Uday Laxmikant Bhembre, born on December 27, 1939, in Margão, Goa, is a towering figure in the cultural, literary, and political landscape of Goa. A lawyer, writer, poet, journalist, activist, and former legislator, Bhembre’s life and work embody the essence of “Goan-ness”—a unique blend of resilience, cultural pride, and a deep-rooted commitment to preserving Goa’s distinct identity.
His contributions to the Konkani language movement, his literary works steeped in Goan history, and his fearless advocacy for Goa’s autonomy and heritage make him a quintessential Goenkar, whose legacy resonates with the spirit of the land.
A Son of Goa’s Soil
Born in Zambaulim, South Goa, to freedom fighter Laxmikant Bhembre, Uday grew up in an environment charged with the ideals of liberation and cultural assertion. His father’s involvement in the Goa National Congress during Portuguese colonial rule instilled in him a profound sense of responsibility toward his homeland. This early exposure to the struggle for freedom shaped Bhembre’s lifelong dedication to Goa’s unique identity, distinct from both colonial legacies and pressures of assimilation into neighboring Maharashtra.Bhembre’s Goan-ness is rooted in his deep connection to the land and its people.
His education in Goa, followed by higher studies in Mumbai at Siddharth College, and his professional journey as a lawyer and lyricist, reflect the adaptability and cosmopolitanism that characterize Goans. Yet, his heart remained firmly in Goa, where he returned to contribute to its cultural and political fabric. His multifaceted career—spanning law, journalism, literature, and politics—mirrors the Goan ethos of versatility, where individuals often wear multiple hats to serve their community.
Champion of Konkani and Goan Identity
At the heart of Bhembre’s Goan-ness is his unwavering commitment to the Konkani language, which he views as the lifeblood of Goan identity. As a leader in the Konkani language agitation, Bhembre played a pivotal role in the enactment of the Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act of 1987, which recognized Konkani in the Devanagari script as Goa’s official language. His efforts extended to securing Konkani’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and earning recognition from the Sahitya Akademi as an independent language. These milestones were not merely linguistic victories but affirmations of Goa’s cultural distinctiveness.
Bhembre’s advocacy for Konkani, particularly in the Devanagari script, has sparked debates, particularly among those who champion Romi Konkani or Marathi. Critics argue that the emphasis on Nagari Konkani, associated with the Saraswat community, marginalizes the Catholic and Bahujan populations who predominantly use Romi Konkani or Marathi.
Despite this, Bhembre’s work, such as his editorship of the Konkani daily Sunaparant and his iconic song Channeache Rati (sung by Ulhas Buyao), reflects a deep love for Goan culture that transcends script or caste. The song, with its evocative imagery of Goa’s moonlit nights, captures the soul of the land and its people, becoming an anthem of Goan pride.
His literary contributions further exemplify his Goan-ness. Bhembre’s novels, such as Vhoddlem Ghar (translated as Faith on Fire by Vidya Pai) and Kator Re Bhaji, delve into Goa’s complex history, from the Inquisition to the life of Abbe Faria, the father of modern hypnotism. These works are not mere historical accounts but creative explorations that make Goa’s past accessible to its people, fostering a collective understanding of their heritage. By weaving history into fiction, Bhembre ensures that the stories of Goa—its triumphs, struggles, and resilience—reach a wider audience, reinforcing the cultural consciousness that defines Goan-ness.
A Voice for Goa’s Autonomy
Bhembre’s Goan-ness is also evident in his fierce defense of Goa’s autonomy. During the 1967 Opinion Poll, he campaigned against Goa’s merger with Maharashtra through his influential column Bhramastra in the Marathi newspaper Rashtramat. His writings swayed public opinion, helping preserve Goa’s distinct identity as a separate state. As a legislator from Margao (1984–1989), he contributed to shaping policies that upheld Goa’s cultural and linguistic heritage, including the Official Language Act.
More recently, at the age of 87, Bhembre faced intimidation from right-wing groups for challenging Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s historical claims about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s rule in Goa. Sawant’s assertion that Shivaji, not the Portuguese, ruled most of Goa and protected it from religious conversion was contested by Bhembre, who argued that such claims distorted Goa’s history.
This incident underscores Bhembre’s courage in defending historical truth, a hallmark of his commitment to Goa’s unique identity against narratives that seek to homogenize it within a broader Indian framework.
Navigating Controversies
Bhembre’s Goan-ness is not without its complexities. His advocacy for Nagari Konkani has drawn criticism from those who see it as an imposition of a Brahminical narrative, sidelining the Romi Konkani used by Catholics and the Marathi preferred by many Hindu Bahujans. Critics, such as those on platforms like Niz Goenkar, have accused him of aligning with right-wing ideologies and ignoring the contributions of Catholic tiatrists who kept Konkani alive in the Roman script. These critiques highlight the diverse and sometimes fractured nature of Goan identity, where language, caste, and religion intersect in complex ways.Yet, Bhembre’s defenders argue that his focus on Konkani was driven by a desire to unify Goans under a shared linguistic identity, not to exclude.
His novel Vhoddlem Ghar, which explores the Inquisition’s impact on Konkani speakers, demonstrates his empathy for the suffering of all Goans, regardless of faith. His work on Abbe Faria, a Goan Catholic who achieved global renown, further bridges the Hindu-Catholic divide, showcasing a Goan-ness that embraces all facets of the state’s heritage.
The Essence of Goan-ness
What defines Uday Bhembre’s Goan-ness? It is his ability to embody the susegado spirit—laidback yet passionate—while fiercely advocating for Goa’s cultural and historical integrity. It is his love for Konkani, not just as a language but as a repository of Goan stories, songs, and traditions. It is his courage to stand against historical revisionism, even at personal risk, to ensure that Goa’s narrative remains authentic. And it is his literary craft, which brings Goa’s past to life, making it relevant for future generations.
Bhembre’s life reflects the Goan ethos of assimilation and resilience. Like the Goan balcao, where communities gather to share stories, or the pao that graces every breakfast table, Bhembre’s work is a cultural touchstone—familiar, enduring, and deeply Goan. His contributions remind us that Goan-ness is not static but a dynamic interplay of history, language, and identity, shaped by individuals who dare to speak for their land.In a state where change is constant—where heritage homes give way to modern constructions and migration reshapes demographics—Uday Bhembre stands as a beacon of continuity.
His Goan-ness is a call to remember, to preserve, and to celebrate the unique spirit of Goa, ensuring that its voice, like the strains of Channeache Rati, echoes through time.
