Activist, travel guide and Goa crusader: Charles De Silva talks about hi...

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portuguese nationality for goans

According to Portuguese law, Goans born before 1961 retained Portuguese citizenship after 1961 unless they officially renounced it. What that actually means is that those born in Goa before 1961 are still Portuguese citizens even today according to Portuguese law. However, since the birth records were left in Goa after the brutal invasion by the Indian army in December 1961, the Portuguese authorities are not aware of the existence of these Portuguese citizens in that part of the world. The fact remains that they are indeed Portuguese citizens according to Portuguese law and full Portuguese/European citizenship rights are available to them if they wish to avail of those rights. In order to avail of those rights, you need to register your birth in Portugal. So, this completely disregards what Indian law may say or claim about the subject. It completely disregards the pressures from UK and other European countries in closing the doors to these Goans. You need to understand the difference
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Mother-of-Pearl Shell Windows - Architecture of Goa

Windows have several significant roles to play. Primarily, they help in filtering air and sunlight provide a passageway for them, however they remain an artistically explored part of Goan Architecture. In some Goan houses the window screens are fashioned out of nacre they remain characteristic of the traditional upper - classes. It is unclear where or when exactly these type of windows originated. However, thenacre of the mother-of-pearl shell was preferred over glass as it allowed for a subdued filtered light to come into rooms of a house while affording privacy. This gave windows in Goan homes a warm, translucent look from the outside while cutting off the light's glare on the inside. While superior quality timber was often reserved for the production of altars and fine pieces of furniture in Goan houses, the timber used for windows was inferior in comparison. The nacre of the mother-of-pearl, which is otherwise a waste material, was then cut into lozenge shapes and slid int
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Decaying Paintings at Rachol Seminary, Goa

Decaying Paintings at Rachol Seminary, Goa Archana Verma Rachol Seminary in the Raia village of Goa stands on the foundations of a fort built by the Islamic rulers who ruled over Goa before the Portuguese rule. In 1576, the Church was built here on the hillock surrounded by the paddy fields and the cashew nut plantations. The Church still owns much of this land which generates a revenue for the Seminary. The Church was dedicated to St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Order. For some time, this structure served as a prison. The labyrinths of the building are a testimony to this. In 1762, the seminary was added to the Church and became a prominent centre for theological learning. Today, this Seminary is still attended by the local villagers from nearby. Apart from providing them regulars service, this Seminary houses invaluable art treasures from the entire Christian history of Goa, beginning from the 16th century. I had the occasion to visit this Seminary in December 2008. I
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