Apart from the small numbers that drifted into the Pensioners’ Paradise from the tiny state of Goa, there were many others who came from cities like Delhi and Kolkata.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Goan Catholic population was a prominent and expanding community in Bangalore. Apart from the small numbers that drifted into the Pensioners’ Paradise from the tiny state of Goa, there were many others who came from cities like Delhi and Kolkata. Still some others had made Bangalore their home after spending their younger days in several African and Middle Eastern countries.
One would easily guess that Goan Catholic immigration to the city in the early 1950s and 60s was only for occupational prospects. However, many of the well-settled Goans in the city deny this. “They came to start businesses in Bangalore, and not looking for jobs,” said Louella Sequeira, president of the Karnataka Goan Association.
The then next generation Goan Catholics, however, took to teaching, medicine and law for a career. “There is a noticeable difference in the lifestyles of the Goan Catholics who live in Bangalore currently and those who immigrated to this place in the 1950s and 60s. Today, most of them are part of the IT industry. We have made it mandatory for young Goans to learn Konkani. It is an attempt to keep our culture alive,” added Sequeira.
The Karnataka Goan Association, which unites all members, has been striving to retain the community’s rich cultural diversity ever since its establishment four decades ago. Georde Da Costa, the founding president of the association, recalled how his dad and friends dreamt of setting up the association. “But their plans failed to see daylight. So we youngsters, who grew up watching their efforts, decided to make their dream a reality,” said the 86-year-old, who had headed the association for 12 years. Every year, the association holds colourful shows and performances — all resplendent with the vigour of the diverse Indo-Portuguese culture.
The new-age Goan Catholics, who call themselves ‘Goans in Bangalore’, have a separate association by the same name. Kenelm Lopes, a 31-year-old engineer with a leading IT firm, said that for the newer entrants, the city was just a dream-job destination. “We are the friendly, outgoing people, calm, disciplined and peaceful at heart. But sometimes, general perception is misleading,” said Robert Graham, CEO of Royal House of Mysore.
Graham slammed the stereotype image of Goans. “Sometimes, we are pictured as lazy and easy going. But we are hard working and homely. We are not the kind who go after wealth, but the god-fearing and helpful kind. The connection between Goans and alcohol is a misconception. Isn’t it same with the Kodavas too?” he asked
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