DOHA
A delegation of Goans based in Qatar for varying periods recently met Vipul, the Indian Ambassador to Qatar, and gave him a brief account of the Goan community activities happening in Qatar and also those in the pipeline.
Incidentally, Goans in Qatar as a group are meeting an Indian Ambassador in Qatar after almost three decades.
The Ambassador, while welcoming the Goan delegation, interacted with each of the members and enquired about their professions and their field of excellence.
He also took keen interest in the activities conducted by the Goan community in Qatar and also sought to know about the upcoming events to be conducted by the community.
He also assured the Goans in Qatar of his full cooperation and support for whatever activities the community is planning to host in Qatar.
Most members in the group were delighted at the meaningful and enriching experience of meeting the Indian ambassador.
One of them was Aaron Fernandes, a Qatar-born Goan who traces his roots to Goan village of Old Goa and who served as FIFA Fan Leader during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
“It was the simplicity and the warm welcome which touch a chord in the heart of the Goan who were part of the group. It was an honour to meet His Excellency. He was very warm and welcoming, which made us feel comfortable,” said Aaron.
“He showed great interest in the Goan community and what we can offer. He even showed interest in visiting the Church here in Qatar. He was very interactive with every member of the delegation which was quite engaging. He looked forward to more future meets and what we could do to bridge the community as a whole.”
As part of his duties as FIFA Fan Movement leader, Aaron got a chance to meet some of the football governing body officials, including Gianni Infantino, and the game greats like Cafu and David Beckham, to name a few.
Carol Goansalves and Tina, who have served in various organisations functioning under the aegis of Indian embassy in Qatar, were part of the group and upbeat after meeting the Indian Ambassador in Qatar.
“His Excellency showed keen interest towards the well-being of the Goan community, and having a positive approach was an accolade for us Goans. Such meetings with His Excellency in the longer run will boost our energy to enhance our work for the betterment of our community,’ said Carol, a teacher at the Shantiniketan school in Qatar.
“His Excellency took time to inquire from each of us the work we do and also the social service we do for the community. I was overwhelmed by the positive encouragement and reinforcement he showed towards me to move on with my social service what I render to the ICBF community and the various activities held by the Indian Embassy, which I whole wholeheartedly partake,” added Carol while expressing her gratitude to the Ambassador for the effort and time to meet the Goan community in Qatar.
“His enthusiasm and positive energy contributed greatly to the success of the meeting,” she added on a parting note.
Added Tina, who has been into social service for many years in Qatar and part of many organisations: “It’s always an honour to meet His Excellency Vipul ji and Sanchin sir. No such meeting took place for the last 30 years between the Goan community leaders and his excellency.”
“We have assured our continuing support to the Indian Embassy with women social services as well as through the Goan community,” she added.
