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Footprints on the
Sands of Time
By Menin
Rodrigues (menin100@gmail.com)
The Portuguese influence and dominance goes back to the 15TH Century
but the real transition of Goans (of Portuguese-Hindu pedigree) from
one place to another - from Goa to Bombay, to Karachi, to Africa and
other continents started, realistically speaking, sometime in 1820.
When the British eyed Karachi as a future city of trade, commerce,
leisure and strategy, and with Charles Napier occupying Sind, the
advent of Goans in Karachi (Kurrachee) had begun. They came in dhows
and anchored at the threshold of the city's two 'gates' - Kharadar
(Salty Door) and Mithadar (Sweet Door).
These enterprising people from Goa of pre-partition India have been
living and working here, a sleepy fishing village-turned-megacity,
since that time. They did not look back in their quest for a new
homeland and prosperity, gave off their best, excelled in everything
they touched, grew in numbers and affluence but gradually lost
interest. Large number of families, like gypsies and nomads moved
on, in search of greener pastures, leaving behind their trademark
talents and footprints on the country of their choice, in this case,
Pakistan. Though they have long gone, drifted away from the shores
of their country, they will always have a little Pakistan in their hearts.
A recent email from Brian Gonsalves, a Goan from Karachi who now lives
on the Island of Margarita, Venezuela, says it all. He writes, "My House
in Venezuela is called 'Pakistan' - how is that for patriotism!!"
more..
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MILESTONES |
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1815
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Goans start emigrating to
Kurrachee for greener pastures |
| 1820 |
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First Goans arrive in
Kurrachee in dhows |
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1852 |
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Anthony Cajetan made Chief Appraiser of Karachi Customs |
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1858
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The J.C Misquita bakery opens in Saddar |
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1861 |
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St. Patrick’s High School built in Saddar. Many Goans join
as teachers. |
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more. |
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