From: "LISETTE SALDANHA" <lisette_saldanha@hotmail.com>
Subject: [Goanet] 2008 International Goan Convention , Part 2 - July
23, 2008
evening before the Convention was described in Wendell's own words as,
"Lisette and Kevin Saldanha got Placido involved and he swung the show on
the road. Between him and Olinda they gave me the best "In house" boutique
show I had in my entire career." This was a fitting debut to the exciting
2008 International Goan Convention which promised interactive learning and
inspiration from high caliber speakers to a fun filled social calendar.
On Wednesday July 23,2008, delegates were welcomed to the University Of
Toronto Mississauga (UTM), with a hot breakfast, and registration was
underway from 8am-10am. At approximately 10am delegates were led to their
choice of workshops. These included a Konkani workshop led by the seniors
and coordinated by John D'Souza, a writers craft workshop led by author
Victor Rangel Ribeiro, a fashion and design workshop led by Wendell
Rodricks, A Goan Identity Workshop for the youth facilitated by Christine
Pinto and Ranvir Jangi of "Facilitation at work", and last but not least a
music workshop led by GNAT's president Francis Rodrigues.
The Konkani workshop was the result of many months of hard work put in by
the seniors and coordinated by John D'souza. In the end the seniors showed
us that commitment, experience and wisdom can master the most challenging
tasks and they produced a Konkani book called "Konkani for everyone" that
includes such gems as Konkani prayers, hymns and proverbs. An excellent
handbook for all seeking an introduction to the Konkani language. These
seniors were "determined to see that Konkani has a place in every Goan
Cultural Organization. The highlight for Kevin and myself was when we
checked in on the group late afternoon and they read us a thank you speech
in Konkani. The group then proceeded to sing Konkani songs which set the
mood and flavour for a nostalgic moment in Goa.
Paul Nazareth, Frank Fernandes, Lynn Souza-Marques, Lourdinho Rodrigues,
Pliny Noronha, Lazurus Pereira, Joao Manuel Pereira and John J D'souza were
the team that produced The Konkani For Everyone Book. Special thanks should
also be given to Joao M Pereira and Frank and Lucy Fernandes for their
courage to stand up and lead the Konkani Workshop together with John J D'Souza.
The seniors were an inspiration to those attending the class, and their
enthusiasm and love of Konkani was the motivation needed to propel this
class forward, and leave the attendees looking into the windows of a world
where Konkani is a beautiful language not only to have and hold close to our
hearts, but to also speak with pride. To the seniors, Deu Borem Coruum.
The Writers Workshop was filled with potential novelists eager to learn from
the experienced Victor Rangel Ribeiro. His small, diminutive stature does
not prepare you for his great sense of humour, wit and finesse with which he
delivered his writer's craft workshop, and left all the participants hungry
for more. The participants from this workshop formed a writer's club and
will continue to master their craft and complete their works with
confidence.
The Fashion and Design workshop run by Wendell Rodricks was filled with
participants ranging from age 16 to over 70. This three day workshop was
exciting, inspiring and fun as Wendell had promised. Participants worked
hard and in the end left artistically challenged and fulfilled.
As one participant Margaret de Souza wrote:
" The Creative Fashion workshop was fascinating and illuminating. It tapped
on one's inert creativity. The workshop provided us with tools, tips, visual
and verbal metaphors bringing the art to life in three days. We all were
honoured to be at this prestigious workshop because Wendell Rodricks is
definitely the world's most renowned fashion designer and creator."
The workshop that represented the theme of the Convention was the "Goan
Identity workshop" for the youth. Professional facilitators Christine Pinto
and Ranvir Jangi were the ideal duo for this workshop. Christine, although
petite had a force and presence that won over the youth, and captured their
attention while bringing out their thoughts and perspectives on various
identity issues. Many delegates were observers and sat in on this workshop.
The preparation and professionalism with which this workshop was carried out
was evident in the room and later in a summary that Christine gave on the
last day of the convention.
Here is a comment from a youth who attended the session;
"Thanks for inviting me to the workshop, it was definitely time well spent
Met some nice people and learned a lot about my heritage", A.V. (23)
The response by the youth about the workshop was summarized in part, as
being
" an extremely necessary action you are taking to educate Goan youth about
our culture and it is extremely appreciated."
For those who were not inclined to attend workshops, a viewing of Rajan
Parrikar's "Rape Of Goa" was shown in the lecture hall, and was followed by
discussions moderated by renowned architect and Goan activist, Dean D'Cruz.
Goan artist Alexyz had also set up an exhibition of his works which
delegates visited, and took advantage of the opportunity to get a caricature
of themselves done by the well known Alexyz
After a hot lunch where guest speakers and delegates sat comfortably
interacting with each other in an informal setting, the delegates met in the
lecture room to listen to a presentation by Andrea D'sylva on "Food and
Identity". After briefing the audience on her research, Andrea presented
information that generated much discussion and left the listeners
questioning their own relationship to food as a link to Goan Identity.
Workshops resumed after the presentation, and an inauguration of Alexyz'
exhibition was also done in the afternoon. As a surprise to all present,
Alexyz unveiled a special caricature of Victor Rangel Ribeiro and his lovely
wife Lea.
The day sessions ended by 5 pm, because a Welcome Opening Reception and
Awards ceremony was scheduled for the evening at 6 pm at the UTM Faculty
Club lounge.the evening at 6 pm at the UTM faculty lounge.
(Will write about the evening reception in my next post)
Lisette
No comments:
Post a Comment