Why would a twenty-five year old web designer from London, spend two weeks in Goa, listening to presentations by Ministers, getting to know its history, politics, its environmental problems and its developmental needs?

That's just what I wanted to find out from Carl Mendes, a participant from the UK, on the 2009 Know Goa Programme. I met Carl at a meeting hosted by the UK Goan Association on 25 April 2010, where he gave us a presentation on his study trip to Goa. Slimly-built, with a brisk British accent, he is the quintessential second-generation expatriate; well educated and well spoken. His idea of Goa had been shaped by two brief visits, staying with relatives and doing touristy things. This vacuum of knowledge was what led Carl to apply for the Know Goa Programme, run by the Government of Goa, Department of NRI affairs and spear-headed by Commissioner of NRI affairs, Mr Eduardo Faleiro.

"Going on this programme, I knew I would be with people who are like-minded and the programme would be structured in such a way for me to get a better idea about Goa and Goan people rather than a touristy view," Carl told me. One of the presentations that really stuck with Carl was that of a man, who wishes for his son to have opportunities in Goa, which would be available in other parts of the world. This viewpoint for development was juxtaposed against the opposing viewpoint calling for the preservation of Goa in its pristine form. Listening to both these perspectives, Carl realized how important both of them are, and how both have to take place in tandem.

The presentation also gave me the opportunity to touch base with Cliff Pereira, Historical-Geographer and author of the book, View from Shooters' Hill, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and Chair of the Black and Asian Studies Association. Cliff has spent a life-time researching Asian-African history and has selflessly guided me in my own research efforts. He's an endless gold-mine of information. Cliff calls on the Goan community to support efforts of research with funding, for the recording of our history is perhaps one of the greatest endeavours of service, we can offer to our community.

And at long last I met two of the stalwarts of the UK Goan Association, Flavio Gracias, President, and the effervescent Anita Rebello, the Public Relations Director, whose laughter and organisational skills made the occasion special. It was truly a pleasure and an honour meeting Flavio, who has devoted years of his life towards the welfare of the Goan community in the UK, the last ten as President of the Association. The tall, handsome man is instantly likeable and truly endearing in his humility. He is also tireless. Straight after the event, while most of us headed home, he was on his way to meeting an elderly Goan lady in hospital.

Wherever we are in the world, whichever path life takes us on, however far we may travel from Goa, Goa is never far from our hearts. It resides in us; in a memory that we seek, to find a definition of ourselves, to find strength, friendship and kinship.

For 2 photographs of the Goan Association meeting hosted on April 25, 2010 and 1 photograph of the 2009 Know Goa Group, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/90182908@N00/sets/72157623845466895/