The Karnataka Border Development Authority held a special consultation meeting with members of the Goan Kannadiga community at Zuarinagar to address the ongoing social and cultural challenges faced by Kannadigas living in Goa. Authority member Siddhana Metti led the discussions, highlighting issues of discrimination and the need for greater mutual respect.
Metti expressed concern over the use of the term “Ghati,” which historically refers to people from the Ghats region but is now increasingly used as a derogatory label for Kannadigas in Goa. “Even when a Goan does something wrong, the blame is placed on Kannadigas by calling them ‘ghati’. This has caused deep hurt among third-generation Kannadigas who consider Goa their home,” he said.
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Questioning the opposition to the proposed Kannada Bhavan in Goa, Metti noted that cultural centres for other states already exist across India. “We see Maharashtra Bhavan, Bihar Bhavan, Assam Bhavan everywhere. If we build a Kannada Bhavan with our own land and funds, why should there be an objection? It is our right,” he asserted.
He also cited Goa’s recent allocation of ₹5 crore for a Konkani Academy in Mangaluru—a move warmly welcomed by Karnataka. “We have no issues with Konkani or with Goans. We supported this wholeheartedly,” he said, stressing that the relationship between the two communities remains largely positive. According to him, 90 percent of Goans share a cordial bond with Kannadigas, and only a small minority is attempting to create discord for political gain.
Metti urged community members to avoid responding aggressively on social media. “Please refrain from heated speeches or provocative videos. We respect Goans and do not want politics at our cost. But if there are repeated attempts to target us, we will take necessary measures,” he cautioned.
He also highlighted the historical contribution of Kannadigas to Goa’s liberation struggle. “In 1958, Jagannath Rao arrived in Goa with 3,060 Kamadians and fought alongside Ram Manohar Lohia. During the firing, 36 people from Karnataka lost their lives. Our ancestors shed their blood for Goa. I request all Goans to remember this history,” Metti said.
