GLOBAL GOANS SPEAK
Goans take part in a peaceful meeting at the Wembley Central Railway station in Wembley-London on October 6.
Many Goans in UK believe in a moral obligation to support causes for meaningful reasons and to stand in solidarity with Goans in Goa
LONDON
Like several diasporic communities, Goans are settled in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. We Goans have a strong attachment to our homeland and this sense of identity frequently motivates us to participate in Goan-related political, social or religious activities.
Recently, a person in Goa had made derogatory statements in relation to our ‘Goencho Saib’. Goans are seriously hurt by his unwarranted remarks. Normally, Goans are sussegad but this time it was over the limits and therefore, people of all religions protested on the streets all over Goa.
Goans in the UK feel compelled to hold meetings to support such causes for meaningful reasons to stand with Goans in Goa in solidarity.
Many Goans in the UK are proud of their heritage, traditions and culture. We support all our Goa events, including, Tiatr, dance, sports, Goa-day and festivals, which allows us to remain connected to our roots and maintain our identity while living abroad.
Many Goans in the diaspora believe we have a moral obligation to help improve our home state particularly in political, social or religious matters. These gatherings in the UK enable us to unite and mobilise resources, raise awareness, and influence positive change at home.
Our sentiments are deeply hurt so we held solidarity meetings at Swindon, Wembley, and Hounslow, etc. Holding meetings to discuss or support issues related to Goa often fosters sense of community among Goans in the UK. These gatherings help strengthen social bonds and build a support system that crosses national borders.
Goa has a rich cultural and religious heritage, and Goans living abroad frequently maintain a strong spiritual connections to religious events or celebrations back home. Participating in religious causes in Goa allows us to express and maintain our faith while we are abroad.
Goans in the UK wish to remain active in their home political landscape, whether by advocating for local governance, environmental issues or human rights. Meetings in the UK allow us to coordinate efforts, communicate concern and influence Goa development through collective action.
The Goan diaspora can often play a significant role in the economic development of Goa by sending remittances or contributing to community projects.
Meetings provide a platform to organise such efforts more effectively. Some of our London-Goans made a letter to United Kingdom MPs to raise these issues in the UK parliament to pressurize the Indian Government to maintain the equality and right to religion and to stop discrimination.
Finally, these meetings act as a link between the Goan Community in the UK and our homeland, by reinforcing a sense of belonging and participation in Goa’s ongoing religious, cultural, social and political life.
[The writer is an active member of the Goan community based in Wembley.]
