May 20. This day marks the landing of the western powers into the soil of our nation. In May 20, 1498 Vasco da Gama put his step at Kappad Beach near Calicut. This date changed the fate of our nation especially to a tiny community called “Konkani” who were resided in the beautiful sea-land area named “Konkan”. They did not foreseen what catastrophe await them at that time. Though the Gama was only an explorer but his intention was not that much transparent. The time had proven that also. This exploration of India by the western powers by their vested interest made Konkanis to left their homeland and go far away unknown lands for rescue.
Although more than 500 years passed now, but the wound the westerners given to Konkani community is not yet healed. I reside in Cochin where the same Gama was once buried (St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi). Not like Goa, where the other brothers of Konkani community suffered lot under Portuguese rule, the Konkanis of Cochin had to survive their identity and resist it from three western powers who ruled here. Cochin had a long history of rule under colonization. The city ruled once by Portuguese, then by the Dutch and at last by the British. Konkani community got challenged many times under these colonial rules. They even once attacked by Portuguese and had to witness the destruction of their main religious centre i.e. Tirumala Devaswom Temple at Gosripuram (Cochin) and helplessly flew to hide themselves.
So, this day, even if, some say that it is a beginning of a new era which had opened gate to new India, for Indians who get proud in the glorious past of our forefathers should not easily forget this dark day.
Although more than 500 years passed now, but the wound the westerners given to Konkani community is not yet healed. I reside in Cochin where the same Gama was once buried (St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi). Not like Goa, where the other brothers of Konkani community suffered lot under Portuguese rule, the Konkanis of Cochin had to survive their identity and resist it from three western powers who ruled here. Cochin had a long history of rule under colonization. The city ruled once by Portuguese, then by the Dutch and at last by the British. Konkani community got challenged many times under these colonial rules. They even once attacked by Portuguese and had to witness the destruction of their main religious centre i.e. Tirumala Devaswom Temple at Gosripuram (Cochin) and helplessly flew to hide themselves.
So, this day, even if, some say that it is a beginning of a new era which had opened gate to new India, for Indians who get proud in the glorious past of our forefathers should not easily forget this dark day.
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