Team Goemkarponn
Panjim: Over 300 members of the Goan diaspora came together at the Reading Youth and Community Centre for the vibrant Goan Summer Celebration, an event hosted by The Goan Reading Boys Ltd. The evening blended music, culture, and a strong sense of community – but the highlight was the special recognition bestowed upon Clayton Barreto for his unwavering contributions to the Goan community in the United Kingdom.
Barreto, who hails from Mapusa, Goa, and currently serves as Senior Secretary to the High Commissioner of India in London, was honoured not just as the keynote speaker but also as a role model for his deep community involvement. In his address, Barreto spoke passionately about preserving Goan identity across borders.
“Our story doesn’t end when we leave Goa—it continues wherever we go,” he said. “But it must remain connected to our roots—our values, our faith, our language, and our family traditions.”
A familiar face in community and church-based activities in the UK, Barreto has played a central role in initiatives such as leading a virtual Rosary group and volunteering at local parishes along with his family. Attendees praised his consistent dedication, noting that his efforts have quietly yet powerfully strengthened the sense of unity among UK Goans.
The evening featured a lively entertainment line-up, including performances by DJs Manuel, Kenn Gracias, and Mark Nazare, alongside live sets from Silver Notes and Black in White, creating an electric atmosphere of celebration and nostalgia.
Among the dignitaries present was Reading Mayor Cllr. Alice Mpofu-Coles, who lauded the Goan community’s role in enriching the town’s cultural fabric. She applauded the event for bringing people together and promoting inclusiveness.
Speaking on behalf of the organising body, Anthony Barreto, President of The Goan Reading Boys Ltd., reflected on the wider message of the event.
“Clayton’s work is a reminder that being Goan is not just about heritage—it’s also about action and service in the communities we live in,” he stated. “He represents the spirit of giving back, which is something we must all aspire to, wherever we are in the world.”
The event concluded with a renewed call for unity and cultural preservation among Goans living abroad. Participants echoed the sentiment that the Goan identity must continue to thrive through shared traditions, language, and community support—no matter how far from home.
The Goan Summer Celebration not only served as a cultural touchpoint but also underscored the evolving role of the Goan diaspora as torchbearers of heritage, service, and togetherness.
