We Goans often wonder why people from Karnataka and Maharashtra get angry when we use the word Ghanti. It is not an insult. Since Portuguese times, Ghanti has been a local nickname for people who came across the Western Ghats into Goa in search of work and livelihood.
In earlier days, they came with bulls and elephants, going door to door with musical instruments, and Goans gave them food or money. Over time, their numbers increased. Many entered local business, politics, and government schemes, slowly replacing Goans in jobs and opportunities. Today, Goa faces many issues like illegal trade, beggary, and beach harassment, which have damaged its image as a safe tourist destination. Many foreign tourists have stopped visiting because of such problems.
Migrants now contest local and assembly elections, trying to control what once belonged to Niz Goenkars. True Goans will always remain Goans; outsiders cannot become duplicate Goenkars. Still, I respect those migrants who work honestly, respect Goans, and speak our language, Konkani. But remember ” even if you dress a crow in peacock’s feathers, it will never become a peacock.
