Edwin Thumboo inaugurates Goa Arts and Literature Fest

Renowned author Edwin Thumboo got nostalgic during his Goa visit when he opened the fifth edition of the Goa Arts and Literature Festival (GALF) here.

Speaking after the opening ceremony, Thumboo, 81, recalled his childhood teachers, a Goan couple, who shaped his growing years here. "I also recall when I was eleven-year-old, we had two Goan families living in the city. They were the example of what a person should be," said the Singaporean poet, who is regarded as one of the pioneers of English literature in his country.

The writer said coming to Goa was a learning experience. "I didn't realize that the name Goa came before the Portuguese colonization. I learnt few new things after coming down here (to open the festival)," he said.
The event is organized by the International Centre Goa in association with Goa Writers' Group.

Thumboo, who declared the four-day-long literature festival open recited a poem that he penned about Goa after looking at the monumental houses. "What is important is that after coming here, I had to revise my connection between knowledge I had and what I learnt now. When we study other cultures, we study ourselves more," said the writer.

"You learn from looking at your neighbours. Differences teaches you more than the similarities," he said. The festival will culminate on December 7.

Various session and book publications would be held during the event.