The first of Goans to migrate to Canada made their move in the early 1950s which oozed throughout the 1960s, and by the 1970s it was like an exodus. Scores of our people left Karachi and moved to outbound destinations which by then also included the United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia, and Europe. What could have been the reason?
In one of my books, I have concluded nonchalantly that the Goan Diaspora are like Nomads, looking for a reason, good, bad, or indifferent, to find new ground. Supposedly, it seems natural for us to move and keep on moving from one place to another if we find the going not to our liking. I wonder if that is true. What then is, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going?"
As far as Goans from Karachi are concerned, those who first took the step of migrating to the West, could have been because of an assumed lifestyle. As Goans, we usually associate ourselves to be westernised in our dressing, talking and lifestyles. While those in Goa are inclined towards Portuguese customs, the Diaspora from East Africa, Pakistan, England and elsewhere, are biassed towards British traditions and mannerisms.
Sometimes I feel, we want to have the best of both worlds – to be Goan and a European/North American; adopting customs which have an incidental connection to our origins. There’s nothing wrong with that. Therefore, let’s agree to disagree that we don’t have a culture of our own! Tough call but a reality, isn’t it?
When Goans first ‘migrated’ to Karachi in the mid-1850s, it was for economic reasons and not to have a better way of life. The latter was a secondary reason after those who had come earlier had settled in and later invited their families to join them. Karachi (1850-1947) was not another country, so Goans were comfortable moving to another prospering city in India. Partition was not in sight.
Generally, people migrate from one place to another for several reasons, such as low wages, lack of jobs, persistent poverty etc. which compel them to move on for a ‘better life’, hard work etc. challenges, notwithstanding. But beyond economic factors, there are other reasons which could be violence and corruption. These considerations may be of significance today but back then when Goans moved to Karachi, the economic factor was the sole criteria.
So, what made them think of migrating from Karachi when partition took place? Did Goans find themselves to be square pegs in round holes in the prevailing circumstances? Luckily, those with lofty ideals braved the ordeal, and like nomads do, packed their bags, and moved on. Most, however, stayed back to make Karachi their permanent home and lived happily ever after, until a new wave of migrating gushed ashore and took them away.
But if one evaluates the pros and cons of this movement, in hindsight those who migrated from Karachi are apparently better off settling elsewhere. They have nothing left behind, having burnt their boats, and moved on. Some have left behind family and friends. Karachi is now simply a place which they once knew, relegated to the back of their minds. Most don’t want to associate themselves with their past anymore, of a city where they were born and educated. Truthfully, it shall remain etched somewhere in the corner of their hearts, forever!
Next: 1990 onwards, a change of heart
