Goan settlers in Ghat region to meet on Nov 8
THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
Goan settlers comprising Konkani-speaking Catholics, who have settled in the talukas adjacent to the Western Ghats region in the districts of Dharwad, Belagavi and Kolhapur districts, will organise an awareness meeting on November 8.
The settlers, also known as Zonkars or Gaonkars, have been striving to retain and restore their identity with their respective communidaes in Goa.
Convened by Augustine Pereira, Mumbai, Fr Augustine Fernandes, dean of Khanapur deanery and the advisory committee members of Uzvadd Parivaar, the meeting will be held at the Milagris High School hall, Khanapur, at 11 am.
Along with Pereira, an entrepreneur from Mumbai and also an expert on the subject matter of Tivim comunidade, will disseminate vital information to these Goan settlers about their rights. Belagavi Bishop Dr Peter Machado will be present and provide guidance during the meeting.
‘Ghatmaathyavailya Zonkarancho Ekvott’ (Unity of Zonkars above ghats), a movement aimed at restoring the rights of Goan settlers here over their respective comunidades in Goa, will also be launched on the occasion.
Giving further details, Augustine Pereira said due to inquisition and other reasons during Portuguese rule in Goa, thousands of Konkani-speaking Catholics left Goa and reached the paddy growing region above the Western Ghats during the 15th and 16th centuries respectively. Right from their ancestors, their names are still maintained in the registers of various comunidades in Goa. Every year, they visit their respective comunidade and update the registers.
“About 40,000 Gaonkars are residing above ghats region. However, attempts are being made by certain elements in Goa to erase their names and also sell the properties belonging to comunidades in Goa, hence we will be uniting under one banner and present our voice to the authorities in Goa,” he said.
A large number of Zonkars from north Karnataka and south Maharashtra region are expected to attend the awareness meeting.
