TEAM HERALD
BELGAUM: Gaonkars who reside in Gadhinglaj, Ajara, Bhudargad and Chandgad talukas of Maharashtra have resolved to consolidate their ancestral rights over the Comunidades in Goa and intensify the Gaonkari movement in this region, which is taking shape since the last couple of years.
The resolution was taken at a meeting at St Anthony’s Church Community hall, in Gadhinglaj on Sunday. Goan speakers, Adv Bernard D’Souza, Adv Andre Pereira and Hector Fernandes, guided the Gaonkars from the region who had gathered in large numbers.
Director of Navsarani Kendra, Sawantwadi, Fr Millet Fernandes urged Gaonkars to identify their Gaonkari rights as well as their rights as minorities. “It’s high time we understand and strive to gain our ancestral rights as well as rights as minorities,” Fr Fernandes emphasized.
Adv Andre Pereira and Hector Fernandes urged Gaonkars in the Ghat region to visit Goa and register their names in their respective comunidades. “Goa has 123 comunidades and as the Gaonkari movement is gaining relevance in Goa, we urge Goan settlers residing in Khanapur, Belgaum, Chandgad and other talukas of Kolhapur district to seriously involve themselves in this movement by visiting their respective comunidade, register their names and claim the Zonn that is offered to Gaonkars every year,” the duo urged assuring their complete co-operation in this regard.
Adv Bernard D’Souza briefed about efforts regarding the shelter for the walking pilgrims who visit Old Goa during the feast of St Francis Xavier since last 32 years.
Gadhinglaj-based educationist J B Bardeskar (Menezes), who was instrumental in organising the meeting, highlighted the development of Bardeskar community and their feeling of belongingness towards Goa their motherland.
Jesuit priests Fr Joe Monteiro (Ajara), Fr Joseph Fernandes (Gadhinglaj), Santaji Lobo, Prof J Y Bardeskar, Prakash Carvalho and others spoke. Konkani-speaking Gaonkars of Goan origin from several villages in the Western Ghats were also present at the meeting.
