Goan-ness is a vibrant, multifaceted phenomenon shaped by historical, cultural, and social forces. To explore its sources, we can draw on Charles Taylor’s philosophical framework of the “sources of the self” while integrating Jacques Lacan’s non-essentialist perspective on self-making. Together, these lenses offer a rich understanding of how Goan identity emerges from a dynamic interplay of heritage, modernity, and...
Multiple Decolonial Goan-nesses: Contesting the Denationalization Thesis and Embracing Plural Identities
Dr. Tristão de Bragança Cunha, revered as the “Father of Goan Nationalism,” profoundly shaped the discourse on Goan identity through his 1944 essay, The Denationalisation of Goans. His thesis argued that Portuguese colonial rule, through its education system, press, and Church, alienated Goans—particularly the Catholic elite—from their Indian cultural roots, rendering them “strangers in their own land.” While Cunha’s...
Goan-ness in the work of Pundalik Naik
Pundalik Naik is a towering figure in Goan literature, celebrated for his profound contributions to Konkani literature and his vivid portrayal of Goan life, culture, and social realities. His works encapsulate the essence of “Goan-ness”—a multifaceted identity shaped by Goa’s history, cultural diversity, and socio-economic transformations. Below, I explore Naik’s thoughts, insights, and themes, emphasizing how his writing reflects...
