Hundreds of Goans attend a meeting in Swindon-UK on Sunday evening.
Photo Credits: John Soares
LONDON
They may be thousands of miles away from Goa, but Goans in the UK are quick to react and respond to major social issues in Goa.
Not only have Goans in UK strongly connected and identified with major events in Goa, but they have also gone a step further by actively pursuing activities to voice their sentiments.
Amid recent widespread protests across Goa over derogatory statements by Subhash Velingkar against St Francis Xavier, hundreds of Goans had participated in separate protest meetings in Swindon, Cranford-Hounslow, and Wembley on October 6.
STRONG CONNECT WITH GOA
Goans in the UK strongly felt the need to hold meetings to support or protest against political, social or religious events in Goa.
Pamila Rodrigues, Goan Representative to the Labour Party in Hounslow, said irrespective of which part of the world they may be located, they will always identify with issues in Goa.
Leister Martins of Cranford-Hounslow said their hearts bleed whenever things go wrong or there is disruption in Goa.
“Since we are far away from Goa, holding meetings and protests to give that support and stand by in solidarity for the cause is our duty to open eyes of the government of the day,” said Leister.
Goans hold posters during a peaceful meeting in Swindon-UK on Sunday evening.
Imtiyaz Shaikh of Swindon said Goans in UK would not tolerate hate speech against any religion in Goa.
“All religions in Goa have lived in harmony for centuries and have contributed greatly towards the development,” Imtiyaz said.
Joyce De Souza, a social activist in UK and practicing lawyer in Goa, said the Goan diaspora in the UK is still connected to their homeland in many ways.
“Goans protest, hold meetings or organise events in the UK for various religious, social and political reasons. Goans have realised that their voices are not being heard by the Goa Government and their MLAs. Goans want to now save Goa from wherever they are, including foreign lands,” said Joyce.
Hounslow-based social activist Salvador Pereira said any damage, destruction or abuse of Goa would definitely affect Goans in the UK.
“Any untoward incidents taking place regarding politics, social or religious will definitely hurt sentiments, so it is important to make all Goans in UK aware of what is happening in Goa,” said Salvador.
Added Pedro Estrocio of Hounslow: “We cannot miss a moment when events take place in Goa, because our heart is connected to the people and our land of Goa.”
IMPACT OF MEETINGS IN UK
The Goans who were contacted strongly felt that organising or participating in such meetings in the UK would make an impact or difference to political, social or religious events in Goa.
“The Goa government is aware of the importance of the Goan population based in UK. If you see in the recent past, several ministers and politicians from Goa have visited Goans in UK to seek support,” said Pamila Rodrigues.
“They know we have families back home in Goa, we send money back home, we are investing in properties, and we can influence votes of our families back in Goa.”
Goans staging a peaceful protest meeting at Cranford, Hounslow in West London.
Domingos Saby Dias of Swindon said meetings and gatherings of Goans in the UK will strengthen the bonds of unity among them.
“Goans in UK can voice their opinions to authorities in Goa for consideration and for the betterment of people in Goa,” he said.
Imtiyaz Shaikh said the global platform is not only to celebrate success, but it is vital for Goans to participate and demonstrate the unity and love for Goa, especially in difficult times.
Joyce De Souza felt that when people unite for good causes even in other countries, it shows solidarity towards Goans in Goa.
“People in Goa feel they are supported by Goans across the world. So, organising such events definitely makes a difference,” said Joyce.
Salvador Pereira also felt it is essential for Goans around the world to come together and work on strategies to combat forces trying to destroy Goa.
“This is because, we need to safeguard the interests of relatives and friends in Goa directly affected by the actions of the government,” said Salvador.
Leister Martins felt that concerns raised by Goans in UK could be a wake-up call for the Goa government, especially since Goans are a force to reckon in the UK.
Pedro Estrocio believed that by organising and participating in such meetings, Goans in UK would give people in Goa moral support and encourage them to fight the injustice.
“The level of impact depends on many factors such as reach and influence of the meeting, the level of engagement and support from the Goan community in the UK, and the willingness of the authorities in Goa to listen and act on the concerns raised,” he said.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN UK
Goans in the UK have suggested different ways to make authorities in Goa take note of their sentiments or opinions on political, social or religious events taking place in Goa.
“If no immediate action is taken by the Goa Government, I will organise a protest outside the Indian High Commission in London. It’s high time the Government of India takes notice of the demand for justice by the people in Goa and Goans all around the world. If we do not unite now there will be no Goan legacy left behind,” said Pamila Rodrigues.
Leister Martins said despite their busy schedule, the Goan community irrespective of creed would give a call to unite for the greater cause of Goa.
“This will surely be noticed and will make an impact among authorities back in Goa,” said Leister.
Joyce De Souza felt that Goans in UK can support Goans in Goa by writing to the government or MLAs in Goa.
Salvador Pereira said some of the measures include organising meetings of all Goans and highlight the severe consequences of controversial projects/issues, writing to Indian High Commission in UK and even getting a Goan representative from UK to bring these concerns to the notice of the Goa government, to ensure that the matter is considered seriously.
Pedro Estrocio suggested that Goans in UK could appeal to authorities in Goa through social media, and gathering together to showcase their solidarity.
“Goans in UK can join or form advocacy groups, writing letters to their representatives, or use social media to spread awareness about issues they care about in Goa,” said Pedro.
THE GOAN | LONDON
Not many may be aware that a ‘Save Goa Campaign UK’ (SGC UK) was launched at the Houses of Parliament by former MP Keith Vaz in the 1990s to create awareness on social issues affecting Goa at the time.
[From Left to Right] Tony Fernandes, Genny Fernandes, Rabi Martins (Watford Councillor) and Keith Vaz (MP) along with Tony Soares (second from right) were some of the key members of the Save Goa Campaign UK. Photo: Lui Godinho
The organisation was formed by the Fernandes families of Malar-Divar who were living in Leicester and London. Having visited Goa in the late 1980s, they got to understand about the various NGOs in Goa fighting to protect Goa’s environment and identity at the time. Some of the issues included Nylon 6.6, Konkan Railway, and sustainable tourism.
The Fernandes families consisting of brothers, sisters, cousins and friends from other European nationalities decided to form an NGO in the UK with a view to educate and inform Goans in the UK. They were supported by Tony Soares, a social entrepreneur, who gave his office in West London to operate from, thus giving them a base.
Tourism Concern, a UK-based campaign organisation, fighting to stop exploitation in tourism particularly in developing countries supported the SGC UK in its mission.
The SGC UK distributed leaflets, posters, and other literature, including a periodical news magazine, giving updates from Goa and to create awareness among Goans in UK on the impact of environment pollution, displacement of locals and impact on natural resources in Goa.
The SGC-UK conducted meetings at several Goan functions and also participated in the annual festival of the Goan Overseas Association UK, where they distributed hard copies of newsletters to create an awareness among the Goan diaspora and complement the excellent work by NGOs in Goa.
