Many years ago when on visit to the Continent and more specifically, the south of France, I realized what really made Goa tick. There is natural beauty everywhere in the world with breathtaking landscapes all over. Even back home, when you travel as close as even the North of Goa, in Maharashtra, you could possibly find better beaches than what we possess. However, what is that special thing that makes Goa as special as can be? Could that answer be far?
It is quite evident to the naked eye that what rules is the benign spirit of the people of Goa and this is something the world would pay anything for. The happy strains of music and the spirited forms of dance are something that please not only the eyes but excites the spirit of the soul. And, quite surely, it is music that is the binding factor that keeps this Goanness alive, something that we all crave for, something that is deeply imbibed in our being.
As Goa evolves, it is hardly going to be surprising if much of the physical feel of this place will take a completely different look if we are not in a position to make this precise Goan spirit the corner stone of what we stand for. Music has to be encouraged in a more organized manner and with so many stalwarts in the field, it is about time that they come under one roof and maybe start a private university of music, which can be partially funded by the government and the rest through private participation. It is only then that true representation will be there for the musical genius that flows from the Goan vein.
Berkeley, the place that houses one of the world’s most advanced music universities, has long realized the importance of Asian influences in music of today and as a consequence, the first couple of years in their 5 year curriculum can be completed in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Surely, with the richness in our musical fabric, Goa could also be a hub for music learning and teaching. With our society so beautifully placed between the plusses of the West and the East, it would be difficult to find something quite the equivalent anywhere else in the world.
Undoubtedly, Goa is hot topic all over the world in general and India in particular, and is now being viewed as the 9 nth metro in media parlance. With such billing, it will not be long before the invasion that has just started will turn into a wave that might be a little difficult to handle. While one cannot stop that and should not stop that, it is important that Goanness as we all know it, should be top of the agenda, and one of the ways to do it is the fusing of different cultures through music, with the central pillar being that very spirit that not only we hold, but the rest of the world holds too, close to our hearts. For the sake of Goa!
Armando Gonsalves
www.heritagejazz.com
The Parent-Teacher Association of Sharada Mandir and The Spirit of Goa in association with Professor Les Menezes, organized an essay competition in the beginning of this, on reaping fabulous results they continued their great work and organized a debated competition. The theme of the former was, 'The Spirit of Goanness-what I believe it is', a similar theme was adopted for the debate competition that was 'The Spirit of Goanness is increasing'
