Prominent Individuals of Goa.

The mere mention of Goa evokes visions of sun, sea and sand. However, one should not forget its delicious cuisine, ubiquitous Feni with sorpotel and more importantly its extremely fun loving but mostly talented people who originate from varied ethnicities and proudly call themselves GOAN .

The history of Goa (Velha Goa and Novas Conquistas) goes back to time memorial and this secluded paradise comprising of islands & earlier identified as provinces bounded by the Arabian sea on its west and further extended towards the Western Ghats of the Indian subcontinent to its north has long been a welcoming place for different people of varied ethnicities, communities and faiths over thousands of years of its history. Though predominantly Gentiles (commonly referred to as Hindus in today's era), the advent of the Portuguese Age of discovery saw mixed marriages (Politicos dos casamentos), much baptisms, conversions and inquisition to Roman Catholicism and this brought about some change and even fused the west with the east to form a unique culture, this was and is seen in the living and eating habits of some of the indigenous Goans thereby making them favourites to serve along side and under European governing authorities – namely, the Portuguese in Estado da India Portuguesa, Dutch in South India, French in French territories and British in British raj India that includes todays Islamic republic of Pakistan.

There is much history written primarily by British authors on the fact that Goans made good cooks, bakers, maids, musicians, ship crews etc. – but what is not collated is the contribution of Goans of varied ethnicities in various other fields, where they have not only gained fame for themselves but for their community and respective country they served their loyalty. This endeavour is not to minimise the contribution made by the silent majority, many of whom served and died for their Kings and Country especially during the First and Second World Wars. There are a large number of ship crews of Goan origin who have been awarded medals/certificates for bravery but have possible remained unknown to families in Goa. There needs to be a separate exercise for this.

Goans have travelled far and wide and have achieved distinction in various other fields, including; government service, medicine, scientific research, engineering, legal jurisprudence, pioneers, armed forces, religious, artistes, artists, politics, etc. This exercise is to give importance to these High achievers as well and has been labelled from ‘Goa with Love’.

(PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD INFORMATION, PROFESSIONS, ETC.THIS IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS, BUT LONG OVERDUE)

Project Founder: Jules Fausto Mendonça de Sá

Project Main Collaborator: Sebastião José Roiz