Xit- Koddi - Sep-Oct 2017

Have We Lost Our Love For Goa ?

Rohan Khaunte, IT Minister of Goa, recently remarked that posts on social media saying the government is not doing anything are from people sitting in the UK and the US, or London and Kuwait -- those who have lost that love for Goa and seem to be commenting more than Goans themselves. The minister later attempted to clarify his statements but not before he had invited severe criticism and emotional outbursts, not only from NRI Goans but even from Goa itself.

It is an open book why Goans are spread around the globe. Our government should appreciate those Goans working outside Goa, not only because there are no jobs in Goa for this Diaspora but because of the contribution of these Goans to the economy. A large number of these Goans are bound to return and settle in Goa at the end of their contracts or retirement, and that is why they keep themselves updated with what is happening in Goa. Wherever they may be, Goans abroad have pride in their identity and love to preserve their culture. Overseas Goans are distressed by the culture of rampant corruption and destruction of Goa in the name of development and that is why, they vent their anger through available media.

Rather than attacking those commenting on social media, we urge the government to work towards putting their own words ‘Gõy, Gõykar and Gõykarponn’ into practice, in its true meaning.

Jai Goa !!

= GR Crasto

Age Cap on Expats Rejected: Plans to ban expats over 50-years-old from working in Bahrain have been rejected by the island nation’s Council of Representatives. The proposed age cap was suggested in an attempt to boost employment chances for Bahrainis, but it was opposed by the Labor Market Regulatory Authority and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Politicians rejected the plans because they said Bahrain continued to gain from the experience and knowledge foreign workers brought with them.

Bahrain Best In The World For Expats: Bahrain has been voted as this year’s best expat destination worldwide by the Expat Insider 2017 survey , which offers an in-depth analysis of life abroad. Aside from “hard” factors such as economy and politics, Bahrain scores high with regard to topics involving “softer” factors, like friendliness, family life, and personal happiness in the survey. More than eight in 10 expats in Bahrain (87 per cent) are happy with their life in general according to the survey.

Andrew Fernandes (U.S.A): Xit-Koddi has turned into a beacon for all Goans who lived in Bahrain and those that still live there. Xit-Koddi reminds us of all the fun we had on that island in the sun. The friends we made, the freedom we enjoyed, the livelihood we earned, Bahrain has been a hospitable home away from home for hundreds of Indians from almost every state in India. I am sure that countless number of our Goans and other Indians has built their dreams due to the generosity, and goodness of the people of Bahrain. Besides that we got the privilege of meeting and befriending other Indians whom we would have never met. I remember clearly how my family and I used to feel delighted to get back to Bahrain from our holidays, mainly due the intimacy of friends and families we had formed there. Till date I have not met a single individual who has lived there and not appreciated the happiness and we enjoyed on that little island. Thanks to Xit-Koddi team, tumchea ruchichea khobrani amchem pot bhorta, ani mog vaddta.

Mud Festival of Goa: Have you heard of the Mud Festival of Goa ? The ‘Chikhal Kalo’ festival or ‘Mud festival’ is celebrated on 11th day of the Hindu calendar’s ‘Ashadha’ month in Goa’s Marcel village. At the Mud festival, devotees smear each other with wet, brown earth imitating Hindu God Krishna. Hundreds of devotees play in muddy pool at the premises of Marcel’s temple. Devotees believe that the festival is celebrated to emulate Lord Krishna, who used to play such games with his friends. Here is a youtube link of celebrations held this year:

                 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXvaIfT0Xv8

Konkani Community Of Sacred Heart Chruch 

Manama - Kingdom of Bahrain 

A new committee of Konkani Community at Sacred Heart Chruch, Manama was installed on September 23. Representing Goans are Judy Mascarenhas (seated - 2nd from right), Aldita D'Costa (seated -3rd from right), Rocky Dias (standing -1st from left) and Pio Fernandes (standing - 2nd from left). 

 We congratulate the team under main coordinator Henry Castelino (seated at centre) and wish them a successful term.

…...... that Sonia Shirsat, who recently visited Bahrain as part of POLICE OFFICER tiatr,  is called the ‘ambassador of Goan music to the world’ ?