An ancient people of Aryan origin, the Gowd Saraswat Brahmins(GSBs) derive their name from the lost river Saraswati, on whose banks they were once settled in North West India, over 5000 years ago.  Their subsequent history is chequered with a series of mass migrations which culminated in their present settling down in various parts along  the West Coast of India.

The Gowd Saraswats speak a distinct dialect of the Konkani language and share a rich cultural heritage, which they have proudly preserved despite their exposure to various cultures in the course of their migrations.  Though Brahmins of Vaishnavite leanings, they are by vocation traders, and are today well placed in all walks of life, be it art, education, literature, trade, commerce, industry or public service.  Their enterprising nature has enabled them to achieve prosperity not only for themselves, but also to the generality of the public of the society.  This robust individualism has kept them free from anything narrowly communal.

However, better education and employment opportunities are still unfortunately beyond the means of a large segment of the GSB community.  It is the aim of the ASRP Memorial Fund to help the youth of this segment to realise their aspirations by providing them with the means to take up higher studies and pursue better prospects, thereby leading to the overall betterment of the community as well as progress and prosperity of the nation. (To know more about GSBs visit www.kamat.com)