President's Message

Bridging Continents, Uniting Hearts:

The Rise of the Global Goan Association

– SIMON D’SILVA, President

In the mosaic of global narratives, the story of the Goan diaspora stands distinct, a tapestry woven with resilience, cultural pride, and an unyielding connection to their ancestral land. Goa, more than a mere geographic entity, persists as a symbol of identity and belonging for Goans worldwide. Their journeys, marked by triumphs and tribulations across foreign landscapes, underscore the vital need for a support network—a kinship that transcends borders.

Scattered across distant lands, the experiences of Goans come to life through expressions of their enduring strength in the face of migration challenges. Goa, an ever-present touchstone in their hearts, acts as a reassuring beacon as they construct new lives in foreign surroundings. This global journey, often unnoticed but impactful, reveals the daily struggles of Goans working abroad. Facing unexpected challenges prompts reflection on the accessibility of assistance, underscoring the significance of a resilient support network for those navigating life far from their homeland.

The genesis of the Global Goan Association finds its roots in these shared experiences, particularly those amplified during the tumultuous waves of the 2020 pandemic. Mr. Simon D’Silva played a pivotal role in coordinating a crucial relief effort for Goans stranded in Qatar. As the President of the Goan Welfare Association for over two decades, under this banner, he arranged a special First Chartered Flight for them. This was the first relief flight from Qatar to land in Goa on 6 July 2020.

Simon D’Silva was in constant touch with other Goans in the Middle East, Europe, and other countries, including the United Kingdom, keeping himself updated with all the relevant information regarding the pandemic and the difficulties Goans were facing. Goans holding Portuguese Passports with OCI were not allowed to enter India during the pandemic, including all Indians with OCI cardholders.

It was a pity and sorrowful situation as most Goans with OCI cards have their hearts, minds, loved ones, houses, and everything in Goa. They are just strangers in a foreign land with OCI cards. This time, D’Silva thought, why not request or demand with the central Government, with the support of the Goa Government, to seek dual nationality? Simon was confident, since in the year 2016, he had filed a writ petition in the Honourable Supreme Court of India in Delhi to demand NRI voting rights. The Supreme Court of India then passed the order in favour of NRI voting rights on 1 November, 2022. We have yet to see when the Union Government will implement the Supreme Court’s order.

Following the lifting of the post-COVID flight ban in numerous countries, Mr. D’Silva and his family visited the UK. It was during this trip that he had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Imtiyaz Shaikh, a prominent Goan and Councillor in the Swindon Borough Council. Their discussion touched upon various issues that could potentially benefit Goans worldwide and contribute to the economic growth of Goa in India. Mr D’Silva was filled with immense joy that they shared a similar vision for the community’s future and enthusiastically shared his plans to foster connections among Global Goans. The day was August 26, 2021. He was able to describe why he was starting this and how he had already made headway in bringing Goans together on a global scale. It was encouraging and inspiring to see their shared vision for the community’s future.

The challenges posed by the pandemic highlighted the need for a support system for Goans, particularly those facing legal and administrative hurdles in foreign lands. This idea emerged while he was in London and became clearer through his travels and interactions with the Goan diaspora.

Mr D’Silva first shared his vision publicly in Dubai on 02nd December 2021, where he was the chief guest at the feast of St. Francis Xavier. The idea resonated with many Goans there. In 2022, he visited the USA again as the Chief Guest and spoke in Miami, Florida, and Texas, Houston on the 18th and 22nd of April 2022, respectively, where the local Goan communities embraced his concept enthusiastically.

Another significant moment was when he travelled to Goa again, as a Special Guest for Kor Kantar, Taleigao and Guest of honour at Modur Talle O’lle, Orlim on 30th April and 08th May 2022, respectively. Huge and thunderous applause by the public gave him a fillip, urging Simon not to look back any further and to move gracefully.

Mr D’Silva travelled again to the United Kingdom and held meetings with many prominent Goans and Goan Priests. Most of the Goan priests extended him exorbitant support and offered a hall at Southall Church in the UK to hold a meeting with Goan parishioners on 1st June, 2022, where the idea received a powerful and motivating response. This support continued to grow as Mr D’Silva spoke at various international events, including a notable one in Dubai, where he was the Chief Guest of Goan Tiatr, on 8th October, 2022.

These experiences and the encouragement he received led to the formal creation of the Global Goan Association. The association was officially registered on May 10, 2023, under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 in Goa. The next day, Mr. D’Silva, who has led the Goan Welfare Association in Doha, Qatar, for 24 years, announced the opening of the Global Goan Association at the 23rd Annual May Queen Ball held on 11th May, 2023.

Under the stewardship of Mr. D’Silva, the Global Goan Association stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Goan community. It is a beacon of unity, advocacy, and support for Goans globally, embodying their collective resilience and aspirations. This initiative is not just a network; it is a homecoming of hearts and hopes, bridging continents and uniting Goans under a shared sky of cultural heritage and mutual support.