PANAJI: The Consul General of Portugal in Goa, Dr Paulo Neves Pocinho said that in the globalised world, Goa is very special for Portugal as it is a melting pot of diverse cultures, traditions and religions.

"Portuguese also have a special feeling for India," he added, pointing out that India is an extraordinary country. Addressing a gathering during the Semana de Cultura Portuguesa, the Week of Portuguese Culture, at Clube Vasco da Gama, this weekend, Dr Pocinho said that the idea of the particular event came to him from various people in Goa, who were interested in strengthening the Indo-Portuguese friendship.

"The idea presented a challenge before all of us," he stated, maintaining that the Portuguese Consulate finally assisted in organising the first edition of Semana de Cultura Portuguesa, in the winter of 2008, with great success.

The president of the organising committee, Mr Anil Counto and the president of the Indo-Portuguese Friendship Society, Mr Elinio Colaço were also present on the occasion.

Speaking further, the Consul General of Portugal in Goa said that efforts were also made to take Goan culture to Portugal by organising Semana de Cultura Goesa in Lisbon in the year 2009, but the dream could not be realised.

"However, in the future, we will hopefully have Mando performed in Portugal and Fado performed in Goa," he hoped. Dr Pocinho, who would soon be moving to France on his new assignment, said that he made many friends in Goa, and in a way, everyone in Goa is his friend. "Goa is not only beaches and tourism, but it has rich cultural legacy," he concluded. Mr Counto, in his speech said that Goan society, a homogenous blend of Hindu and Catholic community, has a special identity of its own.

"But being Indian, we are naturally dominated by Bharatiya Sanskriti, the Indian culture, besides having Western cultural presence due to the Portuguese influence on the society," he added, pointing out that due to this homogenous blending, foreigners as well as Indians from other states immediately blend with our culture. The event later witnessed Noite Música or musical night, with performances by Sonia Sirsat, Emiliano D’Cruz and his trio, Belinda and Tropiano and Zezinho, followed by dance and dinner.

As a part of the Semana de Cultura Portuguesa, ‘Programas Variedades’ or variety programme will be held at Clube Harmonia, Margao on August 29.