Welcome to The Goan Forum.

Goa is a tiny state on the West coast of India. The people of Goa are known as Goans. While Goa is known the world over as a tourist destination. Yes, it is still different from other parts of India, courtesy the Portuguese influence. Those not convinced may wish to travel to Ratnagiri, a few miles north or to Sadashiv Ghad, a few miles south, and see the difference.

After 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule, Goa was fully  incorporated into the Indian Union on December 19, 1961. As far as TGF is concerned, this action is irreversible. Goa is now an integral part of India. Full Stop!

Even so, TGF believes that every process needs airing and discussion. This open dissection is beneficial to the future. For it is only from the past can we learn our lessons, live  the present and plan the future.

There are many Indians who believe that a Goan who asks the questions about India, is anti-national. That incidentally is exactly how the Portuguese dictator, Antonio Salazar spoke. Intellectual Goans did not accept it  from the tunnel-visioned  Portuguese then & Goans are unlikely to accept it from tunnel-visioned Indians now.

We request you to keep this in mind as we welcome you aboard. This is about us, our feelings, our views and our aspirations. Like Intellectual Goans said to the dictator Salazar: " Please do not tell us how to feel", so do we say to those who would like to mould us according to way they think we should feel, "Please.....allow us our individuality. We are happy, peaceful, easy going people, but we are not stupid".

On this website, we welcome different view points. We believe that most of our contributing authors are thinking individuals. There are vastly contrasting views and posting. We believe that this variation of thought and differences of opinion is healthy. Hopefully, from all this, will come a common understanding of  how Goans feel, what they feel and the fact that they aren't just brainless sheep. Hey. just imagine.......Goans actually think and have feelings!

Imagine that!

TGF

Panjim, Goa  January 18, 2002

welcome aboard