‘Unity and Brotherhood’ was engraved on the emblem of the Karachi Goan Association since it was established, which was as good as being carved on stone. However, it got a severe blow in 1903 when a defection of members created a furore in the ranks of Goans in Karachi. Unhappy with the committee’s decision to raise the rates of subscriptions, seventy members revolted, left the club, and allegedly formed their own recreation hub.
The GPA records indicate, “The Year 1903 was the most eventful one in the history of the Association. At a Special General Meeting held on 22 February 1903 it was decided to purchase plot no 26 in the Depot Lines and to build thereon a spacious hall to meet the growing needs of the Association. It was further resolved to raise the rates of monthly subscriptions to provide the necessary funds. Some of the members dissatisfied with the decision arrived at, asked for another Special General Meeting which was accordingly called and fixed for 14 June when the previous decision was confirmed. On this 70 of the members seceded from the Association in a body…”
It is believed that the establishment of a second Goan club in Karachi, the Goan Union Hall/Club, a smaller landmark built on a triangular plot of land, quite striking in design, was built in the Camp area (Saddar) because of the revolt. It was barely a kilometre away from the grand Goa-Portuguese Association Hall. The Rules & Bylaws of the Goan Union Karachi reads, “The Goan Union is established by Resolutions passed at a Public Meeting of Goans held in Karachi on 15th November 1908, in pursuance of the Resolution adopted at the Goan Congress held in Bombay in the year 1903.”
Though this phase in the lives of Goans in Karachi was compelling, it did not deter them from navigating through their daily lives, businesses, and cultural pursuits. The start of the First World War in 1914 enabled Goans to be a part of the demand and supply chain. The war provided ample opportunities for some Goan entrepreneurs to gain from its resourceful enterprises, as “raw materials were also at the core of the Allied cooperation to provide Europe and North America with all necessary supplies.” (ref. https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/raw_materials)
On the other hand, the spacious GPA Hall/premises, deemed the best available, was requisitioned by the forces for leisure and entertainment. The Club organised social events to raise ‘war-funds’ and played their part in doing what was necessary. The staging of the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta ‘Mikado’ in 1916 in the new hall was widely acclaimed and attended by many people, socialites, officers, and soldiers.
“During the Great War, the Association in response to an appeal for War Funds, staged ‘The Mikado’ in 1916 for the second time. The play ran for three successive nights and drew packed houses and a net sum of Rs 2,400 was handed over to the authorities by the President of the Association. Later a grand dance was held in aid of the Belgian War Relief Fund and a substantial amount was collected for the purpose.” (ref. The KGA Booklet 1886-2005).
Many great sons of Goan parents, from humble backgrounds, were born in Karachi during this time. They worked hard for a living, struggled to raise their children and had little to do with societal tantrums. One such Goan couple working in Karachi was Jose & Carlotta Gracias, whose son, Valerian (1900-1978), rose to become India’s first Cardinal!
Next: 1900-1947 – Land Development, Town Planning & Housing
