Railway Goan Institute Pioneers

 

The Railway Goan Institute 1909-1959

ABEL DIAS generously sent me a copy of the brochure marking the RGI’s Golden Jubilee. I had read the document several times over the years and, in the end, lost it to one of those friends who kindly borrow but seldom return … it is not a problem.

Hi Skip,

Attached is a magazine! have found in my late Dad's Collection of Nairobi / Goa paperwork. His name was Joe Dias and pictured in the magazine as GJA Dias (secretary), later was the vice president of the club towards the end of the 1960's. I spent a lot of time as a kid there, especially in the Library and the Snooker room, drinking coke and crisps, while Dad was always in the Bar with RGI members... (that was normally the culture, especially on a Saturday). He gave a lot of his time to the club, especially at Easter, Xmas, etc involved with various events.  Abel Dias.

(Joe Dias pictured left) Most of the people celebrated in the brochure are no longer with us but their memories are celebrated by family and friends who hold them dear in their hearts and prayers. It was these pioneering men and women and others that followed them until the demise of the club in the late 1970s to whom we owe the greatest gratitude.

British Prime Ministers including the late Sir Winston Churchill have lauded the Goan Civil Servant pioneers. This is also no less true of the East African Railways and Harbours which once employed 669 Goans throughout East Africa, including 269 in Nairobi.

The General Manager J R Farquharson was moved to write: “Over the years a strong link has developed between the Goan Community and the British territories in East Africa.

“The Goan staff of the EAR&H have played a most creditable part in the development of the transport services and have been loyal members of staff.

“This attribute of loyalty is no less noticeable in the RGI whose members have for so many years upheld its traditions in times of both prosperity and adversity.”

In those early the president of the club was usually a high-ranking EAR&H official. J.H. Collier-Wright paid special tribute to the men and women who dedicated themselves to working for the good of the club and its members. Collier-Wright made special mention of J.C.J Dias (vice president) Mr A R D’Costa, Mr J C Pereira and the General Secretary Joe Dias much of the credit of the credit for the well-being of the Institute is due.

A few may remember the Archbishop of Nairobi, J.J. McCarthy who wrote of the celebrations: “I trust it (the RGI) may continue to exercise its customary good influence on all of its members, keep them good and loyal members not only of the club but also of the church and of the larger Goan community in Nairobi. In this way, it will enhance the legitimate prestige the Goan community has gained in this city as a result of efficient, unselfish, responsible and faithful service wherever it is rendered.”

There were also messages of congratulations from Dr J. De Mello president of the Goans Overseas Association, Mr P S Moniz president of the Goan Institute and Alec Pereira, president of the Goan Gymkhana.

There were also messages from founder members J F L Gracias M.B.E, G.H.C Noronha.

The founders of the RGI included: M.F. Correa, Amelino D’Costa, J.P.C. Coutinho, A. R Gomes MBE, A.B. Gracias, E.B. Gracias, J.F.L. Gracias, F.J. D’Mello, G.H.C. Noronha, B. Pereira, P.J. D’Souza.

For a very long time, the President of the club was always a senior figure from the EAR&H management. The vice president was the true head of the club.

Vice Presidents

J.P.C. Coutinho 1909-1914: E. B.  Gracias 1910, 1913,1918): P.J. D’Souza 1911, 1921: F.J. De Mello 1912: M. F. Correa 1915, 1925: M. M. Fernandes 1916: E. Pinto 1917: P.C. D’Souza 1919, 1924: A.R Gomes MBE 1920: P.E. D’Souza 1920: J.C.E. Gracias 1923, 1927: P.C. D’Mello 1926, 1941: C. M Fernandes 1928, 1930, 1935: F.C. Rodrigues 1931: John Pinto 1932: L. A. Braganza 1933, 1945, 1951): J.F.L. Gracias MBE 1934, 1939, 1940, 1943: A.J. D’Cruz 1936, 1937: J. C. Pereira 1938, 1942, 1948: D. J. Paes 1952, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1959: A.T. Pinto 1953: A.R. D’Costa 1956, 1958!

Management Committee 1959/1960

B. D’Souza (treasurer), J.C.J. Dias (vice president), G.J.A. Dias (General Secretary), Balthasar Gomes (sports secretary), A.J. D’Costa, C. M. Gracias, L.C. D’Souza (library secretary), M. Britto, Alu Mendonca, A.P. Fernandes, Hilary D’Souza (assistant secretary), A.T. Dias (assistant secretary for sports) J.C Pereira, Marcus Braganza and A.T. Pinto.

The Golden Jubilee Committee

L.M. Noronha, G.J.A. Dias (secretary), J.C.J. Dias (chairman), I.C. D’Souza (treasurer), D.J. Paes, J.C. Pereira, S.V. Barros, B. Gomes, A.R. D’Costa, B. Colaco, Bart Noronha, A.T. Pinto, J.F.L Gracias MBE, L. A. Braganza and A. D’Souza.

Joe Dias making a presentation to an official of the then Portuguese Consulate in Nairobi

BACK ROW : MAURICE GRACIAS C.F.C ALMEIDA GUIDANCIO ALMEIDA

ALBERT D’SOUZA S.V.BAROS PADRI LUIS -UNKNOWN

SITTING: J.C.PEREIRA | A.R.D’COSTA COLLIER WRIGHT GJA DIAS L.C.D’SOUZA.

1947 RGI tennis fans