Hello!
I am a goan....and proud to be one! Read through this and you will know why....
Goa! a land of myriad cultures, people, customs, traditions and of course beaches!! The very mention of the fact that I am a goan often sparks an interest in those around me. And then follows the steady flow of inquisitive questioning to know more about this land that has never failed to mesmerise people from all over the world.
"Go Goa! 365 days on a holiday" is how the tourism industry promotes Goa. But it isn't a holiday for us the whole year through. We have enough problems at hand like the other states. But what marks us apart is our carefree spirit and the ability to look at the brighter side of things, even in the face of the gravest adversity, a little more than the others. This has earned us the title of "susegaad" a word in konkani that best describes a person with a laid-back attitute.
But goans have excelled in the fields of music, literature and arts to prove that they are competitive enough. And with efforts on to set up IT parks in the state, it is all set to be the next IT hub.Moreover, nature has been kind to this smallest state in our country. Nestled in the west, manned by breath-taking beaches, it has earned itself epithets like "Kashmir of the West". Having been ruled by various dynasties and the Portuguese for several years, Goa showcases the best architecture of the past and is the perfect amalgamation of the ethnic and the modern. The magnificient churches and temples of Goa stand witness to Goa's resplendent past.You will find traditionality seeped in its core with traditional dances like the "mando", "dhalo" and the "kunbi dance" being very popular amongst the young and the old. Not to miss the platter of goan folk songs that are lively, entertaining and fun-filled!! Tourists are not only welcomed with a dose of the world famous goan hospitality but also with a range of mouth-watering traditional goan dishes like "sannas", "sausages", "vindaloo", "bebinca" to name a few. The famous cashewnuts and "feni" of Goa are also relished by many.
Cashing in on this heavy influx of tourists are world famous resorts like Park Hyatt, Ramada, The Taj and many others. Although tourism has by far been the major factor for attracting people to Goa, students from all over are flocking to Goa to pursue education as well. And the Goa Institute of Management having earned a ranking of 17 in a list of the top 50 institutes of management in India has only helped the cause. Goa's scenic beauty has been captured by many filmmakers on screen and with it being declared as the permanent venue for IFFI many more will be inspired to follow suit in the coming years. Notwithstanding the communal riots that took place recently, you will still find people of different communities, caste, creed and colour living peacefully here. Although a dot on the huge map of India, Goa has managed to carve a niche for itself over the years. So when you come to Goa and smell the whiff of sea breeze, and bask in the sun with swaying palm trees around you do raise a toast and say "VIVA GOA"!!