GEM links... from Mumbai

They're sometimes called GEMS, short for Goans-East (Indians)- Mangaloreans. Today, they form one marriage market (probably the most stringent test of whether a group forms a 'community'). Of course, there are caste and class divides, and regional ones too. It's not all hunky dory.

But, when these small groups migrate, they tend to interact quite closely. Cynthia Gomes-James was recently mentioning how she had was part of the GEMS of Texas network.

For those interested in understanding more about the communities involved, here are some recently-published books and CDs that might be of interest:

* Trace is "a historical review of the East Indian Christians" by Teddie J Rodrigues. Available in Mumbai from Marie Concessio of Bandra 26006446 or Dorothy Rodrigues at Vila Parle 26119225 or C Pereira of Amboli 55833495 or Anskar Pereira at 20th Century Restaurant and Stores Opp Orlem Church Malad W.

* Directory of the Catholic Diocese of Vasai, priced at Rs 60, available from the Examiner Press or with Lavy A D'Costa, 98193 77556. Postage extra. Copies also with the Bishop's House, Barampur-Vasai or with Jeevan Darshan, Media Commission, Giriz, Vasai. REleased on October 3, 2005.

* The Catholic Medical Guild, listing Catholic doctors of the Archdiocese of Mumbai. Released in October 2005. Available from Dr Neil Abreo on 2438 4858 from 10 am to 1 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm.

* A cookery book, 'Queen of the Kitchen' by Adrian and Rochelle (nee Drego) Newnes), released in October 2005. Has 13 sections of "delicious preparations and useful information". Priced at Rs 100. Available from phone 26006457. Part of proceeds will be earmarked for a scholarship in the names of Cyril and Fanny Drego and William and Molly Newnes, to deserving children.

* East Indian cassettes and CDs recently released include 'East Indian Bhavarathchi Gaani'. Another CD "based on the great booklet 'Cristpuran', written more than 350 years ago in chaste East Indian language, is in the offing". Hymn booklet also available. Contact Fr Borges at Kurla 25042573, Jacob Gomes at Kurla 2503 6889 or Alphonso Tao of Parle 2064 3962, Candida D'Souza Mulgao 0250 2320025 and Cyril Fonseca of Thane 9821 113128.

And if any reader would like to gift me a copy of any of these books, I'd be more than grateful. Not because of the cost, but due to the difficulty of sourcing and getting across the books from Mumbai! --FN