Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte encourages Goans in Qatar to showcase Goan food, festivals, and traditions
Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte along with some members of the Goan community in Qatar.
DOHA
Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Tuesday called upon the Goan community in Qatar to maintain a strong and active connection with their homeland by celebrating and promoting Goa’s rich culture, cuisine, and traditions.
He urged Goans to organise events and initiatives that highlight authentic Goan heritage, noting that such efforts not only strengthen cultural identity but also introduce Qatar’s diverse population to the spirit of Goa.
The minister shared these reflections during an interaction with distinguished members of the Goan community on the sidelines of a dinner hosted by the Indian Embassy at the Indian Cultural Centre’s Ashoka Hall.
Khaunte was in Qatar as part of the Goa Tourism delegation participating in the two-day Qatar Travel Mart—an international travel and tourism exhibition featuring global destinations, industry professionals, and emerging opportunities in the sector.
“The Goan community should showcase Goan food, festivals, and traditions through events and initiatives that reflect the true Goan spirit. Such efforts will not only strengthen our cultural identity but also help introduce Qatar’s multicultural population to Goa, thereby contributing to the promotion of Goan tourism,” he said.
Khaunte emphasised the crucial role of the Goan diaspora—particularly those in Qatar—in preserving and promoting Goa’s cultural essence. Reiterating his commitment to maintaining strong ties with overseas Goans, he offered direct access to members of his Goa Tourism delegation to ensure continued engagement and support.
At the event attended by India’s Ambassador to Qatar, Vipul, along with travel agents, media members, and influencers, Khaunte showcased why Goa remains a preferred travel destination, highlighting the state’s heritage, cuisine, festivals, and traditions.
Members of the Goan community informed the minister that they have been consistently organising cultural programmes to promote Goan traditions and heritage.
John De Sa, a prominent figure in the community, noted that Goan cultural groups regularly participate in the annual Passage to India event, where Indian food, music, culture, and traditions take centre stage.
He added that many major Goan festivals are celebrated enthusiastically in Qatar with participation from both Goans and the wider community.
“We celebrate São João, Goa Day, and the upcoming feast of St Francis Xavier in a big way. Besides the religious aspect, we hold cultural programmes where young talents are given opportunities to perform and excel,” John said.
He also highlighted the community’s involvement in past Goa Tourism Road Shows, where Goan groups performed traditional dances such as Dekhni and Corridinho.
“We have also nurtured and trained a young schoolchildren’s band that has been performing Goan music at various Goa-related events over the past year,” he added.
“Our children have fallen in love with Konkani after joining the band and now know many popular Goan songs. We are receiving many requests from parents to include more children.”
For many members of the Goan community, the interaction was both nostalgic and inspiring.
“Born and raised in Qatar, listening to Rohan Khaunte’s reflections on Goa’s heritage, cuisine, festivals, and traditions stirred cherished childhood memories of visits to Goa and reignited a profound connection to my roots,” said Dr Queenie Fernandes, a research scientist at Hamad Medical Corporation.
“As a recognised innovator in science and technology in the region, this interaction deepened my sense of identity and pride as a Goan. It reminded me of the importance of staying connected to my roots and inspired me to integrate Goan culture, heritage, and values into my professional and personal life,” she added.
“Through pioneering research, leading innovative projects, and mentoring the next generation of scientists, I aim to carry forward the spirit of Goa—demonstrating that scientific advancement and cultural preservation can go hand in hand, enriching both my work and the broader community.”
