Reflection of Freedom

One walk through the old camp area and one can find embellishments of a thriving Goan culture still visible. But even after years of migration and change the community till today stands for its ability to look at life in its simple mannerisms. The Pune Goan Institute (PGI) which was set up in 1904,in fact is a reflection of life back in the little mushroomed state of Goa. Ronnie D’Souza, Entertainment Secretary,PGI,shares,“Our institute is over 100-years-old and in its existence we have found a common platform for the community to share and come together.”

The story of the community’s migration starts from the way they have responded to opportunities. While the laid back and passive lanes of Goa offered a lot of personal space,the community shifted to other parts of the globe in search of better avenues of work. Pune,as such a destination,owing to its proximity to Goa was an obvious choice. And in its years of migratory life,generations of Goans have found their new home in Pune. Fatima Oliver, an educationist with an experience of 35 years,says,“The need for finding jobs resulted in a lot of us shifting to different cities. In fact I have spent a decent part of my life in Dastur Meher Road and the by-lanes of camp spending time with other Goan families and building on a camaraderie. Of course migration,both in and out of Goa has diluted its culture a lot today but we Goans have managed to keep its spirit alive. As a kid I was taken to our ancestral home in Tivim,every year to ensure that.”

In fact a lot of people who resided in these areas can still be seen,a fond reminder of what the past was like. Hazel D’mello,a resident of Nirmla Niwas retains her husband’s old passport that was necessary to get in and out of Goa before the liberation of the state.

For most of the Goans then,be it the cuisine that boasts of dishes like the sorpotel ,sannas or the vinadaloos or the songs of the Mandos ,their culture has crossed the realms of physical barriers and percolated with the people. Mario Fernandez,who is an undertaker by profession,says,“It’s apparent that the Goan residents in the city have spread out for better opportunities. However during All Saints Day it is heartwarming to see big crowds turn up for the 6 pm mass at the City Church.”