ON TINIAN ISLAND

For the members of Soka Gakkai, an international group believing in humanistic principles based on Buddhism, Mohandas Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Daisaku Ikeda deserve emulation as the three are the paragons of non-violent change. The members of the group from Japan, Guam, Hawaii, the Northern Marianas and local government officials unveiled on May 7 monuments honouring Gandhi, King and Ikeda at the Leadership Cultural Park on Tinian island, from where were flown the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. During the unveiling ceremony, Nina Braganza, a scholar in literature and the life and works of Gandhi, said the Indian leader's "humble life" will serve as an inspiration for many generations. Nina, wife of Ivan Braganza from Assagao-Goa, added that Gandhi's "non-violent attitude" can also work politically. (Mariana's Variety, Micronesia's leading newspaper. Report by Annie Ruth C Sabangan at http://www.mvariety.com/localpage/lnews54.htm)

Besides un nveiling of Mahatma Gandhi peace garden on Tinian, USA, they alos had a peace garden unveiled on Tinian, honoring Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr and Ikeda.

Ivan Braganza of Assagao-Goa and his wife Nina were part of the unveiling ceremony held on May 8, 2002. Nina was proud and honored to give a speech on Mahatma Gandhi.

Says Ivan, "We were so proud to represent our nation in this part of the world
(Tinian Island, where the Atomic Bombs were loaded , and later dropped
on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.) You can get the news clip on www.mvariety.com and check for Tinian unveils Gandhi, King, Ikeda Peace Garden. check the friday 10th,edition. We have seen the two Bomb pits on Tinian."


G.O.A'S MAY QUEEN IN QATAR

Based on its huge success last year, the Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A) held its May Queen Pageant 2002 on 16th May 2002 at the Giwana Ball-room, Ramada Hotel from 8.00 p.m. onwards with over 500 guests, well-wishers and sponsors from all walks of life in attendance.

The Chief Guest for the Evening was His Excellency Ranjan Mathai, the India Ambassador to Qatar. The compere Mr. Savio D'Silva who flew specially from
Dubai for the event set the mood and the tone for a fun packed evening with his inimitable style and performance.

His Excellency in his message congratulated the Goan Overseas Association, also rendering his thanks for inviting him and his partner to this wonderful event. In particular he appreciated the G.O.A's effort in organizing this mega event saying that the dancing was definitely very impressive and it brought back ond memories of his youth.

Mr. Simon D'silva, the president of the G.O.A welcomed everyone warmly and thanked them all for gracing the occasion. Just the presence of such large numbers was a strong and clear indication of the enormous value that they held for each other and it is a great honor to lead the Goan Overseas Association in Qatar which had such a strong presence and firm links with other Goan Associations all round the world, said Mr. D'Silva. He also applauded the managing committee and the core group of the G.O.A. without whose cooperation and massive support this huge success would have been but a dream and not such a wonderful reality.

GOA's leading band the ARCHIES satiated the music buds of all the guests by playing fantastic music catering exclusively to taste and choice of all and sundry. The floor was jam-packed constantly with crowds of people and theirs partners dancing the night away, some taking away valuable spot prizes donated by the various sponsors. Alex Gonsalves the DJ of Desert Thunder with his exquisite choice of music ensured that everybody had a tumultuous time clamoring for more and more.

The May Queen Pageant was very glitzy and conducted in a highly professional
style. Each contestant was a winner in their own way with their alluring smile, slinky looks and proud walk making it very difficult for the esteemed judges in attendance Mr. Donald Pereria, Mr. Archie D'Mello and Ms Paula Myers to make their descision. It has always been the G.O.A.'s principle that every woman is Beautiful and Special, what set the winners apart from the rest of the contestants was the power of their grace, personality and exclusiveness. In all the charm and glamour of all the lovely contestants only 12 made it to the final round, where Ms. Sabina Fernandes and Ms. Valia Gonsalves were crowned May Queen 2002 and Runner-up by H.E. Ranjan Mathai, Ambassador of India and Mrs. Maria Rodrigues who was May Queen 2001.

The May Queen 2002 was a huge success where everybody had a rollicking time. Kudos to all who supported the event in their own way. Special Mention must be made about the sponsors whose cooperation and support is highly appreciated. They are Qatar Airways (Official Carrier), Gulf Times (Official Newspaper), Trelco, Said Gul, Nazih Al-Khoury, QTTC, TISCO, Blue Salon, SBK Oil Field Services, National Computer Centre, Petroserv, Mannai Corporation, GITIC Engineering, Modern Electrical Supplies, Gulf International Enterprises, Shahjan Trading, Al-Saif Trading, Brunel Energy, KOMPASS International Trading, Almana & Partners, Inchcape Shipping Services, Refrigeration World, Prakkat Jewellery, Overseas Travel Bureau, Q-Soft, DOMASCO, Marzooq Al-Shamlan, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton Doha, Doha Marriott, Ramada Hotel, Qatar Palace Hotel, Budget Rent a Car, Al-Mukhtar Industrial & Oil Field Services, Excel Trading Co., Q-Cal, CAPEAST, Canara Jewellery, Kebab King, Wency D'Souza, Anabeeb Services, Computer Arabia, MEBD, Safari Kansai, Designers Tailors & Textiles, QCC, Qatar Quality Products, Al-Obaidy Printing & Advertising, Ras Laffan Goans, Foto Gulf, Remos D'Costa, Desert Thunder D.J. Alex, Archies, Crown Imprial, Savio D'Silva, Fr. John Vanderlin, Donald Pereira, Archie D'Mello and Paula Myers. G.O.A. profusely thanks and wishes them the very best in all their endeavors. ("Simon D'Silva" <nhmero@qatar.net.qa> )

QUEBEC GOAN ASSOCIATION (QGA) in Montreal will be completing twenty-five years of its founding on July 17, 2002. The Board of Directors of the QGA invites all its members, and members of sister institutions, to a "Gala Dinner Dance" to be held at the Saint James Club, 1145 Union Ave, Montreal, Quebec on October 12, 2002 at 6.30 pm. For further details call 450-466-4469 or 514-363-9277 or any other members of the QGA Board of Directors. [Email: qga2002mtl@yahoo.com]