Uniform Civil Code is the best thing that happened to us: Rohan Khaunte

The tenth edition of the Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) was inaugurated on September 29 with Minister of Revenue and IT, Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Environment of Portugal, Joao Pedro De Matos Fernandes, Consul General of Portugal in Goa Antônio Chrystello Tavares and executive committee members of the Semana da Cultura in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Joao Pedro De Matos Fernandes, congratulated the committee and said, “So many miles away from home I was surprised to be greeted by the wonderful melody of a Portuguese fado when I entered. The celebrated Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa once said that his country was the Portuguese language. I’m delighted to hear the Portuguese language in use here in Goa. This is my third visit to Goa and the beautiful state has enchanted me every single time.”

Highlighting the similarities of the culture and tradition between Portugal and Goa, Rohan Khaunte said: “There are a number of similarities between Porugal and Goa. The Portugues have left back a rich heritage and legacy. The Uniform Civil Code is the best thing that happened to us. When it comes to football most of us support Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo is a favourite amongst Goan football fans. Culture is closely linked to economics. Technology linked platforms are helping bringing these two closer together”

Having partnered with Fundacao Oriente and Instituto Camoes a Fado concert by Portuguese fadista ‘Ana Pinhal’ and group will be held on October 31, besides the annual ‘Vem Cantar’.

The other events include a Fado singing competition on December 5 and a photography exhibition by Pantaleao Fernandes on his newly launched coffee table book- Rare Portraits, from December 5 to December 7, both at Institute Menezes Braganza.

This will be followed by the Portuguese film festival that will be held from December 8 to December 10 at Maquinez Palace which will be curated by Nalini de Souza and Delfim Correia Da Silva.