Goaness, as a cultural and existential phenomenon, is more than a mere marker of geographic or ethnic belonging. It is a dynamic, shared essence that binds Goans together while simultaneously celebrating their individuality and intersectional differences. Rooted in the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas, Goaness can be understood as a call to responsibility—an ethical obligation to recognize and respond to the “otherness” of every Goan and, by extension, to the broader inter-human community.
This article explores the Goanizing of Goans, a process through which Goans embrace their shared identity, navigate their differences, and open themselves to a collective responsibility for Goa, Goaness, and each other.
Goaness: A Shared Yet Diverse Identity
Goaness is not a monolithic construct. It is a tapestry woven from the threads of history, culture, religion, language, and lived experiences. From the coastal villages of Salcete to the hinterlands of Sattari, from the Catholic communities to the Hindu and Muslim Goans, and from the diaspora in Mumbai to those in London or Toronto, Goaness manifests differently in each individual. This diversity is not a fracture but a strength, reflecting the intersectional inequalities and unique “otherness” of every Goan
.Intersectionality, a framework that acknowledges the overlapping identities and systemic inequalities that shape individual experiences, is central to understanding Goaness. A Goan fisherman in Betim faces different challenges than a tech professional in Panaji or a Goan émigré in Dubai. Gender, class, caste, religion, and migration status further complicate these lived realities. Yet, Goaness transcends these differences, uniting Goans through shared cultural touchstones—be it the love for Goa , the rhythm of mando, the vibrancy of Shigmo, or the reverence for St. Francis Xavier.
This shared Goaness is not about erasing differences but about recognizing them as constitutive of the collective identity. Each Goan is an “other,” distinct yet interconnected, and it is this otherness that calls Goans to responsibility.
Levinasian Ethics and the Call to Responsibility
Emmanuel Levinas, a 20th-century philosopher, argued that the encounter with the “Other” is the foundation of ethical responsibility. For Levinas, the face of the Other—unique, vulnerable, and irreducible—demands a response, an obligation to act for their well-being. In the context of Goaness, this philosophy illuminates the ethical dimension of Goan identity. Every Goan, as an Other, calls upon every other Goan to be responsible for them, for Goa, and for the preservation and evolution of Goaness.
The Goanizing of Goans is thus a process of responding to this call. It is an active engagement with the otherness of fellow Goans, acknowledging their struggles, aspirations, and contributions to the collective. This responsibility manifests in various ways: advocating for sustainable development to protect Goa’s environment, preserving Konkani and other cultural heritage, supporting marginalized Goan communities, or fostering inclusivity in the face of communal or caste-based tensions.
To Goanize is to recognize that Goaness is not a passive inheritance but a shared project that requires ethical commitment.Inter-Goan and Inter-Human DimensionsGoaness is inherently inter-Goan, a relational identity that emerges in the spaces between individuals and communities. It is in the shared laughter at a tiatr performance, the collective mourning at a Goan funeral, or the debates over land use in village gram sabhas where Goaness is most vividly expressed.
These interactions, grounded in mutual recognition, create a sense of belonging that is both intimate and expansive.Yet, Goaness does not end at the borders of Goa or the boundaries of Goan communities. It is also inter-human, opening Goans to the broader world. The Goan diaspora, scattered across continents, exemplifies this outward orientation. Goans have long been global citizens, from the sailors who navigated Portuguese trade routes to the nurses and engineers who today contribute to societies worldwide. This global Goaness carries the ethical imperative to engage with other cultures and peoples, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
In a Levinasian sense, the inter-human dimension of Goaness challenges Goans to extend their responsibility beyond their own community. The environmental crises facing Goa—deforestation, coastal erosion, and pollution—are not merely local issues but part of a global ecological crisis. Similarly, social justice issues in Goa, such as caste discrimination or economic inequality, resonate with struggles elsewhere. To Goanize is to recognize these interconnections and act responsibly in both local and global contexts.
Challenges to Goanizing
The Goanizing of Goans is not without challenges. Rapid urbanization, tourism-driven development, and migration (both into and out of Goa) have strained traditional notions of Goaness. Some fear that the influx of non-Goans or the erosion of Konkani in favor of English or Hindi threatens the core of Goan identity. Others point to internal divisions—between Catholics and Hindus, locals and returnees, or urban and rural Goans—as barriers to a unified Goaness.
These challenges, however, are opportunities for reimagining Goaness. A Levinasian approach encourages Goans to see the stranger, the outsider, or the dissenting voice not as a threat but as an Other who enriches the collective. By embracing inclusivity and dialogue, Goans can forge a Goaness that is resilient and adaptive, capable of navigating the complexities of modernity while remaining rooted in its ethical core.
Toward a Goanized Future
To Goanize is to actively participate in the making and remaking of Goaness. It is a call to every Goan—whether in Goa or the diaspora, young or old, privileged or marginalized—to take responsibility for their shared identity and the land that nurtures it. This process requires courage, empathy, and a willingness to engage with the otherness of fellow Goans and the broader human community.
In practical terms, Goanizing might involve supporting local artisans, advocating for policies that protect Goa’s ecology, or fostering spaces for intergenerational and intercommunity dialogue. It might mean writing new stories, songs, or tiatrs that reflect the evolving realities of Goan life. Above all, it means living with an ethical awareness that every Goan is both an individual and a part of a larger whole, bound by the shared yet diverse essence of Goaness.
In conclusion, the Goanizing of Goans is an ongoing journey of ethical responsibility and collective imagination. It is a commitment to honor the otherness of every Goan, to nurture the inter-Goan bonds that define Goaness, and to open oneself to the inter-human possibilities of a globalized world. By embracing this call, Goans can ensure that their identity remains vibrant, inclusive, and true to its ethical roots—a beacon of unity in diversity for generations to come.
