Goa and Brazil share a number of similarities dating back to Portuguese colonial rule, namely language, culture, art and football, said Brazilian Ambassador to Qatar Anuar Nahes.
Nahes was speaking at the World Goa Day ceremony hosted by expatriate forum Goan Welfare Association (GWA) over the weekend.
World Goa Day is celebrated by Goan forums in different countries to commemorate the inclusion of Konkani language in the Eight schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Nahes highlighted yet another little known artistic link - the role of Goan artisans and craftsman in Brazilian architecture and the impact they have left on the South American nation.
The envoy said people strongly believed that the common links of language, music and football came through Portuguese rule. “Artisans from Goa flourished many decades back in Brazil. The Goans braved choppy seas, using the migratory link from Brazil to Africa to reach the South American country,” he said.
“Goan artisans were hired to build churches and other important monuments as they were known in Brazil for their exceptional craftsmanship and they have left a big impact on the architectural scene back home. Goan craftsman have left their footprints on Brazilian soil, which is evident even today,” said the Brazilian ambassador.
“Goa and Brazil have many things in common. The people are friendly, love their music and football. Tourism flourishes in both, on account of the beautiful beaches, as both are blessed with stunning landscapes. Goan music has a clear and definite Latin flavour,” said Nahes.
Goa was a Portuguese colony until December 1961. The smallest Indian State, it is visited annually by some 4mn foreign and Indian tourists.
Assistant professor at VCU Qatar and Brazilian national Renira Gambarato also spoke at the function.
“The dance performance impressed me and the musical notes had Latin written all over it. It was an opportunity for me to know amore about Goa,” said Gambarato.
Goan dancers performed the Corridin dance, and sung Mando’s and Dekni’s much to the delight of the appreciative crowd.
Senior member of the Mangalorean community Alfred Sequeira was the chief guest. He said Goans and Mangaloreans shared many common links and one of them was the Konkani language.
“We as custodians and brand Ambassadors of Konkani should ensure that we speak and try to teach our children the language and pass on the rich cultural traditions which the Konkan region share to further generations,” said Alfred.
Goan Welfare Association (GWA) Qatar president Simon D’Silva said his forum has enough study material for those trying to learn Konkani or improve upon their language skills.
The Brazilian envoy released an easy-to-learn Konkani language familiarisation book Konkani Kendr written by Mathew Almeida. Mathew Estrocio introduced the guests. |
