Dom Hermano Mascarenhas's Speech
© 2003, A.D., P.J. Mascarenhas, Goa Livre Organisation
Address Delivered By Dom Hermano Mascarenhas, Pakistan Delegate, To The Goan Conference, Paris
Mr. Chairman,
Ladies & Gentlemen:
In the first place I wish to thank the Goan Association, Nairobi, for having convened this Conference and indeed so creditably.
Secondly, in my capacity as the duly elected representative of the Goan Clubs of Karachi in general and the modest sons of Goa in particular who have proved their mettle and their undeniable patriotism, all I wish to assure this great assembly of Gaons and the people of Damao and Dio from all over the world is that you can count, at all times, on the unstinted support, co-operation, collaboration and if necessary, sacrifices from my brethren whom I represent for the purpose of achieving the object which we are all striving for. I am not, at this moment, doing anything more than voicing their sentiments.
My dear brethren — invoking the blessings of St. Francis Xavier, our Patron and Protector — I say that we will not rest until we have achieved our final goal, that is SELF-DETERMINATION. Should we at this moment relax, our children will hold us guilty of having deprived them of all that we enjoyed and bequeathed unto them misery, poeverty and, last but never the least, eternal slavery.
Mr. Chairman, you have assumed the greatest burden and responsibility on your your shoulders. We need men of your calibre and dynamism. I am sure under your wise guidance we will achieve our object in view.
I now conclude with the following salutations: GOA FOR GOANS!
VIVA GOA!