The Goan Pioneers
By J. Christie D'Souza,
Editor of the 1955 Goan Institute Golden Jubilee Brochure
Goa, to many a westerner, is a land of mystery. Its
situation is rather assumed than known. To some it only exists because they
meet Goans wherever they go, be it England or Portugal, America or Japan,
Australia or Africa, Oxford or Rome.
Goa is a picturesque little country on the west coast of
India, situated midway between Karachi and Cape Comorin, about 150 miles south
of Bombay. Its greatest length is 60 miles, with a breadth of 40 miles. Its
total area is 1,300 square miles and has a population of about 625,000 souls.
Goa is a land of natural beauty-bounded by stretches of sea,
alternating with a vista of swaying palms, hills and valleys, green fields and
bleak by-paths. It is a land where churches and chapels, priests and crosses
flourish. The religious fervor of the Goans has made more than one observer
echo that Goa is “the Rome of the East” where lie incorrupt the mortal remains
of St. Francis Xavier for the last four centuries. Consequently Goa has been
the scene of Pilgrimages and miracles up to this day.
Goa, where the soft accent of the people blend harmoniously
with the strumming of their violins and guitars is a land of beauty, peace and
plenty. The tall spires of the mighty churches in Goa beckon with dumb
eloquence all eyes to gaze heavenwards. The sweet chimes of the village church
bells at the Angelus time are the signals for all heads to bow down in prayer,
that brings in its trail upon the sleepy villages an ineffable peace which is
broken here and there by the recital of the rosary in every home.
To the weary sailor, Goa is a land of shelter, to the
missionary, a land of peace and promise; to the politicians a land of hope and
dreams; while to the Goan himself it is a land overflowing with milk and honey,
human kindness and sympathy, land of honest life and happiness, free from
strife and jealousy.
When the Portuguese landed in Goa four centuries ago, they
came with a sword in one hand and a cross in the other, and found both their
missions very fruitful. Vasco da Gama landed in India in 1498 accompanied by
several priests. He was followed in 1550 by Cabral, the discoverer of Brazil,
who brought with him many Franciscans, followed by various other missionaries.
Goans were converted to Christianity and then followed the evolution of the
Goan race. They assimilated all that was best of western civilization,
retaining however, their heritage of Asian characteristics. Though Kipling has
said that “East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet” the
Goan has disproved this to a great extent. And today the Goan, all over the
world is known for his hospitality and his sportsmanship, his love for music
and religion, and above all for his honesty and respect for Law and Order.
GOAN EMIGRATION TO BRITISH INDIA
Bombay Island and Bassein belonged to the Portuguese before
the British came to India and therefore it is quite easy to understand how
Goans emigrated to that famous port of Bombay and the suburbs which later were
seceded to the British as part of a dowry to an English king who married a
Portuguese princess.
The introduction of English-teaching schools in Goa further
encouraged the emigration. One seminary student from southern India studying in
Bombay was forced to give up his career and seek refuge in Goa. A friend
recommended to him the waters of the hot springs for cure of the serious skin
disease from which he was suffering and this remedy eventually proved
successful. In recognition of this favor, the young ecclesiastic decided to
settle there and founded the first English-teaching School in Goa. In loving
memory of its founder, this school, to the day is popularly known as FATHER
LYONS SCHOOL OF ARPORA, which was flourished form year to year, and has sent
forth worthy sons all over the world, many of whom hold responsible posts in
Government and Railway services in India and elsewhere. This school was
followed by others and it came to pass that more and more students took up to
learning English rather than Portuguese. Lucrative positions were offered to
Goans as other Indians were not so keen on Government service. Adventurous
young men seeing their compatriots faring well followed their footsteps and
migrated to the various parts of the British Empire.
Here I am inclined to record, not with little pride, the
names of the famous Goan emigrants of gold. Karachi has produced Cincinatus
Abreo, Deputy Collector of Customs and the founder in British India of the
first Goan Colony which is rightly named after him. Mr. Edward Raymond, the
first Goan Judicial Commissioner in Sind, has given many children in the
service of God. His eldest son, Dr. L. Raymond, D.D., D.C.L., D.Ph., is now a
Bishop. Mr. C. M. Lobo, B.A., LL.B., is another Goan who also rose to the post
of Chief Justice in Sind; and Mr. M. Misquita, a landlord and a great
benefactor of the Goan community, had the honor of being the first Goan Mayor
of Karachi, the then third largest city in India.
Bombay has similarly had illustrious sons, prominent among
them being Dr. Viegas, Dr. Colaco, Dr. Alban D’Souza, and Dr. Ubald
Mascarenhas, all of whom have been Mayors of the premier city in India, not
forgetting politician Leandro Mascarenhas and Leopold Gama. Principal Correa
Alphonso was the first Indian to be elected as Vice-President of the Oxford
Union and would have been automatically President the following year had he not
returned to India.
Dr. Sir Augustus D’Souza held the post of the Director of
Medical Services in the United Provinces and Dr. Gama had been in a similar
capacity in the Bombay Presidency. Other towns have had their illustrious sons
and among the younger generation Dr. Valerian Gracias, D.D., D.Ph., D.C.L., is
the first Goan Cardinal and Archbishop in Bombay, a product of St. Patrick’s
High School, Karachi, which so far has given three other Bishops, namely, Dr.
L. Raymond, Dr. Edwin Pinto, and Dr. Michael Rodrigues, led by the first
saintly vocation of Fr. Vincent Lobo, B.A., LL.B. and followed later by
numerous vocations in the vineyard of Christ.
I would be doing injustice if I were to omit names of those
Goans who have been recognized not only in Goa, but on the European continent
for their brilliant career. Who has not heard of Francis Luis Gomes, the famous
author; or Abbe de Faria, the founder of Hypnotism; of Venerable Jose Vaz, the
Apostle of Ceylon; of Padre Agnelo, a miracle worker; of Dr. Froilano D; Mello,
the famous Bacteriologist of the French Academy; of Capitao C. D’Souza of
Mozambique military fame and a host of others.
These and others have made history of the Goan race an
though some of us in this dark continent follow humbler occupations, it cannot
be denied that Goans have set an example to the African races by their good
behavior, their piety and brotherly love and above all conscientious work which
has gained them admiration and affection from Europeans, Indians and Africans
alike. In the pioneering days there was not much field for professional people
and those few who had came to live a missionary life and undoubtedly some of
them have identified themselves with the progress of the Colony and recognition
of their services has been awarded in various ways. Dr. Rosendo Ribeiro,
O.B.E., was the first doctor to detect bubonic plague in Nairobi. Dr. Alexander
D’Souza, father of Goan education in East Africa, and Dr. Edward Dias and
others have made a mark in this country, while among officials Mr. D’Costa,
M.B.E., Mr. Rego and Mr. P. Lobo have done their bit in Uganda. Mr. R. A.
Oliver, Mr. C. F. Gama, Mr. F. L. Gracias, M.B.E., Mr. Jos A. D’Souza and
several others have contributed their share in Kenya and a few others in
Tanganyika. In Zanzibar, Goans have held key positions and Dr. Albuquerque’s
services cannot be forgotten. In the commercial community there was one who by
dint of toil and labor had become a business magnate in Uganda that is the late
Mr. Norman Godinho whose charities extended far and wide. The Goan School in
Kampala was donated by him.
GOAN EMIGRATION INTO BRITISH EAST AFRICA
Before the Portuguese came to Goa, they had well established
themselves along the eastern coast of Africa right from Lamu down to Beira
including Zanzibar. Many Goans had accompanied the Portuguese and had
established trade with the Arabs and later had settled in Zanzibar. This
induced others to follow and in course of time crossed the narrow seas on to
the Mombasa Island which then belonged to the Sultan of Zanzibar. It is not
known exactly when the first Goan arrived in East Africa but the first settlement
was established prior to 1880, for it is known that one Dr. Noronha was a
medical officer in the service of the Sultan of Zanzibar before 1880 and Dr.
August Braz De Souza was the Portuguese Consul General on that island during
1885. When the British East Africa Company was granted a Royal Charter in 1880
many more Goans were taken into the service of this Corporation. There were at
least three Goans employed with the Imperial Company since its inception,
namely Mr. A. A. Fernandes. During 1895 the Company surrendered its Charter and
most of the Goan employees were absorbed in the various Government Departments,
Mr. Castellino in the Treasury, Mr. Lobo in the Public Works Department and Mr.
Napoloeon D’Souza in the Secretariat. On the 8th of August 1896, the first rail
of the New Uganda Railway was laid at Kilindini, Mombasa, and the railhead was
pushed forward steadily into the interior. Mr. Whitehouse was brought from
India as the first Chief Engineer who in turn procured many Goans from Karachi
through Messrs. Jevanjee & Co. who had an establishment there. Similarly
Messrs. Nazareth Bros. Imported many more Goans to assist them in their
flourishing trade. Gradually more Goans entered British East Africa and
traveled interior with the advancing Railway, though many having traveled on
foot had preceded them and settled in Uganda. Many had to undergo trials and
tribulations and some of them still narrate the stories of the lions of Tsavo,
where some morning they woke up to find one or two companions or coolies
missing. During 1899 the railhead reached Nairobi and the same year the
Provincial Headquarters which was at Machakos till then with Mr. Lewis Sequeira
as Head Clerk, moved into Nairobi. In Nairobi the Goan population consisted
mostly of Railway employees with a few form Government Administration, as the
seat of Government was till at Mombasa. Quite a few merchants who had
established themselves at Mombasa, had opened their branches in Nairobi and a
major portion of trade passed through the hands of th merchants, such as Souza
Junior & Sons, C. P. V. Rodrigues & Sons, M.R R. D’Souza & Co.,
Knowles, the Photographer, The Nairobi Bakery and several other businesses.
When the Government Headquarters were moved from Mombasa to
Nairobi in 1905, the Goan population had increased considerably numbering
nearly 200 souls. They had firmly established themselves in trade and commerce
and manned all Government organizations and Railway Administration, thus
participating in laying the foundation of the British Colony which today we
call KENYA - OUR COUNTRY OF ADOPTION.
THE FIRST GOAN CLUB
Coming as they did with English education and a broad
outlook in life and trained in the western way of life, Goans could not stay in
seclusion. Fired with zeal and enthusiasm they decided to muster together and
found a club where they could enjoy their leisure in recreation such as
reading, sports, dances, etc. In 1899 the Portuguese Cricked Club was privately
founded by 29 members who in 1901 were given a pavilion on the Railway premises
by the Railway authorities. At this time the membership had increased to 42,
consisting of both Railway and non-Railway Goans. This number gradually came
down to 25 in 1903 when the funds to the credit of the club stood at a meager
sum of Rs. 122-2-9 pies and its general condition was critical. To reinforce
vitality in its activities many non-Railway members were enrolled and for a
time everything went on smoothly. However, the peace did not last too long and
very soon misunderstanding created by establishing a distinction between
Railway and non-Railway members on the false plea that the Railways members
were outnumbered. Mr. B. Eastwood, the Chief Accountant of the Railway, and
President of the Portuguese Cricket Club, in a letter dated 29th May, 1905,
addressed to the Managing Committee stated: “It may not have been given in
writing but it is and was always an unwritten law that the management of the
Club and the power to vote, rested with the employees only”. This was the death
knell of the Portuguese Cricket Club and the birth of the future Goan
Institute. Deep dissensions arose between the two parties and the club
activities were neglected. Mr. A. H. F. Currie, Manger of Uganda Railways used
his influence to bring about a compromise and settle the issue amicably. In one
of his letters he states:
“I shall be very sorry if any remarks of mine tend to cause
friction between the Railway and non-Railway members of the Club. My intention
is quite the reverse and I feel sure that the non-Railway members having the
welfare of their community at heart will do nothing likely to inure the
progress of the club.....I regret that this Rule has to be enforced.....to
enable me to give the club financial assistance and in no way reflects on the
non-Railway members who have done so much to bring the club to its present
prosperous position.....”
The appeal was of no avail and further deterioration set in.
Finally it was agreed to dissolve the club and the assets
which amounted to Rs. 224-4-9 were divided between the Railway and the
non-Railway members in the proportion of 2; 1, after prolonged negotiations
carried on by Mr. Luis Sequeira on behalf of the non-Railway members who had
not only the backing of the affected party but also intelligence to put up such
a convincing fight which did him a great credit both among members and in
public.
FOUNDATION OF THE GOAN INSTITUTE
The controversy between the Railway and the non-Railway
members led to the dissolution of the Portuguese Cricket Club and laid
foundation of the Goan Institute. Adventurous young-men decided to call a
public meeting of the Goan Community to convert their desire into a reality and
found a new Club. A circular signed by a few prominent and respected Goans was
issued and a meeting was held on 11th June 1905. It was unanimously agreed to
establish a Goan Club and today, we are their worthy heirs enjoy the fruit of
their labors. The circular convening the meeting reads as follows:
“It is considered expedient that a Literary and Recreative
Institution should be founded to meet the demands of each and every educated
Goan resident at this Town. A General Meeting of the Goan Community of Nairobi,
on next Sunday, the 11th June, 1905, at 1-30 p.m. in order to discuss the
advisability of and devise the best means on which the Institution should be
founded.
“It is expected therefore, that the meeting will be largely
attended to be the utmost importance and closely affecting the social and
literary interest of our rising Community”.
Dated 5th June 1905.
Signed by:
M. M. D’Souza
R. Ribeiro
P. A. Miranda
F. M. D’Souza
A. A. Fernandes
J. A. Nazareth & Bros.
Lewis Siqueira
M. R. D’Souza
B. C. Siqueira
There were 50 members present. Dr. Ribeiro was in the Chair,
when the following Resolution, proposed by Mr. J. M. Campos and seconded by Mr.
J. C. Rebello was unanimously carried: -
“That an Institute be founded that may meet the demands of
each and every educated member of the Goan Community”.
The club was christened “INDO-PORTUGUESE INSTITUTE”. Several
other resolutions were adopted laying down the powers of the Managing Committee
and setting out rules and regulations by which it was to be guided.
No time was wasted and application for one of the following
sites was made to the Government: (a) Near European Camping Ground behind
Victoria Street; (b) Near the new Roman Catholic Church and (c) Near Old Shop
of Mr. Nazareth in Old Bazaar; but after very protracted negotiations and
through the good offices of Mr. Ainsworth, His Majesty’s Commissioner, the
following sites were offered by Government: (a) Adjacent to Parklands Club; (b)
Near Racecourse Ground and (c) Behind Forest Office. The third site, where our
present building stands today was selected by the Committee and then confirmed
by the general body on 13-5-1906.
At the General Meeting a new Managing Committee was elected
for the year 1906. Mr. J. M. Campos was detailed to draw up the constitution
which was finally approved by the general body. In the Rules the name was
changed to "THE GOAN INSTITUTE OF NAIROBI" and from 19th May 1906 it
is know as such.
To push the scheme forward a Loan of Rs. 4000 at 7% was
approved and full details of requirements of the building were drawn up. It may
surprise many of our present young members to know how every detail was
minutely discussed in the Committee meetings, such as “Foundation 3 ft. deep,
thickness of the walls 16 inches, height 14 ft., cement and lime mortar 1: 3,
doors 4ft. wide, etc., etc.”
Several difficulties had to be faced as the tendered price
was far more than the sanctioned amount of Rs. 6,000 and consequently the
contract had to be split up into masonry work, wood work, ceiling, roofing,
etc. The masonry works 75 ft. x 25 ft. was let for Rs. 2,400, including 49
pillars.
When everything was ready for making a start, a big “storm”
arose and it almost looked as if it was going to destroy the very foundation
for which preparations were being made. The committee decided to have a modest
and simple ceremony of laying the foundation stone by the Chairman, Dr. R.
Ribeiro. Seventeen members objected to this procedure and thought that a matter
of such great importance as that should be decided by the general body at an
extra-ordinary general meeting agree to invite the H.M. Commissioner, all the
high officials and the leading members of all communities and to drink the
toast in champagne. The Chairman was asked to send a letter to the Chief
Secretary arranging an interview with His Majesty’s Commissioner. The Chairman
declined to do so and stated that he would have nothing to do with the
ceremony. Another extraordinary meeting was convened when the Chairman’s
attitude was deplored and to avoid any further unpleasantness it was finally
agreed to have a humble and modest ceremony and that the Vice-President, Mr.
Leandro D’Mello, should lay the foundation stone which was done on 22-7-1906.
In the Goan customary way the Catholic priest was invited to bless the
foundation and a small gold cross was laid therein.
The incident of misunderstanding was followed by the
resignation of the Chairman from the post, trusteeship and membership, but he
rejoined as a member several years later.
In spite of the indifferences of many members and faced with
tremendous financial difficulties the BUILDING was completed through the zeal
of those whose courage could not be daunted. Here I am inclined to mention some
of them in the roll of honor as the pillars of that edifice. They are Messrs.
Luis Sequeira, J. M. Campos, Leandro D’Mello, J. A. Nazareth, Timothy D’Souza,
R. A. Nazareth, F. M. D’Souza, M. R. D’Souza, B. C. Sequeira and a host of
others whose names will be found on the Founders List. There may be several
others whose names are not recorded in the annals of the Institute. To all of
them, living and dead, our homage is due and I dedicate this humble record of
mine to their honor.
The opening ceremony was performed on 1st December 1906, at
3:30 p.m. by H.M. Provincial Commissioner, Mr. C. W. Hobly, C.M.G., in the
presence of a very distinguished and representative gathering of the citizens
of Nairobi. This was followed by a grand gala dance in the evening.
This, in brief, is the history of our Goan Pioneers and of
the foundation of the Goan Institute in Nairobi, one of the several milestones
that Goans have erected in this country. The Golden Jubilee celebrations are
the last functions that are being held in the premises which our forefathers
have left us as a rich legacy. Through the generosity of the Government we have
been given the change of user of the present property and as the local rates
tell very heavily on our meager resources, we have now disposed of the Duke
Street property to Messrs. E.A. Breweries, Ltd., Nairobi, for a very worthy
sum, which has enabled us to erect a modern and comfortable club house on a two
acre plot on the Juja Road, adjoining our playfields. Messrs. Bhalla and
Thakore, Registered Architects, have drawn the scheme which is a storied
building and as the pictures display, should be one of the finest club houses
in Nairobi, which should be a civic pride to the City of Nairobi, a memorial to
our Goan Pioneers and a healthy place of recreation for the future progeny of
the Goan race so that under such aesthetic surroundings our children may grown
up as worthy citizens of Nairobi and loyal and law-abiding subjects of our
young and progressive country, Kenya. May this new building which will replace
one of the first and premier stone buildings in Nairobi depicting faith of our
forefathers in this country, prove a common meeting place for members of all
races and bring about peace and harmony in our future generations that they may
enjoy the fullness of life and co-existence in their adopted homeland “Kenya”.
Comments