The Revolutionary Goans Party’s St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar says his tour will include interactions with Goans and a study of various sectors in UK
Revolutionary Goans Party’s (RGP) St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar receiving a warm welcome on his arrival in London on January 20.
LONDON
The Revolutionary Goans Party’s (RGP) St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar is currently on a tour of the UK to build support among Goans and to study the various sectors in the UK.
Borkar arrived in London on January 20 and received a warm welcome at Heathrow airport from supporters hailing from Wembley, Southall, Hounslow, and Swindon.
THE PURPOSE
When contacted, Borkar told The Goan that the main purpose of his visit in the UK is to thank Goans for their support to his RGP.
“I also wish to support from areas in the UK as well as in Goa, to spread the word about our party. I will be based in Swindon for the first few days of my tour and am keen to meet and address Goans at musical events,” said Borkar.
“I visited the Swindon Council and studied their systems, so that I have a better understanding of their challenges and how they have addressed these problems.”
While in Swindon, Borkar visited the Goa section in the Central Library and was impressed with the efforts of Swindon Councillor Domingo Dias to promote books on Goan identity and culture.
“My other important part of my tour is to study various sectors in the UK, such as education, traffic management, garbage management, police patrolling, IT sector industries, etc. We can try and implement those systems in Goa.”
Revolutionary Goans Party’s (RGP) St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar during a visit to the garbage treatment plant in Swindon.
As part of this visit, Borkar visited the garbage treatment plant in Swindon and was given a detailed tour of the plant.
Borkar said he also wants to interact with the Goan diaspora to find out their difficulties they face in Goa and in the UK.
“After my visit to Swindon, I will move to Bridgewaters, Southall, Hounslow, Wembley and possibly Scotland, the areas where a large number of Goans have settled,” Borkar said.
THE EVENTS
A number of events have been lined up during Borkar’s visit to the UK, to enable the legislator to interact with the Goan community.
A free Konkani show 'Songilachi Sanz' will be organised by Nizache Goenkar in Swindon on January 25 at 4.30 pm. While Borkar will be the chief guest, Fr Christo will be the guest of honour. The show is hosted by John Fernandes.
On January 31, Nizache Goenkar will present a free 'Konkani Kantaranchi Sanz' show at Wembley at 4.30 pm, with Borkar as the chief guest. The show, hosted by Lawrence Mascarenhas and Anthony Rodrigues, will feature a number of singers and musicians.
Revolutionary Goans Party’s (RGP) St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar along with Swindon Councillor Domingo Dias at the Goa section in the Central Library at Swindon.
A third show will take place with the Goyem Goemkaranchem presenting a free 'Konkani Kantaranchi Sanz' at Southall on February 1 at 4 pm. Borkar will be the chief guest and the show is hosted by Elvis Rodrigues.
THE MESSAGE
Borkar said his message to Goans in the UK would be to preserve Goan culture and identity.
“At present, we are facing an identity crisis in Goa and all Goans have to be united with a loud and clear message to save our unique Goan identity, such as food, language, heritage and to preserve our environment.”
“This is the message we need to convey to Goans all over the world. We need a good and transparent platform to speak out aloud for the native Goans and help each other to build our community across the globe,” said Borkar.
Commenting on the controversy in the UK over the collection of funds towards his party, Borkar clearly stated that his party does not collect funds in the UK.
“However, the public can donate funds in Goa, either through our website or directly. All funds are tracked and operate in a clear process which are published on our website,” clarified Borkar.
“I am not aware who has been spreading these rumours. The RGP is a registered party and we have to submit our accounts to the Election Commission of India. Opposition parties are trying to spread a lot of rumours to damage our party.”
“We are clear that anyone willing to donate funds to the RGP can do so in Goa for the betterment of Goa. Collecting funds in UK is not legal, however we have support from people in the UK who have donated funds through their families in Goa.”
