Unique project on Goan culture set up by the Swindon Council as part of the ‘Goan Cultural & Heritage Collection’ initiative of local Councillor Domingos Seby Dias
(From L to R) Fr Lucas Rodrigues, SSPC John Firmin, Deputy Mayor Neil Hopkins, Councillor Domingos Seby Dias, Councillor Janine Howarth, Labour Leader Jim Robbins, Councillor Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh, Councillor Chris Watts, Swindon Liberian Kelly Blake and Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh during the launch of the Goan Book Corner at the Central Library in Swindon.
LONDON
A unique book project on Goan culture set up by the Swindon Council was inaugurated at the Central Library in Swindon on Thursday.
The Goan Book Corner is part of the Goan Cultural & Heritage Collection project initiated by local Councillor Domingos Seby Dias from the Central Ward of Swindon.
The chief guest at the event was Fr Lucas Rodrigues, a Pilar Father who is Parish Priest at Holy Rood Swindon and Goan Chaplain to Swindon, while other dignitaries included Leader of Swindon Borough Council Jim Robbins, Labour Deputy Mayor Neil Hopkins, and Councillors Imtiyaz Shaikh, Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh, Chris Watts, Janine Howarth, and John Firmin.
The programme began with a prayer service conducted by Fr Rodrigues.
In his address, Fr Rodrigues congratulated Councillor Domingo Dias for his initiative to create a special corner in the library for Goan books, which explore Goa’s history, culture and heritage.
“This will be of great help to the younger generation. Goan youth in Swindon may visit Goa on holidays but won’t get much time to read and learn about Goa. They will, however, understand better by reading books on Goa here in Swindon,” said Fr Rodrigues.
“The books on Goa’s cultural history will also be helpful to other nationalities and communities to understand more about Goa and Goans.”
Labour Councillor Domingos Seby Dias said he was honoured to launch 'The Goan Book Corner' at the Central Library in Swindon and extended his gratitude to all who helped him in hosting the event.
“The Goan Book Corner is more than just a collection of books – it is a treasure trove of knowledge and stories that celebrate the rich history, culture, and heritage of Goa. These books will undoubtedly inspire young readers to learn more about the people, life, and traditions of our beautiful Goa,” said Dias.
“I would like to emphasise the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. Books have the power to transport us to different worlds, to educate us about our past, and to inspire us to build a better future.”
Dias congratulated the Central Library for recognising the significance of Goan literature and providing a platform to showcase a collection of books on Goa and Goans.
“I hope that The Goan Book Corner will become a hub for cultural exchange, learning, and community engagement. I wish everyone who visits the Goan Book Corner an enriching and enjoyable experience. May these books inspire us to learn, grow, and appreciate the beauty of Goan culture,” he added.
Leader of Swindon Borough Council Jim Robbins, Labour Deputy Mayor Neil Hopkins and Councillor Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh also addressed the gathering. Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh later delivered the vote of thanks.
THE PROJECT
The Goan Book Corner consists of about 55 books on Goa’s culture and history, which were dispatched from Goa in March.
Dias praised the Swindon library team comprising Allie Brown and Darryl Moody (Library Development & Innovation Managers) and Kelly Blake (Stock Liberian, Swindon Libraries & Information services) for their efforts in cataloguing all books in The Goan Book Corner.
Speaking to The Goan, Dias said the library has created individual records for each book on Goa using library cataloguing criteria, assigned it an accession number so it can be issued and returned, and added date labels and spine labels.
“Besides, RFID tags will also be added to enable the scanning of books on self-service units at the library,” said Dias.
The 55 books carefully chosen to cover various topics on the history and culture of Goa, including the book ‘Francis Xavier: DNA of a Saint’ published by The Goan to commemorate the recent 18th Exposition at Old Goa, have been purchased by the Dias family from the Dogears Bookstore at Margao.
[From L to R] Imtiyaz Shaikh, Agnel lobo, Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh, Doran Dias, Eunice Luis, Domingos Dias, Neil Hopkins and Glen .
Dias had decided to have a section of Goa-related books at their Central Library, which would benefit the huge Goan community in Swindon.
He sponsored the project with the support of his father, Jose Dias; mother, Antonia Gonsalves; wife, Eunice Luis; and son, Doran Dias.
The Swindon councillor said the books would be of interest to Goan youth and other communities in Swindon who are keen to learn about Goa’s rich heritage.
