Vol. II Issue 4 by Bandra Buzz newspaper

BandraBuzz creating community connect

www.bandrabuzz.com | 16 pages | Price: ` 2

April 2011 | Vol. II Issue 4 | Published Monthly

Bandra On The Blink! Vera Alvares

n keeping with the modern trend, Bandra, that lovely suburb of treelined avenues and tiled cottages in quiet country lanes had to make way for the juggernaut of progressive growth! As Bombay turned into Mumbai it expanded to the North, creeping over all land and water, reaching the Dahisar river bank and further. The present Metropolis may be modern and posh but its underbelly, covered with sores and eruptions needs immediate attention to halt the collapse of this great city. Despite the glamour of night life, for the thousands of its ordinary citizens living here, Bandra is representative of all the ills that plague Mumbai. The present crop of problems has arisen from the fact that various authorities that tend to the needs of the city seem to be functioning independently of each other. This blinkered vision in the name of progress is impacting the life of ordinary citizens. The need for an integrated force that takes all aspects of growth into consideration before a new project is launched is lacking in the minds of the city planners. Roads, Transport, Construction, Power, law-enforcement and the service agencies need to collaborate not only with each other but also with MCGM to formulate a sleek and feasible plan conducive to easy living. A token of an agreement between various authorities may exist on paper but is it being treated comprehensively? It is sad to think that the transformation of Bandra into a commercial & entertainment hub has itself sounded its death-knell! The night clubs, pubs, lounge-bars, restaurants & gymnasia that seem to have cropped up overnight here are drawing patrons-

from all over Mumbai and the strain of this extra load on Bandra roads is choking the breath out of its lungs! For anyone commuting from the island city to the Northern suburbs passing through Bandra will pose a major road block of delay, wasted time and fuel that invariably ends in ugly incidents of road rage. Bandra’s arteries are perennially clogged with traffic that clusters around the plush eating joints and spills over to the adjoining roads till the whole area becomes one stagnant pool of vehicles emitting deadly pollution & noise. While analyzing this most critical problem, i.e. traffic snarls on most of Bandra’s arteries at any given time of the day, more questions pop up than answers. Vehicles parked on both sides of the roads that slow down the flow of traffic belong to citizens from outside Bandra, patrons of the increasing number of eating joints and lounge bars. The number of restaurants is still growing steadily that every unused nook and cranny is converted into an

eating place. It seems the lack of parking space and the narrow roads around the new eateries, the proximity to a school or Nursing Home has not been taken into account when the license/permit was granted? What is the alternative offered to the locals in this race for modernization of their suburb? None. Walking or crossing roads is a nightmare for not only for senior citizens, school children and the differently-abled people, but also for the fittest of adults. Bandra’s arteries are perennially clogged with traffic that clusters around the plush eating joints and spills over to the adjoining roads till the whole area becomes one stagnant pool of vehicles emitting deadly pollution and noise. Drivers in a hurry have learnt to take shortcuts and choke the inter-connecting roads between Hill road, Linking road and the S.V. road. Under these circumstances, crossing the roads and walking on the pavements pose a major risk to life and limb.

Indians are notorious for the hurry andbreaking a few laws are taken in their stride! To compound the problem the new sea link spews hundreds of cars going to North Mumbai, on to the Bandra roads. In the game of beating one another in the race home, the drivers cut through the network of narrow lanes and gullies spread between General RVaidya Marg, Hill Road, Linking Road and S.V. Road, clogging all of them. As a result of Vilasrao’s blinkered Shanghai vision, modest buildings that formerly owned a collective 3-5 vehicles have been raised into skyscrapers inhabited by owners of 15-20 cars, some permanently parked on the roads. Also the number of vehicles passing through Bandra is too great for the old narrow roads already filled with parked cars and encroachments to accommodate! Some suffering Shanghai this! Many Bandraites strongly feel that restaurants should be shifted out of residential areas and grouped into Food Courts in buildings on any one assigned road so that patrons have a wide choice. Can this be lead to less congestion on our roads? The ALMs in the area have been making the rounds of the traffic police chowki under the flyover in an effort to sort out the mess on our roads. From the meager presence of the Traffic police on the choked roads one can surmise that even the Traffic police have thrown up their hands in despair,v maybe due to shortage of staff or too many other duties……..! The issues about Bandra go on & on - Blink, Blink Bandra... The SILVER LINING is at hand ! CORRUPTION will soon be CONTAINED & CONQUERED

We Wish Our Readers A Happy Easter

02 Bandra Buzz, April 2011

Editor’s Page The Writing’s On The Wall April is a time for new beginnings. Our new financial accounts lead us to Gudi Padwa, Ram Navmi – and then Ambedkar & Mahavir Jayanti. A great time to work towards that next level of personal fulfillment. This is a time of hope, renewal & resurrection – so vital to each one of us, living hectic lives. Many moves against corruption are in the pipeline. Our March issue cover picture has helped create an impact – at least in local circles, with expressions of people’s power in action. The Bandra Dandi March from CCD, Carter Road to Bandra Fort, Bandstand on Saturday, 26th March - is another local expression of the masses restless for justice. Justice from corrupt politicians, who

Merck N. D’Silva Editor

Letters to the Editor

Free Press – at its very best

We thank our readers for some very in- Your team has created a hit local newsteresting letters in response to our sto- paper in Bandra Buzz. It sure is ries and columns. buzzing around BKC, Bandra Gym, Otter’s Club, all malls, top cafés, prime Do continue to send us your letters to: hang-outs, college campuses… I see it everywhere! Bandra Buzz The content mix is superb, although 401 ANICA, it could include more age-groups. Local 28 St. Paul Road, insights are portrayed well by a wide Near Bandra Gymkhana, range of contributing writers. Even your Bandra (W) Mumbai 400 050 ads are very informative. This newspaper has filled the long-awaited gap, like or bandrabuzz@gmail.com no other. Our suburb has been blessed. I like most your unbiased reporting, Letters should be brief and focused on probably possible since you do not the topic.It should be a current and im- have to toe the line of any sponsor. This portant issue of your local area. is FREE PRESS at its very best. The result shows. People’s Power is Please - no personal attacks. supreme – making Bandra Buzz the true voice of the local people of Bandra, while giving one and all the perfect platNote: The letters have been edited for form to showcase important issues, grammatical errors and better reading events, etc. However, add an event-line

are misusing our hard-earned tax money to fund their own hidden agenda. A wider vision of this is ‘India Against Corruption’. For further info and a better perspective of this current issue, please visit: www.indiaagainstcorruption.com How long can we let our so-called democracy function in an autocratic manner? How long can we let ourselves be fooled with false promises that do not get translated into corrective action? How long can minorities wait for their fair demands? The writing’s on the wall. The coming months will be brain-storming time. Eventually, truth will prevail. Bandra Buzz is – and will always be unbiased in its news reporting & coverage of events. You, dear readers are our strength. Your collective readership is our backbone. Your inputs are vital to

create community connect for a stronger and better India. As our team of contributing writers gradually expands, we welcome George Menezes, Nitin Wadhwani and Vera Alvares aboard. A special thanks to all our present and past writers who have whole-heartedly supported Bandra Buzz, by presenting our readers with informative & inspiring insights of various neighbourhood issues & events. You play an important role in empowering, educating & entertaining people in Bandra & surrounding suburbs – through a strong local media. April concludes with Good Friday, followed by Easter – with its message of new hope from the Light of the World, that dispels darkness all around.

that includes important dates of all communities in this ‘happening suburb’. This will broaden your base of loytal readers. Even small local businesses can advertise for just Rs.100/- alongside premium ads. You have a place for every budget. You are unique. Please keep it this way. - Jaffer Khan _______________________________

free. Keep up the good work. My support & prayers are for your continued success. - Harpal Singh _______________________________

Evolving & Improving With a paper like yours, I’m sure that you face hurdles at every step. Yet, you continue to give us good content – evolving & improving with every new issue. Please inform us where we can get Bandra Buzz on the newsstands. Many of my friends & family members would like to subscribe – so that they are assured of home delivery. I am sending you my cheque for 48 issues + 6 issues

Warm Regards, Merck

Business Benifited Your local paper has benefited my business, ever since I started advertising – taking advantage of your frequency discount scheme. By advertising for 4 months continuously, my new client list has increased by over 40%. My turnover has seen a dramatic rise - with many repeat orders. I now plan to top up my ad scheme from Silver to Gold. Thank you for creating this effective platform for a small businessman like me. - Hari Wadhwani

Bandra Buzz is available with the following vendors Vienna Stores Opp. Holy Family Hospital, Hill Road

Paper Vendor Opp Kobe’s, Hill Road

Shelar Book Stall Opp. Mehboob Studio, Nr ICICI Bank

Paper Vendor Opp. Solanki Chemist, Chimbai Road

Mount Mary Stores Near Barista, John Baptist Road

Paradise Book & Flower Shop Near Otters Club, Carter Promenade

Solanki Chemist Near Police Cowki, Chimbai Road Paper Vendor Near Bank of India, Turner Road Paper Vendor Near Hill Corner, Hill Road

Vol. II Issue 4 > R.N.I. No. : MAHENG/8-10-2010/12646 > Editor: Merck D’Silva > Printed & Published by Creative Concepts 401 Anica, 28 St. Paul Road, Near Bandra Gymkhana, Bandra (W), Mumbai - 400 050 > Printed at Marwah Estate, Saki Vihar Road, Mumbai - 400 072.

Past Events

Bandra Buzz, April 2011

Women’s Way All Day!

Joan Remedios

omen’s Cell of St. Andrew’s Parish celebrate International Women’s Day with fun and fair... International Women’s Day was celebrated around the world... but not with as much verve and gusto, perhaps, as by the enthusiastic Women’s Cell of St. Andrew’s Parish, Bandra, this centenary year. Giving their annual Cultural Programme its riotous lead, were choreographers Darryl, Christopher & Reena while the witty Sarita compered the get-together & kept everyone in splits with her cracking one-liners. Kickstarting the programme, was a dance sequence by the

Youth of the Parish who in colourful kasti sarees shimmied & shook wildly to She Works Hard For The Money, followed by Shaka Laka Baby & Sheila Ki Jawani. There was also A Prayer Dance by a tribe from Manor. Our Chimbai Aunties sang a humorous Marathi song based on mothers-in-law that had the audience going! Manjula of the Centre for Social Action, Santa Cruz sang a song on Social Awareness keeping the Joy of Being a Woman as its theme. A duet by Sarita & Corette, You’ve Got a Friend, was followed by a presentation made by Corette again on ‘Strength of A Woman’, ‘Celebrating the Centenary Year’, ‘Woman Empowerment’ & all the other activities conducted by the Women’s Cell.

The Fun Bunch Children’s Choir stepped in next with Sarita Manchanda as conductor & accompanied by Ann-Marie Rego to sing community songs with happy messages. Then five women of Bandra, Ms. Marie de Sales, Ms. Genny Monteiro, Ms. Rose, Ms. Maggie & Ms. Lucy – each one a super achiever in her own right – were honoured for their services towards the community at large. This was followed by an All-Women Fashion Show with fashionable members of the fairer sex of all ages taking the ramp in traditional attire. The sprawling St. Andrew’s Church grounds that played host to the event saw a large number of stalls selling everything from artificial flowers & food to household products & beauty accessories that

evening. Packets of hot & spicy ground masalas, pickles, chicken vindaloo, corned tongue, sausages, traditional accompaniments like fugias & chitiaps & a variety of cooked food preparations went like the proverbial hot cakes! By late evening, the enterprising stall owners were left picking up empty bags & counting their money. The winner of the raffle walked away with a yummy cake!!! There were spot prizes like ‘the lady with the highest heels’, the woman with the most number of Rs. 500/- or Rs. 1,000/= notes, the lady with the most number of rings, etc. It might have been International Women’s Day, & the event focused on featuring women’s talents only, but it took the men & kids to add to the glory of the celebrations. Everybody was seen enjoying themselves... & a good time was had by all. The Women’s Cell would like to thank the parish priest, Fr. Michael & the Spiritual Director, Fr. Savio for the support & encouragement extended to the activities undertaken by the cell.

04 Bandra Buzz, April 2011

Tax Guide

Time for some Income-Tax lessons Rajesh Sanghvi

his article is basically focused for the Salaried class, the retired ones and the small time shopkeepers and Businessmen , all for the year ending 31-3-2011 i.e for Assessment year : 2011 -12 , the return of which has to be filed before 31-7-2011. However some important facts and myths to be cleared before we begin : • Just because you have a PAN card does not mean you have to file your return of income every year. • You need to file your tax return only if you have taxable income above the taxable limits. ( Males Rs. 1.60 lacs, Females 1.90 lacs & Senior citizens Rs. 2.40 lacs ) For those who do not have taxable income ( incl non-residents ), filing of the tax return is not compulsory but optional unless you have emotional attachment with filing returns. • The budget provisions become the law for the next year and only after the Finance bill is approved by the Parliament. Till then it is only suggestions unless stated otherwise. So the budget provisions of this year will apply for the period 2011-12. And by 1.4.2012 the new Direct Tax Code ( DTC ) will hopefully apply.

SALARIED CLASS Normally the taxes are deducted ( TDS ) by the employer during the year and hence the employee need not worry about the same. However if the employer has deducted less of TDS, the employee is supposed to pay the balance tax at the earliest. Hence it is better the employee oversees the TDS calculations done by the employer. It is necessary for an employee to inform his employer, about his other income like Bank interest, post office interest, capital gains, house rental income ( if any ) etc. There is a specific mention about this in Form No. 16 ( TDS certificate ) and I have found that most employees fail here. Check out if your Salary structure allows you Travel allowance, which enjoys tax relief uptil Rs. 9,600/-p.a or Medical reimbursement ( and Not Medical allowance ) which also enjoys tax breaks till Rs. 15,000/- provided you produce medicine bills. Ensure that you have taken full benefits of Sec. 80-C limit of Rs.1 Lac ,which includes options like PPF, other Provident Fund, any Life insurance, NSC, Specified Mutual funds, 80-C designated bank fixed deposit (lock in for 5 years ) , repayment of housing loans ( principal component ), School/college fees in India ( and not coaching classes or private tuition fees or donations ) of your children (limited to 2 children) , Deposits in Senior citi-

zen saving scheme, Stamp duty & registration fees paid when buying any residential house etc. You take a mix and match of any of the above. These investments not only save taxes but also give good returns. A word of caution, If you intend buying a new Life insurance policy, try to buy a pure life insurance product , in which the premium is not more than 5% of the policy amount. This is keeping in mind the new DTC regime from 1-4-2012. If you have taken a housing loan and you alone are paying the EMI, pls intimate your employer to get benefits of the interest uptill Rs. 1.50 lacs. However if the husband and wife ( or any others like brothers etc ) are jointly paying the EMI , then please develop a strict discipline of bifurcating the EMI and claim the proportionate interest ac-

cordingly. Try to avoid using joint bank accounts for such EMI payments as separate bifurcation may be difficult to prove later. Upto 31-3-2011, you can also invest an additional amount upto Rs. 20,000/in such company bonds eligible u/s 80CCF. This limit is over and above the Rs.1 lac limit of Sec. 80-C. If you are staying in a rented house, be sure to have supplied your employer a copy of the Rent or Leave/License agreement and photocopies of the rent receipts for HRA benefits. A word of caution. Fictitious or sham rental payments/agreements can be subjected to scrutiny by the taxman and can attract serious consequences. If you have purchased a house in your name in Mumbai you cannot enjoy HRA benefits. If you have given donation to any trust having Sec. 80-G approval, you will get a deduction from your salary of upto 50% of the donation, subject to the donation being within 10% of your gross total income or in simple terms the donation benefit is restricted to 10% of your annual salary. Any donation

above the said limit will not enjoy tax benefits. If you are paying medical insurance ( Mediclaim ), you get a deduction uptil Rs. 15,000/- p.a for medical coverage of spouse, parents and dependent children. Pls note that if the mediclaim premium payment is made in cash , no deduction will be allowed. If any dependent family member is handicapped a deduction of Rs. 50,000/- and even Rs.1 lac is allowed u/s 80-DD irrespective of actual expenditure on that member. If you have actually incurred expenditure for any dependent family member due to certain specified serious illnesses then a deduction u/s 80-DDB upto of Rs. 40,000/- is allowed, provided a certificate is obtained.

RETIRED CLASS Once again only if you have income above the limits, you need to worry about tax returns. Remember the senior citizen age limit uptil 31-3-2011 is 65 years and only from the next year ( 1112 ) it is 60 years. Compute your income from all sources and exclude exempt income ( like Dividend, RBI tax free bonds, Long term capital gains , agricultural income etc). Thereafter reduce the deductions u/s 80-C or others ( as discussed above ) and thus arrive at the total taxable income. Check if it exceeds the limits as mentioned and according pay the tax, either in advance or at the time of filing the return. SMALL BUSINESSMEN If you a shopkeeper, or contractor, or having any type of business and if your turnover or sales or gross receipts for the year 1-4-2010 to 31-3-2011 is less than Rs. 60 lacs then , at your option, you can declare you business income at 8% of the annual turnover/sales/gross receipts , claim for

deductions u/s 80-C etc and thus pay your taxes and file your return in a very simple format. As simple as that. No books of accounts is needed and no audit. If you choose less than 8% then books of accounts and audit is compulsory. Lets take a simple example . If you have a shop at Hill Road and your yearly sales is Rs. 40 lacs then your income can be taken at 8% of Rs. 40 lacs i.e Rs. 3,20,000/-. Lets say you invested Rs. 60,000/- in Sec. 80-C options, then reduce it from your income and the balance Rs. 2,60,000/- is your taxable income. Pay your taxes accordingly and file your return. GENERAL ISSUES If you dont file your return by 31-72011, dont worry, you will not be immediately hit with any penalty provided you file your return latest by 31-3-2012. Pls note that if there is any tax payable and it remains unpaid even till 31-72011, then interest @1% p.m will have to be paid. Rarely to find but if you receive a notice from your Income-tax officer to file your return, then you have to file immediately, irrespective of your income. The various Income and Tax slabs are : Above the exemption limits & upto Rs 5 lacs

10 %

5 Lacs to 8 lacs

20 %

Above 8 lacs

30 %

Tax rates have been lowered and issues have been made simpler for the common man, esp the salaried class and small businessmen. And much more in the DTC , still to come. In any eventuality and depending on the facts of your case it is also advisable to refer to your consultant, for further clarification. Taxes are the price we pay for civilization. Hence lets look at its positive side.

Community News

Bandra Buzz, April 2011

Mumbaites For Child Rights, M4CR Nitin Wadhwani

id you know that the BMC budget for primary education for the year 2010-11 is approximately Rs.1695 crores, for providing free primary education to all children in approximately 1172 schools all over Mumbai? Budget for H/W ward for the same is Rs. 22 crores for 37 primary schools. As per the Right to Education Act 2010, every child between age 6-14 years must have access to schools in our country and the BMC is supposed to provide for almost everything a child should have for getting into a municipal school, eg: school uniforms, school bags, notebooks and textbooks, compass box and tiffin box, water bottle, shoes and socks, raincoat, etc. Apart from this, a mid day meal comprising of Khichadi with varied ingredients and also 200ml of flavoured milk is to be provided every day. Either 4 biscuits or banana or an egg is also to be provided once a week to the children. Free health checkups in municipal school clinics, Rajiv Gandhi Accident Insurance scheme for any minor or major accidents, and special budget is available for heart

surgeries and any critical illnesses. Computers are also to be provided in every school. To reduce girl children dropouts, attendance allowance of Re.1/day and recently introduced Rs.1000 fixed deposit scheme to attend school are some more incentives offered by the system. Free Bus pass is also supposed to be provided to children in case

they have to travel distance of more than 3 kms from the place of their residence. Are these facilities and amenities being provided to the children attending the municipal schools? As tax paying citizens who are also concerned about child rights, we need to be proactive in ensuring that children attending these schools not only get these benefits,

but also have access to good quality education in these schools. Please do get in touch with us and be a part of Mumbaiites of Child Rights, M4CR, a CRY initiative. M4CR is a network of like minded citizens who are working on child rights issues and are presently focussing on ensuring that every child should have access to free, equal and quality education. Members of H/W federation have taken the lead by actively participating and observing 6 neighbourhood municipal school buildings, interacting with authorities in the Education Department to share their findings and demanding accountability from the system so as to ensure that every tax payer rupee spent, is well utilised and reaches the real beneficiaries and children get their due rights. Let us reach out to every municipal school in our ward and ensure that every child gets access to quality education. Come and be a part of the change you want to see.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to contribute a story, send your contributions to the Editorial address, or e-mail us: bandrabuzz@gmail.com

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06 Bandra Buzz, April 2011

Community Issues

Graves for the BMC

Some of these graves were given up to the BMC for road widening of Hill Road BMC ‘approved’ shops right on the footpath at the exact set-back spot Dereyk Talker

n 1999 the BMC took away land from the St Josephs Convent School on Hill Road Bandra on the pretext of road widening. Prime land situated bang on Hill Road. Land that was the burial ground of nuns who had given their lives for Bandra & who were now resting their souls in a beautiful garden so like the garden of Eden. Land that the St Josephs Nuns so willingly gave up for the betterment of Bandra. 2000 sq yards of prime land was given. Graves were moved, the garden uprooted and the walls closed in and a footpath came up. But it was not to remain so for long. The BMC wasted no time in allowing hawkers to set up shops. Haftas exchanged hands and soon there was no footpath left. RTIs were filed, Parent Teachers Associations (PTA) wrote letters (nearly 15 odd) to the Ward office who as crooked as they get misguided the people by saying the 14 stalls were

legal. When the RTI filed by Mr Neil

Pereira was replied to it was found only 2 stalls were issued licences. A letter dated 3rd June 2009 (acknowledgement signed received on 1st July 2009) was given to the Hon’ble Member of Parliament Mrs Priya Dutt high lighting the issue of the land given to the BMC for road widening but allotted to Hawkers by the BMC and asking for the land back. Status – NO ACTION hawkers still doing a flourishing business. On 26th June 2009 a similar letter was written to the then Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr Ashok Chavan with 26 pages of copies of correspondence on the same issue. Status – NO ACTION hawkers still doing a flourishing business. In July 2009 the Mayor Dr. (Mrs) Shubha Umesh Raul issued a letter to the BMC to have the Hawkers removed from the acquired land. 14th October 2009 another letter issued by the Mayor asking what has been the action taken. 2011 and they are still there for all

of us to see such is the respect the BMC of H/West Ward has for the office of the Mayor of Mumbai. The members of the H/W Ward Federation brought it to the notice of the BMC officials that due to the indiscriminate extension of the illegal hawkers the drainage had given way. Leave alone being able to clean them. Since then the children have to walk on the road tired after a hard day’s work in school avoiding rash drivers and the menace of wayward auto drivers. When the schools are shut the residents have to also deal with the same. The hawkers have even gone to the extent of laying their wares on the road beyond the footpath. There have been a number of accidents because of this encroachment. What’s your reaction to this issue - MR.COMMISSIONER? In May 6th 2009 it was reported in a leading newspaper (DNA) the following was quoted by Mr S. Murgundkar the then acting H/West Ward Officer – “Repeated action

will be taken....... Action will be initiated against the BMC officials who have turned a blind eye.” I say enough is enough, did the nuns give up their grave land for nothing ? On the 24th Of April 2011, INDIA AGAINST CORUPTION, WAKE UP BANDRA along with the H/W Federation, Bandra Buzz, Pali Gaothan East Indian Association, and other groups will initiate a fund collection drive all across H/W Ward to collect funds and hand it over to the BMC so that they can stop taking HAFTAS. This will be a week long campaign and on 2nd May 10.00 am the funds collected will be handed over to the AMC H/W Ward at the BMC Office on St Martins Road. You are requested to be there in large numbers. Post your opinion about this article to the Editorial address, or e-mail:bandrabuzz@gmail.com

Presenting our expanding BUZZ horizons...

Bandra Buzz, April 2011

Thane Buzz coming soon... Brendan Crasto

hane district is to the north of Bombay in the Konkan Region. Lying between the Sahyadri mountain range and the Arabian sea, it is blessed both with beaches and mountains. Thane, is known as the Elder sister of Mumbai (Bombay) as Thane district was divided and part of Thane district that is from Mulund to Sion was given to Mumbai for its future development. Also Mumbai is heavily dependent on the Lakes in Thane for its water supply. Thane for all practical purposes is not a suburb of Mumbai. Today, Thane city area is 147 sq.kms with a population of more than 1.2 Million. Now it is a booming industrial town with growth in trade, transport and construction activities. LAKES: It is worth mentioning about the 30 lakes located within & around the city, earning it the sobriquet of ‘Lake City’. Apart from being a source of water for Thane & its larger neighbour Mumbai, the lakes are also a tourist attraction. Masunda Lake is the biggest & most visitede lake in Thane City. Many of the lakes have facitlies like boating, gardens for kids, jogging/walking tracks. Every evening you can see them crowded with youngsters. The areas surrounding the city are beautiful - with scenic locales, old forts, boat rides & resorts that make Thane a great getaway from the hustle ‘n’ bustle of Mumbai. Thane stands as a developed city with better residence facitlies than Mumbai. Even Property developers and buyers have given preference to Thane over Mumbai.

TMC: Very soon, Thane will have its very own neighbourhood newspaper Thane Buzz - that will help create community connect. This newspaper will cover all local events, news, highlight outstanding persons, list upcoming events... in & around Thane. Pornima Crasto is the Editor of Thane Buzz. For enquiries, more information about placing an ad, submitting articles/reports, email: thanebuzz@gmail.com or Call / SMS me : 0 9870202980

08 Bandra Buzz, May 2011

SPORTS SPECIAL: YESTER

Companeroes Spo Hugh Fernandes

ocal sports club Companeroes is surely doing Bandra proud. Born in 1970 the club has a come a long way for forty years. The club was started in a casual manner after a summer holiday camp held at the St. Andrews High School Grounds, Bandra. Bandra hockey players like Deepak Mirchandani, Simon D’Souza, Sanjeev Bali, Xavier Almeida, Allan Alexander, Eric Cardoz, the Late Clive D’Sales and the late Jimmy D’Souza got together to form the club along with Tony Braganza and the present caretaker and coach Sydney A Sydney Alexander. After facing several problems like finance, losing players to institutional and company teams - and getting players from various walks of life to assemble for practice, the team moved on as Mumbai’s leading hockey & football sports club with a noble idea of getting teenagers off the streets and its associated ills and onto the playground. After making an impact in the local sport’s scene with tournaments conducted by the St. Peters Youth Centre at the St. Stanislaus HighSchool Grounds, Lions Club at the D’Monte Park, Bandra Civic & Welfare Group at the Supari Talao, Sea-View S.C., etc. Companeroes S.C joined the Western India Football Mumbai Leagues in 1973 and later played in the M.D.F.A. leagues. After making a humble begining in the fifth division, the club has risen Top Left : Instant Football B.C.W.G. Supari Talao winners with Mr. Manohar Joshi (Mayor of Bombay), Mr. Vincy D’mello (Corporator), Mr. Oliver Andrade (Coach) Bottom Left : IV Division League Final B.H.A. winners beat Bombay Dyeing Mills 1st Hockey Team IV Division

Turn to

To know more about ‘Sir’ Oliv

YEARS TO PRESENT PRIDE

Bandra Buzz, May 2011

orts Club turns 40

over the years - and now plays in the Super Division, a high ranking football league, second only to the Mumbai’s Elite Division in Maharashtra. The year 1975, saw Companeroes S.C. enter the Mumbai Hockey League conducted by the Mumbai Hockey Association - and after winning their respective divisions at regular intervals had even reached the top most Super Division. The club currently plays in the Senior Division. Job offers saw the club loose outstanding players at regular intervals, like Joslyn D’Silva to R.C.F., Wilbur Rodrigues to Mahindras, David Cardoza, Alexander Darryl D’Souza, Floyd D’Souza and Olaf Francis to Air India - Joe D’Souza to Central Railway, Paul Bast to Bank of India, Wendell Gomes to Central Bank, Francis Cabral to Reserve Bank. The list can go on and on. Many of Companeroes players have represented Mumbai University , Mumbai an India over the years. What has greatly helped to sustain the club was the assistance given by the Late Fr. Rodney Esperance, Fr. Evans and succeeding principals of St. Andrew’s School, to keep the school grounds at the disposal of the club for practice sessions. It is not unnatural following the fortunes of Companeroes to wonder why such a name was chosen. It is a Spanish word, freely translated it means companionship or rather a spirit of togetherness, and going by the progress of the club that spirit has undoubtedly been a unifying force.

Top Right : 2010 - 11 winners of 40th year celebration football tournament with the chief guest Daryl D’souza (Olympian) Bottom Right : Hockey Team 2010

page 15

ver Andrade & Sports Bandra

10 Bandra Buzz, April 2011

Readers Space

Recipe of the Month

Ask your Doctor

Grievances

Easter Egg by Catherine Pinto My son who is 4 yrs old, is suffering from a severe hearing loss, Hearing aids do not benefit him. I have been advised that he should be fitted with a Cochlea implant. Let me know What a Cochlea implant is and where can the surgery be done? - Mr. Sachin Patil A Cochlea Implant is a highly sophisticated listening device that can provide auditory abilities to individuals with severe to profound Hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids. The first device was developed for clinical use in Australia in the 1970s. Early Cochlea implants were single – electrode devices. Current implants have multiple electrodes, which transmits more sound information. These devices require surgical implantation and extensive postoperative therapy. Cochlea implants are a great boon and benefit to people with severe hearing loss. The surgery can be performed at Holy Family Hospital by the E.N.T. surgeons of the Cochlea implant team. _________________________ My father who is 65 yrs old, has been diagnosed with Cancer prostate. What are the treatment options available for him? – Mr. Fernandes I would assume that a ultra sound guided transrectal biopsy, PSA level, a CT Scan of the pelvis and a radionucleotide bone scan has already been done to confirm the diagnosis & to stage the disease. Cancer of the prostate is a hormone dependent tumour. If the disease has spread beyond the capsule of the prostate gland& the patient has obstructive urinary symptoms he would require a TURP ( Trans urethral resection of the prostrate)with an orchidectomy(removal of both the testes).If he has no obstructive urinary systoms a bilateral orchidectomy would suffice. In case the patient does not want to undergo orchidectomy he can be given monthly injections of GnRH analogues (drugs which block the secretion of testosterone from the testes). In case the patient has early disease & is fit for major surgery he would require “Radical Prostatectomy which can be done by “open prostatectomy”,”Laproscopic prostatatectomy” Laparoscopic robotic assisted prostatectomy”. In case the patient is not fit /not willing for major surgery, then the same long-term result can be obtained by “Radical Radio therapy”, which consists of external beam radiation combined with interstitial radiation with radon seeds(brachy therapy). Title Your Queries: Ask your Doctor & e-mail to:

bandrabuzz@gmail.com

Method: 1. Powder the cashewnuts finely and mix well with the powdered sugar. 2. Add almond essence and food colouring, if required. 3. Knead into a soft dough with egg whites on a clean surface. 4. Divide the mixture into portions and form into egg shapes, using two large tblsp. 5. Decorate with icing. 6. Wrap in cellophane paper.

We want you to share your recipe with us & our readers! Ingredients:

If selected, your recipe will be featured in Bandra Buzz with your name and photo (recipe).

- 500 gms Cashewnut (Kaju)

- 2 Egg Whites

Submit your recipe before April 30, 2011 to : Bandra Buzz, 401 Anica, 28 St. Paul Road, Near Bandra Gymkhana, Bandra (W), Mumbai - 400 050

- As per requirement - Icing

or email us at bandrabuzz@gmail.com

- 500 gms powdered Sugar (Cheeni) - 2-4 drops Almond (Badam) Essence

Those who have tried this recipe can send in their experiences / improvements / problems titled: BB Recipe Tried (name of recipe) to: bandrabuzz@gmail.com If you’d like to contribute a story, send your contributions to the Editorial address, or e-mail us : bandrabuzz@gmail.com

As a person staying in Pali Hill for past two decades I have seen the authorized and unauthorized growth in this area. It is painful to see the old charm of Carter road getting diminished with ever increasing unauthorized constructions. For past few months I have been seeing early morning sabjiwalas and fruitwalls near CCD corner standing with their carts. I am sure in next couple of months, there will be small pucca sabaji shops and then within years a sabjimandi on Carter road. Unfortunately the same people who crowd around them in the morning to buy this stuff are the people going to suffer in next few years. Then they will be only themselves to blame and no one else. They should choose to walk down to Pali market or any other market, rather than creating a new market on their walking paths!!! - Shekhar Khanolkar ______________________________ Your Jan issue asked if footpaths are a luxury or a necessity. From a dogs point of view they are a necessity. Carter Road, from Cafe Coffee Day to Union Park and elsewhere in Bandra, rich guys and dog lovers send their dogs alongwith their servants to litter the footpaths daily and spoil the clean environment. Is this fair to pedestrians who use the footpath and have to keep dodging to avoid the filth? Please bring this issue to the notice of your readers so that this menace can be put to a stop. - Casmiro Fernandes

SEND YOUR GREVIANCES TO: Editorial address 401 Anica, 29 St. Paul Road, Near Bandra Gym, Mumbai 400 050 or email at bandrabuzz@gmail.com

Community News

Bandra Buzz, April 2011

Brahma Kumaris, Bandra organises Holistic Health Camp

B.K. Chanda

n the occasion of World Health Day, Brahma Kumaris from Bandra had organized a “Holistic Health Camp” on Sunday 3rd April, 2011 at 10.30 a.m. at St. Theresa Boys School, 24th Road, Opp “eat around the corner”, Bandra (w). This program was well attended & organised by sister BK Chanda. There was an informative talk on

nutrition and its effect on our health. People were invited to have a complete health check-up by the medical team. The past Indian hockey captian Dhanraj Pillai spoke on how health care is an important aspect of daily living. There was an excellent Bharat Natyam dance done by one of the younger Brahma Kumari's. The Brahma Kumaris believe in the parenthood of God & the broth-

erhood of man & are open to peo- "Eat Around the Corner", Off Linkple of the entire globe - irrespective ing Road, Bandra West, Mumbai of their caste, creed, age & social, 400050. economic or political status. Contact: 9321262044 / 8080341080 Email: bandrabk@gmail.com Website:www.brahmakumaris.com In Bandra, they can be contacted at: Brahma Kumaris, 103, 'KIRAN', 24th Road, Opp. St. Theresas Boys School, Next to

The Dream Future of India by Vivek Pereira

When all the world weeps in sorrow, India can wake up to a new tomorrow. She can rise steadily from the dumps, Travelling to prosperity without any bumps. Her people can struggle to attain their goals, All of them excelling in their specific roles. Then from a period of almost certain doom, Her economy will attain an everlasting bloom. Unemployment and poverty will be forgotten terms, Success will be familiar with her companies and firms. Mechanisation and industry will scale new peaks, Thus India shall begin her winning streaks. Her army will be the most feared force, Although it shall pursue a peaceful course. The conceited nations she shall humble, From their mighty pedestals they shall tumble. Let us drink to that joyous day, When Indian policies the world shall obey. Her designs for humanity will then unfold, Even mud will shine as bright as gold. The earth shall represent a beautiful dream, Every human face will have a beam. No tears will ever flow down again, For gone will be human suffering and pain, If such a revolution ever takes place We shall become an admired race.

You can report any local event in Bandra to: bandrabuzz@gmail.com

12 Bandra Buzz, April 2011 BEAUTY & HAIR CARE

Column Classifieds DECORATORS

FINANCE

PROPERTY

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ver Cake Balls. Puc thermacol Fancy Shapes & Size Containers. Easter Fancy Chicks & BEST BUSINESS Bunnys. Easter Greeting OPPORTUNITY IN BANDRA Cards/Gifts etc. Contact: Successfully operating since 9867302152 / 02232230152

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Barretto Cottage, plot 41/9, Veronica Road, Bandra(west), Mumbai - 400050. Bosco Barretto 09819318862/09821018862, www.metropolisestate.com metropolisproperties@ gmail.com South Mumbai Prem Punjabi – 09819378862 Bandra to Vile Parle Rajesh Kotak- 09820754954 Andheri – (western & central suburbs) Balu Bolke – 09769218862 Thane Craig Rozario – 09833448113 Navi Mumbai & Karjat Dharmendra Thapar – 09930818862 PAN INDIA Sunil Shinde – 09819290663 ________________________

HOME TIFFIN TIFFIN SERVICES Chimbai Road At your door Step vegetarian & non-vegetarian best quality food veg meal: 1 dal/curry, 1 veg, 1 fry, rice & chapattis non-veg: 1 curry-chicken / beef / fish / dal - 1 veg rice & chapattis -We also take big orders- Min. 1 kg.- Delivery Charges Separate - Delivery in Bandra West only Kindly contact: Felicia: 7738800722

MAGIC EYE PVT. LTD. A gift & Promotion Company, requires people age 25-35yrs. Marketing Executive Qualification 12th pass well- versed in English. Purchase Executive will have to look for new products & negotiate prices. Packing Dept-Packers & Helpers for the factory in Dharavi. Please send your resume to sanmuker@gmail.com phone 22671270/22673653/ 66345684.

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FRUITS

MOHD. NAEEM FRUITS STORES -best quality fresh fruits-widest choice- Opp. Society ESTATE AGENTS Super Market, Chimbai Rd. Bandra (W)For FREE home "METROPOLIS" (Real Estate & Interiors -Since delivery Call: 98192 95265 / 98677 38152 23 years)

VACANCIES

Vincy D’Mello, Ex-Municipal Councillor, will never grow old ‘cos he has love in his heart. He is tall, pink & handsome. His intake of fresh fruit juices & vegetable juices accounts for his rosy complexion & good health. He was an athlete representing Indian Airlines, hence a good stamina. He is determined to live to 103. He has full faith in the Forever Living Products that supplements for a lack of certain vitamins in his body. He has no wrinkles, no dentures, no spectacles & no hearing aid. He hears what he wants to hear. They say “A man grows old when he stops looking”, but Vincy D’Mello still has a roving eye for the beautiful girls in Bandra. He has a strong vision of the future. You could tell by the look in his eyes. He speaks no evil. He has broad shoulders for anyone to weep upon. You will never find him with a walking stick as long as he has his faithful wife by his side. His broad forehead spells intelligence. His paunch is a sign of prosperity. “Ek safed bal, my life is finished” - Vincy recommends the new Indica herbal hair color. Prayer is also a part of his survival kit. He has a halo which the holy one can see and the evil one fears.

- Anniveraries - Birthday Greetings - Months Mind Mass - Announcements - Buying / Selling - Lost / Found - Health & Fitness - Employment - Pets - Unique Services - Entertainment - Wedding Services - House Keeping - Interiors / Exteriors - Pest Control - Courier Services - Furniture - Nursery Plants - Pickles - Resorts - Travel & Tours - Water Purifiers - Water Tank Cleaning - Computer Services - Battery Charging - Bridal Gowns - Creche -Sound System Hire - Cable T.V. - Internet Service Providers - Opticians

PARTY ORDERS ABLE CLASSES - NATPHIL GOA E x p e r t c o a c h i ng for PriFor Small Party Orders vate SSC / HSC /B.Com / upto 50 people NIOS / ICSE / ISC / IGCSE / - delicious, home-made CBSE / IB / CPT / CET /Engg. Goan Food, with snacks Specialist in Maths, Sc, A/c, 56,Waroda Road,Bandra (W) Logic, Recruitment and ScholBERNVAL Call: Philomena 9819152996 arship exams CALL NOW : Buying & Selling Of Flats, ________________________ 2643 6623 / 98697 78257 Shops, Plots, Leave ________________________ Licence,P.G, Etc. In Mumbai & or YUMMY MUMMY Goa Bernard: 98203 91586 SHALOM CLASSES ANY OTHER bernval_est@yahoo.com For small party orders upto Attention Std IX & X CATEGORY 100 people delicious home Shalom welcomes you OF YOUR CHOICE FASHION made snacks like potato to come & experience. chops, pan roll, cutlets, Batches beginning from: Please Call or SMS: S.R. DESIGNS burgers. Mount Marys Bandra 15th April 2011 Tired of seeing the same de+91-93226 52611 (w) Call: Anita Fernandes - Esmeralda D’Mello small nos.(15 - 20) signs everywhere & want to be +91-96199 94713 9619470041,9920085214, Individual Attention different than come to S.R. De2645353540 Professionals for all subjects signs. Available designer Salalisco201090@yahoo.com Contact: war kameez kurtis Blouses, Delano Aguiar -Dresses etc at affordable Prices. 98199 68961 / 2600 4989 Venue: Firdos App, Next to DISCLAIMER or Jude Bakery, Waroda Road, Readers are recommended to make appropriate enquiries and seek appropriate advice before sending money, incurring any expenses, John Pereira acting on medical recommendations or entering into any commitment in relation to any advertisement published in this publication. Bandra (W) 12pm - 8pm (Mon Bandra Buzz doesn’t vouch for any claims made by the advertisers for products and services. The Printer, Publisher, Editor and Owners 99696 56305 Closed) of Bandra Buzz shall not be held liable for any consequences, in the event such claims are not honoured by the Advertisers.

Call- 9819894055

Business / Service Listings

Bandra Buzz, May 2011

CAR RENTALS Anne 9892862202 -Bandra to Airport (return)500/-, 8hrs/80kms: ac1500/- non-ac 1200/-

Vincent - 98203 80742 - trips in & around Mumbai CARPENTER: Raju Sawant - 9769104729 - Somnath Lane - Bandra (W) CHOCOLATES: Home Made Tweetye & Tween Chocolates - 098195 39587, 098204 64200 Zehra Currimbhoy - 98336 45034 - INDULGE zehra_coolwave9@hotmail.com COACHING CLASSES: ABLE CLASSES - 98697 78257- Crash Course in MHT-CET 1st March 2011 Bessy Classes - 98203 13931 -Std V-XII Mumbai / NIOS Maths / Sc / BK / Eco CORNED TONGUE, MEAT LOAF: Sunita Pereira - 98203 00751 - home made, delicious COURIERS: Sona Shopping, opp Globus - 98337 25730 - sp. Goa Service, domestic / Int DANCE: Hashin Currimbhoy - 98195 20311- HIPA - hipa.kids@gmail.com DUPLICATE KEY MAKER: Mohamed Ali - 98674 26398 - Nr Godrej Nature’s Basket, Hill Rd FASHION: Prathamesh - 98190 64514 - UNLIMITED FASHION, Bandra FAST FOOD: FREE HOME DELIVERY: Naughty Johnny’s Take-A-Way - 98333 52618 / 022 6431349 - Bandra (W) FRESH FRUIT DELIVERY: Mohd. Naeem 9867738152 / 9819295265 Opp Society Super Market, Chimbai

NEWSPAPER / MAGAZINE VENDORS: S. R. N. Yadav - 93245 52451 - Chimbai Road, Bandra. C. M. R. D Yadav - Shesh Mani - 9819569927 Wanton House, Hill Road. A. N. Yadav - 9870547535 - Chapel Road,Bandra P. R. Yadav - Prem Shankhar - 9833223989 - next to Mt.Carmels Church. L. R Yadav - Shiv Kumar - 9920511394 - Chimbaii, Bandra Ramdhar Yadav - 9819234398 - Chapel Road, Bandra. PAN CARD SERVICE: Sam - 98330 58917 - For Rs 200/- only : (service for Bandra only) PAPADS: Old & Famous Shankar Papadwala - 9320917563/ 9820697563 PURE MARZIPAN EASTER EGGS: Ophelia - 9702898864 1/A Pali Village, Bandra REAL ESTATE AGENT: Francis D'Souza - 98203 21403 - Chimbai Road, Bandra (W) Savio Gonsalves - 98205 26314 - Bandra & surrounding suburbs Brendan McCarron - 98213 62555 - St. John’s Road, Bandra (W) RADIO / TV MECHANIC: Shantaram Yadav - 98203 58155 - Mount Mary Steps, Bandra (W) REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, GAS STOVE, MICROWAVE... Ramesh - 98923 87330 -for all household appliances - Pali Naka, Bandra(W) STAMPS & COINS: Vernon Duarte - 99207 67522 - Sale of old Indian & Foreign Stamps & Coins TAILOR - Ladies (Indian & Western Wear) Rashid Khan - 98205 70076 - Chimbai Road, Next to Usha Hotel, Bandra Master Sahil 99304 88099 PEHNAAVA, 41-A Chapel Rd, Nr King’s Hair Dressers

FLORIST : Laxman - 98672 63461 / 98203 79676 - St Andrew’s Rd. www.fab-florist.com

TUTIONS: Martha Duarte - 99204 00902 - including Hindi & Marathi

HAIR & BEAUTY CARE: Liz - 98336 92856 - home service - Bandra

TRAVEL BOOKINGS: A 2 Z Mob: 9869778257 - for rail, bus, air, hotel bookings

KEY MAKER & CAR NO. PLATE: Salim Raja - 98200 09461 / 98214 83435 - near Baba Nagar, Bandra

UNIFORM SUPPLIERS: A. K. Uniform House India - 810 866 9799 - rkuniformhouse@gmail.com

LIFE INSURANCE / MEDICLAIM: Urvashi Mody - 8976931022, 9869023659; modi.urvashi@gmail.com

VEGETABLE VENDOR - HOME DELIVERY: Harilal Yadav - 93245 52451 - Chimbai, Opp Solanki Chemist, Bandra (W)

MUSICIAN / TEACHER: Shyamala - 98207 10573 - Indian Music (Saraswati Veena)

WELDER: BABLU - 93208 82433 - S.V. Road, Khar, Near Masjid, Opp Beauty Center.

Advertise in Business / Services Listings for `100/- only Call Narayan : +91 9920790344

14 Bandra Buzz, April 2011

Take A Break

BB CROSSWORD 5 Please check older issues for CLUES: DOWN 1 ______ Fernandes - Author of ‘Companeros turn 40’ 3 _______Wadhwani - Author of Mumbaiites for child rights : M4CR 4 Dereyk _________ - Author of ‘Run for a cause’ 5 _______ Alvares - Author of ‘Bandra on the Blink’ 6 Dr. J. __ Rodrigues -Author / Panel Head of ‘Ask Your Local Doctor’ 7 Shammi ________ - Author of ‘Everyday Short Night Rides’

Congratulations to Winners! BB Crossword 4 Meena Nagrani, Aureen Lobo, Peter Pereira, Ashish Bijlani, Celine Lewis, Xaverina D'souza, Savio D'souza, Ruth Fonseca, Pearl Alphonso, Eunice D'Silva, Alex D'souza

MICHAEL JACKSON CD Hyrell Desa, Poonam Bijlani, Jenell Fonseca, Solomon Fernandes, Meena N

My Fair Lady DVD Celine Lewis & Faust Gonsalves

ACROSS 2 Rajesh _________ - Author of ‘Learn About Income Tax’ 5 Abhay _________ - Author of ‘Bureaucrats or rats’ 8 George ________ - Author of ‘Sir Oliver’ 9 ________ D’Mello - Author of ‘Dilapidated Bandra Town Market’

UPCOMING EVENTS FRI-SAT-SUN 22nd, 23rd, 24th April 2011 | 10:30am to 8pm BRASS TACKS Venue: Caché, The Arts And Crafts Gallery, 187 Turner Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai 400050 | Contact:(022) 2643- 9641 www.brasstacksmadras.com SUN – 24th Apr 2011 Easter Fiesta & Dance at the Bandra Gym | 7:30pm onwards MON 25th Apr – FRI 29th Apr 2011 Rink Hockey Tournament at the Bandra Gym | 4pm onwards… SAT 30th Apr 2011 May Day Eve Social at the Bandra Gym | 7 pm onwards SAT - SUN - 31st Apr - 1st May 2011 Jesus Fest – Mt. Carmel’s | 7 pm onwards SUN - 1st May 2011 RICHARD ABEL Live! - St. Stanislaus School Grounds | 7 pm onwards SUN - 8th May 2011 The Bombay East Indian Association Annual Social - from 6:30 pm onwards at the Bandra Gymkhana Grounds. The Chief Guest for the evening is His Lordship Felix Machado, Bishop of Vasai. Come spend a funfilled evening of entertainment and dancing to the music of one of Mumbai's leading music makers - Music Revival Band. Enjoy the typical East Indian Cuisine whilst participating in the cultural heritage of the "Sons of the Soil". For Dinner Cards and tables for Sale/Display of various items, please contact the BEIA Office @ the Bandra Gymkhana from 5pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday.

Send your event details to bandrabuzz@gmail.com

Sports

Bandra Buzz, April 2011

‘Sir’ Oliver Andrade George Menezes

had neither met nor ever heard of Sir Oliver till we moved to Bandra in 1994.1 am told he started his career as a teacher, first, like any other teacher and then, as a 'physical training instructor'. Not only did he himself play football and hockey of a high standard, but he also had the rare ability to transfer those skills and tons of enthusiasm to his students. Two days after our arrival in Bandra, I was standing at my gate 'time passing', as they say, when a stocky looking man stopped by. "Welcome to Bandra, Mr Menezes" he said, handing me an annual pass for entry to the Joggers Park. "It is a great privilege to have you with us. I hope the Park will bring you and your family much peace, joy and good health," he concluded. He had been a Municipal Councillor and after enjoying immense popularity for the first few years, he experienced the inevitable brick-

bats. The electorate who did not give a damn about him personally or about preserving, protecting and keeping Bandra beautiful and green, poured their venom on him for the water connections he did not obtain for them and the illegal structures he did not attempt to legalize. One morning I bumped into him. Like a good coach he sensed that something was wrong. "You have a problem?" he asked. "Well," I said, trying to check my tears, "our cocker spaniel Mitzi died this morning and the guys from the Veterinary Department suggest I leave the dog on the rocks on the sea front to be washed away." "Meet me after lunch at Joggers," he said quietly. "Nobody will be around." At two in the afternoon, a tearful family buried Mitzi under the red-green leaves of an almond tree. Later, Sir Oliver tried unsuccess-

fully to run for the Assembly. He did not have the temperament for big time politics nor, I believe, the passion. His passion was physical fitness and the development of sports-excellence in young people. That is why Bandra remembers him for the dozens of young men he helped wear the State and National colours in Hockey. Some of them brought Olympic medals back to our sports-crazy suburb. The Menezes clan has always had an exaggerated idea that they are going to last forever. That is probably the reason why we do not have a family grave. It does not really matter. It has been one of my dreams to be buried next to Mitzi at Joggers' Park, listening to the sound of the waves, the soft fall of leaves and the whistle of the wind in the branches of the trees. From time to time I might lift my head from under the soft earth and recognize

the careful footsteps of senior citizens who once walked with me and look with yearning at the many over clothed and under clothed women, trying desperately to lose bottomcentred weight to look like the models jogging past them in a cloud of rain-washed dust and the confused fragrance of too many perfumes. When I saw Sir Oliver last, he was bloated, unshaven and paralyzed on a hospital bed — the final irony of a dying man who, having taught hundreds of young men to run fast and hard, was unable himself to walk again. Like old generals, Sir Oliver will not fade away. As the Old Girl, my two grand daughters and I take our daily walks at Joggers Park, come rain or shine, we shall remember him. And over and over again I will recall the vision of a legion of angels, all trained in Bandra, lifting Sir Oliver and running with him in Olympic timing, to present him before his Lord and Master.

Sports Bandra - Womens' Rink Football Winners

Denzil Rego

crafty goal from Manisha Curzai minutes before the hooter sealed SportsBandra Women’s Football Team’s place on the winner’s podium at the Bandra Gymkhana Invitational Rink Football tournament 2011 on Saturday night, February 26. A goal by Captain, Abigail Fernandes a couple of minutes into the game had already given SportsBandra an early edge over the favorites Bodyline. Earlier, in the nail-biting semifinal that went all the way to sudden death, goals by Ruth “Cesc” Joseph and Andriette Rodrigues sent a strong SeaView team back. The talent in the team has mainly been drawn from Bandra’s

very own Schools and Colleges. Abigail Fernandes and Gillian Vincent have played at the Inter University tournament in Gwalior this January 2011. Abigail has also played at the Junior Nationals at Cuttak in 2009. The winning goal scorer Manisha Curzai is a swift playmaker. Madonna Fernandes has played School Nationals in 2010 at Jammu and in 2009 at Allahabad. Racheal D’mello, SportsBandra’s stoic goalkeeper in the rink version of the game, is as talented as they come as is Ruth Joseph, a formidable defender. Andrette Rodrigues was very crucial in SportsBandra’s win against Compeneros in their first game. Natasha D’mello is a petite

but strong defender. Fast and athletic Steffi Santimano is also a National player in cricket and badminton. Greeshma Shetty first played at the School Nationals in the Std 10 in Uttranchal and then in Goa and Madhya Pradesh in 2009. She followed this up with the U/19 Nationals in Ahmedabad in 2009 and in Jallandar in 2010. In 2010 Greeshma crowned all of this by representing India at Sweden in the Gothia Cup and at Denmark in the Gana Cup. Steffi Lewis, the baby of the team at 15 years, played her first School Nationals in Std 7 in 2007 for the U/14 Maharashtra team as well as in Goa in 2008. She has also played the Open U/17 Nation-

als at Uttranchal in 2009 and Women’s Nationals at Chattisgarh in 2010. National Lian Matthews has been in the forefront of SportsBandra’s prowess in the game as have Trishelle Saldhana, Cara D’souza, Ginelle Vincent, Nida Khan, Michelle Pinto, Varsha Sawant and Alysia lopez. Another National, Nupur Gokhale, a recent addition to the team, is an excellent playmaker. Aquilia D’souza has held fort at defense. The SportsBandra Women’s Football Team has flourished over the years under the tutelage of the ever popular Sir “Cozy” Vaz, a multi-talented old-school footballer and highly-rated coach. Denzil Rego manages the team.

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