Pride of Goans. Pride of Karachi. A Vestige of Great Goan Legacy. Walking past Karachi Goan Association entrance is like entering a wormhole, jumping into a universe which is oblivious to cacophony of competing voices out on Saddar road. Goan Association Hall is a landmark which still plays an active role in Karachi’s Social scene. The entrance opposite Karachi Grammar School is a humble one and trees, as old as the Gymkhana, shadow the front facade, or is it the back. Never-mind both are equally impressive.
In 1886, Goans started the Goan Portugese Association which was later renamed as Karachi Goan Association. The design was entrusted to a relatively unknown ‘Moses Somake’. The same man went on to make his mark on Karachi the way no one else did. The hall immediately became a center of social life of Goans in Karachi. It hosted all kind of events for the community. In the beginning it did not have a boundary wall and it graced the sorrounding area. At its peak it held ten days of celebrations where the top Goan bands performed. During World War II the KGA was turned into Senior Officers Club for US Army.
On a regular day you will find few janitors moping the floor, which has characteristic prepartition tiles. The furniture too has been preserved well. The main hall does not have much of seating area but special arrangements are made for Tambola nights and other social events. There is a statue of Mr Cincinattus in the hall. He had been the President of the KGA for a decade and has a residential neighbourhood, Cincinattus Town, Now Garden, named after him. To the right a small part of the hall is used for hosting table tennis tournaments. there is a small library in the left section which also showcases trophies from different eras. To the left is the billiard room. The adjacent room is used for playing cards. Move out and take the staircase which leads to a big dance floor which has been used for a variety of purposes. The hall is used for holding Christmas, New year and Easter gatherings and has been rented members for ceremonies and commercial shooting. The congregation of the hall has dwindled over the years but it remains a social hub for the community.
A seperate post is needed for what Goans have done for Karachi. The thriving community of 1850s has been migrating for pastures green abroad. There are only about 15,000 goans still living in Karachi. KGA celebrated 125 years of existence this year. Menin Rodrigues of Goans of Pakistan wondered how would it look like when they celebrate 150 years of its existence in 2036. The Karachi walla sincerely yearns for a better promise for KGA and Goans. They made a vital thread of pluralistic Karachi social fabric and the enterprising community has contributed more than its share.
A lot of Goans may have left but they have taken a small piece of Karachi with them. Brian Gonsalves, a Goan from Karachi who now lives on the Island of Margarita, Venezuela, wrote to Goans of Pakistan, “My House in Venezuela is called ‘Pakistan’ – how is that for patriotism!!”
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- To the back side
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- Front or back facade
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- Hello Mr. Cincinattus
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- The place for Tambola
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- TT Room
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- Dance Floor from the top
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- Friendly Neighbor
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- The Arches to die for
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- Unity and Brotherhood
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- From the staircase
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- The entry
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- Back or front facade
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- Billiard Room
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- The Main Hall
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- Reading Table
The Karachi Walla 
EXCELLENT SHOTS !
It’s wonderful reading about the KGA. I am heartened to note there are still Goans living in Karachi after partition.
Karachi is still waiting to be seen… thank you for those excellent shots..
I have great memories of KGA…..
Terrific post…but what do the 15,000 Goans do for Pork !!!
you get everything here if you have money including pork
This was another surprise post for me. Well written and directed.
As I look at the imposing photographs of the “KGA” of today, I feel so nostalgic for years gone by! As a young girl, I accompanied my uncle, aunt and cousins to all the Christmas and New Year functions, and the KGA dance-floor upstairs is where I first learned to ‘trip the light fantastic’!! I treasure many happy and sentimental memories of the KGA over the years. My congratulations and thanks to The Karachi Walla for sharing these impressive images.
Just wonderful to see and enjoy the memory of Karachi.
My grand-father Cincinnatus, if he was alive to-day (he died on January 29, 1929), would feel extremely proud and gratified that the institution he helped to found has been restored to its former glory. I remember with great affection the many dances I attended there in the early 60’s plus frequent visits to the reading room…and not forgetting the bar in the corner ( next to the billiard room).
Whatever became of the Karachi Goan Gymkhana’s grounds ?…a completely under-utilised gem of real estate?
Thanks for the pictorial memories…Andrew J D’Abreo in Sydney Australia
Hi Andrew
Your mother Trixie was my Literature professor at St Josephs College. I can see her clearly even now so many years later and am grateful to her for all that she taught us.
Joanette DeSousa ( née Pinto)
Thank you, for the great memories of the KGA,
although not a Goan,was very greatful to have been and experienced the
various functions- which were fantastic.in the 60’s.
Thank you again.
These are great pictures and leaves a very great memory of my childhood days since 1961-1980 where I would spend time along with my dad (Late) J.B D’Souza. I have spent time in each and every room not forgetting the kitchen where I would enjoy the homemade perfect french fries and other items on the menu! My dad being a very social person and to unwind from work stress would spend almost all his evenings with his favourite game billiards and all other activities K.G.A. had to offer. And on a sad note, my dear dad passed away on these grounds of a massive heart attack. K.G.A. will always be remembered.
Odelia Alvares
Toronto
Yes, I too have some very good memories of the KGA Hall. I attended many dances there and also, periodically, played drums with some band or other. Unfortunately, I also have some not very pleasant memories of the place. For example, a lot of the females would fall over backwards over anyone who was of a lightish complexion. I being dark often times found it difficult to get a dance. And this was from some of our own Goan girls. Unfortunately, Goans like most Indians are obsessed with the colour of the skin in addition to the caste that one belongs to.
What does “your comment is awaiting moderation” mean?
from Leslie Soares
Wow the KGA is beautiful. I recall especially at this time of the year the Dec 26 dance and New Years eve dances that were crowded to capacity. The keynotes bands playing the music and all the happy memories of the CSU(Catholic Student Union) dances, the girlfriends we danced with and those last dances. Our children will never know the excitement and splendor of those wonderful days we all enjoyed.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WONDERFUL PHOTOGRAPHS OF KGA. THE RENOVATED BUILDING IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND EVOKES NOSTALGIC MEMORIES. I WAS THE PRESIDENT DURING THE CELEBRATION OF THE COMPLETION OF HUNDRED YEARS. DESPITE THE TURBULANCE IN KARACHI DURING THIS PERIOD THE CELEBRATIONS LASTING A WEEK OF EXCITING EVENTS WERE ENJOYED BY A FULL HOUSE OF MEMBERS. CARDINAL CORDEIRO CELEBRATED THE MASS IN THE KGA HALL FOR THE FIRST TIME AND IN HIS BRILLIANT HOMILY STRESSED ON THE NEED OF UNITY AND BROTHERHOOD ( THE MOTTO OF THE INSTITUION).
AT THESE CELEBRATIONS DECEMBER 3 WAS DECLARED KGA DAY AND WAS MADE A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT SO MEMBERS COULD GATHER EACH YEAR AND CONTINUE THIS WONDERFUL TRADITION.
SUBSEQUENT PRESIDENT HAVE ENFORCED THIS REQUIREMENT AND IT CONTINUES TO THIS DAY AND ACCORDING TO THE CURRENT PRESIDENT MR. VALENTINE GONSALVES WILL DO SO IN THE ENSUING YEARS
VIVA KGA VIVA GOANS.
MOG ASLEAR UNN UNDE GANTAR LEGUN PAUTA. ( WHEN THERE IS LOVE, FRESHLY BAKED BUNS OR BREAD CAN REACH FAR AWAY PLACES)
MAURICE COUTINHO
FORMER PRESIDENT
Maureen LaPorte, Toronto, Canada – Thanks for the memories
Hi Maureen
Forgive the unsolicited communication but wonder if you can shed some light on this.
I saw your surname on this page and as you obviously have a link to Karachi, wonder if you can help me. I was born in Karachi but left when I was a child. I am very passionate about family history and have a black and white photograph wedding photo taken in 1934 in Karachi. There is a little girl sitting in front of all the adults in the photo. Her name is Sheila LaPorte. An elderly lady just titled “Mrs LaPorte” sits in the front row.
Could this be a relative and if so are you related to the “Cutlers” “Gonsalves” and “Fernandez” “Ross” & “Rose”?
Thanks Dolores (Fernandez) Taylor, London, UK
These photographs are beautiful.
I was in Karachi last year and I wish I had visited the Hall. Will keep this on my list for next time.
The KGS looks magnificent! The pictures brought back some awesome memories. Thank you so much for sharing.
Served on the committee for a few years around 1988 to 1995 and have to acknowledge that the KGA has never looked better. The photographs posted on this site certainly portrays the KGA in a class of its own. Kudos to the committee!!!!!!
And all those that unselfishly partake in its upkeep and maintenance on a regular basis.
Simply Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing.. xxx
What wonderful memories. Thank You to the Karachi Walla.
Congratulations to all the Committees of KGA over the past four decades who have selflessly contributed to upkeep the ethos of KGA- “Leisure,entertainment & phydica ldevelopment of the masses.”
As a teenager i enjoyed the library (especially the comics and hardy boys) and the lovely food of Ramji in the kitchen. Not to forget the cardroom which kept my dad Joaquim, hooked up until the last game at 10pm when we would have to leave with everyone packing to go.
The dances, the sports in Ramadan, the christmas celebrations, the whist & tambola, the AGM’s -wow Thank YOU KGA for giving me a lovely childhood and helping me realise that in order for others to enjoy life we must burn like candles & give light.
What wonderful memories. Thank You to the Karachi Walla.
Congratulations to all the Committees of KGA over the past four decades who have selflessly contributed to upkeep the ethos of KGA- “Leisure,entertainment & phydica ldevelopment of the masses.”
As a teenager i enjoyed the library (especially the comics and hardy boys) and the lovely food of Ramji in the kitchen. Not to forget the cardroom which kept my dad Joaquim, hooked up until the last game at 10pm when we would have to leave with everyone packing to go.
The dances, the sports in Ramadan, the christmas celebrations, the whist & tambola, the AGM’s -wow Thank YOU KGA for giving me a lovely childhood and helping me realise that in order for others to enjoy life we must burn like candles & give light.
Aloysious Dacunha
Leslie Michael
Is there any female English home tutor ?plz reply asap
I have fond memories of the KGS hall and going to many a lovely dance there. I used to go to the Karachi Grammar School practically next door, and past by every day. My cousin, Nelson McLeod used to play the drums in a band called The Rhythm Swingettes. Great days!
Fantastic. Thanks for sharing!
your r great peoples
I too have fond memories of Karachi KGA and Katrak Hall.
Only one person has mentioned Tambola.
Does anyone have photos of Grand Hotel Malir and Grand Hotel on Macleod Road (now I. I. Chundrigar Road).
Iftikhar
Sydney Australia
Did you manage to obtain a photo of the Grand Hotel on McLeod Road? If so, let me know.
Tell Bosco his comments have been approved
Very happy to read about GOAN HALL.
I would like to suggest you to post the detail of cloth market kharadar. It was written “Thakur Ramdas Cloth Market”
Adil
Oman
does anybody remember PF Pereira?
Yes especially his curry puffs
Thank you for those comments and beautiful pictures. My siblings and I have very fond memories of the KGA
Who can forget Dias in the kitchen w hard boiled eggs and fries or Bob at the Bar w Vimto for us kids. Or the wonderful dances where so many of us formed lasting relationships… Nostalgic memories. Maureen LaPorte was in my class at school in St Lawrence’s – same girl?
This was fantastic.
I enjoyed these photos of what in the fifties and early sixties was practically my second home! My sincere congratulations to all those who have obviously worked very hard to maintain this beautiful edifice of memories. God bless you all
Joe Sequeira
I have been reading your blog over the last year or two and very interested in the blogs and pictures of the institutions that existed in Karachi that I was unable to take advantage of as I left Karachi for Canada in 1971 soon after finishing from St.Patrick’s I know there were two distinct clubs for Goans. One is the Karachi Goan Association and the other is the Goan Union Club – I am wondering what was the requirement to join the KGA and KGU. I am told that there were ‘very unique requirements to join the KGA, and that is why there was a need for another club. I am wondering if someone with a knowledge of the history can enlighten me. I would not mind the answer to my email if not on this public forum. Anxiously waiting to hear soon ….