Goa Sudharop Community Development Inc., a USA-based non-profit, volunteer NGO working for the betterment of Goa and Goans worldwide since 2000, celebrated 2006 as the YEAR OF THE SENIOR. One effort was to honor Goan seniors by publishing a Seniors e-book for which Goa Sudharop invited essays or poems from Goans on any of the following topics:

1. "Reminiscences of my Goan Youth".
2. "Giving back to Goa and Goans".
3. "Tribute to Goan Seniors".
4. Other topics related to Seniors.

In accordance with these themes, Goa Sudharop received a number of essays from Goans based around the globe. Seniors were able to share their knowledge about their Goan youth spent in any part of the world for the "Reminiscences of my Goan Youth" topic. "Giving back to Goa and Goans" also received several entries, as did "Tribute to Goan Seniors".

Since this is an ongoing effort, the e-book will be updated periodically. You may send an essay on one topic or all topics. Feel free to write about a family member (living or deceased) if you wish. If possible, do engage your children and grandchildren in writing your essay in a cross-generational experience. Please continue to send your entries to Valerie Rodrigues at valerie3@rediffmail.com

Please mention your name and complete postal address (your postal address will not be published). Your entry should be of approximately 500-750 words (and no more than 750 words). Goa Sudharop reserves complete rights of publication. The Goa Sudharop Board's decision with respect to publication is final.

This effort would not have been possible without the efforts of Valerie Rodrigues, a free-lance writer currently based in Goa. Goa Sudharop is forever indebted to her work in editing the e-book and the countless volunteer hours she spent to gather and format the essays.

To learn more about Goa Sudharop, please visit www.goasudharop.org. Thank you for your support.

George Pinto       Filomena Giese
Co-founders

Goa Sudharop
World G.O.A.N. network