by Gasper Crasto
Kuwait: Kyoko Matsukawa, a Japanese Researcher doing extensive research on Konkani language issues in Goa, on a visit to Kuwait released the book ‘From Coconut Trees to Oil Wells’ written by A Veronica Fernandes.
At a brief ceremony presented by Kala Mogui Kuwait (KMK) under the leadership of President Domnic Araujo at the Bayan football grounds on Friday 12th March 2016, Kyoko released the book to the applause of spectators and everyone present.
The young researcher who works at Konan University in Kobe, Japan amazed everyone by speaking in Konkani at the presentation. She said she was thrilled to release the book and wished to congratulate Veronica on the in-depth accomplishment.
Kyoko further added she was able to understand why Goan activities were so strong in Kuwait after flipping through some of the chapters of the book.
Holding a Masters in Philosophy from London University and a PhD as well, Kyoko travels across widely for various seminars, conferences, lectures, etc.
Prominent personalities that were in attendance included Tony Gonsalves (Founder member – United Goans Club), B M Viegas (Gen. Secretary -Kuwait Indian Football Federation), Gasper Almeida (Moderator – Gulf Goans E-Newsletter), Norman Noronha (President – Navelim YC), Julio Cardoso (Goa Maroons Club), Laurence Miranda (Konkani stage artiste), Lourdina Fernandes Maria Santos (KMK), etc.
Well-known Goan in Kuwait Raymond D’Sa who had released the book in Goa was also present.
Gasper Crasto compered the ceremony while KKM President Domnic Araujo delivered the vote of thanks. Araujo specially thanked Kyoko and the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) committee present during the presentation.
The book published by Goa 1556 was released in Panjim, Goa last month on the occasion of Kuwait’s 25th anniversary of liberation from Iraq.
‘From Coconut Trees to Oil Wells’– is a well-documented memoir of Veronica’s life that relates his links and solidarity between Goa and Kuwait and the trauma of his ordeals in the aftermath of Iraqi invasion.
The book describes Veronica’s personal experience of the life and working conditions in Kuwait, eyewitness invasion account of Kuwait, contribution of Goans in Kuwait, and many more details not revealed before.
Veronica has dedicated the book to Goans who bring prosperity to Goa through their sweat and tears in distant Kuwait.
Known among Goans as an activist of immense abilities, Veronica’s deeds are well-known in the chronicles of history, and well recognized and acknowledged by Indian and Kuwaiti governments. His major accomplishments have been the Konkani language agitation and the famous Solidarity Movement in support of Kuwait.
A freelance journalist and firebrand writer known for courageous exposes and opinions, Veronica writes regularly on various topics in his blog Goa Kranti (http://goa-kranti.blogspot.com/).
‘From Coconut Trees to Oil Wells’ has 16 pages of photographs with a mix of tiatrs, musicals, demonstrations and sports that certifies the early days of Veronica in Kuwait.
A lot of books are written by Goans working abroad; the last book written by a Goan working in Kuwait was by Bennet Paes.‘From Coconut Trees to Oil Wells’ has made headlines all over the Goan world. Amazing reviews of the book have featured in OHerald, Times of India and several websites.
Although Goans knowing Veronica and the might of his pen expected a much stimulating ‘title’, and a ‘proof-read’ error-free edition, the book is must for every Goan working abroad especially those in the Arabian Gulf.
NOTE: The book can be obtained from Domnic Araujo (Tel No. 99391452), Gasper Crasto (Tel. No. 99502686).