
Fr. Cyprian Dias O.F.M., Fr. Joshua O.F.M.
Handing over of the parish from Franciscans to the Diocesan priest (July
1986)
Fr. Robert D’silva, Fr. Melito Dias, Fr. Benny
Travis, Fr. Edward Joseph,
Fr. Joseph D’Mello, Fr. Robert D’Silva, Fr.
Melito Dias.
Epilogue
The old St. Anthony’s School, built along the
wall of the compound was demolished and in its place, on the opposite side, am
imposing three storied structure was constructed for the school which
incorporated a hall to seat the over flow of parishioners from the church in
1990.
Every Tuesday, a large number of devotees from
all over Karachi make the pilgrimage to the church to attend the special
prayers to St. Anthony---the great wonderworker---for their petitions. So also,
a large number of the faithful attend the Tridensina prayers which culminates
in the Feast of the patron on June 13. The Novena to Our Lady of Valankani in
September is also heavily attended by people from all over
Karachi.
The Fete after the Patronal Feast draws large
crowds and affords an opportunity to the parishioners not only to meet and
greet friends but also raises funds for the many charitable undertakings of the
parish.
The parish also caters to the needs of new
communities and Masses are said by the priests of St. Anthony’s in the newly
constructed premises of the Presbytery House, ( in Civil Lines) Stella Maris (
old Clifton) and Shirin Jinnah Colony ( near the Boating basin).
The parish is also home to a number of religious
communities such as the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (RJM), Sisters of the
Good Shepard (RGS) and the Daughters of the Cross (FC).
Today, St. Anthony’s parish is one of the most
vibrant parishes of the Archdiocese of Karachi and is growing from strength to
strength, not only in numbers but also in faith.
[Goanet] History of , Christ the King Monument, Karachi
Michael
Ali mikealli9 at aol.com
Wed
Nov 16 06:26:44 PST 2011
NOTE: This monument was erected mainly
through the efforts of the Goan community of Karachi Monument to Christ the
King, St. Patrick's Cathedral. Karachi
By Michael Ali ( published in the
Christian Voice, Karachi (Oct. 1981) on the Golden Jubilee of the Monument
Blessed is the King, they said, who
comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven, glory above. Luke 19:38
Recently we celebrated the Golden
Jubilee of the beautiful white marble monument glorifying Christ the King. This
monument has stood overlooking one of the busiest streets of Karachi – the
Clarke Street. We all know this landmark, situated just before the Cathedral...
many of us have played around when we were children and later posed on it for
our First Communion photographs.
Let us go back in time, to the years
1926-27 and learn more about this 54 feet high architectural beauty.
Incidentally, it is the only structure of its kind in the city of Karachi and many
tourists try to capture its magnificence on film.
Ever since the very Rev. Fr. Vincent
Gimenez S.J., was officially installed as Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s, he
infused into the parishioners a spirit which led to various activities for the
uplift and general betterment of the community. Fr Gimenez as someone very
rightly said, was “supremely a priest, an artist and human being.”
It was during his tenure, that Pope
Pius IX initiated the Feast of Christ the King (to be celebrated on the last
Sunday in October). Thus, Fr. Gimenez was the first to introduce the procession
of Christ the King through the decorated streets of Saddar in October 1926.
It is however, in the year 1927 that
the local branch of the Apostleship of Prayer conceived the idea of erecting a
monument that would be a striking and splendid manifestation of the love and
devotion to the Scared Heart of Jesus.
To translate this dream into reality,
the Catholics of Karachi and surrounding areas got together and formed a
General Board consisting of about 26 members, Rev. Fr. Gimenez was the
President, Mr. R.A.M D’Silva as General Secretary and Mr. C. S. Lobo as General
Treasurer.The sole surviving member of the Executive Committee of this Board is
Mr. J. P. Lobo, father of His Lordship Bishop Anthony Lobo.
In addition to this, 14 Catholic
Associations connected with the parish and representative of the Local Bodies
and Public Officials numbering close to about 80 persons also went about
collecting donations, expediting the work of planning, overseeing construction
etc.
The Monument was designed by Mr. M. X
Andrade and the construction of this noble work of art was supervised by the
late Mr. August Rodrigues, retired Superintendent Engineer Public Works Dept.,
Bombay Presidency, who gave his services gratis. The marble for this monument
was imported from Carara, Italy through M/s. Anthony Coutinho and Company. The
Statue of Christ the King installed high above the ground was a gift from Major
Quadros of Cincinatus Town, Karachi.
The crypt with seating capacity for
about 150 people was well ventilated and two thought provoking murals - one of
heaven and the other of hell, were the works of a Mr. Vaz, an artist specially
invited from Goa. The crypt also houses a replica of St. Francis Xavier. The
total cost of the monument was Rs.81,500/-
The elaborate programme chalked out to
celebrate the occasion of the inauguration of the monument lasted for nine days
and was one of the most memorable the city has ever seen. To ensure efficiency
11 committee were formed such as Congress committee, Music committee, Stage
committee, Pageant committee, Procession committee, Street Decoration committee
and an Accommodation committee which in cooperation with the Daughters of the
Cross made arrangements for the lodging of visitors from out of Karachi, at the
adjoining St. Joseph’s Convent. Arrangements were also made to pick these
visitors up from the railway station and the Seaport.
After four years of planning and
construction the monument was finally completed. In the evening of October 17,
1931 there was an impressive investiture ceremony of the new Knight of St.
Gregory the Great followed by the famous Passion play which was held at St.
Patrick’s School Playhall. This play was on the lines of the famed play
performed at Oberammergau, Upper Bavaria, Germany which is held once every 10
years.
The text of the Scriptures are
followed as closely as possible and the words spoken by Our Lord from the Last
Supper to the Resurrection as recorded in the four Gospels were faithfully
reproduced in the course of the play. This play was organized and directed by
Rev. Fr. Lllorens S.J. The musical accompaniments were selected from Handel’s
“Messiah”, Palestrina, Victoria and the Plain Chant of the Church.
Over two hundred people took part in
this play which ran for four days, to packed houses. Incidentally, this was the
first time that microphones and loud speakers were used at a function at St.
Patrick’s. These arrangements were made by M/s. Hayden and Company.
The next day a Pontifical High Mass
was celebrated followed by the opening of the Congress of Catholic Action, by
His Excellency the Delegate Apostolic to the East Indies, Mgr. Leo P. Kierkels
C.P. After a short inaugural address and the reading of the telegram send by
the Holy Father, the hymn to Christ the King was sung.
In the evening, after a short speech
by the President of the Executive Board, Rev. Fr. Gimenez, the monument was
blessed by His Excellency Mgr. Kierkels C.P. During this ceremony the main
gates of the Cathedral Compound were also blessed. These gates were put up as a
security measure. (Previously the Cathedral compound had no gates, just a low
boundary wall around its perimeter.)
This ceremony was attended by a very,
very large segment of society including many non-Catholics. Church officials
from this part of the world, priests and religious from all over India also
joined the thousands of local laity in this solemn moment.
During the week Masses were held at
the Monument by the different organizations of the parish and a Congress of
Catholic Action was held for three days pondering over such aspects as Catholic
social actions, means and organizations of Catholic action, education for
Catholic action, etc.
On Oct. 24, 1931 a Solemn Triduum
began in the morning at the monument. The service included exposition of the
Blessed Sacrament followed by Rosary, sermon and Benediction. Sunday Oct, 25,
1931 was the last day of the celebrations. The day began with Mass at the
Monument. Immediately after the Mass the list of the names of all subscribers
to the monument was deposited permanently in a receptacle at the foot of the
column.
At 8 a.m. there was exposition of the
Blessed sacrament and Pontifical Mass. This was followed by thirteen hours of
Adoration during the day. Later, at about 6 p.m., a two mile long procession
led by the band of St. Patrick’s Cadet Corps., and followed by parishioners
dressed as various characters of the Bible, Officials of the Church, the
various societies attached to the Church and Catholics from Karachi and
outside.
Furthermore, Mr. Jamshed Nusserwanji
Metha, President of the Municipal Corporation led a large section of
non-Catholics who also took part in the procession.
The Blessed Sacrament was taken around
on a beautiful float, present on which also were the Delegate Apostolic and the
Bishops of Lahore and Nagpur. The tail of the procession left the Cathedral
about an hour after the band and after the proceeding through the streets of
Saddar which included Clarke Street, Frere Street, Wellington Street, Mansfield
Street and finally returning to the Catholic compound via Clarke Street.
Before solemn benediction and Papal
Blessing, the city of Karachi was consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and
blessings asked for all of India. After the service, colorful fireworks lit up
the night sky and as a cool October wind kissed the statue of Our Lord, the
faithful made their way home imbued with a spirit to give glory to God in the
highest.
Today,on its 80th anniversary , the monument is greatly damaged by the
ravages of weather and time. Parts of it are broken and unless, drastic
measures are taken to repair and save the structure it may not survive to see
its century.
Monument to Christ the King
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This monument stands overlooking one of the busiest streets of Karachi – Clarke Street. The idea for this 54 feet high architectural beauty emerged in 1926. It is the only structure of its kind in the city of Karachi and is popular with tourists. Fr. Vincent Gimenez S.J. was the Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Parish when Pope Pius IX initiated the Feast of Christ the King (celebrated on the last Sunday in October). Fr. Gimenez was the first to introduce the procession of Christ the King through the streets of Saddar Town in October 1926. In 1927 the local branch of the Apostleship of Prayer conceived the idea of erecting a monument that would be a symbol of devotion to the Scared Heart of Jesus. The Catholics of Karachi and surrounding areas got together and formed a Board consisting of 26 members. Rev. Fr. Gimenez was the President, Mr. R.A.M D’Silva was General Secretary and Mr. C. S. Lobo was Treasurer. In addition, 14 Catholic Associations connected with the parish and representative of the community around 80 persons also went about collecting donations, expediting the work of planning and overseeing construction. The Monument was designed by Mr. M. X Andrade and the construction was supervised by the late Mr. August Rodrigues, retired Superintendent Engineer Public Works Department, Bombay. The marble for this monument was imported from Carara, Italy through Anthony Coutinho and Company. The statue of Christ the King installed high above the ground was a gift from Major Quadros of Cincinatus Town, Karachi. The crypt has a seating capacity for 150 people and is adorned with two murals - one of heaven and the other of hell, the work of a Mr. Vaz, a Goan artist. The crypt also houses a replica of St. Francis Xavier. The total cost of the monument was Rs.81,500. The celebrations for the inauguration of the monument lasted for nine days. Eleven committees were formed: Congress committee, Music committee, Stage committee, Pageant committee, Procession committee, Street Decoration committee and an Accommodation committee. After four years of planning and construction the monument was completed. On October 17, 1931 there was an investiture ceremony of the new Knight of St. Gregory the Great followed by a Passion play which was held at St. Patrick’s School. Over two hundred people took part in this play which ran for four days, to packed houses. This was the first time that microphones and loud speakers were used at a function at St. Patrick’s. The next day a Pontifical High Mass was celebrated followed by the opening of the Congress of Catholic Action, by His Excellency the Delegate Apostolic to the East Indies, Mgr. Leo P. Kierkels C.P. After a short inaugural address and the reading of the telegram send by the Holy Father, the hymn to Christ the King was sung. After a short speech by the President of the Executive Board, Fr. Gimenez, the monument was blessed by His Excellency Mgr. Kierkels C.P. This ceremony was attended by a large segment of society including many non-Catholics. Church officials from this part of the world, priests and religious from all over India also joined the thousands of locals in this celebration. During the week Masses were held at the Monument by the different organizations of the parish. Later a two mile long procession led by the band of St. Patrick’s Cadet Corps, and followed by parishioners dressed as various characters of the Bible. Mr. Jamshed Nusserwanjee Mehta, President of the Municipal Corporation led a large section of non-Catholics in the procession. At the conclusion fireworks lit up the night sky.[2] On its 80th anniversary, the monument is greatly damaged by the ravages of weather and time. Most of the bordering and pavements surrounding the monument as well as the cathedral building have been removed. The salinity in the soil had destroyed its base. Parts of it are broken and unless measures are taken to repair and save the structure it may not survive to see its century.[3] On September 27, 2011 a fund-raising drive was initiated to raise money to renovate the Christ the King monument. Rupees 10 million (US$115,000) is needed to save the ancient cultural heritage of the Church.[4] References
Fund drive aims to restore monument
Dilapidated
statue to get makeover if enough money can be raised
Christ the King monument in Karachi
A fund-raising drive was initiated over the weekend to raise money to
renovate the Christ the King monument in Karachi.
A committee from St Patrick’s Cathedral organized more than 30 stalls at a fund-raising fair at the cathedral compound that saw more than 6,000 people contribute nearly US$7,000 in donations. “We need 10 million rupees (about US$115,000) to save the ancient cultural heritage of the Church, which has become weak,” said Father Edward Joseph, an organizer of the funding drive. “Many tiles have broken and cracks have appeared, while two [of the monument’s] pillars fell last month. We have now prohibited large groups from visiting the site.” He added that the fund-raising campaign will include the sending of letters to parishioners at home and abroad seeking additional donations. Other events are to include a concert and sporting events. Jesuit Father Vincent Gimenz oversaw completion in 1935 of the construction of the monument, which serves as a memorial to the Jesuit Mission in the southern Sindh province beginning in 1858. The monument sustained minor structural damage during a lightning strike 40 years ago. Bishop with Indian roots to head Karachi diocese
January 27, 2012
 Goa, January 27, 2012: Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday appointed Bishop Joseph Coutts of Faisalabad, Pakistan, as archbishop of Karachi- Pakistan. Archbishop Coutts ( 66), who traces his roots to Ranoi- Aldona, succeeds Archbishop Evarist Pinto, who has resigned from pastoral care of the archdiocese having reached the age limit. Coincidentally, Archbishop Pinto also traces his roots to Goa. Hailing from Olaulim- Pomburpa, Archbishop Pinto grew up at his mother’s place in Corjuem, Aldona, Goa. Archbishop Coutts also happens to be the cousin of Bishop Anil Couto of Jullundur ( India). Karachi — the largest city, main seaport and the main financial centre of Pakistan — has 1.5 lakh catholics ( 40 priests and 185 religious) within a population of 1.55 crore. There are as many as six prelates in the Catholic Church who trace their links to Aldona. They are Auxiliary Bishop ( retired) Ferdinand Fonseca of Bombay, Bishop ( retired) Anthony Lobo of Islamabad ( Pakistan), Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi ( Pakistan), Archbishop Felipe Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman, Archbishop ( retired) Evarist Pinto of Karachi Archdiocese and Bishop Anil Couto of Jullundur ( India). - alwin fernandes Multiethnic Karachi, a challenge for Mgr Coutts in his new mission  Pakistan, January 27, 2012: The outgoing bishop of Faisalabad is back to the city where he did his seminary studies and was first priest. On Wednesday, Benedict XVI named him archbishop of Pakistan’s southern metropolis. Speaking about his new posting, the prelate describes the demographic explosion and bursts of violence in this “multiethnic and multicultural” city. “Karachi was a fairly peaceful city,” said Mgr Joseph Coutts as he remembered it from the time when he attended the local seminary to become a priest. It was “not subject to sporadic bursts of violence and terrorism, as it is now,” the newly appointed bishop added as he described the southern Pakistani metropolis, which is also the capital of Sindh province. Speaking to AsiaNews about the city, which he knows very well, he stressed its multiethnic and multicultural character, which will be the main challenges of his new pastoral posting. On Wednesday, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as the new archbishop of Karachi, in lieu of Mgr Evarist Pinto, in place since 2002, who has reached the normal age limit. The 66-year-old Mgr Coutts was born on 21 July 1945 in Amritsar, British India. Since 1998, he headed the Diocese of Faisalabad, where he took the placed of Mgr John Joseph who killed himself in protest against the country’s blasphemy law. Following studies at Karachi’s Christ the King Seminary, he was ordained priest on 9 January 1971 in Lahore. After that, he completed ecclesiastical studies in Rome from 1973 to 1976, and then became professor of philosophy and Sociology at Christ the King Seminary in Karachi from 1976 to 1980. Appointed rector of St. Mary’s Minor Seminary in Lahore, he was later elected as the Vicar General of Diocese of Lahore where he served from 1986 to 1988. On 5 May of that year, he was appointed bishop of Hyderabad. In this diocese, he defended the rights of landless farmers and was instrumental in creating the new Vicariate Apostolic of Quetta. After ten years of service in Hyderabad, he was transferred to the Diocese of Faisalabad on 27 June 1998. Thus, Mgr Coutts performed his episcopacy in three of Pakistan’s provinces, Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan. As prelate, he opened avenues of dialogue with leading Muslim clerics and scholars in Faisalabad, and helped build bridges among the different communities. For his efforts, he was honoured in 2007 with the Shalom Prize by the Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt in Germany for his commitment to peace and interfaith harmony in Pakistan. At present, he serves as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan and head of Caritas Pakistan. “I am not a total stranger to Karachi,” the new archbishop of Karachi told AsiaNews. “I did my philosophy and theology studies there and then taught at the Major Seminary for four years while being pastorally engaged in a number of parishes.” “But that was many years ago. Karachi was a fairly peaceful city then, not subject to sporadic bursts of violence and terrorism, as it is now. The population too has exploded largely because of refugees who have settled” in Pakistan’s southern metropolis. “Karachi is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural megacity of around 15 million people,” he noted, that “grew in size and importance after the creation of Pakistan in 1947.” By contrast, “Faisalabad with about 3 million people is in the heart of the Punjab”, which “In spite of its size, [. . .] still has a rural flavour with a homogeneous population. The Christians in the diocese live mainly in the surrounding small towns and villages. The way of living and problems of citizens in both the cities are dissimilar. The climate too is very different as the two cities are about 1,400 kilometres apart, one inland the other on the Arabian Sea coast.” *-*-*-*
From:
"Joseph Coutts"
To:
"Debra santamaria" debbie_pk@yahoo.com
Dear Debbie,
Thank you for your kind greetings on behalf of GOA. I will also need a lot of prayers to take on this new responsibility, so different from what I had been doing in Punjab. Viva GOA ! + Joseph Couto (my original name) On Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:15:59 -0800 (PST), Debra Santamaria wrote
*-*-*-*  | ||||
DELVENE MARIE-ROSE SOARES
Delvene Soares born on January 13,
1986, and started her academic career at the Convent of Jesus & Mary’s
School, Karachi, where she completed her ‘O’ Levels with incredible results by
securing 10 straight ‘A’s. She then
proceeded to St. Patrick’s ‘A’ Level School, where she secured a further 5
straight ‘A’s.
She chose to make medicine her
career. Applying in the various Medical
Colleges, her outstanding results paid rich dividends as she was offered a 50%
scholarship at the Ziauddin Hospital & College, Karachi, where she
completed her 5-year stint at all the three campuses viz. Clifton, Keamari and
Nazimabad. Yet again, Delvene, excelled
in her studies by achieving 8 distinctions – 1 short of the Gold Medal, and
attained 2nd position in the Batch 2010, and is now a qualified
Doctor. She is into her 1-year House Job
/ Internship, before embarking on her specialization path – her final goal is
to either be a Neuro or Cardiac Surgeon.
In spite of her demanding &
hectic academic career, Delvene, has been able to balance her social and extra
curricular life. Coming from a musical
family that has contributed widely to the church and society, she started
playing the piano from the age of 7 years when her feet barely touched the
pedals. She is a very talented musician,
adept in reading and writing music. She
has also tried her hand at the guitar and violin, and is the Leader of the
Senior Choir of St. Anthony’s Church, where she played the keyboard in the initial
years.
Soft spoken, with a tinge of
shyness, she has a rich circle of friends from all communities, who look up to
her as a role model.
Michelle Barry
daughter of George and Ann Barry, is a student at
Altamash Institute of Dental College, Karachi.
Michelle
has just two more months to graduate as a Dentist..... She has attended to
around 200 patients in her Final year in which she did scalings, extractions,
fillings and had made dentures too.
She
says that dentistry is a service oriented profession where you can spend all of
your time helping people by spreading dental awareness and bringing a
significant change in people's lives. A dentist holds the title of a doctor so
therefore it’s a highly respected profession, plus there's a strong demand for
dentists all over the world.
"Smiles are magnetic......They draw
people together and we make them better" :)
 | ||||||
EULOGY in Memory of Bosco Fernandes – My Friend & Scout Master
By Menin Rodrigues
... Softly falls the light of day
As our Camp Fire fades away
Silently each scout should ask
Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my Honor bright?
Can I quietly rest tonight?
Have I done and have I dared
Everything to be prepared
These words were coined by BOSCO to the tune of ‘Santa Lucia’ in the early days of scouting at St. Patrick’s High School. This wonderful rendering brought to a close many Camp Fires in the summers that we spent in the beautiful hill stations of Pakistan. Bosco called these places, heavenly!
Today, as I stand before the mortal remains of a man who gave everything to Scouting, all I can return to BOSCO on behalf of the Scouting community at St. Pat’s, St. Paul’s and Pakistan in general, is our familiar Scouts Clap, let’s go…!
Yes BOSCO, you kept your Honor bright, and yes, BOSCO you are now truly resting in Eternal Light, Yes BOSCO you have done what you dared, and yes BOSCO, you were indeed, prepared!
For those of us fortunate to have known BOSCO from close quarters, apart from his family, this brave, motivating and courageous man was a father-figure to many a young scout in the early 60s and 70s who chose to make SCOUTING a first step to ‘Be Prepared’ for what life would have to offer, then, now and in times to come.
BOSCO was the BADEN POWEL of Pakistan because if Scouting achieved some of its early successes, it was due to Bosco’s involvement in promoting scouting in its true spirit throughout the country. No JAMBOREE was organized without Bosco’s advice and ideas; and some of his creative camp-fire items became so popular that Scouts representing Pakistan at international jamborees presented these and won several awards.
BOSCO was honored by the Boys Scouts Association of Pakistan when he was conferred the ‘Medal of Merit’ for his outstanding contribution towards the promotion of scouting in the country. The award was given by none other than the President of Pakistan, who traditionally is Chief Scout of the Country.
BOSCO was a true leader; he made many friends from his school days, his classmates, several of them scouts and colleagues at work. Some joined the armed forces and other professions, and achieved rare distinctions; they were all his Troop Leaders, Patrol Leaders and Quarter Masters.
When we went camping to Gora Daka, Gora Gali, Ayubia, Nathiagali, Changa Manga and Ziarat, our rations were sent by Bosco’s former scouts – that much was their love, affection and devotion to a man who had made a difference in their lives.
Farewell BOSCO…as softly falls the light of day, and your final Camp Fire here on Earth fades away.
*-*-*-
Jovita Alvares lovely daughter of Joaquim & Jenny Alvares, currently doing her A-levels at the Lyceum School in Karachi
Jovi says when she was younger she mostly did sketches until she learnt more about art at school. She has completed her O-levels from the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Karachi, where she took Art and was fortunate to get an A in her O-level examinations.
Currently in her second year of A-levels where, along with art, she is also studying economics and psychology. And hopes to pursue a career that is art-related. She plans to go the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, in Karachi for further studies.
View our upcoming Goinkars Jovi's art work posted to our BLOG. Do stop by and view Jovi's creations, your positive comments will be a source of insperation to Jovi.
Leanne Coelho daughter of Louis & Bella Coelho, a student at the Asian Institute of Fashion Design, Iqra University studying Textile Design.
Leanne has a year to graduate as a textile designer which she says is all about creating material based products. Leanne has been working in apparel and home textiles. Leanne has learnt weaving, printing of various kind, and has also worked with recycling based products and jewelry. We have posted some of Leanne's crative work to our BLOG. Please view and comment your positive comments will inspire our upcoming stars our future generation.
Ralph D’Aranjo
By Noel Correa
Ralph D'Aranjo is one such person. Ralph is not only an experienced guitarist; he is also a member of Pakistan's tiny Portuguese community - a community that has made an enormous contribution to the establishment and running of missionary schools all over the country.
In Pakistan's early days, Portuguese artists were quite active on the music scene too, but as time went on, many of these maestros either passed away or emigrated.
Ralph, however, has been playing classical guitar for over 50 years, and has no intention of going anywhere. He is also in the unique position of being the only musician who has played (under one contract) in a five-star hotel in Pakistan for over thirty years.
Ralph began his musical journey at the tender age of 12, when his father presented him with a brand new guitar on his birthday. Two years later, he found himself heading for Europe. He tried to settle down in Germany after touring countries like Iran, Turkey and Greece by road. When he didn't end up making a home for himself in Germany, he returned to Pakistan and started a musical career in a nightclub band.
This was back when Pakistan still rocked, and nightclubs were a big part of the social scene -from 1970 to 1979, Ralph played in various pop bands as a lead guitarist in almost every hotel, nightclub and discotheque in Karachi. Midway House, Beach Luxury, Horse Shoe Disco, 2001 Plaza, Three Aces Nightclub, Peacock, Lido, Taj and Nasreen Room ... the list goes on, and Ralph's played at them all.
But when the cabaret era came to an end, it was time to move on. He stopped playing pop music in 1979, and joined the Hotel Intercontinental (now known as the Pearl Continental Hotel). He played in the Nasreen Room for a few years and with the dawn of the 80s, he teamed up with Alex Rodrigues, who was a saxophonist, and Louis D'Souza, who was a pianist, and formed a jazz trio band.
A lot has changed in the past three decades, and just as in Bryan Adams' song "Summer of '69", the band members started drifting apart. The first person to leave was Louis D'Souza, who emigrated to the US in 1990. He was replaced by David Jospeh, who also emigrated in 1995, but to Canada. Christopher Carvalho was the next musician to join their band. He played with the band till late 1999, when he passed away. Ferdinand Goveas was the next replacement and continues to play with the band at present. Alex Rodrigues, the band's original saxophonist, breathed his last breath on November 21, 2001. He was replaced by Dominic Gonsalves, who immigrated to Australia in 2007.
To date, Ralph continues to play with a jazz outfit at the PC Hotel. It is here that the hotel's patrons drop by every evening to enjoy a variety of music from the likes of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Rodgers and Hammerstein, to tunes ranging from The Blue Danube to the relatively recent repertoire of Miles Davis, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck and Clark Terry.
"We are not only known for our jazz music, but also for blues, ballad standards, Caribbean music, Latin music, the cha cha cha, the tango, waltz, bolero, rumba, and bossa nova," says Raplh proudly. "Through these past thirty years, we have been also performing for our foreign guests at the hotel, playing music that is indigenous to their countries: be it French, Italian, German, Spanish, Malaysian, Indonesian, Sri Lankan, Chinese, Japanese ... you name it and we play it!"
Ralph also had to recently deal with a personal tragedy, as his wife passed away on July 7, 2010. Cheryl D'Aranjo had suffered from a rare disorder called the Guillain Barre Syndrome, in which the body's own immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. Naturally, Ralph and his two daughters Pamela and Linda were shattered, and he still talks of what a beautiful person she was.
Despite all these setbacks, and the many changes in his band's ensemble, Ralph D'Aranjo says he is still here to stay! Ralph will be applying for a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records soon, claiming to be the only guitarist who has played under one contract in the same establishment for over thirty years.
Courtesy: Published in The Express Tribune, Karachi, Sunday Magazine, June 12, 2011.
A dash of Goa in Pakistan
Alexandre Moniz Barbosa, Sep 5, 2011, 05.41am
Karachi in Pakistan may not be on a Goan's list of foreign cities to migrate to. The city, however, has roughly between 12,000 and 15,000 'Goans', a number that has remained fairly constant for the past 190 years, since the first wave of migrating Goans in dhows washed up on its shores in 1820 and made it their home.
"We are Pakistanis with a Goan ancestry. Being born into Goan families, the attachment to Goa is obvious; and connection with families in Goa makes it quite a strong affiliation," says Karachi businessman Menin Rodrigues, who is currently researching achievements of the Goan community of Pakistan so as to highlight and preserve this.
When the footprints of the first Goans were imprinted on the sands of Karachi, the city was yet to be conquered by the British. Over a century later, Karachi became part of Pakistan, when the British partitioned India at Independence in 1947. "Karachi was an attractive economic destination before partition. Goans, first came here as early as the 1820s, for economic reasons," adds Rodrigues. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Karachi Goan Association (formerly Goan Portuguese Association) celebrated its 125th anniversary this year. There are Goans in other Pakistani cities like Hyderabad, Quetta, Rawalpindi and Lahore, but they are just a sprinkling.
In almost two centuries, Goans have made a mark in the city and also the country. Some of the big names are those of Joseph Cordeiro, the first Pakistani cardinal, and Charles Lobo, judge of the Sindh high court and chairman of the public service commission in Pakistan, who was also appointed the country's delegate to the United Nations. There have been others, but at present there are few who have risen high in the country.
"The cream of the Goan community-the intellectuals and professionals-have migrated to Canada, Australia, UK and USA over the past 50 years, especially after islamization was ramped up in the late 1970s. The area where Goans in Pakistan are most active in, is probably the Church, where four of the seven bishops are Goans despite being about 2% of the over one million Catholics in the country," says electrical engineer and civic and environmental activist Roland de Souza.
Interestingly, almost all of the Goans in Pakistan are Catholics, those of other faiths being rare to find. "I do know of a couple of Hindu jewellers who speak Konkani fluently with their Goan customers. I also have an Ismaili (Aga Khan) friend who speaks with me in Konkani," says Rodrigues. He further laments that "Goans are not prominent in mainstream activity anymore".
What keeps Goans in Pakistan together is Konkani, the Goan mai bhas that remains alive in the country. Of late, this is thanks to the Goenkar's Own Academy (GOA), an association that is working to boost Goan culture in Karachi. "GOA was established in 2001 when Goans of Pakistan joined hands with organizations the world over to celebrate World Goa Day. We not only promote Goan culture, but keep alive our mai bhas Konkani. The association also arranges recollection days, weekend trips, picnics, movie nights, family days, visits to homes, events that bring the community together socially and spiritually," GOA president Deborah Santamaria says.
Spiritually, the Catholics of Pakistan have not broken ties with Goycho Saib. Every December, a group of about 100 devotees travel to Goa for the feast of St Francis Xavier, in a pilgrimage that also brings them to the home of their ancestors.
Divarkars, Goans and Wellwishers,The Divar Association of Toronto will celebrate World Goa Day, Bonderam Festival and a decade of the founding of Goinkars Own Academy in Karachi, on Sunday August 21, 2011, at the National Banquet Hall, 7355, Tobram road, ( crossing of Derry road and Tobram road), Mississauga.
Program commences at 5pm sharp with the Ladainha to our Lady of Fatima followed by Salve Rainha and oracao of St. Francis Xavier.
The highlight of the evening will be the parade of the flags of the the 16 wards (vaddos) of Piedade and Malar the two prominent villages of the Divar island. As most of you know this festival is unique and is celebrated in Goa for the past 450 years only in the island of Divar.
This year we are privileged to have Mr. Guilherme Dias as the guest of honor, who will address the audience during the function. He is the recipient of the top 25 immigrants award for 2011.
Music will be provided by Richard Coutinho of DJ Symphony backed by a dazzling display of lighting system.
Dinner menu consists of spring rolls, veggie pakoras, cocktail kababs, chicken tikkas, basmati rice saffron pilaff, butter chicken curry, mughlai style lamb curry, darbari murgh massalam, saag of baby spinach with cottage cheese, cauliflower and potato pot-pouri, garden salad of mixed vebetables, boondi raita, tandoori nans, dessert- rasmalai, tea coffee and soft drinks.
Will advise you later re cash bar arrangements.
The invitation is for Canadian dollars 20- per adult
( children under 5 are free.)
Please contact Julie Diamanti phone 416 575 3532
Cheryl Anne Coutinho phone 905 814 9187
Maurice/Clarina Coutinho phone 905 826 0975 for your
invites as soon as possible.
Maurice Coutinho
President
The Divar Association of Toronto
ALLIANCE OF GOAN ASSOCIATIONS CANADA
GOANWORLD :
WORLD GOA DAY - FESTIVAL 12-20TH OF August-2011
A TRIBUTE TO RENE BARRETO
A DECADE HAS PASSED AWAY AND IT SEEMS WE HAVE NOT HAD ENOUGH OF RENE BARRETO THE CO-ORDINATOR OF GOANS WORLDWIDE. SUCH LEADERS AMONG GOANS ARE RARE SPECIALLY THOSE THAT ARE PASSIONATE FOR THE CAUSE OF GOAN UNITY AND ARE PREPARED TO DEVOTE THEIR TIME FOR IT.
THE CRAVING FOR GOAN UNITY IS IN THE HEARTS OF ALL GOANS BUT IT IS AN
ELUSIVE OBJECTIVE AND MANY A GOAN HAS STRIVED BUT HAS NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY BUT RENE BARRETO SET THE WHEELS IN MOTION IN 2000 WITH SUCH ENTHUSIASM THAT IT EVOKED A RESPONSE UNHEARD OF IN THE PAST.
THERE WERE MANY GOAN GROUPS SCATTERED ALL OVER THE GLOBE BUT GARNERING THEM AND KEEPING THEM FOCUSSED FOR THE CAUSE OF GOANS WAS A FEAT REQUIRING LEADERS SUCH AS RENE.
THE MOBILISATION OF GOANS BEGAN IN 2000 AND I RECALL RECEIVING AN APPEAL
FROM RENE ,WHEN I WAS IN KARACHI, REQUESTING THAT A FUNCTION BE ORGANISED TO SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH WORLD GOANS WHO WERE BEING ASKED TO DO THE SAME. I REQUESTED THE PRESIDENT OF KARACHI GOAN ASSOCIATION MR ANGELO LOPES TO JOIN WITH MY ASSOCIATION GOINKARS OWN ACADEMY TO ORGANISE A FUNCTION WORTHY OF SUCH A CAUSE AND HE READILY AGREED.
WITHIN A FORTNIGHT A FUNCTION WAS ARRANGED AT THE FAMOUS KGA HALL WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY OVER 300 PEOPLE. THERE WAS SUCH A CLAMOUR TO PARTICIPATE THAT WE RAN OUT OF CHAIRS TO ACCOMODATE THEM AND EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS HAD TO BE MADE. THE FUNCTION WAS A ROARING SUCCESS ATTENDED BY PROMINENT GOANS OF KARACHI.
THE TRADTION OF CELEBRATING WORLD GOA DAY IN AUGUST EACH YEAR CONTINUES AND THE SEED SOWN BY RENE CONTINUES TO FLOURISH AND GROW. WE SAY VIVA WORLD GOA DAY, VIVA GOANS WORLD OVER AND VIVA RENE BARRETO.
WE ARE SADDENED THAT RENE WISHES TO RETIRE FROM THIS ROLE AND HAND OVER TO HIS SUCCESSOR. DEAR RENE WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXCEPTIONAL EFFORTS FOR THE GOAN CAUSE AND WISH YOU ALL THE BEST. WE KNOW YOU WILL BE THERE FOR ALL OF US TO ASSIST AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE WHEN NEEDED. WE KNOW FOR SURE YOUR NAME WILL GO DOWN IN GOAN HISTORY AS A PIONEER WHO SHOWED US THE WAY TO UNITE.
GOD BLESS YOU.
MAURICE COUTINHO
PRESIDENT
DIVAR ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO
Karachi celebrates World Goa Day 2009
By Gavin Dlima
One hundred and seventy-eight Goans spent a day at a farm on the city’s outskirts in the Malir area on September 20. The farm served as a wonderful backdrop for World Goa Day celebrations.
Osman Farm with two inviting swimming pools, lush green gardens with coconut trees brought back memories of good old Goa minus the feni and choricao.Upon arrival, the members of the Executive Committee of the Goinkars Own Academy served delicious hunter-beef sandwiches, samosas, fruit juices and goody-bags consisting of daily use items.
Rene Baretto--- thanks, kudus, congratulations to you for your enthusiasm and persistence for not only starting this universal day but ensuring that it flourishes. Were it not for Rene passing this unique sense of togetherness to our fellow Goans, ‘World Goa Day’ would not have been a reality.
It was wonderful to see a large crowd comprising of young and old assemble on a single platform to celebrate World Goa Day in Karachi. The morning commenced with a prayer for the sick and deceased members of the Goinkars Own Academy, followed by a welcome address by the MC’s Marshall Fernandes and Deborah Santamaria (President, GOA).
Registration and setting up teams for a cricket tournament started at 1030 a.m. The matches evenly played by five mixed teams (boy and girls) were amicably umpired by Valentine Fernandes. The matches had its moments of laughter and tension amongst the players and the crowd as runs were scored, wide and no balls bowled and catches dropped.
Finally the winning team was awarded wrist-watches while the runners-up got P-caps. Before lunch, a round of Tombola was played and the winners were issued dinner/lunch/cake vouchers. At 2 p.m. a delicious lunch of Biryani, Shami kebabs, salad, raita and kheer was served.
To relax after a heavy meal, a round of Silver-Pool Tombola with attractive cash prizes was eagerly played by Tombola enthusiasts.
After Tombola, a lucky draw session was held and about 70 gifts were distributed as young and old gathered, holding on to their lucky coupons. The prizes was an assortment of pens, Goa tote bags, mugs, key-chains, T-Shirts, pouches, jewellery boxes etc. At 5 p.m. Lemon cake was served with hot cups of tea.
DJ Fabian played English and Konkani songs throughout the day. At 6 p.m. guitarist Louis Fernandes along with a group played English, Konkani songs and Mandos which was enjoyed by all.
At 7 p.m. the President of G.O.A. announced the close of the days event, thanking the members and participants for being cooperative and making the entire event a thorough success.
GOANS in PAKISTAN
------------------------------
DEBORAH SANTAMARIA
President ,
The Goinkars Own Academy.
==============
The Goinkars Own Academy would like to extend it best wishes to Goans the world over as they get together on a single platform to celebrate World Goa Day on 19th and 20th August the world over. In Karachi, Pakistan the Goinkars Own Academy will be celebrating World Goa Day in October 2006. A fun filled two day event.
DEBORAH SANTAMARIA
PRESIDENT ,
The Goinkars Own Academy Karachi ,
Pakistan
http://community.webshots.com/users/santamaria
A small group of Pakistanis of Goan origin is lending a helping hand for Pakistan’s flood-affected areas
Deborah Santamaria’s Goinkars Own Academy (GOA) operating from Karachi has been sending appeals to the Goan Diaspora across the world, seeking desperate assistance for some 20 million people affected by the worst calamity in the recent history in Pakistan. Around 1,600 people have been killed in the floods in the country.
GOA has also set up a relief camp at St. Anthony’s church in Karachi, Pakistan, to pitch in physically with the relief work.
“Our group has set up a relief camp at our parish St Anthony’s Church ― Karachi and at this moment we are focusing on putting together family packs (containing essential items) which will be transported to the (flood) affected areas,” Deborah, who traces her roots to Goa, told IANS on e-mail.
She is part of a 25,000-strong community of Goans who had settled in Pakistan, several of them near Karachi, in the pre-partition days.
“Flood water has damaged roads and washed away bridges, effectively cutting off the worst affected areas from the rest of the country. Crops have been washed away, causing severe food scarcity,” “Key humanitarian needs for the displaced population are food and safe drinking water. The biggest threat is the outbreak of water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera, especially deadly to children,”
Deborah’s appeal to the liberally scattered Goan Diaspora, via the web, across the world has not fallen on deaf years. “We’ve received a terrific response from the Goan community across the world, especially those settled in Canada,”
Deborah further said this was not the first time that the community had come together to lend a helping hand in the face of a calamity in Pakistan. “In 2005, when the earthquake struck our country we got together and set up relief camps at the various parishes of the archdiocese. The stuff we collected was then transported to the affected areas.
“Our country and its people in the affected area are going through crisis and the little that we are doing is just a drop in the ocean,” she said.
The July floods in Pakistan left the nation shell-shocked and have been described as one of the most devastating tragedy to have occurred in the region. The global community is already pitching in with aid worth millions of dollars to assist the relief work.
Message:
Deborah Santamaria .
President
Goinkars Own Academy
The Goinkars Own Academy would like to extend it best wishes toGoans the world over as they get together on a single platform to celebrate World Goa Day on 19th and 20th August the world over. In Karachi, Pakistan the Goinkars Own Academy will be celebrating World Goa Day in October 2006. A fun filled two day event.The Goinkars Own Academy strives to get our community together through the various events it arranges for the young and the old.We plan on commencing basic Konkani classes for the children in the near future, interests for which unfortunately had diminished over the years amongst the younger generations. However, over the past several years the Goinkars Own Academy's cultural,religious and other events in the Konkani language, has instilled a strong desire and keen interest in parents and children to learn our Mother Tongue KONKANI and take part in plays,dances and songs.Rene Barreto should be commended for keeping this torch burning since 2000 with a handful of coordinators. Today, he must be very proud that his efforts have borne fruit amongst the Goan communities far and wide as each year they celebrate World Goa Day with the traditional Goan culture i.e. delicious food,sweets, spices and a variety of musical skits and variety programs.A big thank you to Basilio & Rene, it is because of your efforts that we have come together as a community to celebrate this auspicious day. Goans the world over are honored as they get together to sing
"PROUD TO BE A GOAN"
Viva Goa - Viva Goans of Pakistan
Deborah Santamaria
President
Goinkars Own Academy Karachi -
Pakistan
WORLD GOA DAY 2005 CELEBRATIONS IN KARACHI , PAKISTAN
By: Deborah Santamaria
deborah.santamaria@enipakistan.com.pk
GLOBAL GOANS - KARACHI PAKISTAN
World Goa Day Celebrations Karachi Pakistan
8th – 9th November 2007
===================================
Report by :Nascimento Santamaria in Karachi
This year the Christian Community of Pakistan was entertained by the Goinkars Own Academy as they got together to celebrated World Goa Day 2007 on 8th – 9th November 2007 at a different venue this year the BARADARI FARM.
Since, it was a working day the committee members decided to depart at 7 p.m. giving enough time to get back home and pack their bags for their overnight stay at the farmhouse. On arrival at the pickup point everyone was handed over a goody bag consisting of toothbrush, Lipton tea mug, tea sachets, ticky pack biscuits, soap and a juice pack before boarding the bus. The luxury bus departed at 7.45 p.m. from St. Anthony's Church safely arriving at the Baradari Farm House at 8.45 p.m. The Executive Committee Members of the Goinkars Own Academy with help from some members set up the place for the evening. Thereafter announcement was for dinner.
After dinner, the Emcee announced the entertainment segment for the evening, a game of TOMBOLA was played, the winners Tony Santamaria received for a side game “Haircut at Fletchers” and the full house dinner for 2 at Beach Luxury Hotel was given to Gerry Croning.
Although a variety of items were planned, but owing to the tense security conditions in the country the committee decided to drop the variety program, but a few children were adamant and they wanted to do their bit, the items presented by these children were prepared by them selves. The children performed three items, the first item was a dance “WISHES”, the second was a song “GOTTA GO MY OWN WAY” and the third “ HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL“ performed by Naomi Santamaria, Nikita Fernandes & Chayanne Fletcher. Thereafter “GOINKARS NEWS & VIEWS”. Followed by a sing song by Kevin Fernandes (BOBBY) on the guitar.
Finally the World Goa Day theme song "Proud to be a Goan" written by Basilio Magno was sung and all joined in. concluding the night event, D.J. Fabian Bob took over and kept the crowd dancing till the early hours of the morning with his collection of non stop Konkani & English music.
9th November 2007
A delicious Breakfast of Halwa Puri was ready for all at 8.30 a.m. After breakfast announcements were made for registration to the Cricket teams. Some headed off to the pools, while others relaxed on the swings and under the trees, amid a good collection of Konkani/English/Indian music.
An exciting cricket tournament comprising of 4 teams namely Lady Luck, Lady Bug, Lady Diana and Lady Fish. The commentator Fabian Bob with his witty jokes left the crowd in splits of laughter. The teams not only had the fairer sex batting, bowling and fielding but also did a wonderful job as captains for their teams. The winning team in cricket received a gift from the President of the Goinkars Own Academy. Gifts were also given to the other cricket teams as well as the Referee. Carol Bob and MaryAnn Pereira were presented dinner for 2 vouchers as it was their birthday.
Lunch was served at 1.30 p.m., after some were busy with the game of cards. Hot cups of Tea was served at 4 p.m, thereafter a round of tambola was played which was enjoyed by all. The President of Goinkars Own Academy thanked all present for their participation, she emphasized that this was their event and their cooperation and support has made it a success. Before boarding the bus all were invited for a group photograph. At 5 p.m. all started boarding the bus for home, taking back with them memories of an enjoyable and memorable WORLD GOA DAY
Goinkars Own Academy Celebrate
World Goa Day 2006
21st October 2006
For the 3rd Consecutive year, the Christian Community of Pakistan was entertained by the Goinkars Own Academy as they celebrated World Goa Day 2006 on 21st - 22nd October 2006 at their usual venue the FIRPO FARM.
This year a special Mass was held at St. Anthony's Church which was celebrated by Reverend Father Robert D'Silva. After Mass the buses departed at 4.45 p.m. from St. Anthony's Church safely arriving at the Firpo farm. After everyone had settled down, tea and brownies were served, meanwhile, the Executive Committee Members of the Goinkars Own Academy with help from some members set up the place for the entertainment program.
An announcement was made to collect their door gifts were made a pack consisting of items such as Masala (spices) Packets, Tea sachets, Tang sachets, Soaps, Flavored Milk, Toothpaste, Pens and the Program which carried a lucky number.
The evening commenced with Recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by a round of Tambola and thereafter dinner. The Emcee for the evening Marie Anna Croning welcomed all to the World Goa Day celebrations, followed by a speech by the President of the Goinkars Own Academy Deborah Santamaria. In her welcome note the she thanked all for participating in this annual event and informed the crowd that besides the Goinkars Own Academy website set up in 2003, early this year an e-group has also been formed, henceforth all notices, circulars, group discussions etc would be routed through this forum.
Deborah Santamaria informed the audience that recently, she has been nominated as a Member of Alliance of Goan Overseas Association (Alliance of GOA's)
Thereafter, the Emcee took over and announced the entertainment segment, which commenced with a short Konkani Comedy skit -ZOMELAM 2000 written and directed by Deborah Santamaria. It was really amazing to see the talent brought out in the children of our community. This skit left every one in splits of laughter. The star performers of the Konkani skit were Whitney Bob, Tiffany Fernando, Kacie Fletcher, Amanda Croning, Jonelle Fernandes,
Naomi Santamaria, Emerald D'Souza, Perina Pereira, Ethan Fernandes and Clifford Fernandes.
Next was a Solo song - performed by Nassy Santamaria, and next performers (Whitney Bob, Amanda Croning, Tiffany Fernando, Kacie Fletcher, Fiona Bob & Jonelle Fernandes) rocked the stage with their moves as they danced to the tunes of Temptations.
All the way from Goa the land of music and good food a group dance performed by Naomi Santamaria, Chyanne Fletcher, Emerald D'Souza, Perina Pereira and Ethan Fernandes, these kids kept the audience spell bound with the moves as they danced to the tunes of Gollean Sankli.
Yet another Solo song performed by Nassy Santamaria who received tremendous applause for this performance. A group dance "Garam Masala" performed with a difference a touch of Goan and Pakistani moves performed by Amanda Croning, Whitney Bob, Tiffany Fernando and Kacie Fletcher. The next performers Chyanne Fletcher, Naomi Santamaria, Emerald D'Souza and Perina Pereira danced to the tunes of Shakira's "Hips Dont Lie" Next was yet another short
skit "Mapusa Bazaar" written and directed by Deborah Santamaria cast Clifford Fernandes introducing for the very first time Gavin D'lima, Fabian Bob, Carol Bob, Tony Fernando, Cynthia Fernando, Marianna Croning, Victoria Fernandes & Fiona Bob. Despite our performers being from the Goan, Sri Lankan and South Indian communities, they spoke the Konkani language with perfection.
All good things must come to an end, appropriately the last item was the World Goa Day theme song "Proud to be a Goan" written by Basilio Magno was sung by Naomi Santamaria.
All participants were presented with a gift while the children received a gift as well as meal vouchers. Draws for lucky programme was held and 10 lucky winners went home with fabulous prizes. Thereafter the D.J. for the evening Fabian Bob took over and kept the crowd dancing upto 4.30 a.m. with his collection of non stop music.
22nd October 2006
Breakfast was ready for all from 7.30 a.m. onwards. After breakfast announcements was made that registration to the Cricket teams was open. An exciting cricket tournament (comprising of 3 teams) was played, each team even had ladies batting, bowling and fielding.
Lunch was served at 1 p.m. Hot cups of Tea and cheese cake was served at 3 p.m, thereafter a round of tambola was played which was enjoyed by all as meal vouchers and cash prizes were given out. The winning team in cricket won the trophy and each member received a gift from the patron for this tournament Mr. Sabby Fernandes. Gifts were also given to the other cricket
teams. The President of Goinkars Own Academy thanked all present for their participation, she emphasized that this was their event and their cooperation and support has made it a success. TOGETHER WE HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE!!.
Coming together was the beginning
Working together was progressing
Staying together we have succeeded
At 5 p.m. all started boarding the buses for home, taking back with them memories of an enjoyable and memorable World Goa Day 2006.
Message sent by Rene Barreto Founder - World Goa Day
Excerpts
For the 2nd Consecutive year the Goans of Pakistan were entertained by the Goinkars Own Academy as they celebrated World Goa Day on 20th and 21st August 2005 at FIRPO FARM.
The 6 p.m. service at St. Anthony's Church was packed to capacity since the mass was of Sunday Liturgy. 4 buses departed at 7.45 p.m. from meeting point at Bliss Apartments and safely arrived at the Firpo farm.
On arrival after everyone settled in, the Executive Committee Members of the Goinkars Own Academy with help from some members set up the place for the entertainment program. The evening commenced with Recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by dinner after which the MC Marie Anna Croning welcomed all to the World Goa Day celebrations and asked the President of the Goinkars Own Academy Deborah Santamaria to address the crowd. In her welcome note the President of the Goinkars Own Academy stressed that we as parents should ensure that our children learn the basics of our Mother tongue and broken as it may be do not hesitate to speak it in public. She stressed that she too did not know to speak Konkani leave alone to write, as her parents never spoke to her or her brothers but she mastered the language from observing the elders as they spoke. And today she can not only speak Konkani but also makes an effort to write in Konkani. She has not only trained her daughter Naomi Santamaria but has also encouraged her husband Nascimento Santamaria to participate in short Konkani skits and songs. She plans to start basic Konkani classes for the children and emphasized that it will be mandatory for the registered children/adults to take part in any cultural event that will be held by the Goinkars Own Academy in the near future Thereafter, the MC for the evening took over and announced the entertainment segment which commenced with hoisting of the World Goa Day flag.
Six beautiful little girls i.e. Nikita Fernandes, Emerald Dsouza, Michelle Fernandes, Amanda Croning, Whitney Bob & TiffanyFernando marched in with the flag with Naomi Santamaria leading. Marshall Fernandes and Gerry Croning helped them put up the flag and Naomi Santamaria sang the theme song "Proud to be a Goan" accompanied by Allan Goveas on the guitar. Then came a medley dance performed by Michelle Fernandes, Whitney Bob, Amanda Croning, Tiffany Fernando and Nikita Fernandes. After this, a short skit written by Deborah Santamaria"Aum Zalom Cororepati" performed by Clifford Fernandes, Gavin D'Lima and Nascimento Santamaria. All were then asked to drop their coupons and a door gift comprising of Rexona deodorant, tooth paste, soap and jelly was handed out to all. Next was the prize for the souvenir. The lucky winners won gift hampers Gavin Dlima, Rose Fernandes & Hazel Dsouza. The next item was performed by Michelle Fernandes, Whitney Bob, Amanda Croning & Tiffany Fernando who once again mesmerized the crowd as they performed to the music of the film "Dus". The next were the "Goan Idols" namely Emerald Dsouza as the singer, Pereina Pereira as the Mum, Lois Croning as the Nun, Kristen Fernandes as a Balerina, Naomi Santamaria as the Stage Directress and Nikita Fernandes as Miss World. This followed by a song written and sung by Deborah Santamaria " World Goa Day".
The last item on the Programme, left the crowd in splits of laughter, this was MNK Designs directed by Marshall Fernandes. One witnessed the latest jewelry as well latest designs. The first model came all the way from Madras Carol Bob and she displayed a splendid 21 carat set.
All participants were called for a group photograph. The children who participated were all presented with a meal voucher from Time Out. The Ladies received meal vouchers while the gents got gift hampers. Special gifts were presented to Marshall Fernandes, Fabian Bob, Marie Anna Croning, Allan & his wife Elizabeth Goveas. Thereafter the D.J. for the evening Fabian Bob took over and kept the crowd dancing upto 4.30 a.m. with his collection of music non stop music.
21 st) August 2005
Clarence Smith had delicious breakfast of Channa/Alo Puri, Halwa with a hot cup of tea ready for all from 7 a.m. onwards. After breakfast announcements were made that registration for sports activities havebegun: Gavin Dlima , Cricket, Nassy Santamaria , Table Tennis & Gerry Croning, Water Basket Ball. Cricket match commenced at 10.00 a.m. The captains for the teams" were Gerry Croning, Marshall Fernandes & Gavin D'Lima
A round of tombola was played at 3 p.m. which was enjoyed by all as good cash prizes were given out. 3 Lucky coupon draws were then held and the winner won a dinner for 2 at Pearl Continental Hotel, the 2 nd won a gift hamper and the third a 3 piece bowl set. Hot cups of Tea and delicious samosa and cake was then served. At 6 p.m. all started boarding the buses for home taking back with them memories of an enjoyable and memorable World Goa Day 2005.
Goans in Pakistan
Francis Misquita, Edmonton
While surfing Goanet, I came across the article Goans in Pakistan... looking
ahead (By Menin Rodrigues). I must congratulate Menin on his article, which
has some very interesting statistics and depicts very well the history of
Goans in Pakistan and their future in their homeland. A Goan from Karachi
myself, migrating to Canada more than 30 years ago I like to comment on some
of the remarks made by Menin in his article. He writes "Those who have left
Pakistan cannot really be classified as Goans of Pakistan anymore because of
their indifference to even understanding issues of Goans in Pakistan."
Agreed, there maybe some Goans in the West who may not understand the issues,
or even worse will not be bothered with what issues are faced by Goans in
Pakistan. But to make a general statement that those who left Pakistan cannot
really be classified as Goans of Pakistan, is something that I take as a
personal offense. I am a member of the Edmonton Goan Association (EGA) and
also served as President and Treasurer. I am one who takes pride in being a
Pakistani Goan first, and then a Canadian. In a couple of plays that I
produced and acted at our EGA socials, they depict lifestyles of Pakistani
Goans - how we happy go lucky Goans back home speak Urdu, Konkani and English
with the same fluency. In fact many of my Goan friends from Bombay and Africa,
find it surprising that we have such an affection for Pakistan and that we
speak Urdu with such fluency. Like many others I am still a proud Pakistani
Goan. Pakistan Zindabad.
Menin writes of the youth of today " This group of young men and women has
their feet firmly on ground, do not have an identity problem, are fluent in
the national language (with the advantage of being English speaking as a
strong backup),are street smart, have good basic and professional education;
and those"former" Goans of Pakistan now abroad mean nothing to them."
Come on Menin give me a break. Why come down on us with such a heavy hand. You
are painting us "former" Goans as traitors to our homeland. Migration always
existed ever since the dawn of civilization. Humans (even the animal kingdom)
move from place to place. Yes, at times the grass looks greener on the other
side, and granted a few immigrants in Canada today regret the move they made.
Our parents migrated from Goa to Pakistan and I am sure the remainder of the
Goans left back in the old country at that time admired the young men and
women who ventured from their secure comforts of life to meet the challenges
in a new world.
However, I do agree with Menin that the Goan youth of today in Pakistan are
better equipped with professional education (quite a few with MBA's and IT
background), fluency in Urdu and most important having a desire to succeed in
Pakistan. I wish the new breed of Goan highfliers and achievers all the very
best.
I agree with Menin when he says, "It's not difficult anymore to have a decent
lifestyle with all the comforts and conveniences, provided you have good
education and the foresight and competitiveness to succeed in the given
circumstances". What is important not only in Pakistan but also in the
western world the youth should strive in getting a good education. This is the
corner stone of success to the future. Granted we in the western world maybe a
bit more fortunate to afford higher education, due to the availability of
government loans and scholarships, although getting accepted for higher
education is as competitive as back home. Last year a high school student
required a minimum 80 % to be accepted in Science's at the University of
Alberta.
I like to comment on another remark made by Menin "this is where one of the
major issues lie, the future of the Catholic Church in Pakistan -- and the
institutions she governs -- without Goan leadership!" As Goans, yes we have
always treasured the thought of the Catholic Church in Pakistan with abundance
of Goan priests and Goan leadership. Gone are those days, and vocations today
are problematic worldwide. I am convinced that the future of Catholic Church
in Pakistan can do well with Goan leadership or otherwise.
On the question of understanding and preserving our Goan culture. This is a
much-discussed topic worldwide wherever there is a Goan Association. My
opinion is that no culture can forever be preserved entirely. The Goan culture
is like a good blended scotch (Chivas Regal or Black Label, pick your choice),
absorbing the best wherever Goans went. For me personally, being a Goan is the
pride and joy I take in doing the "mando" at our GoaFest function, having a
sip of feni or singing praises to St.Francis Xavier in Konkani on his feast
day. Goans are considered to be "susegad" (easy going) people, which explains
why we like to eat, drink and be merry. It's ironic that my dreams of visiting
Goa (at least once in my lifetime) for the exposition of the great saint this
year could not come true, as the Indian government decided not to issue visas
to Canadian nationals of Pakistani origin.
A reference was also made in the article to the Karachi Goan Association
(KGA). Yes, I agree with Menin's comments that KGA "must make that extra
effort to be better organized, forward looking and thinking big!" Leadership
must be passed on to the hands of younger, dynamic, well-educated Goan youth
so that they 'move and shake' the Goan legacy in Pakistan out of its deep
slumber!
Growing up in Karachi, like some Goans we were labeled as "sons of cooks and
butlers", many a time by the clergy and other elite Goans. Membership to KGA,
as I recall in those days was restricted to the elite. If the executives of
the KGA at that time were more forward looking and embraced goans from all
walks of life as members, the KGA over the years would be a more vibrant
association.
In conclusion I must congratulate Menin on his vision and hard work in
returning the colleges, in particular St. Patrick's College my alma mater. It
is my dream to return back to my roots in my golden years and possibly taking
up a teaching job at my alma mater.
Goans in Pakistan... looking ahead(By Menin Rodrigues)
Frederick Noronha (FN)
Sat, 27 Dec 2003 13:14:22 -0800
From the outset, let me give you the approx number of Goans in Pakistan and where are they located. There are an estimated 9.2 million Christians of all denominations in a country of 145 million people (Source: 2001 National Census). Some 78% of Christians is concentrated in the Punjab — mostly Urdu speaking of Punjabi origin converted to Christianity over several decades of missionary work in this part of the world.
Goans are mainly settled in the port city of Karachi, having migrated here from Bombay (Mumbai) and Goa in search of employment in early 20th century. A handful of Goan families live in Lahore, awalpindi and Islamabad, Hyderabad and Quetta.
There are about 2000 Goan families (social indicators show an increase of 15-20 families per year) in Karachi, mostly concentrated in five ‘English-speaking parishes’ of the 18 parishes of the Archdiocese of Karachi.
There are more or less about 20,000 Goans here. I don’t think we have ever been more than that number at any point in time of our existence in Pakistan. Yes, before and during the time of partition, not only were Goans prominent in the civic, social, sports, business and political life of a fledgling country but were held in very high esteem for their contribution towards education and health-care facilities — as a matter of fact for almost everything we laid our hands on.
Being prominent and at the helm of affairs then made Goans look larger than life. But with the passage of time our front-line image started disintegrating and, slowly but surely, Goans started fading away; got disillusioned and lost interest in the country. Most thought, and probably still think, that the country did not have much to offer as a future for their families.
Migration has had its toll on the image, caliber and quality of the Goan human resource, but not the numbers. Whilst former Karachiites have opted for greener pastures, the newer families believe that in Pakistan they have a place they can call ‘home’ and seriously think of making a good living here for themselves and their children.
It’s not difficult anymore to have a decent lifestyle with all the comforts and conveniences, provided you have good education and the foresight and competitiveness to succeed in the given circumstances. Here too, like anywhere in the world, survival is of the fittest. There is no discrimination, and merit (candidates must have an assertive and competitive attitude) can get anyone the job they want! Of late, it has been known that some Christians, including Goans, have resorted to claiming migration
and even seeking political asylum on the pretext of discrimination and social injustice. To make matters worse, it is alleged that some members of various church hierarchies have issued letters supporting such claims.
Goans have a very special place and respect in society and in any group or organization in Pakistan because of their sincerity to purpose in anything they take up. Hardworking, reliable, honest, trustworthy, friendly and supportive (and, above all, speak English confidently!) are some of the hallmarks associated with a Goan candidate in any middle management job market.
However, for obvious reasons, top-slot jobs go to better qualified and assertive candidates. In a few years from now, this too I believe will be the domain of our young men and women who are presently doing quite well at university and post-graduate studies; and at the same time adapting the local psyche and way of life.
The Catholic church hierarchy, historically made up of Goan priests of solid theological background, is now dwindling in numbers due to old age — some have migrated too; and there is barely anyone at the Major or Minor seminaries.
Vocations from Goan families are a difficult proposition. Pakistan’s first and only Cardinal (The Late Joseph Cordeiro) was a Goan, Archbishops Simeon Pereira (retired); the late Armando Trinidade of Lahore; Larry Saldanha, the current archbishop of Lahore are Goans; Bishops Evarist Pinto of Karachi, Bonaventure Paul (retired) and Max Rodrigues of Hyderabad and Joe Coutts of Faisalabad are all Goans. I believe so!
Amongst the senior Goan priests, most are well in their seventies, with a few in their fifties, forties and thirties — that’s it! Altogether there are about 20 Goan fathers, bishops, archbishop et al. The last Goan priest to be ordained was in 1991 and the next is expected in 2006. This is where one of the major issues lie, the future of the Catholic Church in Pakistan — and the institutions she governs — without Goan leadership!
Notwithstanding the aforesaid scenario, identity crisis is one of the major issues for Goans in Pakistan today, generally speaking. Since there is not much to talk or write about a Goan in mainstream Pakistan today, other than a few isolated cases; no one really knows much about a D’Souza, Rodrigues, Fernandes, Lobo, Pereira or a D’Mello — we are like foreigners in our own country.
Although there may be many Goan families still wanting to migrate to the West, the post 9/11 realities are beginning to settle the dust. Migration as in an exodus movement is, hopefully, a thing of the past. Those who have left Pakistan cannot really be classified as Goans of Pakistan anymore because of their indifference to even understanding issues of Goans in Pakistan.
However, there is a new breed of Goan highfliers and achievers who, I strongly believe, are on the sideline roaring to get a slice of the national and community scene. This group of young men and women has their feet firmly on ground, do not have an identity problem, are fluent in the national language (with the advantage of being English speaking as a strong backup), are street smart, have good basic and professional education; and those ‘former’ Goans of Pakistan now abroad mean nothing
to them. Given the opportunity, in their own individual capacities this upcoming group of Goans would be able to handle all future issues concerning Goans in Pakistan.
There are several issues inflicting the Christian community in Pakistan but almost none concerning the Goan community — and if at all there are some, are not necessarily of any major significance. This view may not be shared by many others, but I feel strongly about it, because, if there are any such issues, they are of our own making. Otherwise, life in general for Goans in Pakistan is mundane if not exciting and enjoyable, more specifically within the confines of our homes, parish precincts and workplaces.
One of the major issues, nevertheless, is certainly lack of leadership strong, assertive and contemplative that has virtually brought about a lethargic approach to understanding, evaluating and managing issues confronting Goans in ,Pakistan. Here leadership may not mean Church leadership but leadership amongst Goans themselves.
The Catholic community, historically with Goan leaderships in the past, has been the forerunners in many walks of life. This was a time when, indeed, Goans were well-known because of them being in mainstream national, social and community work.
From church leaders to business entrepreneurs and from armed forces personnel to being civil servants — the judiciary, the police or other bodies — the community was firmly rooted and well established. But that time for Goans in Pakistan was another country!
Two major issues confronting Goans in Pakistan are finding true and assertive leadership and charting out a course of direction for their existence in an ever-growing Islamic environment in the country — a country that has shot into extraordinary prominence lately in the international media.
There is nothing alarming about being rooted in a Muslim country — it was always meant to be one. Islam as we see in the behavior and camaraderie of our friends, neighbors and benefactors, is indeed, a religion of tolerance, caring, sharing and giving. Sometimes, we could even learn a lesson or two from them.
As a matter of fact, whenever there has been a case of attack, arson and desecration of our properties and institutions, it has been an aftermath of the atrocities of the West towards underestimating and misunderstanding the teachings of Islam and its followers. The reason for such incidents in Pakistan is surely because of ignorance.
People in Pakistan, especially the masses — people at the helm of affairs certainly know of the contribution of Christians to the national cause — ought to know that Christians in Pakistan are not connected, whatsoever, to the way the West thinks of Islam and the Middle East.
We have been somewhat lucky in the least, having our Test cricketer Yousuf Youhana — with merit personified — in the Pakistan cricket team. His bold display of making the Sign of the Cross upon reaching a 50 or a 100 is, probably, the only sign of Christians being in Pakistan for the masses in millions who follow the game of cricket like their second religion. Two Goans have played test cricket for Pakistan in the late ‘fifties, the late Wallis Mathais and Antao D’Souza.
In order to find true leadership amongst Goans, Goans themselves must not be dependent on Church leaders to chart out a direction for them as a community. The focus should be on Goan culture, its way of life, the language, music and song, food and sweet meats and its rich traditions — a wonderful opportunity that stands right before us.
Now that we have access to Information Technology, all this can be shared and ‘learnt’ (because I am sure Goans in Pakistan need refresher information on Goan culture and traditions) from Goans all over the world.
Goans have always been in Pakistan, will always be here and there are more chances than none that a young Goan family today will prefer to stay back and make a living here. It’s up to these young future parents on how they bring up their children, teaching them values that are constructive and not detrimental to their growth as dynamic decision makers for the next lot of generations to come.
Concluding, I must comment that our two Goan institutions in Pakistan, the historical Karachi Goan Association (more than 100 years old) and the erstwhile off-shoot, the Goan Union (it seems defunct now) must make that extra effort to be better organized, forward looking and thinking big! Leadership must be passed on to the hands of younger, dynamic, well-educated Goan youth so that they ‘move and shake’ the Goan legacy in Pakistan out of its deep slumber!
The author can be contacted via email Menin Rodrigues <menin@cyber.net.pk> He ownes and manages a marketing firm in Pakistan, and carried out campaigns for the return of three nationalised Christian colleges in Karachi. Sr Lawrence's Intermediate College for Women was returned to the FMCK Sisters, while a campaign is on for St Patrick's and St Joseph's.
[Goanet]WORLD GOA DAY in KARACHI PKISTAN 23-24th October 2004
rbarreto r_barreto at btconnect.com Sun Sep 19 08:28:30 PDT 2004 [Goanet]Goinkars Own Academy ........expressing GOAN SOLIDARITY.Hi Everyone,
I would like to share with you the web site created for the Goinkars Own
Academy. You can view the events held and photographs of events held, as
well as view our forthcoming events for 2004.
http://goinkarsownacademy.freewebspace.com/index.html
I regret, I could not materalise the newsletter I planned to publish for
the Goans of Pakistan. God willing I should also accomplish this by the end
of this year. I need suport from you for this to happen "TOGETHER WE CAN
MAKE A DIFFERENCE". I f you have any articles ideas that you would like to
share I could publish this in the newsletter. So please fell free to
send it to me either at this e-mail address or at my below mentioned
addresses:
debbie_pk at hotmail.com
debbie_pk at yahoo.com
Watch out for details for WORLD GOA DAY 2004
VENUE to be confirmed Date:
23/24th October 2004. It will be an overnight event.
You can collect your Invitations from our
Committee Members once the details have been finalized.
Karachi Goans
Lenny Barreto
The Goans of Karachi, have a history of their own.
With the East India Company consolidating themselves in India and with
the occupation of Sind by Sir Charles Napier in 1843, many Goans did not want to live under the Portuguese and very many wanted to improve their lot. So they moved first to Bombay and later to Karachi.
The first Goans came to Karachi by sea in sail boats, called Dhows. Karachi at the time was a small non-descript town and a one-way stop to the important ports of Bombay and Calcutta.
It is difficult to imagine the difficulties these early settlers had to face in an alien land, where conditions were hard. But by sheer grit and determination and by their adventurous spirit, these early Goan settlers lost little time in improving their prospects for a better life.
The British needed people to work with the British Army and other civil jobs in Karachi. They found the Goans hardworking, loyal, honest and well behaved and easy to manage. The British were, therefore eager to have these pioneers settle in the area. They first hired them in service jobs - as domestics, bearers and cooks and some supplied food. The British subsequently offered them jobs with the British Indian Civil Services - in the Customs, Police, Railways, Telegraphs and other
government jobs.
Most of the early Goan settlers in Karachi were single males - they started "chummeries" and moved out, building their own houses and forming their own townships.
Many would get homesick and would make trips to Goa by sea for a holiday and on vacation - they would encourage more people to emigrate to Karachi for better jobs.
One of the main concern of Goans wherever they settled was their religion and the Karachi Goans were no exception. Most who came to Karachi were Roman Catholics. Since there was no church in Karachi at the time, they made sure that one was built. With full support and help of the Irish Fusillers, the Goans started St. Patrick's chapel, which became a Church and later a Cathedral. The Church, became the center for the whole Catholic community for adults and children and the Goans gave very much of their time in helping in all the Church social and spiritual activities - they organized excellent 'melas' and fairs, they organized plays and concerts, sports and picnics, they trained altar boys to serve in the church, opened a catholic library and started a church choir and organized prayer meetings and sodalities for adults and teenagers. They even had an early Sunday morning Konkani mass and choir.
The majority of Goans studied at St. Patrick's High School, which was the only Catholic School for many years in those early days. Most of the teachers were Goans. It was the Goans of Karachi and St. Patrick's High School, that gave India and Pakistan their first Cardinals (Cardinal Valerian Gracias and Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro) and also a number of Bishops and Archbishops - (New Delhi, Allahabad, Nagpur, Poona, Calcutta, Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad).
Besides in the religious and spiritual - the small community of Karachi Goans excelled in the sports and athletic fields, and produced one of the best sportsmen in the world and on the sub-continent, in hockey, cricket and boxing. St. Patrick's High School and the Karachi Goan Community also gave the British, Pakistan and India - Judges of the High Court, Army Generals, Cabinet Ministers, Mayors of cities, Hockey and track Olympians and Test Cricketers.
From a miniscule community of Roman Catholic Goans perhaps one of the smallest in the world, can this be matched ?
As the Goan population in Karachi began to grow, they felt that they had to organize themselves and have a place to meet and to hold their own social and sporting events. After working hard, Goans love to have a good time and to enjoy themselves. So in 1886, Goans started the Goan Portuguese Association (GPA) and in 1930 gave a new name to the club - Karachi Goan Association (KGA).
The present KGA building is still to be matched - it is a magnificent structure, and a popular Karachi landmark. The building has an extensive dance hall on the upper floor and is also given out on hire for weddings. There is a spacious stage for concerts, plays and operas. There are billiard and card rooms, table tennis rooms, a well furnish library and a well stocked bar and an outdoor tennis court. The KGA was the pride of the Goans and was the center of many cultural and social events. First class dances and operas all organized by the members of the KGA were held at the hall. During the Christmas Season - ten days of various functions were held at the Cluy - the top bands (all Goan) were in attendance, also held were children concerts, plays and whist drives. For two years during World War II the KGA was requisitioned to the United States Armed Forces, stationed in Karachi and used by them as a Senior Officers Club. The KGA also played host to the Late Duke of Windsor then Prince of Wales and the First Governor of the Province of Sind.
The Karachi Goan Association put on many plays and operettas- all Goan talent - which drew high and appreciative audiences - members of the diplomatic corps, top government officials and prominent and business people. The operettas were on a very high standard. The musicals and
operettas which was all Goan included the Gilbert and Sullivan Musicals - the Mikado, the Gondoliers, Trial by Jury, Pirates of Penzance and the HMS Pinafore.
A mile from the KGA building, was the KGA Gymkhana for all outdoor and indoor sporting activities. It is a 30,000 square yard plot, with two tennis courts, an indoor badminton court and a field for cricket, hockey and soccer, which was played regularly on these grounds. Inter village games were held regularly on these grounds. As in any other place if there is more than one Goan there has to another Goan Club. This was an era when the community was divided based on social and professional status and many Goans started separate clubs for themselves and families. In Karachi another Club - The Goan Union was organized - a very well run club with a lot of exceptional talent. Smaller than the KGA, but very successful. Never was there any animosity between these clubs. After all members of both clubs attended the same school and church and prayed and played together.
Given their small size of the population - the Karachi Goans are proud of their achievements and contributed immensely to the new country that was created - Pakistan. They did exceedingly well and held top positions in the various Government and Civil Services and Defense Services. There was a second migration of Goans from India to Karachi, when Pakistan was created. Quite a few of them came to settle in Pakistan and all were successful in their jobs and professions - many became managers in firms and business houses, some opened their hospitals and medical clinics and some became high ranking officers in the Defense Services.
The Ideal Life Assurance - the biggest in Karachi now in Pakistan is purely a Goan institution and spread all over the sub-continent. The only mill in Karachi at the time was the India Flour Mill a Goan enterprise and the only printing press was also a Goan enterprise. Here are the names of some important Goans of Karachi and what they achieved, mind you this is not a complete list.
Cincinnatus Town in Karachi a very large residential development is named after an outstanding Goan leader - Cincinnatus D'Abreo. Hussain D'Silva Town another prominent residential development was started by Jerome D'Silva. Latin Britto Pedro D'Souza, was also a famous Goan land developer in Karachi.
Two Karachi Goans held the rank of Lt. Generals in the British India Army. Frank D'Souza, who was born and was a student in Karachi, became the first Indian to be appointed by the British as a member of the Railway Board of India. The membership to the Board was the preserve of the best. At the time of partition, Jinnah specifically requested Frank D'Souza for his help to set-up the Railway System in Pakistan. Frank agreed, but made one condition, that his home in Pakistan would be de-requisitioned. Jinnah and the Pakistan Government agreed. On completion of his job in Pakistan, Frank returned to India and gave his beautiful house in Karachi to the nuns to be used as a home for the aged. What an excellent man!
As mentioned earlier the first Cardinals of India and Pakistan were from Karachi - Cardinal Valerian Gracias and Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro. Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro (Oxford) a brilliant man was mentioned as a "papable" (possible Pope) in the Time Magazine. After the death of Pope John Paul I, he was appointed by the Pope as Secretary of several Curia Committees in Rome. Even as cardinal, he would use his bicycle on some of his visits, till he was informed by the Inter-nuncio that was not the right way for a cardinal to travel. Charles Lobo, Judge of the Sind High Court and Chairman of the Public Service Commission in Pakistan, was also appointed Pakistan delegate to the United Nations. Edward Raymond was the first Indian to be appointed by the British on the Indian sub-continent to adorn the Bench of the Judicial Commmissioner's Court in Sind. His son Herman Raymond (Oxford) was one time Chief Prosecutor of Sind and Baluchistan and was also made a Judge of the High Court and was appointed by President Ayub Khan on a Special Judicial Committee to investigate the action of the politicians. Edward Raymond's eldest son - Leonard Raymond was Archbishop of Allahabad, India, and another son Maurice Raymond (Cambridge University) was the first Pakistani General Manager of the Karachi Port Trust. Joseph D'Mello was appointed Chairman of the Pakistan Railway Board. Sydney Pereira rose to be Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission.
In the field of sport - Peter Paul Fernandes of Karachi was the first Goan to be selected as a member of the Indian Olympic Hockey team he played in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Old Bombayites will remember PP Fernandes, as he was commonly known, when he would come with the Karachi St. Patrick's Sports Club hockey Team (all ex-St. Patrick's school students) or with Karachi Goan Association Team to play in the Aga Khan Hockey Tournament. Mennen Soares represented Pakistan in Badminton, maybe the only Goan to represent a country in Badminton. Phoebe Barboza (nee Dias) the No.1 Women's Badminton player in Pakistan. Dr. Michael Rodrigues Pakistan's No. 1 Table Tennis Player. Bertie Gomes was the All India Heavy Weight Boxing Champion .Some of the old-timers say that Lawrie Fernandes from Karachi, who as an outstanding hockey center forward and who played for the All India Telegraphs was better than Dyan Chand, but for some reason was never selected to play for India.
To-day, many Karachi Goans have left their homes in Karachi to settle in other parts of the world, (Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and the USA and in other countries) and they have continued to do well in these countries, naturally so, because of their dedication, loyalty, hard work, education and religious background.Lenny Barretto
13 Apr 2000
Karachi Goans & Goans everywhereEdgar MartinsI applaud this opportunity to express ourselves through cyberspace where we can come together.
My mother was born in Karachi where my grandfather owned a music shop. My uncle was
considered the best pianist in Pakistan, the result of Goan parochial schools. In Africa he
was respected by the colonials. In my youth, living in Goa, Bombay, Kampala, Entebbe, Nairobi and Mombasa (having been born
at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro) I often heard snide remarks about Goans who had an ego and were
brought up with a chip on their shoulder. Even the thought of speaking Konkani was frowned upon.
I heard of Goans referred to (by Goans) as Goaks, 'kitem re', Paovallas and in East Africa by the
Gujeratis as 'Machli khounde' (fish eaters).Today I am proud to be a Goan with a distinct identity different from the rest of India and the world.
I make it a point to impress on people I meet that they should avoid stereotyping me. I want to
separate myself from those referred to by Peter Sellers in his 'Oh Doctor, any trouble'. My barber refers to me as going (for Goan) - always on the move. Recently I passed a few days
in NJ and attended their picnic. A young Goan I met had graduated from West Point and had spent
time in Goa proud of his heritage. He appeared disciplined and proud. In Goa, recently, I met a
Goan who had retired after twenty five years in the British Army and having served in Iraq, Germany
and N. Ireland.In N.J. I made it a point to visit a 'buddy' who I refer to as Pundit. Dr. Miranda made it a point to
proudly play a tape recorded of the Gavana group (with his college buddy called Eloy Gomes)
when they played at a party after the Convention at the Roy Thompson Hall. My guest was so
surprised to listen to such enjoyable music and wanted to know how he could get a copy of
the music. Well I now know that I am also referred to as a Goon.People have a misconception of us Goans (read Nirad Choudary's impression of us).
It is left to us to change this impression by our behaviour and conduct. Respect for others
and their opinions are important. In Africa I remember seeing ads in papers "Goan Clerk
wanted"' "Goan Accountant needed". Today, outsiders who have come to Goa are
displacing our Goan bakers. When we know where we came from, we will know where we are going. Our youth are
bright and resourceful but have no idea of our past. I have met Goans asking me
for literature and music of Goa as they themselves are ignorant of our language,
music and our history. If only they had been proud to be Goans in their youth,
they would not have come to this situation. In Goa, some mistakenly look at the statue of Abbe Faria and Francisco
Gomes and the bust of Dr. Borges as statues of some foreigners. Little
do they think that we Goans are capable of achieving higher goals. Edgar Martins July 13, 2000
Hi,
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to purchase the recipe book...is there one in print.
Thank you
Hi There,
ReplyDeleteThis year the theme for World Goa Day "Goan Crusine". This initiative is part of this Theme. Plan is to eventually have a Recipe Book compiled of all recipes shared. When done it will be posted to our BLOG.
I would like to share an e-mail received from Cheryl Antao-Xavier, Publisher, In Our Words Inc. Canada
ReplyDeleteDear Debbie, I’m delighted to have come across the Goinkar website. I wonder if you could put me in touch with the young artist whose work is displayed. Particularly the sketch of the two women holding a cloth across a page. Amazing. I would like to contact her for the one time rights to use this image on a booklet I will be publishing shortly. It is very appropriate. I am Goan from Karachi (St. Jude’s and St. Lawrence’s parish) now living in Canada. Thank you for this wonderful project.
I own a publishing company that publishes literary books and I’m always looking for emerging artists to feature their work on book covers.
I also like the peacock collage. Could you please let me know what the charge would be for a onetime use of the women image and the cost of the purchase of the peacock collage.
Cheryl
The painting of women image was done by Jovita Alvares and the peacock collage by Leanne Coelho. Viva Goans of Pakistan you make us PROUD.
Hi Debbie I am too a Goan, as you know that in todays world we Goans are forgetting our own mother tongue, therefore please start a website, or classes for our goans to learn Konkani for free of cost... I think since you all are so into promoting Goan Culture this to is very important.... please..
ReplyDelete