In an earlier post, I had written about how villagers in Chandor (Goa) have put together a proposal on how the village should develop over the next few years. It is considered to be the first such initiative in Goa.
The plan titled Chandor Ganv Vhodd Zaum! is now available online. Click to read the comprehensive plan.
Say "community-driven village development" and what immediately comes to mind is Anna Hazare's hugely successful initiative in Ralegaon Siddhi.
Now, in what is considered to be a first in Goa, villagers from Chandor (my native place) have put together a "Five Year People’s Plan for the Sustainable Development of Chandor (2007-2012)."
The development plan is a comprehensive document (titled Chandor ganv vhodd zaum) that lays down a proposal on how the village of Chandor should develop over the next few years. The plan was put together "with the active participation of all the people for whom it is intended."
Being the first such substantive community-driven initiative in Goa, it has got a fair amount of media coverage in Goa:
Earlier this year, Frederick Noronha, an independent journalist based in Goa, compiled and released a list of 101 "cybergoans" to acknowledge the contributions by people of Goan origin, regardless of where they are located, and in what field they work. The list is largely based on information emerging in cyberspace.
Undoubtedly, I believe it's a great effort by FN (as he's known in cyberspace). The list throws up quite a lot of interesting tidbits about the successes of Goans around the world.
Of course, FN himself admits that the list is a subjective view, and certainly not the last word on the subject. "But we do need to start recognising the contribution of people from this small region... where ever they are located, and in whichever field," adds FN.
Click to view the complete 101 cybergoans honours list.
Quiz question.
In 1962, who was the supreme sprinter in the whole of the Commonwealth?
No kidding, it was someone with roots in Chandor (Goa): Seraphino Antao.
In 1962, at the Commonwealth Games in Perth, Seraphino (running for Kenya) won the 100 yards and 220 yards golden double. It's reported that Seraphino still remains the only Kenyan to have ever won gold in the short sprints at any world level.
Fondly known as "Gazelle" in his youth, we can perhaps call Seraphino the fastest Goan in the world!
Seraphino was born in Chandor; he grew up in and ran for Kenya; he currently resides in the UK.
The Goan Voice UK has a link that includes articles about Seraphino in the media.
For a detailed list of Seraphino's athletic feathers in the cap, see the Sporty Goans blog.
We now have a Chandor Cyberforum. Chandor, of course, is my native Goan village known for its scenic beauty. The cybergroup is intended to be a mailing list, discussion forum, and newsgroup for current and past residents and lovers of Chandor from around the world.
The group is still new; so nothing much is happening there right now. If you are interested in the Goan village, do join the group and help make it vibrant.
