The Global Goan Association (GGA) has been launched with an objective to create a global community for Goans and promote the Spirit of Goa worldwide.
The GGA was formally launched on May 11 during the 23rd Annual May Queen Ball in Qatar in the presence of Goa MLA Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira, along with Goan industrialists, professionals and artistes.
According to the office-bearers, the GGA aims to create a common platform for Goans all over the globe. The association is dedicated to connecting Goans worldwide, spreading Goan culture and heritage and is also committed to uplifting the Goan community.
“Our vision is to create an umbrella organisation to connect and support Goans across the globe. We aim to organise business and cultural events and spread the Goan culture and talk about our rich heritage across the world. Dual Citizenship for OCI passport holders will also be one of the primary agendas,” said GGA President Simon D’Silva, who is also the President of the Goan Welfare Association in Qatar.
Added GGA Vice-President Mangirish Salelkar, CEO of Umang Group and a young social entrepreneur based in Goa: “Every Goenkar outside Goa has great pride in its culture, traditions and heritage. We will get all these people under one roof and be the voice for every Goan.”
“We will facilitate and encourage Goans overseas to invest in businesses and startups in Goa. The association is a valuable resource to the Goans worldwide which is committed to building a stronger and more vibrant Goan community,"
D’Silva announced during the summit that the GGA will begin accepting global membership starting in July.
“We have regional directors designated for every country who will be our ambassadors to strengthen the Goan community under GGA," D’Silva said.
The GGA currently has managing committee members and regional directors from 20 different countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UK, France, Italy, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Tanzania. The association plans to expand its reach in every country in the near future. More details about the GGA are available on its website (www.globalgoanassociation.com).
“Goans have redefined the word ‘Susegad’. The Global Goan diaspora needs to be educated about the business and job opportunities in Goa. We need the smart working and career-focused Goans to come back to Goa,” Salelkar said.
