Xit-Koddi - May 2015

Lets Dance To The Rhythm.

Bahrain is witnessing a surge in Goan activities in recent days. The Young Goans Club had a successful Masquerade Ball, earlier this month, and have announced the celebration of traditional San Joao festivities in June. Another social group, The Crab Entertainment have also announced their annual San Joao.

Amidst all this, Xit-Koddi is proud to be associated with the screening of the award-winning Konkani movie 'Nachom-ia Kumpasar' on June 5 at Al Hamra Cinema, Bahrain. In these five years of publication, this becomes our important and memorable association with promotion of Konkani and with our Community in Bahrain.

It has been our endeavour throughout to promote our culture and identity, and we hope that this recent series of events will resonate with all Goans in Bahrain. Let’s ‘Nachom-ia Kumpasar’ - Dance to the The Rhythm of goodwill and friendship.

Mogan

= GR Crasto

San Joao and San Joao In Bahrain:  Yes, it is San Joao and Sao Joao as two celebrations are scheduled to mark this Goan traditional festival in Bahrain. The first San Joao festivity is organised by the Crab Entertainment team at The Papillon Restaurant in Manama on June 11. The doors for the event with buffet dinner, open at 7 p.m. A variety of competitions are lined up for the evening that will have a DJ spinning the discs of Goan Music. More details of the event can be had from the organizers on mobile: 33181009.

The second ‘San Joao’ festivity is by the Young Goans Club. 'Come, dive into a traditional Goan celebration’ is the announcement by the recently elected committee, who are set to revive the old traditions of the club. YGC marks the San Joao festival by the poolside party on June 12 at the Sunset Lodge in Arad. The fun-filled day will include Goan food, beverages and many exciting games for children and adults. A DJ will also be in attendance to provide music for dance lovers. For further information about the event and invitation cards committee members may be contacted on mobile nos. 33204141, 39164579, 39901147 and 39123820.

Death of A Goan In Bahrain: The human remains of Joao Miguel (Michael) Deus, who died in Bahrain on April 23, this year, were repatriated to Goa on May 30. Michael, who had been in Bahrain for a long time, was working with Abdul Karim Darwish until his untimely death over a month ago. Hailing from Raia, Curtorim, he leaves behind his wife Leena Martins and son Vernon. He was 53. Clifford Correia has been following the case of his death with the respective authorities. Our condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace.

Churchill Alemao in Bahrain:  Churchill Alemao, the strong man of South Goa, was in Bahrain on short private visit. Churchill was the Chief Minister of Goa for a brief period in the early 1990s, and later became an MP representing South Goa. He was the PWD Minister in the Congress Govt. Of Goa led by Digambar Kamat, that lost the election in 2012. Churchill is the patron of the 'Churchill Bros' football team. During his stay on the island, he met several members of the Goan Community and also visited the Young Goans Club, interacting with the club members and apprising them of several aspects taking place in Goa, damaging to our identity.

To a question from our editor as to what Goans in and outside Goa should do to preserve our traditions, culture and identity, he was quick to respond, stating that Goans in Goa must speak our mother tongue Konkani at all levels, and Goans, who are outside Goa must invest a little of their earnings in land in Goa. This will help in preserving Goa in accordance with the desire of our forefathers, he concluded. Churchill is seen in the above picture alongside YGC president Noel Feranandes, vice-president Steven Dias and Mrs. Alemao talking to members and guests at the Young Goans Club.

Godwin D'Cruz (Mumbai): Thank you for the good wishes to me in your last issue of Xit-Koddi. I am glad you have this e-newsletter that will keep me updated with news of my community in Bahrain. I would like to thank each and everyone, who was associated with me in Bahrain for being good, warm, humble, friendly and ever-helping human beings. I can be contacted on my cell no. +919967826112 or godwindcruz13@gmail.com.

Sea Planes In Goa: The Goa Government went ahead with the plan to encourage tourism amid protests by fishermen and conducted trial of sea plane landing on Mandovi river in the heart of the state on May 23. Despite agitations, Goa Tourism minister Dilip Parulekar decided to go ahead with this unique proposal by giving the nod to the flight of the first ever 9-seater plane, from Dabolim airport, to successfully land in River Mandovi. Goa is the second State after Maharashtra where the amphibian seaplanes are launched. Commercial operations are expected to begin in September, this year.