The convention was a tremendous success in my view, as it gave me a fresh opportunity to clarify some of the characteristics that make up the Goan personality. I would like to share some of this with you:

Goans outside Goa pride themselves in saying that we are a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural values. I agree with this characterization and if you say this to a white Canadian, he or she would want to know what you mean by that.

This is how I understand it. Eastern to me embraces two aspects of life--a tolerance for other people and their ways of life, and a spirituality that permeates all humanity. Western to me embraces, again, two aspects--a fondness for western music and dance and literature, and a desire to develop ourselves materially in an effort to improve our economic well-being.

Some Goans prefer to forget our humble origins and they don't want to be reminded that our ancestors were mostly "cooks and butlers." I have no quarrel with this description either, as my father, and grandfather, and great-grandfather were all tarvottis. I feel that I have to accept my cultural past if I want to make any headway in life. Let's not forget that our migration from Goa was triggered by economic necessity. And to better oneself economically is a worthy pursuit and part of the Goan cultural ethos.

So what if my ancestors were cooks and butlers? I would rather take heart in the Konkani proverb widely used in Goa: "Xenantulo kiddo xenant urona"--he who is born poor doesn't necessarily stay poor. This folk> wisdom is trotted out by many an old granny bent on her guava tree walking
stick in the villages of Salcete.

Another point that was brought to my attention was that the convention was a celebration not of Goa, but of G.O.A. "I am not an overseas Goan," the priest said. Well, I sympathized with his point of view as I understood his position. He was born, reared and educated in Goa and his cultural roots lie in the soil of Goa.

I was born, raised and educated in Goa, and I didn't leave India until I was 30 years old. But I am fascinated by the desire of Goans born and raised outside Goa to promote and cherish Goan culture. Their parents and forefathers must have done something right! To them I say this that, while continuing to be true to our upbringing, let us also work to integrate> ourselves into the mainstream of Canadian society.

It would be a shame, given our talent and goodwill, if we didn't choose to do so. For, by grafting on to the mainstream, we don't impoverish ourselves but do indeed enrich the other.

End

Ben Antao
Toronto
Sept.6, 1988