12 youths from 6 countries to attend 'Know-Goa programme'

Panaji, Nov 10 (UNI) Commissioner for NRI Affairs (CNA) will organise 'Know-Goa programme' for the youth of Goan origin, from November 30 to December 14.

The CNA Eduardo Faleira speaking to mediapersons here today said 12 youths from Australia, Canada, Mozambique, Trinidad, Tobago and US are expected to attend the programme.

The programme, co-ordinated by Director, NRI Affairs, U D Kamat will take place in Goa and Delhi, and is being organised in collaboration with government and non-governmental agencies including the Nehru Yuyak Kendra.

During their stay in Goa, participants who are not Indian nationals but has distinguished themselves in the field as professionals or students abiding interest in India, would visit the Goa University, National Institute of Oceanography, Chowgule College, BITS Pilani and interact with the students and staff.

They would also attend the feast of St Francis Xavier, visit Pilar seminary; Mangeshi, Shantadurga, Chandreshwar temples, Safa Masjid and interact with the religious leaders. The participants will also visit villages and observe the making of village handicrafts, indegenous games and dances.

Mr Faleiro also said Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit assured him that her office will make all the necessary arragements for the visiting group in Delhi. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has also agreed to assist the group during their stay in Delhi, Mr Faliero added.

Mr Faleiro also said CNA proposed to bring together on one platform all Goan organisation outside Goa whether in India or abroad and will set up the Global Goan Forum to arrange regular activities for interaction with the Goan diaspora. The forum would play a vital role in research, data management and policy support.

He said preliminary meeting on this subject was held recently with Goan community in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi and Kenya.

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