The Goa Hindu Association

The Goa Hindu Association was founded in 1919 by pioneering Goan Hindus in Mumbai, initially to provide mutual support, cultural identity, and educational encouragement. The Association was officially formed on 24 August 1919, with the intention to unite Goan Hindus and foster personal development.

Founders & Leadership

• A group of young Goan professionals in Mumbai came together in the late 19th century.

• The founding meeting took place at Maratha High School, Girgaum, presided by Wamanrao Ramachandra (Abasaheb) Kerkar, supported by leaders like W.R. Varde Walavalikar .

• Today, there is a present committee overseeing diverse initiatives, including cultural, social, and educational programs.

Activities

Cultural Wing (Kala Vibhag)

• Revived the classic musical play “Sangeet Matsyagandha” by Vasant Kanetkar (originally produced in 1964), restaged in 2017 at Shivaji Mandir, Dadar .

• Recognizes achievements via awards such as the B.B. Borkar Memorial Award, Master Dattaram Smruti Puraskar, G.A. Kulkarni Memorial, and Shashikant Narvekar Award.

• Publishes works and supports other cultural productions (e.g. programs from the 1970s like “Natsamrat”).

Educational Initiatives

• Offers scholarships (general and special) to Goan-origin students with ≥65% marks and family income ⩽ ₹2.5 lakh (special financial aid for professional degrees with income ⩽ ₹4 lakh).

• Awards merit prizes to board exam toppers in Maharashtra and Goa .

• Manages a reference library stocked with books/journals on Goan affairs; open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays (5:30–6:30 pm) .

Social Welfare

• Runs Medi‑Help Programme, Child & Parental Guidance Centre, Sneha Mandir eldercare facility in Ponda (~44 residents), Rehabilitation and Diagnostic centres.

• Enables donations for scholarships and healthcare; 80G tax‑exempt status .

Achievements

• Celebrated over 105 years of service since 1919.

• Revived landmark cultural productions like “Sangeet Matsyagandha”.

• Distributed numerous scholarships and merit awards, supporting academic excellence among Goan youth.

• Maintains a respected elders’ residence (Sneha Mandir), considered among Goa’s best.

• Upholds a robust library and social service offerings in Mumbai and Goa.

Contact Details

The Goa Hindu Association – ‘Gomantdham’
358, Dr. Bhadkamkar Marg,
Girgaum, Mumbai – 400 007, Maharashtra, India

Telephone: 022‑49798256
Mobile: 90821 83806
Emails: contact@goahinduasso.org | thegoahindu@gmail.com
Website: www.goahinduasso.org

Membership & Donations

• Membership Fees:
   • Life Member – ₹501
   • Fellow Member – ₹1,001
   • Patron – ₹2,001

• Donations support scholarships and medical aid, fully tax-deductible under 80G .

Programs & Events Snapshot