Having been ruled by the colonial Portuguese for over 450yrs ( as compared
to the rest of India that was ruled by the British for 250yrs) there is still
visible a distinct Portuguese / European flavor that has permeated all aspects
of Goa's life including its food, religion, language, festivals, dances and of
course names. This becomes apparent as soon as you cross the border to Goa from
India or elsewhere.
This unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culture is to a large extent what
makes Goa and the "Goan" unique. Also unique is the fact that it is
one of the few colonies that India ( an ex- colony itself) liberated in 1961 and
this set the stage for reclaiming history.
Today at the dawn of the "age
of Information Technology", as Goa enters the new millennium, it has plenty
to write about in terms of achievements, some examples being- the highest per
capita income in India, the highest per personal savings rate in India, the
lowest infant mortality rate in India, one of the highest literacy rate in India
and one of the highest standards of living as compared to the rest of India.
The once "Rome of the East " is
now the no
1 destination for both Indian and international visitors.
