Bombay is a place most Goans got to for a career or education. Many make it their home. SUEZELLE D’COSTA from Cuncolim is one of them. A media professional, she starts her fortnightly column A GOAN IN BOMBAY
Before I begin, let’s take a test.
What comes to your mind when someone mentions “Goa”? Let meguess – party, cheap booze, tourists, beautiful beaches, vacation spot, fun,chilled out people, “susegad” etc. etc.
Now, how would you react if someone happened to mention thats/he is a Goan? I’m guessing your face will reflect a great amount ofexcitement.
No. I’m not making a sweeping statement. I’m basing thisconclusion on how Mumbaikars have reacted when I mentioned that I am a Goan.
“You are a Goan!? What are you doing here in Mumbai? Youshould not leave Goa.” This is just one reaction that is repeated by manypeople. I don’t understand how to reply, but please put a lid on that risingexcitement.
A lot of my gal-pals keep reminding me that I am supposed toshow them Goa. In other words, I’m supposed to be a tour guide. I didn’t knowhow to tell them that I knew quite little about my state. All I knew were acouple of beaches and restaurants, and honestly, it was only South Goa.
It’s either my skin tone or my surname that gives way mostof the time. So, I was meeting a Chinese consultant at work last week. At thelunch table, our conversation was based on India which progressed to Indiansand was later broken down into different communities (Punjabi, Gujarati,Marwari, Maharashtrians) and their traits. I wouldn’t want to drift away fromthe topic by writing what their traits are, but this conversation diverted whenmy manager announced that I am a Goan. I find it difficult to explain theirreaction. Nevertheless, one exclaimed, “You are a Goan!? Would you take me withyou to Goa? I’ve not yet been there. And I so want to visit Goa.”
I had half a mind to tell her that it’s just 600 oddkilometres away and a train journey takes around 12 hours. But I didn’t. However, the Chinese consultant said that shevisited Goa twice and loved the state. She had lots to share about the beachesand the delicious food she enjoyed.
Another colleague said that he loved Goa so much that hecompleted his summer internships with some companies in North Goa. Wow!Impressive, indeed.
This incident ends here, but every time I meet a new person,they immediately load their gun with questions likeOMG-you-are-a-Goan-why-did-you-leave-Goa-you-should-take-us-to-Goa-sometime andthen shoot me at point blank. There is no space for an answer. I’m glad, thereisn’t.
However, out of 10, at least 2 people won’t bother aboutwhere I come from. But at some point or the other, I picture this disclaimerwhen they’re discussing Goa with me. It says – You are so lucky that you’re aGoan. I so wish I was one too.
Too bad! You need to be really lucky to take birth on thisland. That’s all.
