Goa,
The Writer’s Paradise.
It
was an unexpected project. It fell into my lap suddenly, out of the blue.
Writing an article for the community history. I went just blank. How do I write
about the community I joined after my marriage, & that too its history in a
place where I was not born nor brought up. It gave me shudders, but my innate
feelings supported me. Though not a famous writer, I have done quite good
amount of writing and teaching.
My
curious mind began its queries. I started searching for old records, documents,
pictures, interviewing the senior citizens for acquiring the necessary
information. As my project is about the History of Khoja Community in Daman, I
came to know that the government records
and documents were taken away to Goa, after liberation for restoration and for
preservation. And that I would find the required information only in Goa.
A
trip to Goa was inevitable. I have visited Goa innumerable times previously,
and known the Panjim, Margoa areas and the beautiful beaches. It was when I was
not aware of the literary world that is in Goa. The project gave me an
opportunity to visit different places, a different Goa.
The
Central Library was the first on my list. Recently inaugurated in April’12. I
stepped into the magnificent building and lost myself. Oh! What an experience. It was a dream come
true. The five storey building with its collection of hundreds of rare books, manuscripts, old
papers, documents. All the modern amenities, internet access, everything that a
writer could yearn for and that too without any fees, completely free. And
above all the excellent co-operative and warm staff members. Never have I seen
people who come forward to help you in every possible way. How they guide you,
help you and give their valuable time for absolutely nothing in return. I was
really impressed and touched by their kind gestures. The library has different
sections for all types of literary fields, may it be social, historical,
geographical and most surprising section for the blind with all types of brail
books, children’s section,3D Studio, maps, etc.
There are no words to describe the quality and
thought that must have gone behind the planning, designing and making of such a
brilliant masterpiece, with the most peaceful and comfortable layout. It can
only be a Writer’s Paradise. Two full days there didn’t satisfy me.
The
next destination was the Archives and Archaeological department, Goa. An old
building probably of the 50’s or 60’s with huge collection of old documents and
books. I was baffled over the way they had a system of working. A book to guide
you on the type of information you require. Volumes of carefully bounded old
documents and historical events could be found from it. The old style wooden
book stands to hold heavy volumes so
that the binding and papers can be carefully referred, the quite room for
research work, the co-operation of the staff and their helpful gestures could
only overwhelm me. Turning the delicate
papers, documents, the writings, the events, the special art of making
notes and keeping records according to specific dates and events, hand writings
and the ink on paper still intact of the 15th and 16th
century could be only a dream that came true at these places. It was an
experience never ever imagined about.Holding the books and documents of our
forefathers of 4 to 5 generations, observing the way they wrote, their style,
writing, language, Just incredible. The art that is almost forgotten in the
present age of text messages was revived through these collections of ancient
times. Though majority of the material is in the Portuguese language and of the
Portuguese reign it does have the social information of that period in India.
One full day at the Archives and my work was done.
During
my second visit to Goa, I visited the St. Xavier’s Institute of Historical
Research, Porvorim, Goa. Unbelievably peaceful, a quiet place where a person
could easily meditate for hours and relax and rejuvenate. The building with a
botanical garden, rare species of plants, artefacts and of course a collection
of old newspapers, documents, books, etc. the procedure of research was
exciting and interesting. The name cards of topics had to be searched from a huge
systematic collection in alphabetical order and the related material would be
provided within minutes. So well organised and instant. No chance of wasting
your time or delaying the work. A co-operative staff at every place made the
work even easy. I do not know how many more treasure troves are hidden in Goa,
but that I will leave for the future.
Many
more places were there to visit where I could find reference material but
scarcity of time led me back home. The Goa I had seen since last 30 years was a
place of tourist visit, student zone with many colleges, and a place to just
laze around. This year my view and impression of Goa has completely changed. It
is a place not just to freak around but also for intellectual and meaningful
work. The people, the culture, the hospitality, the encouraging atmosphere for
progress and up gradation were but a refreshing change I will always cherish.
The people I met during this period, writers, historians, librarians,
intellectuals, have changed my life, my way of thinking and it has given me
immense pleasure and satisfaction working on this project.
Whatever
may be the social, political, economical condition of the State of Goa, it has
maintained its culture, ethnicity and ambience, throughout the centuries to
this day. And I cannot resist to salute them.
“Hats off to Goa and its people.”
