Ever since the Exposition of the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier has begun, we have been reading a couple of letters by Adelmo Fernandes with pros and cons, some favourable others not of so concern. One such as published – Change in Hymn lyrics, where he advises that the favourite hymn “San Francis Xaviera vhodda kunvra’s” third line word of ‘desar’ be changed, as Goa is not a country, but a state. This hymn is being sung down the ages and it will continue henceforth, as it is on the lips of all Goans here in Goa or worldwide, as it is sung with full zeal and vigour by uttering those words ‘besanv ghal, Saiba, desar Goychea’.
Just for information, changing words will not make any difference, as although the name of the capital of Goa is changed to Panaji, we find all uttering the word Ponje or Panjim. Hence, changing lyrics will not do any good, so let’s continue honouring the saint by singing he is our Goemcho Saib, who will always bless our Golden Goa.
John Rebello, Old Goa
