US-based Goans volunteer to make ‘A Better Goa’
GOANEWS DESK, LOS ANGELES | 10 July 2016 21:54 IST
Sidhnath Buyao speaking in USA
Goa’s prominent organisations and NGOs have appealed to the Goans settled in USA to come forward to help several developmental projects, in the field of industry, education and culture.
It was a small beginning at the initiative of Goan Organisation of America (GOA), who organised its 13th biennial three-day conventiob held in Los Angeles from 2nd to 4th July.
Goa’s eminent young musician Sidhanath Buyao inaugurated the event, which was attended by 180 families settled in North America.
The organisers had invited Goans working in various fields to participate in a group discussion on ‘A Better Goa’ to know in what manner they could contribute for Goa’s development.
US-based Vishnu Kamat, who runs an NGO in Goa providing digital solutions to the school children, received instant response to his appeal to volunteer to help financially as well as with the technical expertise.
Industrialist Kiran Sirsat, representing Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in fact made an elaborate presentation on how US-based Goans can contribute by setting up industries, with a goal – Make in Goa.
US-based choreographer Jonathan Bosco, Filomena Giese of Goa Sudharop, Chairman of Goan Convention Rohin Parkar as well as Buyao also appealed to the US-based Goans to come forward to help the work of non-profit organisations in the field of education, art and culture.
The convention organised a fund-raising silent auction to raise funds for ‘Swarnaad’ of Ponda, a preschool for the children having hearing impairment.
The event began with ‘ghumche katar ghum’ over dhol and tasso of Shigmo. It was marked by various activities related to art, music, dance, sports and fitness.
It included fancy dress and dance competitions for children, monologues by senior Goans Arvind Dalvi and Raikar, a flash mob by the energetic young Goans, stand-up comedy by Sanjit Hegde Desai etc. It was hosted by Srinath Buyao.
The event also witnessed several musical performances including ‘Ami Buyavant’ by Sidhanath Buyao in memory of his father and Goa’s eminent singer late Ulhas Buyao, who played a leading role in the historical Opinion Poll of Goa 50 years ago.
Another highlight of the event was the enthralling performances by Sonia Sirsat, Mukesh Ghatwal and Varun Carvalho as well as Marathi Sugam Sangeet by Sa Re Ga Ma fame Saili Oak.
At the helm of the affairs were advisory committee members Smita and Raju Sardesai, Swati and Arun Virginkar, Minal and Dilip Sawardekar as well as the chairman of the convention Rohin Parkar.
Fantastic Convention of Marathis settled in Goa. Bring much nostalgia of culture from Maharashtra.