BELAGAVI
Seven Goan-origin women who are engaged in selling dry fish were felicitated at a function in Nesari, a hamlet in Maharashtra that is about 35 kms from Belagavi. About 40 Konkani speaking families of Goan origin live in Nesari.
Santulan, an NGO from Pune, had organised the function which was held after a memorial mass that was held at St Francis Xavier’s chapel in memory of late Carmelin Rego, who sold dry fish for a living until her death at the age of 94 last year.
Speaking about the event, Adv Bastu Rege, Director of Santulan, said that its an honour to felicitate these women due to whom several families of Goan settlers in the upper ghats have prospered.
Their endeavour has resulted in rich harvest as the next generations have achieved great success in different areas, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, noted educationist JB Bardeskar lauded the role of women in the upper ghats in preserving the Goan culture through traditions and folklore.
Notably, several women in the upper ghats region are engaged in selling dry fish, which they link to their origin to Goa.
The Parish Priest of St Anthony’s Church, Gadhinglaj, Fr Joe Monteiro, noted educationist JB Bardeskar and local leaders were present at the felicitation function.
