the goan I network
PANAJI
Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Luis da Costa was at his charitable best on his maiden visit to the State, breaking protocol and waving and shaking hands with curious bystanders as he exited the newly inaugurated office of the Instituto Camoes just outside the Vidyut Bhavan.
“I’m very proud for visiting my father’s land as a prime minister in particular as the first prime minister of Indian origin of the European Union,” Costa later said in his first remarks at the civic reception hosted in his honour by the Confederation of Indian Industry
“Fifty five years ago at this flag post right outside this building the Portuguese flag was brought down and it is perhaps fitting and a twist of history that today banners representing the Indian and Portuguese flags are in a symbolic as well as literal embrace,” Vivek Menezes compere for the evening said.
The packed hall saw Costa release the translations of his father’s two books “O Signo da Ira” (The Sign of Wrath) a novel set in rural Goa during 1940-41 and “Sem Flores Nem Coroas” (No Flowers, No Wreaths) a three act play also set in Goa on the night of December 19, 1961 the day the Portuguese empire came to an end in Goa.
“Although my father left for Lisbon, he never left Goa because Goa never left him. Goa is always present in his world. From Konkani he only taught two words Babush and Babulo.
These were the two words that he taught to me and my brother,” Costa said to loud cheers and the sporadic standing ovation at the event.
“I am deeply moved by the release in English of two of my father’s books. One of the character of the plays says: Wherever I go and wherever, I am taken I will always be in my homeland,” Costa said.
Deputy Chief Minister Francisco D’Souza spoke of the long standing ties with Portugal some of which continue to influence the state.
