Goa Streets - Issue 18

Thursday, March 7, 2013 | Vol. No. I | Issue 18 | Price Rs. 10 | Pages 32 | www.goastreets.com

Psychedelic in Vagator • pg 3

The New Tiatr

Priests looking West • pg 7 Why Goans leave • pg 12

Konkani drama goes Avant garde

Zumba rocks Goa 20 • Samba in Goan football 24 • G-Spot 28

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Feb 7

Djuma Chumma

At Soma, Ashvem @ 4 pm +919822642624/+919822395522

From Cave man to Goa Freak

Trance Party At 9 Bar, Vagator @ 5 pm +919422057532

Classical Live Fusion At Guru, Anjuna @ 7 pm +918322273319

Percussion Class

At White Church, Anjuna @ 4.30 pm 6.30 pm

Trance Party

At Curlies, Anjuna @ Sunset. +919326124699

Silent Noise

At Catalyst, Candolim @ 8 pm +918806200783/+918806201619

Thursday Night Jazz

@ Sol Villa Restaurant Exclusively with Marina Xavier (vocals) And Smoking Chutney featuring Chrystal Farell (vocals), Benoy Rai (guitar), Sancho Menezes (keyboards), Colin D’Cruz (bass) & BoscoD’Souza (drums) At the Sofala, Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm +919552132132/+918326714141

Mar 8

Electro Night

At Micasa, Ashvem beach @ Sunset +919821351193/+919527926686/ +919821936699

Friday Sun downer

Nine Bar Psychedelic Isn’t Dead Echoes of a hippie era live on

At Bardo, Ashvem @ 5 pm +919890167531

By Joseph Zuzarte

Trippy Train

At Hippie’s, Anjuna @ 5 pm +919987462669/+917507486444

Percussion Class At Artjuna, Anjuna @ 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm +918322274794

Live Music

At Guru, Anjuna @ 7 pm +918322273319

Friday Vibes

At Cafe Mambo, Baga @ 9 pm +919823186694/+919822765002

Friday Nite Art Bazaar At Art Chamber, Calangute @ 4 pm +918322277144

Club Night

With DJ Rinton At SinQ beach club, Candolim @ 9 pm +919552100700

Such was the cult mystique of the place that it was considered a singular honour to be allowed to DJ at Nine Bar, even though none of the DJ’s were ever paid for doing it.

W

hile time and tide have almost washed away the old hippie scene in Goa, bits of that psychedelic, bohemian culture still remain in the nooks and crannies of Anjuna in north Goa. Nine Bar is a place like that, one of the last remaining outposts of that hippie era.

At its peak during the 1990’s and the first decade of the 2000’s, more than 1,000 ‘Goa freaks’ along with assorted gawkers and sundry party animals would be grooving to the music of some of the finest Goa Trance and Techno music DJs in the world, a different DJ every day. Such was the cult mystique of the place that it was considered a singular honour to be allowed to DJ at Nine Bar, even though none of the DJ’s were ever paid for doing it. They all played for free. When a DJ played there he would be noticed and if he was good, he would be invited to play at the full-moon parties, which are now pretty much extinct. Or they would be invited to DJ at major Trance music festivals and events around the globe. You came there to hear and be heard.

It all started around three decades ago when a local resident, Ramdas, started a small cliff-side shack at Ozrant in Vagator serving tea, coffee, juices and snacks. There were no tarred roads in the area,

and a mud track deeply furrowed by the wheels of bullock-carts had to be negotiated to get there.

The valley below Ramdas’ shack was where many of the ‘acid parties’ happened and after the parties people would come to chill down at his shack, which had a Zen-like ambience with a small waterfall at one side and soothing music. Ramdas himself was in his ‘sadhu’ baba phase and would be dressed in the regulation sadhu clothes.

It then became a ‘sunset’ meeting spot because of the spectacular sight of the Arabian Sea turning golden as the sun set behind the swaying coconut trees on the cliff-side and the beach at ‘Small Vagator’, as the place came to be known. As Ramdas prospered over the years, he bought the surrounding land, fenced it all and, along with some of his Goa freak friends, created a landscape for ‘alternative’, psychedelic partying, open only from sunset to 10 pm.

With one of the biggest dance floors around, over a 1,000 people could groove to the loud music thumping from the two giant speaker racks alongside the cave-like DJ’s cabin. For many years, though, the DJ’s cabin ‘travelled’ around Nine Bar. At one time some years ago, it was on the cliff-side in

turn to page 7

Lost in Paradise

music & nightlife | 03

Sea horse Anjuna At Anjuna @ 3 pm

Luna’s Tea Party

At Vrindhavan Kinderten, Patnem @ 2 pm

Hippie soul at Nine Bar

The Leather Bag Studio

At Hotel Mandovi, Panjim @ 10 am +918322426270/+918322426271

the low down | 08

Rocking Friday

With Elvis Rumion At Art Escape Lounge, Benaulim @ 6 pm +919881568756

Theme Dinner Menu

food review | 09

At Latitude, Sinquerim @ 7 pm +918326645858

Viva Panjim

The Jazz Night

At Royal Goan Beach Club, Arpora @ 8 pm +918326716200

feature | 12

Mar 9

Why Goans leave

With Charlie & the Music Factory At Art Escape, Benaulim @ 6 pm +919881568756

Rock is Alive

world view | 14

what’s on | 15

At Bubble Brunch, Chapora @ 10 pm +918411932015

Barbeque

At Cafe Delish, Anjuna @ 6 pm +919096654567

Psy Trance party At UV Bar, Anjuna +919822153440

Ride with us

At Cafe Lilliput, Anjuna @ 5 pm +918322274648

Mar 12

Fish BBQ

At Coffee Heaven, Anjuna Sunset +919822168628

Crepes

At Michele’s Garden Cafe, Anjuna @ 9 am to 9 pm +919822388283/ +918326452601

Trance Party

At Shiva Vally, Anjuna @ 5 pm +918805930568

Karaoke Night

Mar 13

House, Hip-hop & Progressive Night

At The Mandala, Mandrem @ 7.30 am

Saturday Night Market At Arpora @ 6 pm

cover story | 16

Mackies Market At Baga @ 6 pm

Cutting edge Tiatr

Saturday Showtime

At Cafe Mambo, Baga @ 9 pm +919823186694/+919822765002

arts & entertainment | 20

Marina Xavier Live

Goans take to Zumba

book review | 22 My Godri Anthology

Jadoo Mantar

Brazilian touch for footbal kids

Flea Market At Anjuna @ 9 am to 6 pm

Live Music

At German Bakery, Anjuna @ 7.30 pm +919096058775

Techno Party At UV Bar, Anjuna +919822153440

Mar 9 to 10 Mar

Goa Freaks Community Label Party At Hill Top, Vagator @ 5 pm +919822151690/+918322273665

At Panjim

Mahashivaratri

Party

At Soma, Ashvem Sunset +919822642624/+919822395522 At Sporting Heroes Rocks, Morjim @ 7 pm +9183222106135

Books for the have-nots

At 9 Bar, Vagator @ 5 pm +919422057532

Mar 10

Electronic Night

give back | 30

Trance Party

Trance Party

At Cocks town, Arambol @ 6 pm +919850450268

sports | 24

Free Yoga Class

At Casa Lisboa, Cavelossim @ 8 pm +918322871101/+919665099008

Arambol beach party

satire | 23

At The Park, Candolim @ 7 pm +918888848125

With DJs Ashton, Anish & Pawan At Cafe La Musica, Baga @ 5 pm +919923447137

With DJs Navin & Rinton At SinQ beach club, Candolim @ 9 pm +919552100700

Everything there is to do

Mystical Naroa

Marc”Baba”Robjin

Another Saturday Night

Chavez up close

feature | 26

Mar 11

Reggae Sunsets

At Teso Waterfront, Siolim @ 4 pm +918888554271

At Curlies, Anjuna @ Sunset

Indiyaah Pets Carvinal

Upto Mar 26

Live Music Performance

At The Fisherman’s Wharf, Cavelossim @ 8 pm to 11 pm +918322871317/+919011018866

Upto Mar 27

Live and Wired Wednesdays At Mix Bar and Grill, Arpora @ 8 pm to 12 am +919223415333

Upto Mar 30 Happy Hours

At Cafe Mangii, Panjim @ 11.30 am to 6 pm +919370898848/+918322230773

Music & Nightlife 5

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Up to Mar 31

gurus, distant stars, whatever.

This was not your place for your regular disco dancing and definitely not for your first date.

However, with time everything changes, and even Nine Bar has moved with the times, sort of. But, like they say, a tiger can never change its spots, and so it is with Nine Bar. There may be others who now try to cash in on the old hippie story, but Nine Bar is the real thing. 

Musical Evening

Turn your lazy boring Sunday into an enthralling one.

At the Fisherman’s Wharf, Cavelossim From 8 pm to 11 pm +918322871317/+919011018866

Up to May 25

Silent Noise with Barney Trouble and Others

Break-free from your routine schedule and that too on a Saturday evening At Neptune’s Point, Palolem Beach, Canacona. From 9 pm to 4 am +919822584968

Saturday Sundown

At Martin’s Corner, Betalbatim @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm +918322880061/+918322880413

Karaoke Night

Hosted by KDJ Pierre At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim From 8 pm to 12 am +918322479446/+918325625693/ +919890651163/+919890651163

Upto May 28

Retro and All Time Hits

With DJ Aggie At Radisson Blu Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 pm +918326726666/+918326726677

Up to May 31

Beer, BBQ & Blues

Veeam & the Highway Stars to perform live.

At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim, Candolim.

From 8 pm to 11 pm +918322479446/+918325625693/ +919890651163/+919860182932

On-going L’Orange

At Candolim @ 6 pm +919823291413/+919970173606 Fri: Live Music Sat: Family Nite

Souza Lobo

Oldest restaurant on Calangute beach with live music in the evenings.

At Calangute Beach @ 8 pm +918322281234 Mon: Nelson & Leo Tue: Just Leo Wed: Lui one man band Thur: Nelson and Leo Fri: Just Leo Sat: Victor & Sol Sun: Valentino

Café Mambos

Thur: Jay& Yuri Spinning Bollywood, HipHop & Commercial Music Wed: Yuri DJs-Hip Hop/House/Retro, Fri: DJs-Jay & Yuri Spinning Bollywood, HipHop &Commercial Music Sat: Ajit/Rinton DJs-/Hip Hop/House, Sun: Nix DJs- Hip Hop/House. +918322276154

Fernando’s Nostalgia

Goan soul in Goan food At Raia @ 7 pm +918322777054/ +918322777098/+919822103467 Tue: Brian Bones Thur: Evergreens by Cedric Live Fri: Jazz/swing/ Retro by Tania & Andre Sat: Oldies but Goldies by Friendly Brothers Sun: Nostalgic Moods by Saxy Aggie

White House

Wed: Ladies night with dj spike free shots for ladies all night.

Fri: DJ spike (In House) Sat: Guest DJ & DJ spike (In House).

At Colva 0832-2781329/2781339

Fort Aguada Beach Resort At Sinquerim, Candolim @ 7.30 pm +918326645858 Mon: Haydn & Natasha Tue: Mac Dorado Wed: Haydn & Natasha Thur: Flying Colours Fri: Shine on Duo Band Sat: Anslem

Cape Town café

At Baga Electronic music by Weekend Heroes. +919823269376

Pickled Mango

Multi Cuisine serving culinary delights from around the world. @ Resort Rio, Arpora @ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm Mon: Karaoke time with Bonny Tue: Music by Jus’ Leo n Zie Wed: Grill Nite with Music fever Thur: Rock n Retro by Country Joe Fri: Dance your blues away with Party Creation Sat: Rio Festival with Crossroads band Sun: Live entertainment with Hyden and Natasha +918322267300

Alfama Restaurant

The Chef’ speciality restaurant with a Goan Portuguese Cuisine At Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula @ 7.30 pm Tue: Cotta Family Wed: Emilliano Fri: Trio Orlando Sat: Trinity.

Sun: Cotta Family

Club Margarita

At Colva Mon- Hangover’s with DJ Herry Perry.

Tue-Hip Hop with DJ Herry Perry.

Wed- Ladies Nite with DJ Herry Perry.

Thr- Thursday blues with DJ Herry Perry.

Fri- Guests DJs & DJ Herry Perry.

Sat- DJ Cynthia (Lady DJ Goa top) DJ Herry Perry & Guests DJ. Sun-Smashing Sundays with DJ Herry Perry. +918322789728/+91982359008

Shivers Garden

Restaurant & Sports Bar At Candolim @ 7.30 pm 9860698281 Wed: Bingo Nite Sat: Dance Nite & Live football broadcast Sun: Sunday Roast (2 pm)

from page 5 the form a hut made of thatched coconut fronds.

Finally, the cabin settled into its present spot on the side of the psychedelic entrance, which now resembles the entrance to an underground cave.

The dance floor itself is made of packed mud for that earthy feel and connect with Mother Earth, which comes naturally to the Goa freaks.

Most of the designing and décor was done by an old-time Goa freak called Jungle, an Albanian, besides other long-time Goa freaks and visitors.

For years it was the place to go to for the Goa Trance vibe. It was a common sight to see groups of people smoking chillums on the dance floor and in the seating area alongside the dance floor, no matter that drugs in Goa are illegal. Many of the people dancing to the telescoping beats and other-worldly melodies would be in an ‘altered’ state of mind, so to say, with all the paraphernalia of the Goa trance scene – LSD, ecstasy, mdma, cocaine, all in the mix.

It was not strange to encounter hawkers going from person to person asking them if they wanted ‘hash cakes’ or ‘dots’(acid hits).

But it was the beautiful people who really made Nine Bar what it was and in a way still is.

Hundreds of strikingly beautiful women - and men - in all kinds of imaginatively attired party clothes would be shaking and doing their thing on the spacious dance floor, many running around in circles like dervishes, connecting with whatever it was that they were trying to connect with, lost civilizations, Himalayan

The artwork is out of this world!

6 Club Titos

Baga Mon/Tue/Fri: Nix/Atul DJs-Bollywood/ Hip Hop/House, Retro.

Wed: Ladies Nite DJs- Bollywood/ Hip Hop/ House, Retro.

Thr: DJs Jay & Pritesh- All Kind of Music Sat: Sulaiman/Atul DJs-Bollywood/ Hip Hop/House, Retro +919822765002

Zeebop

Specialized in Sea food At Utorda Beach @ 7.30 pm 0832-2755333 Mon: Frankston one-mand band Tue: jimmy Jazz Wed: Brian Bones Thur: Newton & Nezz Fri: David Boggie Sat: Disco Nite

Night By Night Every Monday

Monday - Corporates & Cocktails At Café Mojo, Panaji @ 10 am to 11.30 pm +91 9850980091/+91 9860010061

Lavinia Live

Pop & slow rock At down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panaji @ 10 pm onwards +91 8087649050

Every Tuesday

Tuesday – Country Rock

At Café Mojo @ 10 am to 11.30 pm +91 9850980091/ +91 9860010061

Karaoke Night

At Peace, the Park on the Holiday Beach, Calangute @ 7 pm +91 8805028194/+918322267600

Retro & all Time Hits

Retro hits played by DJ Aggie At Radisson Blu Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 pm onwards +918326726677, +91 8888061199

Tuesday Night

With the electrifying Miramar.

Free entry At down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panaji @ 10 pm onwards. +91 8087649050

Every Wednesday Karaoke Nite

With DJ Tony At down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panaji @ 10 pm onwards +91 8087649050

Graeme Hamilton

Performing Live At Jazz Inn, Cavelossim, Mobor @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm +91 9422437682

Wednesday Nights

Featuring DJs David and Ashley At Kamaki, Baga @ 7.30 pm +91 9923093408/2276520

DJ Roy Yod Live At Saturdays, Varca @ 9.30 pm to 1 am 6695066/6695025

Ladies Night

Shooter for all the ladies, music by DJ Joel At Cafe Mojo, Panaji @ All day +91 9850980091/ +91 9860010061

Ladies Night

At Soul Souffle, Uddear, Verna @ 8 pm 2782100/ 9404312100

Retro, Rock n Roll & Old School With DJ Saby Fernandes spinning Retro, Rock n Roll At Resort Rio, Tambudki, Arpora @ 8 pm to 10.30 pm +91 9552538203/+91 9011015959

Every Thursday

Ladies Night Thursday

@ The Park, Holiday Street, Calangute 2267600/+91 8805028194

Progressive and Minimal Tech Tunes With DJs Brett, Jeff & Eldrin At Alpha Bar, Canacona @ 8 pm to 5.30 am +91 9823593484

Retro Revolution

Retro, country & slow rock with the Valentinos, Elvis on guitar & Edgar on keyboards At down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panaji @ 9 pm onwards +91 8087649050

Rock n Roll

Relive some of the best moments of Rock n Roll At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm +91 9820820254

Every Friday Trance Party

With Smoking Chutney featuring Chrystal Farrell (vocals), Benoy Rai (guitar), Sancho Menezes (keyboards), Colin D’Cruz (bass) & Bosco D’Souza (drums) At The Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm

At 9-Bar Vagator @ 5 pm Beer, BBQ n Blues Friday Nights Featuring live entertainment by Veeam and the Highway stars.

Unlimited beer coupled with set menus containing BBQ options starting @ INR 650/- per person for a package that includes, food, beverages and entertainment.

Karaoke Night

Friday – Old School

Thursday Night Jazz

Live Filipino Band performance At O’ Goa, Hotel Fidalgo, Panaji @ 7.30 pm. 2226291

Thursday – Go Retro At Café Mojo, Panaji @ 10 am to 11.30 pm +91 9850980091 +91 9860010061

Onshore

Chances Casino

At Vainguinim Valley Resorts Dress: Smart casual. +918322456683/4/5/6 Email: sales@chancescasinoresort.com

The Crown Lounge & Casino At Jose Falcao, Panjim +918322222822

Casino Royale

At Double Tree, Arpora +919923700804

Goldfinger Casino

At Vainguinim beach, Dona Paula +918322454545

Las Vegas Casino

At the Leela Kempinski Goa, Mobor, Cavelossim +918322871234

Casinos Treasures At Majorda beach resort, Majorda +918322881111

Casino Pearl

At Bogmallo beach Resort Bogmallo, Mormugao +918326710101/111/+917798986003

At Café Mojo, Panaji @ 10 am to 11.30 pm +91 9850980091/ +91 9860010061

Every Friday/Saturday DJ Nights

At Capiz Bar, Grand Hyatt @ 10.30 pm. 3011125

Casino Paradise

DJ Sindhiya Performing Live At Club Margarita, Colva @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm +91 9823259008, 2789745

Every Saturday Saturday Shuffle

At Café Mojo, Panaji @ 10 am to 11.30 pm 9850980091/9860010061

Motels Night At Club Cabana @ 9.30 pm 9158257000

Three man band

Live music by Neil, Ignatius & Grayston At Joet’s Bogmalo, Vasco @ 8 pm.

9860765337/2538036

Saturday Karaoke

At Neo Majestic, Porvorim +918326710000

Karaoke session with KDJ Pierre At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm 9820820254

Offshore

Sexy Saturdays

Casino Pride

Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim +918326710101/111/ +918326519641 www.casinopridegoa.com

Casino Royale

+918326659424/+918322433200 Dress: Smart casual www.casinoroyalegoa.com

Casino Caravela

Entry Fee: Rs 1500 per person, with Rs 1,000 in complimentary chips. @ Monday-Wednesday: 6 pm to 6 am, Thursday-Sunday: 24 hours, closing at 6 am. Dress: Smart casual. +918322433289, +917875500000

Casino Carnival

Entry Fee: 2000 rupees, unlimited buffet dinner, snacks and house brand alcohol.

Dress: Smart casual.

Types of Games: American Roulette, Poker, Blackjack, slot machines. +918888807256/+918322222092

Featuring DJ Joel, DJ Navin and DJ Pierre.

Entry frees Rs 500 per couple.

At Hype, Tito lane, Baga @ 10 pm onwards.

9822379000

Graeme Hamilton

Performing Live At Jazz Inn, Cavelossim, Mobor @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm 9422437682 Saturday Night with DJ Gomzee

Contemporary music

At Kamaki Baga, Calangute @ 9 pm +919923093408/ +918322276520

Every Sunday

Smooth Sundays

With jazz and funk music played by Mac Dourado.

At Soul Souffle, Verna @7 pm. +918322782100/+919764694321

News Feature 7

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Goan priests abroad The wheel comes full circle

T

Members of a Goan community in London

By Anzil Fernandes

he harvest is plentiful but the workers are few - Matthew 9:37 The Portuguese conquistadors introduced Christianity in Goa in 1510, starting a culture that would leave an indelible stamp of Catholicism on the Goan people. Now, 500 years later, priests from Goa have fanned out across Europe and America, taking charge of dwindling parishes and helping the West’s desperate quest to stem the decline of the Church.

It’s a matter of debate whether this exodus of young Goan priests has caused a shortage of priests at home.

Some say yes, some say no.

But what is clear is that other parts of the world – where Catholicism is suffering an unmistakable crisis of faith – are taking advantage of the strength of the Goan Church, where nothing even close to a crisis exists.

“Some of our priests are in Italy, Germany, Austria, America, England and Nepal,” says Fr Dominic Alvares, Chairman of Mission Commission of Pilar Society.

“The Europeans had given us the Faith and we are now re-evangelising them … It’s all coming full circle.”

Forty-eight years after Afonso de Albuquerque conquered the Cidade de Goa, the first priest of Goan origin emerged from the Seminary of Chorao― André Vaz. This young man from Carambolim was ordained as a priest at

Old Goa in 1558, and then there was no looking back.

“Earlier during the Portuguese rule, the position of a priest, lawyer and doctor were held in great regard,” says Fr Dominic. “As a result at least one or two children in the family became priests.”

This colonial era sentiment holds less sway in the Goa of today. The number of young men donning cassocks has fallen

The Europeans had given us the Faith and we are now reevangelising them …

It’s all coming full circle.

- Fr Dominic Alvares

over the decades. Yet, Fr Alvares feels there is no cause for concern. “As I see it, I feel there are a sufficient number of priests as of now; but we must check the ratio between the old and young priests.”

The St. Francis Xavier Society at Pilar has a total of 350 priests of which 70 are from Goa and the rest from other regions.

Twenty-one priests of this order are studying and working abroad.

Fr Francisco Caldeira, the Director of Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media and official spokesperson of Goa Archdiocese, is more enigmatic in his reply―“From a human perspective, yes there is a deficiency; but in God’s perspective who knows!” and he smiles.

According to the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman Directory 2012-2013, the Archdiocese has 167 Parishes, 450 Diocese priests, 327 Religious priests and a total turn to page 8

8 The Lowdown from page 7

T

here’s something extraordinary about tiatr even without the avant garde element we’re writing about in this edition. A truly unique Goan art form brought forth by people who during the day work as businessmen, farmers or clerks and by night ascend to the stage to wow their countrymen with a combination of drama and home-spun satire. On these pages we tell you how tiatr is now being taken to the next level – with a growing number of tiatrists who are unafraid to experiment and touch taboo subjects.

Don’t forget to check out www.goastreets.com to view videos of avant garde Goan tiatr!

News of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s death broke on the day this edition of Goa Streets went to press. It turns out that our news & entertainment review’s chief advisor not only covered Chavez as a journalist, but knew him personally and spent a great deal of time by his side over a period of years.

In this issue, Steven gives us an up-close view of the controversial Venezuelan leader, and provides some insight into what he meant for Venezuela and the world.

On these pages we give you an unconventional, in depth look at the Zumba craze sweeping Goa. We examine how Goa is becoming a significant supplier of young Catholic priests to the Western world, where the Church is suffering an acute crisis of faith. We look at an extraordinary football program that is giving youngsters a wonderful opportunity to realize their soccer potential by working with Brazilian coaches. We write about the growing Goan diaspora in various countries around the world and how they are coalescing into organized communities. And we tell you about a very special program to bring books to underprivileged children, among a number of other thoughtful and entertaining features.

What is Goa Streets? We are an entertainment and party guide. We are a publication with intelligent, funto-read articles. We are a forum for writers, artists and all those with a creative streak to speak out and share their thoughts.

Catholic population of approximately 5,25,000.

It takes about 13-14 years to become a priest. The formation includes educational studies (Graduation and beyond), Philosophy (ranging from 2 to 3 years) and Theology (4 years).

Fr Dominic holds that the need for priests can be subject to perception and the role of the priest. “The idea of a priest has changed, his roles have diversified. He is no longer facilitating only the spiritual needs, but also educational, social, cultural and to a certain extent socio-political needs of the people.”

Times may not have changed much in Goa but in Western countries the winds of change are drastic. The West that had brought Christianity to Goa and India is now barely able to sustain its own faith.

This is greatly evident from the fact that a number of parishes, churches and convents are being shut down for the lack of not just devotees but also because of shortage of pastors and priests. It is not known exactly how many, but there are substantial numbers of Goan priests who are currently serving the parishes and churches in the West.

Fr Dominic says Goa has a long tradition of sending priests to other parts of the world. One such prominent Goan priest was Fr Joseph Vaz who was later beatified

by Pope John Paul II in Colombo. Fr Joseph Vaz entered Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka) in the year 1657 after hearing of the plight of the Catholics of Ceylon, who reportedly had no priests for many years.

Recently Fr Theodore Mascarenhas, sfx, official of the Pontifical Council for Culture, was appointed as member of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses for a period of five years by Pope Benedict XVI. Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira, Secretary to the Archbishop of Goa Diocese opines that “there is no deliberate or conscious effort to send priests abroad by the Archdiocese”.

But he offers a prestigious example. “Fr Henry Falcao from Taleigao is working in Rome as the Vice Rector of Urban College in Rome. He has been holding this post for the past six years and is soon due to return to Goa.” Fr. Joaquim informs that while there are not many Diocesan priests working abroad, a few of them are doing their

This week we’re inaugurating a new feature on our website, goastreets.com. It’s called Tok, and it’s a new, cutting-edge way for our online readers to discuss our content. We’ll start off by posting Tok on our stories about Chavez and Tiatr. Check it out! We welcome your feedback.

The Goa Streets Team Fr. Joaquim Loiola Pereira (center)

religious studies in other countries. “We have priests who are doing their studies in Rome, US and Belgium,” he says.

“There is no ‘organisational process’ for sending priests,” explains Fr. Francisco.

“It is mainly the other religious orders that send priests to the West. The majority of Diocesan priests who are abroad are mainly doing further studies at the Vatican. Even if a certain Bishop requests for a priest from Goa, it is done through consultation at the Bishop’s and Secretary’s level.”

Wouldn’t sending Goan priests abroad create a deficiency in Goa itself? Fr. Francisco says no. “We are not lacking in priests. In fact Goa is blessed with priests!”

St. Francis Xavier, popularly called Goencho Saib (Lord of Goa), belonged to the Jesuit order. Two Jesuits priests work in US and Rome today, and one Fr Salvador Ferrao is based in East Africa. Fr Levis Gomes, SJ, holds the position of Socius― Secretary to the Provincial. He waxes philosophical about a potential shortfall of priests caused by sending our clerics abroad― “The more you give, the more you receive!” 

FOOD

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Mar 7

Seafood Barbecue

9 www.goastreets.com/food

Pomfret Reichado

At Morisco, Sinquerim @ 7 pm +918326645858

Mar 10

Sensational Sunday Brunch At Marbela beach, Morjim @ 11 am to 3 pm +919158881185/+918326450599

Brunch “A la carte” At Bardo, Ashvem @ 12 pm +919890167531

Every Thursday

Seafood Night Market

Feel the pulse of a Grand Goan Carnival with special stalls with tempting fresh seafood, artefacts jewellery, clothes, pottery, and a lot more.

Rs. 1800 + taxes per person Grand Hyatt, Bambolim @ 7 pm to 11.30 pm +918323011658/+917709004914

Every Sunday

Sunday Family Brunches Get in Rhythm with Ashley Live At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj, Panaji @ 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm +918326633636

Champagne Sunday Brunch

Enjoy brunch with French champagne with food from five interactive and live stations dishing out Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian Cuisine and desserts.

Rs. 2200 + taxes (includes buffet, champagne, wines and select drinks) At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim @ 1 pm to 4 pm +918323011658/+917709004914

Viva Panjim Dine in the Latin Quarter

By Goa Streets

Time 11am-12 midniht non stop food service, open everyday.

Home delivery: 0832-2411959 & 976415986 Caterin Service Contact: Mr. Roland Rodrigues @ 989042440

Sunday Live Brunch

Enjoy a Sunday Live brunch with live stations, a live band, best of live entertainment and an unlimited flow of wines! There’s live entertainment for kids too, including magicians, balloon sculpting and face painting, etc.

From 12:30pm to 03:30pm At Waterfront Terrace & Bar, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa. +918322463333

O

f all Viva Panjim’s achievements – and there are many – perhaps the most noteworthy is its extreme popularity among both Goans and tourists. Not like the ubiquitous multi-cuisine and fish-and-chips joints cramming the beach belt where every face is white. Or many of the local haunts where a Westerner is never to be seen. Owner Linda de Sousa has won so many awards and accolades that it’s not surprising that her little gem tucked away in a quaint bylane of the capital’s colonial Fontainhas neighbourhood, known as Panjim’s ‘Latin Quarter’, is anything but a secret. That means you can’t always find an empty table. But when you do, you’re in for something special.

It’s not about the unmistakably Goan feel of the furnishings in the breezy restaurant, which used to be the parlour of the home

turn to page 11

Soft lighting sets the mood

10 Food Oriental Sunday Brunch

Goa Marriott Resort & Spa hosts an Oriental Sunday Brunch featuring Pan Asian delicacies, including Thai, Malaysian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Savour live counter specialties including veg and nonveg sushi, Peking duck, dim sums, soups, and Thai curry, and scrumptious main courses dishes including rice and noodle preparations. Plus Oriental desserts, continental pastries, fruits and ice-cream and a complimentary round of wine, beer or a mojito.

From 12:30pm to 03:30pm At Wan Hao, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa +918322463333

A coconut frond thatch gives a rustic look

Baga, Calangute & around  Cantare

Old wood panelled lounge situated in the by lanes of Saligao away from the madding crowd, well above average food and classy atmosphere. Good place to escape the beach belt.

At Saligao @ 6 pm to 12 pm +918322409461

Le Poisson Rouge

A French alfresco Restaurant by Gregory Bazire offer imported wines Chile, Argentina, South Africa and Italy. House Speciality includes king prawns, roasted black pomfret, Goan sausages crump and kingfish. At Baga, Calangute @ 7 pm to 11 pm +91 9823850276/ +918323245800

Lila Cafe

Near Baga bridge +918322279843/ +919822150533

J&A’s

Italian alfresco restaurant specialised in country style Italian cuisine & Pizzas.

The restaurant recommends prawns and zucchini soup, Tuscan-style beef stew, Carpaccio and slivers of raw beef.

At Baga @ 10 am to 11 pm +919823139488

Bhatti Village

Specialised in Indian, Goan Food At Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +919822184103

A Reverie

Serves continental cuisine. Popular dishes are seared fillet steak tournedos, smoked Australian duck breast, insalata caprese, basil oil, baby bocconcini, smoked tuna, chicken liver pate.

At Holiday street, Calangute @ 7 pm to 12 am. +919823174927 /+919823505550

Copper Bowl

The copper theme is reflected in the restaurant’s furniture, lamps, bar details and even the crockery.

It offers Multicuisine menu.

At PousadaTauma Hotel, Porba Vaddo @ 12 pm to 10.30 pm +918322279061

Cavala

Specialises in Goan seafood and live music. The restaurant recommends dishes like Country Captain, Trincomalee prawns and chicken peri peri.

At Saunta Waddo @ 7.30 am to 1 am +91 9552551422/ +918322277587

Fiesta

Based on contemporary European style of cooking. Signature dishes lobster au gratin, herb ricotta ravioli and death by chocolate At Saunta Waddo, Baga @ 11 am to 11.30 pm +918322279894/+918322281440

Anjuna & around

Nilaya Hermitage

The restaurant serves you anything from charcoal-fired oven pizzas/bakes to the best of India, China and continental dishes. Also fresh seafood with wine And beer. At Anjuna beach +91 9822168628

Specialises in Mediterranean cuisine using plenty of fresh sea-food and home grown organic vegetables. Also has a variety of Goan cuisine specialties and serves Indian curries upon request.

At St. Joseph School Road, Arpora +91832 227 6792

Bean Me Up

Thalassa

Curlies

It’s a small garden restaurant in Anjuna but it’s specialised in world cuisine veg At Deulvaddo, Anjuna @ 8 am to 11 pm +918322273479

Artjuna

Set up in an Old Portuguese house surrounded by a beautiful garden.

The café serves up chilled café au lait, milkshakes, sandwiches, juices and baked goodies, homemade dips, iced lattes, blended coffees and more.

At Monteiro Waddo, Anjuna @ 9 am to 6 pm +918322274794

Alcove Restaurant and Bar

Specialised in Chinese, Goan, Italian, North Indian, seafood, At Ozran beach, Anjuna @ 8 am onwards +918322274491/+918322273349

Basilico

It’s a best place in North Goa for Italian Food At D’mello Waddo, Anjuna @ 6.30 pm to 11 pm +918322273721/ +918323953744/ +919822599130

Villa Blanche Bistro

it is set in a tropical garden of a restored Portuguese house and one of the few restaurants serving breakfast all day.

At Socolwaddo, Assagao @ 9 am to 5.30 pm +91 9822155099

Greek and Mediterranean food by the sea.

At Vagator beach @ 4 pm to 12 am +91 9850033537

Baba au Rhum

Is a Coffee Shop At Kudachwaddo, Arpora @ 8 am to 4 pm +919822078759

Mamma Mia

Italian cuisine with a blend of Italian imported ingredients and local organic produce. At Resort Rio, Arpora @ 12.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918322267300

Candolim Addah

It’s a sea view deck on the beach.

Specialised in Indian, Barbeque At O Hotel, Candolim From 7 pm to 10.30 pm +919890800073

Beach House

Specialised in Goan, Portuguese, Seafood At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918326645858

Angaara

Multi cuisine, Tandoori, Goan, north Indian, seafood At murrodwaddo, Candolim beach From 9 am to 12.30 pm +918326647601/+918326647604

Banyan Tree

Susse Cafe

Bomras

Panaji & around

Specialised in Thai food, An open airy Restaurant surrounded by lush green lawns At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim @ 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm 10.30 pm +918326645858 The food has a distinct Burmese soul but draws on and fuses influences from nearby regional cuisines of China, India, Laos and Thailand.

At Souzawaddo, Candolim @ 6.30 to 11.30 pm +91 9767591056

Barbeque and Grill

A fine-dining restaurant specialising in European and fusion cuisine.

Restaurant offers seafood dishes prepared in fusion and Goan styles.

At Candolim @ 12.30 pm +91 9011379804/ +91 9822089818

Waterfront Terrace

Sunday Brunch with an amazing ocean view At Goa Marriot Resort, Miramar @ 12pm to 3 pm +918322463333

A Pastelaria

Specialised in North Indian, seafood, Grills, Live entertainment Seafood Bazaar is on Monday and Wednesday At Fortune select Regina, Candolim @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918323988444

Bakery & Confectionery Gateaux, Pastries and Cookies. Chocolate and strawberry flavoured the mousses are soft and melting, a treat for the kids. Its maska all the way At Hotel Mandovi, Panaji From 9 am to 9 pm +918322426270/+918322426273

Wok & Roll

A’tona Bar and Restaurant

A multi-cuisine restaurant which serves Japanese, Thai, Pan-Asian cuisine.

The restaurant recommends: Honey glazed pot roast pork ribs, Thai garlicpeppered prawns, deep-fried prawns tossed in garlic, black pepper and colourful bell peppers.

At Sinquerim, Candolim @ 12 pm +91 9049022348

Stone House

The restaurant started in 1989 by Christopher D’Souza serves multi cuisine.

Christopher recommends: Seafood salad, tzaziki with papadam, Swedish lobster, and chicken stroganoff At Souzawaddo, Candolim @ 10 am to 12 pm +91 9890392347

Specialised in Goan and Portuguese food At Carina Desa, Betim From 7 pm to 11 pm +919823129239

Aunty Maria

24 hours coffee shop in the heart of Panaji. Also favourite meeting spot for journalists, politicians and businessmen.

At Hotel Fidalgo, Panaji @ All day +918322226291

Little Chocolate Box

Specialties include cupcakes (red velvet YUM), cakes (themed and otherwise), chocolates (of course) and brownies.

At Kranti Nagar, Alto Porvorim Email id: lcbee91@gmail.com +919822984224

Food Review 11

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Baba’s Wood Cafe

An Italian wine bar and restaurant with pizza oven and homemade gelato. Wide choice of pure Italian dishes with beef fillet and fish always on the menu. @ 6 pm - Monday to Sunday.

Closed on Tuesday At Mala, Fontainhas, Panaji +918323256213/ +919923414098

Ritz Classic

Known for Goan fish curry rice and seafood. Very popular for lunch, especially with the Panaji office crowd.

At 18th June Rd, Panaji @ 11 am to 11 pm +918326644796

Pan Asian Bowl

Chinese, Malaysian & Thai cuisine. Some of the finest Asian food in Goa. At Miramar, Panjim @ 12.30 pm to 11 pm +91 9923499429/ +918326455547/ +918326455548

Viva Panjim

Goan cuisine& seafood. Linda and Michael’s place has long been a favourite for those in search of very tasty Goan food.

At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 12 pm to 11 pm +918322422405/ +91 9850471363

Cantina Bodega

Pizzeria, bakery & cafe. Owner Vandana utilizes her expertise earned from her years as a top pastry chef in New York City.

At Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim @ 10 am to 7 pm +91 9011662233

Tea Cafe

Cakes, Coffee and other goodies. A newcomer to the Panjim cafe scene.

At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 11 am to 7 pm +918322223050

Antonio D’silva

Specialised in Goan food, strictly for the sausage lovers.

At velha, Panjim From 6 am to 9 pm +919822184433

Upper House

Goan and continental cuisine.

One of the tastier and more elegant restaurants of the capital.

Good bar, too.

At Panjim @ 12 pm to 11 pm +918322426475

Fantasia

Fast food & snacks, plus lively bar in the heart of Panjim. Check out the live music.

At Panjim @ 9 am to 11 pm +918322226684

Cafe Mojo

Arguably Panjim’s best pub. Innovative, fun and lively.

At Salida Del Sol Hotel, Panjim All day. +91 9850980091

Down the Road

Pub and a Multi Cuisine restaurant, often with live entertainment.

A favourite Panjim hotspot.

At Old Patto Bridge, Panjim, @ 11 am to 11 pm. +91 9823173757

Barbeque

Beach Front Grill enables a guest to choose from a display of seafood, Meats & vegetables and have them cooked to his/ her liking.

At Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach @ 7 am to 11 pm +918322454545

Mum’s Kitchen

Among the best upscale Goan cuisine in Panjim, drawing from Goa’s Christian and Hindu traditions.

At Panjim-Miramar Rd @ 11 am to 11pm +91 9822175556

Chulha

Indian Street food and Tandoor At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim @ 3 pm to 11 pm +918323011504

Goenchin

Specializes in Chinese and Thai cuisines.

Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items are available.

At Mandovi Apts Panjim 12.30 pm to 11 pm +918322227614/ +918322464877

Tamari

Serves Chinese, Thai & Japanese cuisine (Sushi) in fine style.

At Vivanta, St Inez @ 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm +918326633636

Global Shore Restaurant

Global Shore Restaurant is a multi-cuisine restaurant and we specialize in Goan Seafood/Chinese/Thai/Indian & Tandoor.

At Hotel chandrageet, Porvorim +91832 2414125/+9193731113205

Margao & around

Zeebop

Seafood by the sea.

Great ambience and food prepared with care.

At Utorda beach @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918322755333

Gavin’s Restaurant & Pub

Specialised in Goan cuisine, Goan Curries, Cafreal At Verna, around a kilometre off NH-17 +919822177179

Fish Grill

Serving seafood in European and Goan style. Meats and vegetarian food are also available At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ 11 am to 11 pm +918322871303

Peppers

Known for steaks and other meat dishes At Pajifond, Margao @ 11.30 pm to 11 pm +91 9822133506

Shandong

Asian-cuisine restaurant with fine dining ambiance At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ 11 am to 11 pm 6726666

Upper Deck

Coffee shop offerings traditional coffee along with light snacks and drinks.

At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ all day 6726666

Martin’s Corner

Joint popular with celebrities and just about everyone else. Serves Goan cuisine.

At Betalbatim @ 11 am to 11 pm +91 9822166996/ 2880061

Casa Sarita

Offers a blend of Indian and Portuguese culture. Signature dishes include chouris pao, prawn curry & Goan fish curry.

At Park Hyatt, Cansaulim @ 6.30 pm to 11 pm +918322721234

Fernandos Nostalgia

Goan Cuisine in a favourite landmark restaurant featuring very good food and a great collection of “nostalgic” antiques At Raia, Salcete, Margao @ 11 am to 11 pm +918322777098/ +918322777054/ +91 9822103467/ +91 9822151296

Spice Studio

Goan dinner. Elegant outdoor restaurant in a well-appointed resort in the South.

At Alila Diwa, Majorda @ 7 pm to 10.30 pm +918322746800

Lucio

Specialty restaurant serving GoanPortuguese cuisine.

At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ 11 am to 11 pm +918326726666

Cafe Mardi Gras

24 hrs cafe serving seafood, Goan, North Indian, Coffee & snacks At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ All day +918322871303

The Fisherman’s Wharf

Serving European, Goan cuisine and specialised in seafood At Mobor, Cavelossim @ 12.30 am to 10.45 pm +918322871317

Morjim & Around Marbella

The restaurant is located beachside, with full service extending to the sun bed area.

Complete with lounge music giving the place a relaxed, creative, beach vibe.

At Morjim. +91 9158881185/ +918326450599

from page 9 of Linda and her late husband Michael (Linda still lives upstairs). You don’t come here for a taste of history or heritage, even there are plenty of both. Linda, you see, understands food very, very well. And it can be safely argued that she is one of Goa’s premier food ambassadors.

Everyone who knows and loves Viva Panjim has their favourite dish. We love the ambotik, a spicy, tangy, deeply satisfying Goan specialty prepared with different kinds of fish. The Goan curries, balchao, xacutti, cafreal, caldin and other delicacies are all prepared to the specifications of Linda’s expert hand.

Viva Panjim doesn’t bill itself as a ‘fine dine’ or fancy restaurant of any kind. Therefore it can be forgiven for straying from its top USP – very delicious Goan food – and expanding the menu into Chinese and Western cuisine. After all, not all its customers, especially the foreigners, are adventurous enough for ambotiks and balchaos. And if you come with young kids or a cranky British uncle, the Chinese fried rice or an old-fashioned steak and fries – prepared with as much flair as the xacuti – can come in handy. There’s also a selection of Portuguese-Goan delicacies which are virtually impossible to find elsewhere – a testament to Linda’s status as a champion of traditional cuisine.

Viva Panjim has always been about the personal touch of Linda, a former school teacher, and Michael, who passed away just recently.

Linda may be on her own now, but her wonderful establishment still brims with life. There’s a small air conditioned room inside, but we recommend you avoid it and sit either in the parlour or the tables outside, with their air of a quaint sidewalk café (flies can sometimes be a problem, however).

If you’re tourist and reading this, this is one place you don’t want to miss. If you’re a local, you probably have your own favourite haunt for Goan food, and it may well not be Viva Panjim. Then again, maybe it is.

And you would have made a fine choice.

The Food: Among top in town for Goan The Ambience: Colonial, warm, cozy Something Special: The Ambotik Prices: Moderate Where: 31 January Road, Behind Mary Immaculate High School, Fontainhas, Panjim. Phone: 9850471363

Sublime-Fusion Restaurant Sublime is set in the charming beachside, offering innovative and eclectic cuisine.

At Vithaldas Waddo Morjim. +91 9822484051/ +91 9923608674

Canacona

NOW K U O DID Y

Canacona

Multi-cuisine serving breakfast, Lunch & dinner At Latit, Canacona @ 7.30 am to 11 pm 2667777/2667711

Corta’s

Goan cuisine beach shack restaurant At Lalit, Canacona @ 12.30 pm to 11 pm.

2667777/2667711

VeriFeni

Bar offering a variety of cocktails, Exotic fenitails, wines, beers, spirits, liqueurs and cigars.

At Lalit, Canacona @ 12.30 pm to 12 pm 2667777/2667711

Gazebo

The poolside sunken bar with A Polynesian theme.

At Lalit, Canacona @ 12.30 pm to 12 pm.

2667777/2667711

Sirocco

Fine dining restaurant serving Mediterranean Cuisine At Lalit, Canacona @ 5.30 pm to 11 pm +918322667777/ +918322667711

The dish Chicken Cafreal was originally brought to Goa by African soldiers and domestics of the Portuguese army, referred to as ‘kaffirs’ or ‘cafres’, an old term for black non-Muslims. Cafreal is cooked up by marinating pieces of chicken in a sauce of spices, chillies, garlic, ginger, lemon juice and then deep-fried or shallow fried till dry. The original recipe was just a paste of piri piri chillies and sea salt rubbed onto the chicken before it was roasted on an open pit and periodically basted.

12 News Feature

Leaving Home

Where have the Goans gone?

Distribution of Goan emigrants in the world Place

%

Gulf region

56

North America

10

Europe

South & South East Asia Ships

13 11 7

By Charlane Pereira It seems the trend is for Goans to leave and foreigners to come. If Goa’s good enough for outsiders, isn’t it good enough for Goans?

Take a glance around ancestral homes in the villages or cities. Doors, windows shut to anyone who wants to say a quick neighbourly hello. Some elders are dumped in old age homes, while others long for their grown children to come back and visit them once in a while.

Take the case of the Goan freedom fighter Dr. Laura D’Souza Rodrigues who died destitute. None of her relations who were residing abroad visited her, despite promises that they would see her.

Where have the Goans gone? Why have they gone?

That many individuals and families have moved out of India in search of greener pastures is nothing new, and the allure is unmistakable. Clean streets, fast transport, polite people, great malls and beautiful gardens. No spitting in public places, no garbage dumping, or jostling and pushing in buses. Many leave in search of more money, better job prospects, cleaner surroundings and prompt services.

Lately, the stream of Goans going overseas is starting to look more like a flood – a rather strange phenomenon considering the fact that the destinations almost all have lower growth rates than India, which has an acute need for skilled workers.

Portuguese passport agencies are multiplying as Goans increasingly take advantage of their right to Portuguese citizenship – a legacy of the 451 years of colonial rule. The queues outside the Portuguese consulate in Panjim looks as though there’s some kind of wartime crisis in Goa with everyone wanting to flee.

At the same time, the growing Goan diaspora is coalescing into organized communities abroad, with associations (see box below), Christmas and Easter dances and “Goa” days.

Not all the news is good. Growing numbers of Goans who live abroad are encountering problems such as exploitation in the workplace.

Charlie D’Souza, an operations manager at a

marine company, has been abroad for three decades.

“I had better job opportunities in the UAE. A good quality of life and tax free package were additional plus points.

Having lived in the U.A.E, Australia and now in Muscat, I feel Goa is lagging behind―in schools, malls, colleges and public transport.”

Take the case of Lolita Rodrigues, who has been in Sharjah for thirty long years working as a Credit Controller in a German chemicals company, “It was when I got married that I had to relocate to Sharjah since my husband was employed there.”

Some eligible bachelors and bachelorettes actively seek out partners who are working abroad. A person who

did not want to be named in this story, an NRI woman now residing in the UK, explains, “I always wanted to settle abroad.

So, when I met this man (my husband now), I said yes to the proposal. It was a dream come true. I am happy here.”

One unfortunate outcome of the rush to leave is that increasing numbers of Goans have fallen victim to scams involving fake Portuguese passport agents. A Goa blog reported, “These agents claim that they have lawyers in Portugal who can handle the cases efficiently and swiftly thereby luring Goans to shell out their hard earned money to these facilitators.”

Our simple ‘Goenche bab and bai’ want easy access to the European nations, and Portuguese passport gives them that. Not

that they migrate to Portugal as some kind of nostalgic nod to our colonial heritage!

The local dailies have been full of controversial news that our own MLAs Caitu and Glen Ticlo had registered their births in Portugal. A local Goan who is in possession of a Portuguese passport and who did not wish to be named in this story, made the journey to Europe but decided to come back.

“There is no other place like Goa. At this age (he’s in his 50s), I cannot adjust to other foreign cultures. So, I am back to Goa.” In December 2008, the Gulf News put the number of Goans residing outside India as approximately 300,000. There’s no official body that keeps track of the

News Feature 13

Thursday, March 7, 2013

and this factor has to be taken care of by the Governments, both Union and State.

The Government of Goa is aware of this reality and is taking a hard look at finding solutions to the problems, other than financial, faced by migrants,” he adds.

Dr. Adapa of Goa University talks about some of the more intimate problems faced

by Goans abroad. “Psychologically and emotionally, it is quite painful, as they are distanced from the near and dear. In strange lands, they have to put up with the hardship of being away from home, and survive by adapting to the socio-cultural environment of the host country.”

In particular, he says, women suffer quite a bit because they are often left behind in Goa to take care of the family when husbands venture abroad.

But Goans have tried their best to keep their cultural heritage alive. The Goan Overseas Association (GOA) in Ontario, Canada, which is celebrating 25 years since its inception, has now grown into a full-fledged organization of more than

1100 members representing at least 4000 people - or over 40% of the Goan community in the Greater Toronto Area.

Goans gather for various activities: social, cultural, sporting and welfare.

The Goans in Melbourne,Australia, call themselves Melgoans and have events scheduled in their calendar in addition to a monthly newsletter ‘Bolcaovelea Ghozali.’ Whereas United Friends Club in Kuwait presented “Intruza de Goa” (Goan Carnival) and staged two Konkani Folk Plays (Khell Tiatr) this year. The Goan Association of South Florida, in the U.S., celebrated the annual Feast of St Francis Xavier, on December 1, 2012 at the beautiful Church by the Sea. The crowd of 130 offered mass and sang Konkani hymns.

Goans everywhere celebrate World Goa Day on 20th August every year, uniting Goans spread across the world.

You can take the Goan out of Goa but you can’t take Goa out of the Goan. 

How long is your holiday in Canada, Sir? Not long. Maybe 60 or 70 years.

Sketch by Melba Steffi Pereira

number of Goans who leave, so much of what we can garner is based on anecdotal evidence – such as the long lines at the consulate and the virtual impossibility of finding a Goan who doesn’t have a close relative overseas.

Goans are scattered across the globe.

The migration of Goans to the Middle East skyrocketed during the 1980s and the early 1990s. Now many other nations have been added to the list, most notably Canada, USA, UK, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.

Dr. Wilfred M. Mesquita, Commissioner for NRI Affairs in Goa, says, “With the exception of Qatar (the only Gulf country right now with higher economic growth than India’s), all other Gulf countries have an economic growth below ours.

Therefore the rush of Indian migrants to these countries is baffling when our own country is a fast developing nation and in need of working hands.”

Dr. Satyanarayana Adapa, Professor of Diaspora studies at Goa University, says Goans are among the most migrationprone communities, partly because of “peculiar historical factors like the impact of Western culture” resulting from the state’s colonial past.

How do they cope with being so far away? Dr Fatima da Silva Gracias, in her research study conducted in the year 2000, commented, “Goans from the Gulf return home at regular intervals – every two years, while some come less often.

They time their holidays to coincide with a wedding in the family, religious festivals, exposition of the remains of St. Francis Xavier, or to attend to some family matters.”

Normally, NRI Goans leave for good.

Explains Lolita Rodrigues, “I don’t intend to return, at least not immediately, maybe after retirement in a few years.” Charlie D’Souza thinks along similar lines. “I have no plans of returning back in the near future unless some good business opportunity crops up in Goa,” he says.

The NRI Cell was set up in 2006 and ever since has been working to address the needs of Goans living abroad.

“Quite many of the workers are being exploited by their employers in the Gulf and by fake recruiting agents. The Government of India needs to take care of this sad side in the lives of migrants. In case of NRI’s in Western Countries, most of them are OCIs (Overseas Citizens of India) and PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin). They are economically stronger and don’t need much protection from the Government back home,” Dr Mesquita says.

“However in both the cases, there is a social cost involved in their migration;

14 World View

Hugo Chavez The View From Up Close Steven Gutkin, Chief Advisor to Goa Streets, covered Hugo Chavez’s 1992 coup attempt and subsequent rise to the presidency. Below is his take on the news of Chavez’s death from cancer after leading Venezuela for 14 years.

W

e were at a news conference in Beijing, and as part of the press corps travelling with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, I was allowed to ask a question. I wanted to make mine count, so I asked him about his opinion of the fact that while he rubbed shoulders with his Chinese counterparts, tens of thousands of men and women languished in the country’s prisons for the crime of expressing their beliefs. The question didn’t go over well, and our Chinese hosts singled me out by requiring me, when I finished the question, to publicly state my name – and then spell it.

“I did not come here to judge my Chinese brothers,” Chavez bellowed back. “I came here to embrace them!”

Back on his presidential jet, Chavez brought up my question again, telling me that he found it “interesting” and that he respected me for asking it.

Back in those days, this was typical of the duality of Hugo Chavez’s persona.

He would clench his fists, raise his baritone voice and call his opponents “squealing pigs,” mesmerizing crowds while dressed in combat fatigues and railing against Venezuela’s “rancid oligarchs.”

Then the next day he’d suddenly appear in a business suit, attempting to woo investors and diplomats.

This second, more moderate persona appeared less and less after 2002, when Chavez survived a coup attempt promising

national reconciliation but instead delivering retaliation. His death this week, 14 years after assuming Venezuela’s presidency, brings to an end one of Latin America’s – and the world’s - most fascinating political chapters.

He revolutionized politics, thumbed his nose at the world’s superpower, commandeered the resources of one of the world’s great oil powers, and realigned an entire continent.

Depending on your point of view, Chavez was either a disaster or a saviour.

Dead at age 58 from an undisclosed form of cancer in his pelvic area, Chavez leaves behind an economy in shambles, media that have been silenced, a crime wave that has made Caracas one of the world’s most dangerous cities and a polarized society where hundreds of thousands of citizens feel unwanted. Yet buoyed by soaring oil prices, Chavez was able to make good on promises to reduce poverty and raise education and health care – which helps explain, along with his near superhuman charisma, why he remained wildly popular among the poor all these years.

It’s possible that Chavez’s deeply flawed socialism is superior to the crony capitalism it replaced. Perhaps the biggest tragedy of all, however, is that these have been the choices. A third way – such as the combination of leftist idealism and pragmatic economics that brought neighbouring Brazil out of its doldrums –

possibly could have enabled Venezuela to prosper.

As it stands, the country has become a perfect example of “resource curse” – where vast oil wealth concentrates a nation’s economy around the state, inflates the exchange rate, creates few jobs and reduces the need for tax collection and thus accountability.

Chavez’s rise to the presidency in 1998 – six years after staging a bloody but unsuccessful coup attempt – was a stunning blow to the political and economic establishment that had ruled Venezuela during four decades of democracy.

I knew Hugo Chavez starting from the days of his first coup attempt. There were moments of humour, belligerence and reflection.

During that same trip to Asia, Chavez broke into a sprint while climbing the Great Wall of China, forcing journalists, bodyguards, businessmen and Chinese politicians to run along with him, including a Chinese minister in high heels who fell on her face trying to keep up.

I watched Chavez break protocol in Japan by not bowing to Emperor Akihito and instead giving him an exuberant bear hug (which the emperor graciously took in stride).

On a campaign stop before he became president, I watched veins protrude from his neck as he whipped a crowd into a frenzy with a particularly vitriolic speech against Venezuela’s “degenerate oligarchy.”

Then I sat next to him at lunch moments later and he was suddenly quiet, almost morose, while he ate his rice and beans and responded to my questions with one and two-word answers.

Another time he scolded me in public for referring to Venezuelans as “miserable.” We always spoke in Spanish, and as a native English speaker to me the word meant “very unhappy.” It turns out I inadvertently provoked Chavez’s ire because in Spanish “miserable” means

something more akin to “despicable.”

Most of the time, however, he was jovial in person – a far cry from the somewhat scary figure he could cut in public. My mother came up in one of our early conversations, and from then on, he never ceased to ask about her each time we met.

One time he granted me a private interview aboard his plane as a kind of birthday present. More interesting than the interview was getting an inside look at his private quarters on the presidential jet. It included a large bed, wide desk and luxurious furnishings. In later years, he travelled around in a posh Airbus A-319.

It was clear to me he relished the comforts that being president of a country with some of the largest oil reserves outside the Middle East affords – despite his constant pronouncements supporting the poor.

In the years I covered Chavez, his finest hour came not during his electrifying speeches from the palace balcony or his overhaul of every Venezuelan institution from Congress to the Supreme Court.

Instead, it came a year after his first election, when he personally oversaw relief efforts after massive landslides in the capital killed thousands of people. For the first and perhaps only time, Chavez stopped criticizing the “oligarchy” and instead praised private businesspeople for putting their money, helicopters, food and other resources at the service of the victims.

At that moment, there were hints of possibility of an inclusive Venezuela defined not by class warfare but social harmony. When he lived, that possibility was never realized. I hope it can happen now.  Steven worked as an international correspondent for more than two decades in Asia, the Middle East, the U.S. and South America, including a stint as bureau chief for the Associated Press in Caracas, Venezuela.

15 Thursday, March 7, 2013

Mar 7

ICG Toastmasters International Club At International Center Goa, Dona Paula @ 5.15 am to 6.45 pm +919765404391/+918322452805

Mar 9

Guidance Camp to Himalayan Trekking At Kala Academy, Panjim @ 5 pm to 7 pm +919422445444

Mar 10

The Phoenix Foundation Big Band At Jardim Garcia de Orta, Panjim @ 6 pm

Of Drama and Deeds

On this special walk the Mustard Seed Company will enact and bring to life some characters who shaped Goan society.

At the statue of Abade Faria and ends at the Garcia de Orta @ 6 pm +917709311929

Mar 16

Mar 13 & Mar 14

Seminar on Women At International centre goa, Dona Paula From 10 am to 7 pm +919765404391/+918322452805

Up to May 1

Yoga Classes At Art Escape-Resort, Benaulim From 7.30 am to 8.30 am & 5 pm – 6 pm +919881568756/+919323590051

Every Tuesday Zumba Fitness

Learn a variety of rhythms including salsa, merengue, samba, flamenco, reggae and more from Zumba fitness instructor Cecille Rodrigues. At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim From 6 pm to 7 pm +918323011603/ +918323011604

Every Thursday Aqua Zumba

Zumba in the water. A water-based workout for cardio-conditioning and bodytoning At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim From 10 am to 11 am +918323011603/ +918323011604

Gastronomic Picnic

Every Friday

Mar 10

Organised by Walter Macarena At International Center Goa, Dona Paula From 5 pm to 7 pm +919822911161

At Green Acres, Tonca, Panjim @ 7.30 pm

Free Taekwondo Session on:

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Mar 9 & 10 Mar

Workshop on “Fundamental of Acupressure” At Art Escape, Benaulim @ 10 am to 5.30 pm +919820695272

Mar 11 to Mar 16

Workshop on “Basic Jin Shin Do Body Mind Acupressure 40 + Hours” At Art Escape, Benaulim @ 10 am to 5.30 pm +919820695272

Mar 9 & Mar 10

Fundamentals of Acupressure At Art Escape, Benaulim @ 10 am to 5.30 pm +919820695272

Mar 2 to Mar 12 Yoga

At Paradise, Ashvem beach

Mar 5 to mar 7

Battery expo and recyclingconference At Goa Marriott resort and spa, Panaji @ 9.30 am to 6 pm +918322463333

Free Swimming Guidance

Every Sunday

Tailoring Classes

Near Holy Family School, Porvorim From 3 pm to 6 pm 919765731003

Everyday

Yoga for the Body, Mind & Soul

By Ms. Hoor Girglani Monday to Friday At International centre goa, Dona Paula @ 8 am to 9.30 am 5 pm to 6.30 pm +919765404391/+918322452805-10

Tuk Tuk

From apparel to jewellery, bags to accessories, everything at Tuk Tuk is handpicked from across India.

At A104, Pereira Plaza, Opp.Hospicio, Margao @ 10.30 am 1 pm & 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm +919049017182

Want to be Fit & Healthy

Presented by Calburn Fitness Solutions in association with the ICG At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. +919811511595/ +919823578880

Monday & Friday

Taekwondo Sessions

Martial Arts, Fitness, Health & Selfdefence Trainer: Vincent Rosario, Introductory Fee: Rs. 400 per month At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 5.15 pm to 6.15 pm +919823696138

Spice Farms

Sahakari Spice Farm

Guests are entertained by folk dances, elephant rides, art of climbing the tall betel nut palms and swinging from one stalk to the other. Lunch in earthen pots and banana leaves. At Ponda Belgaum highway, Curti. Call: 2312394 or Email: info@sahakarifarms.com

Tropical spice plantation

Elephant rides, authentic Goan cuisine, mini bird sanctuary and a boat to row or paddle. At Arla Bazar Keri, Ponda For reservation call: 2340329 or Email: tropicalspice@rediffmail.com

Savoi Plantation

Offers traditional Goan Saraswat cuisine served in mud pots and banana leaf plates along with seasonal fruits grown in the plantation. At Ponda For reservation call: 2340272/ 9423888899 or Email: savaiplantation@rediffmail.com

Water sports Scuba Diving

Attractive corals, coloured and beautiful, shells and fishes all invite exploration.

At Scuba Diving India, Alfran Plaza, M.G. Rd, Panjim @ 9 am to 5 pm.

6711999

Dolphin Sighting Trip

Four to five hours trip includes Bbq, free beers and soft drinks. Also offers No See – No Pay policy as far as dolphin sighting is concerned.

Sinquerim – Baga beach stretch +91 9822182814/6520190 or Email: johnsboattours@gmail.com

Barracuda Diving India

Big Foot Cross Museum

Houses 80 classifications of crosses of around the world. At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 10 am to 5 pm 2777034

Ancestral Goa

A center for Preservation & Promotion of Art, Culture & Environment started by Maendra J. A. Alvares.

At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 9.30 am to 6 pm 2777034, info@ancestralgoa.com

Goa Science Centre & Planetarium

Exhibits and playthings which provide means to experience and explore science while playing with them.

Entertaining shows on wonders and magic of night sky @ planetarium.

At Goa Science Centre, Miramar, Panjim @ 10 am to 6 pm 2463426

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Goa`s first automated sound and light museum. A 250 year old mansion showcasing traditional inheritance.

At Loutolim @ 9.30 am to 5.30 pm 2777034

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Learn French courses, Panjim 2420049/ +91 9922813950

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House

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Learn Salsa, Jive Waltz for Adults & Bollywood,Hip Hop & Contemporary dance for kids. +91 9975914195

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Water Park that boasts of 5 pools, a variety of slides, flumes and other interesting features. At Splashdown Waterpark, Calangute-Anjuna +91 9637424023/024, 2273008,

Vandana’s Bakery Classes Caranzalem. 2462163

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Meena’s Cooking Classes

Margao. 2714299

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GESTO Culinary & Hospitality Academy

Pool parties and underwater celebrations among other water sports activities.

At Sun Village Resort, Baga, Arpora & Chalston Beach Resort, Calangute 2269409/ +91 9822182402

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Offers Scuba Diving Equipment retail at competitive international price.

At Little Italy, Opp Tarcar Ice Factory, Calangute. +91 9822685025

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A dive shop and training centre established by Ajey Patil - marine engineer, naturalist, raconteur and PADI certified dive instructor. At O’ Pescador Resort, Dona Paula, Panjim +91 9325030110

Splashdown

Goa Chitra

Ethnographic museum that preserves its universality in its collections of artifacts representing the culture of ancient Goa. At Goa Chitra, Mondo-Waddo, Benaulim @ 9 am to 5 pm +91 9850466165/ 6570877, Email: goachitra@gmail.com

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16 Cover Story

Brave New Tiatr The Kala Academy competition is a nursery for experiments which eventually transfer to the mainstream.

These tiatrs become trendsetters.

The garbage activist in Sonvsaracho Soiro

Bold writers venture into the taboo

By José Lourenço

A

drug crazed addict loses all sense of right and wrong, and sexually assaults his mother.

Perhaps a scene from avant garde theatre in London? Or possibly an off-off Broadway experimental production?

But a scene from Goan tiatr – traditional Konkani drama? Seems hardly likely, but increasingly tiatr is taking on a decidedly cutting-edge bent.

The producers of ‘Tembe’, a

controversial tiatr staged at the Kala Academy Tiatr Competition in 2011, took quite a bit of heat for their shocking portrayal of drug addiction in Goa. But the fact that it was staged at all says a lot about the evolution of tiatr in Goa. “I wanted to show that it is Satan who drives us to commit such crimes!” asserts Christopher Menezes, creator of ‘Tembe’, or ‘Drops’ in English. “Many broadminded people appreciated my tiatr, but others, even judges at a competition, were critical of what I showed. These terrible things are really happening in the world today, and we must not be afraid to write about them.”

To be sure, not all new Konkani tiatrs take on such taboo topics, but we’re seeing a greater willingness to venture into uncharted territory.

Tiatr was born on April 17, 1892, when Lucasinho Ribeiro, a stagehand turned director, staged the first Goan Tiatr performance ‘Italian Bhurgo’ (Italian Boy) in Bombay – an attempt to raise the lowbrow nature of traditional Goan festival performances known as Zagor.

Tiatr has long been used

to express the yearnings of Goa and its people – from the Opinion Poll in the 1960s to the Language Agitation of the ’80s to the present protests against corruption and environmental degradation. The songs and comedy acts have relentlessly attacked social issues.

Now it’s being taken to the next level.

Christopher Menezes aka Comedian 64 faced disapproval from many quarters for ‘Tembe’ and its controversial rape. A school clerk by profession, Christopher says he never meant to condone such wretched behaviour, as some have interpreted.

He opines that the big guns must write about such issues. “If a small time tiatrist like me writes on these issues, I am mocked. But if the prominent tiatrists stage shows on such bold topics, the audience will accept what they say.”

But even Roseferns (real name -Antonio Rosario Fernandes), a highly successful veteran writer-director with over 77 tiatrs under his belt, has had his share of criticism. “In my tiatr Bhurgim Tim Baullim Nhuim (They are girls, not dolls), I had told the story of a couple using their 10-year-old daughter to sell drugs. I was told by some viewers that I should have shown an older girl, not such a young child. But the story was based on a real case. Reality is hard to accept!”

If a tiatr is ahead of its time, praise may come many years later. “Ten years back I had performed some jokes about how cellphones would rule our lives. No one understood what I was saying, but now they accept the reality.”

Roseferns has also tackled the mining issue in Oso Ek Dis Ietolo.

Were these bold tiatrists ever heckled or attacked during their shows? All the tiatrists we spoke to said their shows had never been disrupted. The audience

Cover Story 17

Thursday, March 7, 2013

demand from sponsors or village shows.”

Obviously the fact that Daiz had won 1st Prize at the KA Competition helped its success. His earlier tiatr Asro had shown the stigmatization of HIV patients, claiming 3rd place.

What makes cutting-edge tiatr all the more commendable is that its protagonists often make it happen on their off time – as most have day jobs in addition to their work in tiatr.

Augie de Mello, another adventurous writer, hails from Penha de Franca, Britona. He runs a business in electronic products in Panjim, and he’s been staging one tiatr almost every year since 1991.

“We use only our local villagers from Britona in our productions. The flipside of that is that we can’t do too many shows. Our actors are working at jobs and businesses, and can’t easily get leave all together. But I have held 3 shows of Ason Koslo Faido so far.”

Augie is the creator of ‘Ixop’ (Account), which relates the tale of a Goan family that migrates to London and returns after tragic disillusionment. The couple breaks up, their daughter is pregnant and son commits suicide.

His Ason Koslo Faido, staged in 2012, pleads for increased awareness of organ donation in Goa. “Hindus are cremated, Christians are buried, their organs go to waste,” he states simply. “We should donate organs. I even had a doctor-character giving a slide show for 4 minutes.”

That script won him the 2nd place at the tiatr awards.

In 2011 he staged ‘Nurse’, where he lamented the decline of blowing instruments in Goa in the face of widespread preference for keyboards and ‘minus-one’ music. “All wind musicians today are old men. If young musicians don’t take up blowing, traditional tiatr will suffer,” he prophesizes.

‘Pisuddnaka’(Don’t Destroy) in 2008, another prizewinner, reprimanded parents for not giving time for their children and for interfering in their careers. It is an

Roseferns tiatr - Tujea Moga Passot

patiently watches the show to the end.

“In Hem Amchem Goem (This is Our Goa) I had depicted how migrants, particularly Kashmiri dealers, pose a social problem on our coastal belt. The beach belt mafia were hostile to my shows, but I went ahead all the same. The Goan audience has always supported my shows,” says Roseferns.

Tomazinho Cardozo, a veteran tiatrist and ex-President of Tiatr Academy of Goa, believes the Kala Academy Tiatr Competition, which started in 1974, provides the best opportunity for experimental writing and production.

Before the competition, tiatr scripts were largely based on family dramas and love relationships.

“The Kala Academy competition is a nursery for experiments which eventually transfer to the mainstream. These tiatrs become trendsetters,” opines Tomazinho.

Agnelo Fernandes (stage name - Agnelo Borim) has been independently staging an annual tiatr competition under his banner Vandana Productions.

Agnelo’s tiatr titled ‘Mar Uddi Dot Com’, which debuted last year at the Kala Academy Competition, takes an unusual stance on the issue of development, saying there’s more to progress than roads, buildings and flashy new cars, and touches on the sensitive issue of suicide.

Mar Uddi means ‘Go jump!’ in Konkani.

“Human beings also need to be uplifted,” says Agnelo. “Some have it all, but no inner peace. They then get depressed and try to jump off a cliff and end it all.”

“Though the Kala Academy competition provides opportunity for experimental and new ideas, there is no second stage for these tiatrs,” he adds, lamenting that these productions often find no home in the villages or church performances. “Though my earlier tiatr Daiz, on environmental destruction, ran to 25 shows, Mar Uddi Dot Com has had only 3 shows, as there is no

A scene from the tiatr ‘Baguel’

18 Cover Story unspoken fact in Goa that most parents have a blind preference for the technical and medical fields for their wards. The arts take a back seat.

“They only want their kids to be doctors, engineers and architects. No one wants their children to be singers, artists or writers,” says Augie.

Where do the tiatr writers of today stand in comparison with past legends like Pai Tiatrist, M Boyer and C. Alvares?

“In my opinion, Pai Tiatrist Joao Agostinho Fernandes was the greatest tiatr writer,” says Tomazinho Cardozo. “In the early years, when tiatr was mostly adapting other language plays, Joao Agostinho felt he should write about issues in the Goan community. He wrote plays like Batcara (Landlord), Kunbi Jaki, Bebdo (Drunkard), Dotichem Kestaum (The Issue of Dowry) and Vavraddi (Worker). All these issues though written about 100 years ago, are still valid today.”

Kala Mogi, Tomazinho’s theatre group, won First Place for Kallok ani Uzvadd in 1976. It showed the rift between Hindu and Catholic communities in Goa and advocated their integration.

A comedy duo bring on the laughs

mitai’

in ‘Os n stage ssions o

Discu

Scene from Dev

Korta Ti Vatt

Tomazinho’s troupe then staged Movall Vikh, (also staged in English as Sweet Poison) on the drugs, sex and easy money that low-budget hippies and other foreign tourists brought to Goa in the early 1980s.

Mainstream tiatrists like Roseferns, Prince Jacob (current President of Tiatr Academy of Goa), Mario Menezes, John D’Silva, Domnic and Agostinho enjoy tremendous success as their shows run even into ‘centuries’ (hundreds of performances). Comparatively, experimental playwrights like Avito Fernandes, Augie de Melo and Alfie de Divar have to be content with a few shows staged, even though they may win accolades at the Kala Academy Tiatr

Competition.

The government-supported Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), established in 2007, also holds its own annual tiatr festival, but this is largely focussed on mainstream productions.

Accomplished tiatrists of the past like John Claro have also explored sensitive ground. Claro created waves with his Portuguez Kolvont, where he distinguished between artistes and prostitutes; Vinglim Nachpin, on cabaret dancers; and English Madam, on the domination of the English language. These were all themes that

broke away from conventional family dramas.

“Tiatr’s future depends on young tiatrists like Alfie de Divar, Augie de Melo, Christopher and others,” says Roseferns.

“They are very good writers and are prepared to take on new topics. They often don’t have the financial resources for their

tiatrs, so they must be supported in their ventures.”

Our experimental and avant garde tiatrists must cope with their day jobs and then ascend to the tiatr stage at night.

But they continue to do battle with new social issues as they surface in Goa. They are taking the legacy of Joao Agostinho Fernandes forward in leaps and bounds.

Pai Tiatrist would be proud. 

Printed and published by Marisha Dutt for and on behalf of Free Voice Media Pvt Ltd at Gomantak Pvt. Ltd. Plot no. 4/4A, Corlim IDC, Tiswadi Goa, 403 110. Editor: José Lourenço. Regd. Office: 711/32, Green Hill, Socorro, Porvorim 403 501. Editorial Office : H. No. 133, Mae De Deus Vaddo, Sangolda, Bardez, Goa 403 511. (R.N.I. registration no. applied for and under process).

The

Corner

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Punjabi Khana at Goa Marriott!

banquet operations.

Chef Udit began his career in 2002 with Sonargaon, an Indian specialty restaurant at Taj Bengal. His illustrious career has also included stints at the Hyatt Regency and Radisson Hotel.

Chef Udit joined the Marriott family as a Kitchen Exectutive in 2007 through the doors of Courtyard by Marriott Chennai, where he also completed his Management Development Program and worked his way up the ranks to become a Sous Chef at the Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad.

The young chef has always had a flair for cooking. He has played a pivotal role in organizing numerous creative and innovative food festivals, showcasing his proficiency and ingenuity as a chef.

Chef Udit is greatly committed to taking Indian cuisine into the progressive domain and constantly experiments with new ingredients and flavours.

Grand Hyatt Goa Sprints for a Cause G

rand Hyatt Goa won the ‘Goan Marathon 2013’ for the largest number of participants in the Corporate category at the Dream Run. Stefan Radstrom, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Goa along with Ram Chatterjee - Director of Spa and Recreation, Jitendra Sarraf - Director of Finance and Debarchan Bose - Director of Events led the team. In addition to the trophy, Puneet Shrivastav from Grand Hyatt Goa also won the medal for participating in the 21km marathon, making the overall experience even more exciting.

Enthusiastic runners took to the streets for the second edition of the Goa Marathon last weekend. The marathon started and ended at the Campal grounds in Panjim and was jointly organized by BITS Pilani, El Shaddai and Habitat for Humanity. It was aimed at raising funds to provide homes for children and families in need, besides educational centres for children in Goa and the Konkan region.

“Since we at Grand Hyatt Goa

believe in compassion and good work and continue to strive towards contributing to our local community, it was wonderful to be a part of an event which allows its participants to contribute to a worthy cause.” said Stefan Radstrom, General Manager of Grand Hyatt Goa. “It was our pleasure to be able to help with such an important initiative and the trophy was an added bonus”, he added.

The Corner is a regular space where organizations, enterprenuers and all those with noteworthy projects can “strut their stuff.”

T

he Sound Hearing Centre at Panjim is the only Permanent and Authorised Hearing Care Clinic in Goa. Manned by a qualified Audiologist and Hearing Aid Consultant, this clinic provides pre-surgical and post-surgical care for the sophisticated Cochlear Implant surgery. A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. Cochlear implants are often called bionic ears.

Over 2,00,000 lakh people have received this implant worldwide.

Pre-surgery preparations include patient screening, medical history, testing by hearing aids and detailed assessment of the candidate for the implant. Post-implant care covers implant tuning, speech therapy and other care. The actual surgery is carried out by the Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai.

This implant treatment works most effectively in children if done before the age of three. The brain develops after birth and adapts its function to the sensory input; absence of this has functional consequences for the brain, and consequently congenitally deaf children who receive cochlear implants at a young age (less than 2 years) have better success with them than congenitally deaf children who first receive the implants at a later age.

The cost of a Cochlear Implant surgery is around Rupees Six Lakhs, out of which the government provides 2-3 lakhs as subsidy. In the United States, medical costs of a cochlear implant run from US$45,000 to US$125,000.

The Sound Hearing Centre also provides Hearing Aids from world class companies like Widex of Denmark, Siemens of Germany, Phonak of Switzerland and Starkey of USA.

Music to the ears

T

he Goa Marriott Resort & Spa is hosting the Punjabi Food Festival at the Waterfront Terrace & Bar from the 2nd to the 13th of March. What we’re talking about here is lip-smacking authentic Punjabi cuisine – enthralling food aficionados and culinary amateurs alike.

Be enticed by the quintessentially flavourful tastes and smells of the Land of the Five Rivers, with its abundant offerings of Tandoors, Kebabs, Makhanis and Paranthas. Relish gastronomic delights such as the explosive Tandoori Kukkad and juicy Makhani Chooza. Vegetarians can indulge in exquisitely savoury Pindi Chole and spice-laden Sarson ka Saag, accompanied perfectly by Makke Di Roti.

And of course, every Punjabi meal is incomplete without cheesy butter, known as Makhan, and chilled creamy Lassi!

Gorge on deliciously rich Punjabi Khana only at the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa! For reservations, please call 0832 – 246 3333.

And a little bit about the chef…

Chef Udit Srivastava, Chef de Cuisine at Goa Marriott Resort & Spa is a culinary connoisseur with 10 years of varied experience in the hospitality industry. His responsibilities at the resort include taking care of the day-to-day kitchen operations and maintaining the food quality. He is responsible for all the Indian cuisine in the hotel. His expertise also lies in designing exquisite menus for the restaurant and

SOUND HEARING CENTRE 708, Gera Imperium, Patto (behind bus stand), Panaji, Goa For appointments call: 2437266 / 9822154662

20

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

www.goastreets.com/arts&entertainment

Thursday, March December 7, 2013 13, 2012

Mar 8

Celebrate the Woman in your life this Women’s Day Participate women’s Day & win exciting prizes.

At The Crown, Panjim @ 4 pm to 6 pm +919326123705/+919637723589

Mar 9

Namah Chorale

At Auditorium, Kala Academy +919823088484

Mar 10

Big Band in Goa

At Jardim Garcia de Orta, Panjim @ 6 pm

‘Nuns ‘N’ Roses’

The musical evening will feature a play by Sr. Christobel’s Trust and a jazz performance by The Phoenix Foundation Big Band.

At the historic Garcia de Orta gardens @ 6 pm +919823350629/+919850222347

Mar 11

Kids Cook

Organised by Bookworm @ 5 pm +919823222665/+918322451233

Mar 12

Literati Book Club Meet At Literati, Calangute @ 8.15 pm +918322277740

Mar 16

Bonjour India Festival Pique-Nique Gastronomique At Alliance Francaise, Panjim @ 7.30 pm +918322420049

Mar 26

The Haydn Baryton trio

From Budapest At Art chamber, Calangute @ 7.30 pm +919823217435

Classical Music Soiree The 20th Programme At Art Chamber, Calangute @ 7.30 pm. +919823217435

Bonjour India Festival

French Writer, Chowra Makaremi in conversation with Dr. Edith Mela Furtado At Goa University, Dona Paula @ 4 pm At Sunaparanta, Panjim @ 6.30 pm +918322420049

Mar 11 to April 10

Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr

Konknni Basic Course in Roman Script At Porvorim From 2.15 pm to 5.15 pm

Mar 15 to mar 19

The State Art Exhibition

In the Student category organised At Kala Academy, Panjim +918322420453

Feb 16 to mar 7

Tiatr Academy of Goa

Organising its 4th popular tiatr festival At Pai Tiatrist Auditorium, Margao @ 3.30 pm +918322230738

Mar 15 to Mar 17

4th Annual Goa Salsa Festival 2013 At Sun Village, Baga @ 11 am to 11 am +919845239123

Feb 23 to mar 30

Charlie & the Music Factory Live At Art Escape, Benaulim @ 7 pm to 11 pm +919323590051

Swinging through Zumba moves at Mapusa

Feb 25 to mar 26

Indian classical night At Art Escape, Benaulim @ 7 pm +919323590051

Feb 25 to mar 15

The 6th Anniversary

At Ruchika’s Art Gallery, Miramar Artistree 2013-master strokes The exhibition will be inaugurated by eminent master artist Mr. Prabhakar Kolte @ 7 pm +918322465875/ +919850571283/ +919881836400

Everyday

Ruchika’s Art Gallery

Ruchika`s Art Gallery displays fine arts, performing arts and new forms of art.

Opp. Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar.

From 10.30 am to 6 pm +918322465875/ +919850571283/ +919881836400

Art Escape

Art Escape Goa is a knowledge sharing our of home experience through learn-by-doing workshops which include painting, Pottery, photography, theatre, dance, films, yoga, recycling & waste Management. At Art Escape, Benaulim +919892286666/+919881568756/ +919323590051

Gallery Gitanjali

At Opp Panaji Inn, Fontainhas From 9 am to 9 pm. +919823572035

Kerkar Art Gallery

Installations and sculptures and paintings

by Dr.Subodh Kerkar. It also showcases works by contemporary artists from all over India.

At Gauravaddo, Calangute.

From 10 am to 7 pm +918322276017

Mario’s Art Gallery Painting Art Gallery At Chandor, Salcete +919850460095

The Zumba Revolution

Spread the smiles; spread the love - join the party!!

By Jonathan Rodrigues

M

ass madness or loco Latino, call it what you like, but you can’t ignore the massive Zumba wave that has swept Goans off their feet. Bob Marley once said, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” This principle has come alive once again in an absolute fun concept of dance aerobics. An exhilarating fusion of music and moves, Zumba has raised health and fitness to a whole new level.

Like many other legendary discoveries, its South American origin, too, was accidental. The idea was born when Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez stumbled upon the concept of Latin inspired fitness in the 1990’s. He happened to walk into his class and realized that he had forgotten his aerobics music.

Rising to the challenge, Beto gathered a few tapes of Latin salsa and merengue from his car. This last-minute improvisation to hold a whole class, using non-traditional aerobics music, gave birth to a revolutionary fitness program - Zumba!

“Its music has an enormous appeal,” opines Sparsha Deshpande, a former Miss Goa, who loves dancing as much as she loves the camera.

Zumba is both a physical and a mental healer.

It serves as a stress buster for many and the friendly atmosphere is a perfect disguise for a workout. Sparsha says, “Once you are in a happy environment, doing what you love doing relieves you from the daily mental stress and unknowingly you are getting into shape due to the carefully designed workout routine.”

A typical Zumba session lasts about an hour.

It incorporates several dance styles - cumbia, merengue, salsa, mambo, rumba, flamenco, calypso, hip- hop, bollywood, belly dance and more. There are six different types of classes for different levels of age and exertion, including one based in the swimming pool.

The Latin music includes both fast and slow rhythms that push you to test your dexterity, besides allowing for a great cardio workout. If you enjoy high energy, motivating music, and like to try unique moves and combinations, this may just be your ticket to fitness. Nicole, a member of the Floor Fillers, a dance group based in Mapusa, explains, “The workout normally involves a fast track (bachata, salsa, hip-hop etc.) and the cooling down is generally a slow one.”

Annmay Cordeiro, who derives great pleasure

Arts&Entertainment 21

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Yemanja Art Gallery Painting Art Gallery At Betim, Reis Magos +918322416930

Devs Art Gallery

At Cobravaddo, Calangute +919890935896

Galleria Ralino

Painting Art Gallery At Souza towers, Panaji +918322228370

Casa Popular

At Municipal Market, Panaji +918322262135

Xavier centre of historical research

With particular emphasis on contemporary cultural and social issues affecting the State of Goa. At B B Borkar Rd, Porvorim +918322417772

Chaku Arts and Crafts Painting Art Gallery At Vaddy, Candolim +918322279039

Rosem villa Art Gallery At Porvorim +918322276329

Persian Arts and Crafts At Taj holiday village, Sinquerim +918322479016

Surya Art Gallery

Here contemporary works of canvas paintings on Goan subject and art crafts are displayed.

At Bandawalwada, Pernem +919404149764/ +919422064754

Exhibition of paintings

The Gallery displays paintings on canvas of original art & international print arts.

It also showcases works by contemporary artists from India & abroad.

At Arte Douro Art Gallery, Calangute from 9 am to 9 pm +9183222882266 / +919822147148

Jupiter Arts

At Jamundas building, Sangolda +918322650784

Menezes Braganza hall At Ferry wharf, Panaji +918322224143

Panaji Art Gallery

Promotes Goan Art Figurative and individual works of artists.

At Panaji Art Gallery From 9 am to 8 pm. +919822168703

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem, a newly opened art and learning centre in Majorda.

At Majorda From 10 am to 6 pm +918888862462

Big Foot Art Gallery

Display of works by various artists from India and abroad.

At Big Foot Art Gallery, Loutolim From 9 am to 6 pm +918322777034

Moksa Art Gallery

Displays of Contemporary Art are displayed by Salvador Fernandez.

At Naika Vaddo, Calangute From 9.30 am to 8.30 pm +918322281121/+919326717386

Arte Douro Art Gallery

The Gallery displays paintings on canvas of original art & international print arts.

At Porba Vaddo, Calangute From 9 am to 9 pm +919822147148

Revellers at the Zumba Fitness Beach Party at Baga from burning of every unwanted calorie in her body, believes the instructor plays an important role in the fun quotient of the session. She claims, “The energy of your instructor plays an important role in motivating the group. That wind and vibe that you experience in a group is unbelievable.” Zumba argues that there’s no reason you can’t have a great time while getting into great bodily shape. However, overcoming that initial timidity is essential, stresses Annmay, “Those beginning days are a little nervous, but soon you get into the groove and you don’t feel like missing even a single class. I love dancing to ‘stand by me’ as much as the fast numbers.”

“Zumba has highlighted a lot of genres of music from different communities, tribes and dance forms to unite into a beat that appeals to everyone,” says Sparsha, about the type of music used. Zumba He Zumba Ha, Bailar Pagados, La Alianza , Na Ponta Do Pe are some exclusive tracks that get the crowd pumping besides the popular party tracks.

Natasha Dias, a final year student at Rosary College, Navelim briefs us about Folk dance at the Lokotsav Zumba’s collaborations with international artists. “Zumba uses fun and interesting music from around the world and it is known for their spicy Latin Rythms. In fact it has joined hands with many international artists like Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, Vanilla Ice, Wyclef etc. to give us a taste of the different genres of music.”

Ultimately, it is the instructor who makes all the difference between an effective and lousy session. What does it take then to be a certified Zumba Instructor? “You have to be a part of the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN). Here you undergo certification courses and workshops of different levels.

Gradually, you can upgrade yourself with ZIN by getting an official license!” states Sparsha who is a licensed Instructor herself. “It takes passion, dedication and a simple need to make a difference to others in a positive way. Anyone from a simple housewife to a dentist can become one if they want to,” adds Natasha.

“The most exciting part of Zumba is that you are having so much fun that you don’t even realize it’s a workout,” beams Carol, a committed participant at classes held at Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim. With an effective mix of body sculpting movements and

easy-to-follow fun dance steps, people seem to forget that they are exercising during a Zumba session, allowing them to exercise longer, and burn even more calories.

Besides losing all those accumulated calories and boosting morale, the sessions also bolster the self-confidence of its followers. Natasha adds “Many people feel that once they let go of their reservations they are able to move with the group and enjoy the workout in a way they have never before. It’s a effective booster for those low on self-confidence.” The once shy and timid party-goers are soon the first to hit the dance floor and show off their smooth moves and toned curves.

One can certainly do the same routine alone at home, but doing it in a group definitely has its advantages. “Groups motivate you. Instructors sometimes perform certain movements to help specific body areas which you at home may not know,” informs Sparsha. “The vibe and oomph you experience in a group is tremendous and cannot be replicated at home,” agrees Annmay.

Regular sessions of this dance form improve cardiovascular health and prevent fatigue. Since Zumba’s music plays at a fast pace, moving to the beat of the music can start to build up your endurance after only a few workouts. This type of intense training fights weight loss, improves co-ordination and even moods. Zumba is a great program for making you feel good while exercising at a high intensity. Carol relates, “Tracks like Sahara Oasis is one of those slow songs that’s really soothing and helps you totally relax.” Annmay concurs―“The music here coupled with the dance has helped me have a more positive approach towards life. It’s so addictive and undoubtedly one of the best things that’s ever happened in my life.”

“It’s an all new fun environment to build new

relationships and friends,” feels Sparsha.

The amusing part of the whole concept is that the participants themselves are great models and ambassadors for the movement.

“Zumba has changed the lives of many,” says Joseph, a Zumba instructor from Panjim. “People complaining of body aches and pains are set free, those with cholesterol and diabetes are now leading healthy lives.

Many housewives or working mothers who have a stressful time with their kids make this like their date with themselves, wherein they dedicate this hour to being stress free and fit and happy. And seeing all this gives me satisfaction. Personally, I think Zumba has changed my life, it has inspired me to be alive just by seeing how I can inspire others to be happy and healthy!”

Centina Fernandes, of Mapusa, is full time into Zumba. Speaking to Streets at the Zumba Fitness Beach Party 2 held at Baga this month, Centina says, “Zumba has revolutionized my life. From a house mouse to a party person. I am proud to testify that Zumba has helped me lose 30 kgs and given me an indispensable confidence.”

Zumba’s positive vibes are steadily diffusing into the lives of ordinary Goan people. If you happen to see your boss doing the samba or your mother groove to some salsa tunes in the kitchen―don’t disturb! Move over ridiculous crash diets and addictive drugs, here’s an idea that spells out absolute fun! So, what are you waiting for? Ditch the workout, join the Party! Many people have reservations about their ability to dance but dancing together with an assorted mix of people spanning over generations is a huge plus point. From chubby kids to ever-green grannies, figureconscious moms to budding teenagers, wannabe athletes to sedentary office-goers; they put aside everything else on their mind and just lose themselves in the Zumba groove. 

22 Book Review

Verse on Cloth Stories of a woman’s life

By Ashley do Rosario

H

ere’s a chance to put your child to sleep with the calm of a grandmother’s quilt. So what if you don’t own one? You can now have My Godri Anthology, a graphic book penned

by Merle Almeida, which aside from some very lovely reading makes an important contribution to the cause of preserving oral history in Goa. In the book, Merle has transformed the oral tradition into verse with the story of her childhood memories. What’s more, artist Nina Sabnani has inimitably embossed Merle’s work in a graphic godri (quilt), literally, with drawings, fabric images and even a note from an old book she found at the house of Merle’s aunt.

The narrative in the 36-page book (priced at Rs 175) revolves around three characters – Merle’s grandmother Agusta, a 12-year-old girl and the ant ‘Anton’ to whom the girl tells the story.

Merle, of Goan origin but living in Mumbai where she works as an editorial consultant, believes that such translation of oral history into literary texts could spring hope for reviving, among today’s kids, certain traditions lost to the media explosion in the modern world.

So why is the book called ‘My Godri Anthology’?

The book, published by Bookworm Publishing, is essentially a patch-work of stories revolving around the author’s grandmother Agusta, just as patches and scraps of cloth make up a Godri (quilt). Merle’s mother died when she and her three siblings were young, so her grandmother lovingly stepped in and became a mother to them.

“A lifetime of coping made Agusta, like women through the ages, a survivor,” recounts Merle nostalgically.

“What I find extraordinary now when I look back is her lack of cynicism. She liked life, laughed a lot, did not take herself seriously and thought her four granddaughters walked on water. She mothered so many more than she bore (thanks to the premature deaths of 4 women in her immediate family) with joy, food and the occasional enema!”

Merle’s grandfathers both sailed the high seas. Then came the First World War, separating Agusta from her husband for many years, early in the marriage.

Those years came alive to Merle through oral accounts of her villagers.

“Our family did not lose anyone in WWII, but my uncles recall wailing in the village during the war, when they would know one more ship had gone down. Oral histories tell me that Assolna (village)

Author Merle Almeida at the book launch

lost several young men to WWII. I am not sure of casualties as far back as World War I – I know my grandfather survived a shipwreck early in his sailing career.”

Patches in the quilt of stories narrate these periods and how a young Agusta, in a revolt of sorts, lived in her own parents’ house, rather than at her mother-inlaw’s. The eerie psychological scars she bore due to the loss of three children to infant mortality also echo in her book.

“This was so common at that time.

Agusta lost three babies, all carried to full term, before Antonio, her fourth, survived. She believed that to be St Anthony’s 13th miracle! She mourned her lost babies till the end. She never knew why they died or why Antonio survived.”

Although her grandmother is at the heart of this graphic book, the narrative is also about other characters, mostly women, who Merle encountered during her schooling days, and in a lyrical way, tells the story of a Goan community of the 20th century.

“To me, the patches in the quilt represent comfort, cohesiveness and collective memory – in a tactile sense as well as more metaphorically, our patchwork quilts knit us together regardless of where we are in time or space,” reflects Merle.

The making of the book itself was again a collaboration between two women, Merle and Nina. A former senior designer at the National Instute of

Design, Ahmedabad, Nina Sabnani, who had visited Goa in earlier years only as a tourist, spent two weeks in Goa to get to know the feel of the community and thus give graphic representation to Merle’s story.

“For me, using this ruse to tell this story was accidental.” Merle delves deep into the creation of the book. “For Nina, the designer and my partner in this book, it was fate. Nina believes that needlecraft is a conduit for community memory, that has given women a voice through the ages.”

“In this book, Nina has used needle art and craft from my family as well as neighbours and friends and their families, including Bookworm’s intrepid women.

She delved into old cupboards, trunks, lofts, frames, albums, Goan history and anthropology to immerse herself into the story. We chatted over several months about many of the things discussed in this deconstruction! Also about Assolna, the Sal, about AVC (the Assolna-VelimCuncolim area) and its contentious relationship with power and with itself over centuries. Several months, 3000 photos and many, many pots of tea later, she put all her ethnographic research aside and went to work - visualizing and designing the book with astonishing speed and an intimacy I still find difficult to explain.”

This is the fourth book for children published by Bookworm, a library and activity centre dedicated to kids. Its

publishing philosophy is to make literary texts about local oral traditions available for children. Their earlier books have been Bebeachem Kazar, an English translation of a poem by Manoharrai Sardesai; Bindi Su, a graphic book by Milan Khanolkar; and Once Upon A Feast, a graphic book by Mia Marie Lourenço and illustrated by Fatima Barot Mota.

Victor Rangel-Ribeiro, editor and the author of Tivolem, opines that a child could need help with this book. “Though the book is rich in graphic imagery, it will work better if a parent or other adult guides the child reader through the verses. The context of some of the cultural and historical allusions will need to be explained to a child.”

Sujata Noronha of Bookworm Publishing is reluctant to tag My Godri Anthology as a book for children. “That’s a rather reductionist view. We believe this book is for all ages, adults too are responding to these texts and images. I agree, a child below ten would need adult mediation to understand this book, but older kids and teenagers would be able to comprehend it on their own.”

My Godri Anthology is a bold experiment born out of love, and tells many stories. Perhaps it is just the first in a series of other graphic books that may emerge from other such author-artist collaborations. Books that take the world of tale and texture around us and enclose it between pages of paper.



Satire 23

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Jadoo Mantar

By José Lourenço

E

yebrows were raised all over the State of Goa on Wednesday when Chief Minister Mr Hardehar Puroikar suddenly fired his “yes-men” Cabinet in a major reshuffle― appointing in their place a motley crew of astrologers and godmen promising solutions to everything from mental tension to undersized sex organs.

“The State has lots of problems and I need some magic to help me solve these issues,” he told reporters as he sipped a tea at his favourite roadside stall in Panjim.

“I am fed up of all my MLAs. For every silly thing they come to me. They don’t do their homework. I have to speak on their behalf so much in the Assembly, that I have a sore throat.”

At a press conference held later, the CM announced that Mr Pandit Laloo Sharma will be Home Minister and Miya Zakir Hussain will handle the Finance Department.

“Pandit Sharma has lots of experience in love, marriage and divorce. He is a gold medallist in solving all kinds of problems of childless, mental case, nightfall and all. He can solve the garbage problem and global warming in 14 hours. He will

The new mantra of governance also do fengshui for all the loss-making government offices,” he assured the baffled public.

“Miya Zakir Hussain can solve all money problems, so he is Finance Minister. This mining stoppage has messed up my schemes of cheap tablets for students and cheap petrol for adults.

I need some mystical powers to generate funds. Miya Hussain can take care of financial problems, vashikaran and also syphilis and gonorrhea.”

Mr Puroikar opined that these and other new ministers, who include Mr Jyotish Bhukamp and Mr Bihari Baba, shouldn’t find it difficult to transition

from their current sleazy lodges to the halls of the Secretariat.

“What’s the difference between the two places of work?” he asked.

An earlier advertisement of Tourism Minister Bihari Baba in a local daily had stated, “In 21 hours you will get satisfaction to your any problem relive from love affairs solving problem of wife husband. Vashikaran black magic specialist by god bless definitely I will not loose your trust.”

Reacting to concerns voiced by the reporters that the government was resorting to black magic in governance, CM Puroikar merely smiled. “Do you

think one man can run a government so easily? They have been my secret advisors for my previous term also. This time I have given them the recognition and position that they deserve. My exMLAs will handle Sewage Scheme and Sulabh toilet inaugurations and give away trophies at football matches. Governance is serious business, it needs powerful men like Baba and Bhukamp.”

The stripping of portfolios has not gone down kindly with the ex-Ministers, however.

“One day one fellow came to my Cabinet office and gave me something to drink,” said Mr Joao Piklo, ex Fisheries Minister. “Then he hypnotized me to vacate my chair and let him sit in it.”

Mr Piklo was at a loss of words to express himself. “This is all jadoo, man.

This is illegal and totally unconstipated... unconsti...unconstitutish...”

The right-wing HSS party to which CM Puroikar owes allegiance denounced the mix of new advisors that have come from all the three major faiths in the state.

“Doesn’t our own religion have enough astrologers?” fumed an enraged Mr Pandit Pandit, the secretary of the state unit of HSS. The head of the Catholic Church was quick to denounce the new dispensation.

“There should always be a separation between State and God,” the spokesman said. “Governance is the government’s business. Miracles are solely our business.”

But the Association for Secular Society (ASS) welcomed the multi-religious composition of the new cabinet which includes Mr Pistulo Pereira from Salcete, a village ‘doctor’ who has been selling cures for a wide range of problems right from piles, kidney stones and AIDS to difficulties in getting Portuguese Passports.

Staff at the Secretariat are gradually getting accustomed to the changes in various offices. The Home Minister and Finance Minister have removed all tables from their cabins, preferring to sit on carpets on the floor. All employees of these departments have been ordered to get their computerized horoscopes done.

The last minister to be sworn in to the new and improved Cabinet was Mr Lamba Lingaswamy. Mr Lingaswamy gained considerable notoriety in the State last year with his controversial treatment to ‘make organ long, fat and straight’.

He was arrested several times on complaints by his ‘patients’ who alleged that the quack’s medicine resulted in permanent erectile dysfunction. His activities seem to have been pardoned by the government and he has now been appointed as Health Minister.  Disclaimer: The article on this page is a satire and is not in anyway factual.

It is only a humorous and satirical take on the events unfolding around us. We don not in anyway intend to offend any individual or institution through our satires and regret any offense caused inadvertently.

24 Sports

Young trainees dribble past obstacle cones at BFA session

Samba Soccer in Goa

People here laugh at me when I say India has more talent than Brazil. But that’s the truth.

By Ashley do Rosario

F

or Antonio Fernandes, now a thirteen-year-old from Santa Cruz, it could well have been the same old story as for most kids of his age―excel in sports, especially football, in school and simply fade off, ill-equipped to face challenges of post-school sports.

But fortunately for him, and many others his age in Goa, Brasil Futebol Academia was born in the nick of time when he was 10, and taught him a few Brazilian football techniques.

A set of Brazilian coaches and a gungho support team have kept themselves busy for over three years, quietly making champions of Antonio and other kids playing football.

Two Brazilian midfielders who are among India’s top paid professional players - Roberto Mendes Silva and Jose Ramires Barreto – are behind the venture. They are carrying out an extraordinary tradition of their home country where soccer stars give back expertise to the younger generation.

Antonio has been picked up by I-League side Clube Sporting de Goa as a goalkeeper. The physical and technical training he got at BFA has also propelled him to earn laurels and silverware at

athletic meets, even in age categories much higher than his own.

The academy’s school program has around 60 kids aged 6 to 14, who just love playing football. This program, unlike its professional, residential version at Margao (see box for details on the residential scheme), is a paid program. It aims at honing basic football skills and ultimately producing well-rounded players.

The better of these kids are also absorbed into a ‘development program’ which provides them a pathway to join squads who compete at the highest level in the state, at national and at international level tournaments as well.

According to Rodrigo Mendes Silva, BFA’s head coach, thirteen players graduated to top-tier football in India from the Academy last year.

“Aleixo plays for

- Coach Rodrigo Mendes Silva, Brasil Futebol Academia

Sports 25

Thursday, March 7, 2013

The Pro Program

BFA’s programme in a nutshell

In addition the program for younger kids, BFA runs a professional program for the most talented youngsters aged 16 to 20. It’s a residential program funded by BFA’s founders and is free of charge.

It’s not merely football that BFA hones in the youngsters who attend its residential program at Margao.

It offers everything that the players need―to train, to live and to study.

“Everything is in place on campus. World class facilities are manned by expert staff, and the skills kids develop are not with the feet alone. It combines football with study, and developing academic talents is also encouraged,” says Maverick.

The training regimen goads the kids into spending longer time working with the ball to develop skills, from basic to complex, which are broken down into phases to make learning them easy.

The moves are taught and repeated until proficiency at performing these is achieved individually. Gradually they are made to practice these skills against other children and finally at games, says Rodrigo, adding that coaches closely monitor every player, each of whom has an annual development plan.

Youngsters in the program study at various schools around Goa.

Phase 1 • Encourage the enjoyment of football. Give only essential instructions.

• Teach them fundamental social skills: e.g. punctuality, regular attendance, team work, courtesy, good sportsmanship, tidying up, asking permission to miss training and games.

• Be a good role model; friendly, fair, punctual, enthusiastic, respect opponents and match officials and promote fair play.

• We at BFA understand that youth training must never be a copy of adult training. It should be according to the player’s need.

THE COACHING TEAM Adakole O. Jonathan (Nigerian),Rafik Bepari, Seby Horbart Rodrigues, Naresh N Virnodkar (all Indians), Juliano Fontana, (Brasilian Technical Director) Rodrigo Mendes Silva (Brasilian Head Coach) month. For those who can’t afford it, the program keeps about 15 percent of its slots open for underprivileged youth, who join on the recommendation of schools.

So what’s the take of administrators, coaches and others in charge of football on BFA’s three years in Goa? Many who were contacted just nodded in acknowledgement of the work. But Bruno Coutinho, Goa’s best known face in football, thinks it’s something worth emulating.

“This sort of stuff was long overdue.

I think all the top Goan football clubs should venture into setting up academies like these,” said Bruno.

He heads the multi-discipline coaches who are employed by the Sports Authority of Goa and told Streets he will move a proposal to upgrade SAG’s residential coaching scheme on the lines of the Brasil Futebol Academia. 

Phase 2 • Correct demonstration and frequent practice • Teach technical skills systematically • Help them to be independent and to accept responsibility for their own actions • Be a good role model • Praise positive behaviour • Skills development is more important than the outcome of the game • Encourage them to play in all positions

Phase 3 • Show trust, respect and understanding • Explain expected behaviour • Promote self-awareness and responsibility • Understand and empathize with players • The formative phase is a pathway to get into the BFA Pro Program. If our technical team feels that a player in the formative phase is extremely talented he will be selected to be part of the BFA Pro Program. Graduates from the BFA program play for some of the biggest clubs in India.

That’s our new coach from Brazil

Sketch by Melba Steffi Pereira

I-League Club Churchill Brothers and seven others are on Vasco Sports Club’s roster which is in I-League’s second division,” Rodrigo told Streets.

“People here laugh at me when I say India has more talent than Brazil. But that’s the truth,” asserts Rodrigo.

So why is it that so many world beaters come out of Brazil and none from India?

“That’s because in India, footballers get their first professional training at age 14. In Brazil we start at six,” argues Rodrigo.

Six-year-olds and kids older are taught basic ball skills and the idea of passing, he says, adding that by the time they are 14, they’ve perfected these skills.

“At the junior level itself all players have a clear idea of how to position themselves on the football field. They also have perfect knowledge about accurate passing. In India, players begin to learn this only at 20 and are almost at the end of their physical prime by the time they perfect it,” Rodrigo said.

At BFA, Rodrigo and the other coaches in his team, do more than what most football academies do. They create an atmosphere where kids can express themselves and have fun. Players are tested and monitored. They are fielded in fun, small-sided matches. And there’s more fun in off-pitch training and at sessions on the psychology of football.

Monitoring of nutrition and giving the kids the chance to meet top I-league stars are added bonuses.

Most importantly there’s another welcome difference. At BFA, football has that extra, pleasing-to-the-eye zing: the Brazilian deft-footed style.

According to Rodrigo, it’s a tradition among professional footballers in Brazil that they give back to football a part of what they’ve earned in their careers.

“Players invest in training programs in their native villages and towns. Beto and Barreto made a lot of money from football in India and so they decided to give back. That’s how BFA was born,” explained Rodrigo.

BFA is the brainchild of ‘Beto’ (Roberto Mendes Silva), the Brazilian mid-fielder of Goa’s professional soccer team Churchill Brothers and his friend Jose Ramires Barreto, another Brazilian playing professional football for Mohun Bagan Club of Kolkata. The Academy has presence in both Goa and Kolkata.

“It has given Goan youngsters an opportunity to learn from professional coaches, some of who have international coaching backgrounds,” says Maverick Martins, who heads the academy’s Public Relations and Marketing division.

Maverick vows that the 1: 15 coachplayer ratio for the youth development program will be upheld in all circumstances.

“We give our best players access to quality coaching, sports science and facilities. We also instill good habits and practices in everything, from training to lifestyle management,” Maverick told Streets.

BFA charges Rs 1,000 per child per

26 Feature

Naroa of

By Pantaleao Fernandes

I

f the city of Old Goa was proclaimed as the Rome of the East, Naroa, the Kashi of the West, lay just across the Mandovi River on the island of Divar. It claimed its blessed status due to the confluence of three branches of the Mandovi that flowed by the village. The Hindus called this confluence the tirth (holy water), that washed away their sins after a dip in its waters. Naroa was also home to the Temple of Saptakoteshwar that was held in high reverence by the Hindu populace, not just the locals but from far and wide. Once a bustling place of pilgrimage, the village of Naroa now seems lost, its many secrets, on the verge of submerging into the waters of the Mandovi.

Naroa has a population of barely a thousand people, with about 80 houses dotting the tiny village.

A prawn farming unit in the village is run by an entrepreneur from Calangute. A marine dock has been adapted to manufacture fibre speedboats that are even being exported. There’s also a thriving sand extraction business in the waters around Naroa, with trucks regularly plying in and out of Divar.

The exodus of Catholic youth to foreign lands has reflected in Naroa too. In Kharivaddo, one of Naroa’s wards, almost 90 percent of the Catholic boys have moved to the UK and other countries. The men folk working on board ships and in the Gulf have bettered the economy of the village, but many beautifully built houses also remain closed, their owners having migrated abroad.

“The only problem is that we don’t have a bridge,” says Seby Dias, popularly known as Seby de Divar for his role as an actor in Konkani tiatr. “But the good side of that is that we live in peace, ther are hardly any robberies.”

The Temple of Saptakoteshwar was constructed in the 12th century by the kings of the Kadamba dynasty. It was destroyed by the Sultan of the Deccan in the middle of the XIV century and reconstructed at the same locality

by Madhava Mantri of Vijayanagar.

Holy Spirit Church of Naroa

Feature 27

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Beneath this sleepy Naroa of modern times lies centuries of significant archaeological history.

Rui Gomes Pereira writes on Naroa’s history in his book ‘Goa: Hindu Temples and Deities.’―“The Temple of Saptakoteshwar was constructed in the 12th century by the kings of the Kadamba dynasty. It was destroyed by the Sultan of the Deccan in the middle of the 14th century and reconstructed at the same locality by Madhava Mantri of Vijayanagar at the close of the same century. It was again destroyed by the Portuguese in the year 1540 or 1541.”

During the colonial rule, it was not uncommon for sacred Hindu objects to end up in not so sacred locations. After the destruction of the temple of the Village of Naroa, its Shivalinga was placed on the wall of a village well where it remained for many years.

“Narayana Surya Rau Sar Dessai, an ancestor of the Surya Rau Sar Dessai mahajans, took that linga to Latabarcem of Bicholim where it remained for two years before being transferred to Hindalem, which later was called Naroa after the place where the deity belonged,” writes Pereira. Marks can still be seen on this linga, caused by the friction with copper vessels used for drawing water at its earlier location.

The tirth too was shifted to the other side and that is where the Hindus converge in large numbers for ablution of sins on the day of Astami. The old tirth is called porne tirth and one finds a small Hindu shrine built there. However, on the foundations of the old Saptakoteshwar temple, a prayer and catechism house was constructed in 1563, which was later transformed into the chapel of Our Lady of Candelaria. The sanctuary of this chapel is round and topped by a dome, which is a unique character found in only two other chapels in Goa. The peaceful ferry wharf that connects the taluka of Tiswadi to Bicholim was once a hostile border between the Portuguese and the kingdom of Bijapur.

Hence a fortress was erected to guard this entry point. Though the fortress is in ruins, the old garrison church adjacent to the fortress still serves the locals. The church contains many graves, perhaps of its gallant Captains who now sleep peacefully, as all hostilities are put to rest!

The Jesuit priest Moren de Souza writes about the history of the Naroa church in his book, “Tisvaddecheo Igorzo”. During routine inspection, one Portuguese commander found the fortress of Naroa practically empty. It seemed that being a Sunday, the entire garrison had gone to a neighbouring church for Sunday services! To solve this problem, the officials decided to construct a church there. Accordingly, the king of Portugal wrote a letter dated 8th March 1546 to Dom Joao de Castro and instructed him to build a church at Naroa and dedicate it to St. Thomas the Apostle.

A document dated in the year 1710 reveals that Diogo da Silveira, captain of the fort of Naroa built this church.

Unique sanctum of the Candelaria Chapel

Though the church is dedicated to the Holy Spirit, a statue of St Thomas adorns the main altar.

Fr. Feroz Fernandes of the Society of Pilar spent his childhood at Naroa, and he reveals some more secrets from his village. He leads the way from the ferry point till he comes to a cross, built right on the edge of the river. He says, “This ward is called Tarir, where all the vodekar (boatmen) of the area reside.

They would sing the litany of this cross by standing in their own canoes in the river. It was believed that if the cross ever got submerged, the water would enter their homes. So to protect them from this calamity they would conduct the litany.”

He moves on to another cross and explains, “At this spot special litanies are held on the eve of major festivals. After the litany, the members would hold an auction of the mutiche poishe (fistful of money). The mutiche poishe consisted of coins contributed by members as token offerings to the cross. These coins would be gathered in a handkerchief and auctioned off. The lucky bidder would say “Mut hadli” and would devoutly keep the

mutiche poishe at home.”

Local elders try to explain their customs, “When these people were converted, they retained their core customs – this is something similar to the maand (gathering place in village).

The local people had their own way of worship which Christianity could not accommodate. So they chose a very remote place, used the symbols of Christianity and continued with their traditions. Wherever there was a maand, now there is a cross. Christians tried to express their faith, using the symbol of Christ and yet retaining their customs.

However, at some point of time these practices were not understood and eventually forbidden. Now we should see it in a new light―that people wanted to retain something of their own.”

In the same locality lies the recently constructed temple of Daad. A little ahead, Fr. Feroz points out to a manmade cave, outside which some saffron flags are seen fluttering, a sign of the abode of a spirit. Another natural cave awaits nearby, which according to Fr. Feroz, is connected by a tunnel going deep into the hill side. A natural spring with an enclosure is hidden from view by the undergrowth. Closer inspection reveals the structure of the enclosure to be decorated with finials, indicating that this was perhaps the bathing place for the Deao (Dean of the village), whose erstwhile palace is located on the plateau just above.

The only site that has attracted government attention is the ancient water tank, which is carved out of laterite. Its walls have decorative recesses resembling those of Buddhist shrines.

This tank which was buried under debris was recently excavated and cleaned.

A small board proclaims it to be a ‘protected site’. Sadly, the rest of ancient Naroa remains buried under the sands of time! 

Carvings on the ancient water tank

28 Hot Streets

Dear Acaricia May I love my wife very much, but there are some things about her that irritate me. I get turned on by lingerie, specially the lacy, satiny stuff. Is there anything wrong in that? But my dear wife always wears these lousy frumpy night dresses that are shapeless and come in gaudy and dull colours. I tried secretly disposing of the really boring nighties, but there are some favourites that she will not let go off. How do I convince her to switch over to the lacy frills? It would do us a world of good!

Sushant (name changed), Mapusa Dear Sushant

Dear Acaricia May I have heard a lot about the famous G-Spot that is supposed to give a lot of pleasure to a woman. I have been searching for it in my partner for many years now, but have not found it. Is it a real thing or just some kind of myth? If it’s real, how can I find it?

Clifton, Panjim Dear Clifton,

The Grafenberg Spot (named after German gynecologist Ernst Gräfenberg) is located one to three inches up the front vaginal wall.

It is an erogenous area which when stimulated can lead to great arousal, intense orgasms and female ejaculation (or as some people call it, ‘gushing’ or ‘squirting’). To locate it, face your partner, place two fingers into the vaginal opening, upward along the front vaginal wall (on the same side as her bellybutton, dumbo!), until you feel a spongy, rough textured area the size of a 50-paise coin . This is the G-Spot. Direct stimulation using a gentle pressing movement will lead to arousal and swelling of this zone, as it is composed of erectile tissue.

But don’t spend too much time directly tinkering under the hood, especially if you have not been learning how to drive properly. The basis of any good sexual relationship is a healthy loving relationship.

Talk to her, be kind and loving, listen to her, and at the end of a hard day give her a long, vigorous massage. That relaxing massage can then travel to Grafenberg Country and its delights!

Love Acaricia May

Dear Acaricia May I feel my husband nags me all the time. Every time I say something, he cuts me down and says something hurtful. So imagine my surprise when last night, after a big quarrel, he said – “Every time I say something, you insult me and shut me up. You are a big nag!” How can both of us be feeling the same way? Who is right and who is wrong?

Sushmita (name changed), Margao Dear Sushmita

Both of you are right and wrong. You are right in the sense that both of you are feeling the same way, because you are behaving in the same way. Try this out, for one week, you keep quiet and listen to your mate. Let him express himself freely without you interrupting. Next week, he shuts up and listens to you. It will be tough to be quiet, but try counting up to 10 when you feel that urge to butt in with a barb. The more you listen to a fellow human being, the more you are loved and respected. If you have something critical to say, try the ‘Sandwich’. Give him a compliment, then the criticism, and close with a kind line again. There are better chances that he will accept your view this way.

Love Acaricia May

You mean it would do you a world of good, eh! Well, I guess she would surely enjoy wearing some lovely lingerie. So all you have to do is gift her the stuff.

Unless she suffers from major Convent guilt, she will be happy to try them out. Don’t give her a thong straight away, you will scare her off. No wife wants to feel like some tart! Start with some frilly teddies, or full length satin night gowns.

Don’t be a miser, spend on some really good night wear, and she will be thrilled.

And, Casanova, what are you bringing to the table, er, bed? A stained old pair of shorts? A seedy old lungi? Ever think of some nice V trunks? Make sure you are well groomed too, before frowning at your better half. And if she loves an old cotton dress, respect her for it. It may have sentimental value for her, a memory of perhaps the first time you both made love. Oh, you don’t remember what she wore, right? Value her memories and add some new fragrant soft nothings to her wardrobe. That will do both of you a heaven of good.

Love Acaricia May

Send all your questions about sex, relationships, love and romance to Acaricia May at acariciamay@goastreets.com.

USEFUL STUFF www.goastreets.com

Thursday, March 7, 2013 Police 100 Ambulance 108 Coast Guard 1718 Women Helpline 1091 Goa State Aids Control Society 1097 Child Helpline 1098

Airline Offices Air Arabia Airlines 9225906416/15 Indian Airlines 18001801407 Air India 2431100/04 Jet Airways 1800225822 Spice Jet 18001803333 Kingfisher Airlines 18002093030 GoAir 1800222111 Singapore Airlines 2438813 Qatar Airlines 7930616000

Ambulance Services Goa Medical College 2458725 Vintage Ambulance +91 8322232533 /+91 9823059948 Ambulance Trust (Margao) 2731759/2714464 Mapusa Ambulance Service (Mapusa) 2262372 Helpline (Dona Paula) 2453303

Super markets

Magsons Super Market Miramar, St Inez, Caculo Mall, Caranzalem, Vasco, Verna and Varca 2463700/2463701/2463702 Orchard Stores Anjuna. 2273231 Newton’s Arcade Candolim. 2489056 Delfinos Super Stores, Candolim, 2356895 / 5235685 Maple Leaf Supermarket Porvorim, 6454099

Bus Services Kadamba Road Transport Corporation 133 Kadamba Transport Corporation 2438034/2438036 Manish Volvo 2444056 Paulo Travels 2438531 Neeta Volvo 2438088

Medical and Hospitals

Dial-A-Doctor (Toll Free) 1911 Blood Bank 2458724 Vrundavan Hospital, Mapusa +918322250022/+918326713535 Apollo Hospital Margao. 2728888/ 6728888 Manipal Hospital Panjim. 3048800 Vintage Hospital Panjim. 2426650

29

Pharmacies

Jeevan Rekha Medical Store Panjim. 2435946 Holy Spirit Medical Services Margao. 2737433 Bardez Bazaar Mapusa. 2256620/2250618 Walson & Walson Calangute. 2276366 Nayana Medical Stores Porvorim. 2417818

Police stations

TOY STORES Hallmark Cards & Gift Shop Kamat Mansion Miramar, Goa – 403001 2462072 Poshak 2220434 Near Hotel Navtara Panaji Baron Toy Shops, Game Dealers, Toy Dealers-Funskool Panjim 2229997

Margao 2705095 Mapusa 2262231 Pernem 2201233 Anjuna 2273233 Calangute 2278284 Porvorim 2417704 Old Goa 2285301 Ponda 2313101 Colva 2788396 Vasco Harbour 2512234 Verna 2782325 Canacona 2633357

Karmalys The Gift shop Near Geeta bakery Panjim 2422558

Post Offices

Candolim. 9822182814/9822156543

Weekender Kids 2430931 Mahatma Gandhi Road Panjim

Adventure sports/ Boat tours/diving/ excursions John’s Boat tours

Panjim GPO 2223706 Margao 2715791 Mapusa 2262235 Calangute 2276030

Goa Fishing

Department of Tourism

Aqua Fun Water Sports

2438750/2438755 Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd 2226515/2226728 Govt. of India Tourism 2223412/2420529 Panjim Information Counter 2438520 Margao Information Counter 2715204 Vasco Information Counter 2512673

Railway Stations

Canacona Code:CNO +918322643644 Madgaon Code:MAO +918322712790 Pernem Code:PERN +918322201283 Thivim Code:THVM +918322298682 Vasco de Gama Code:VSG +918322512398/+918322512131 Karmali Code:KRMI +918322285798

Safety Information Tourist Police Booths Miramar 2464260 Tourist Police Booths alangute 2281238 Tourist Police Booths Vagator 2274031 GMC Casuality 2458725 GMC Casuality 2458725

Dona Paula. 9422059303

Boat Craft

Colva. 2789400/2789401 Cavellosim. 9822586661

Prajosh Adventures

Agua Spa At The Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Utorda @ Daily 9 am to 8 pm +918326698888 Sohum Spa At Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa, Utorda @ 9.30 a to 10 pm +918322884400/ +918322884401 The Shamana Spa Grand Hyatt Goa P.O. Goa University, Bambolim, North Goa, Goa, India view map +91 832 301 1603

DreamZ Spa and Salon At Campal, Panjim @ 10 am to 9 pm +918322223628 Sukho Thai -The Thai Foot Spa At Calangute @ 11 am to 11 pm +918326511265 Sohum Spa At Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa, Utorda @ 9.30 a to 10 pm +918322884400/ +918322884401

Panjim. 2427424/9923903788

KNOW U O Y DID The church of Nossa Senhora da Divina Providência (Church of St.Cajetan) at Old Goa was inspired by the design of St.Peter’s Basilica in Rome . It was built in 1656-1661 by Italian Theatine priests, designed

by Fr.Carlo Ferrarini, the Theatine head in Goa and master mason Francesco Maria Milazzo. It has a square plan in the shape of a Greek cross. Its central dome rests upon four big arches which rest on massive square pillars. Its façade has a columnar portico crowned by a triangular pediment and a pilastered attic running above the entire length, similar to St.Peter’s church in Rome.

30 Give Back

Bebook

bringing books to hungry young minds

By Diviya Kapur

B

ebook is a mobile library for disadvantaged children.

Once a week, volunteers visit various projects―a home for street children, a school for children with learning difficulties and a home for children from socially and economically weak sections of society. While books and storytelling are the main focus, other related activities like theatre, music, art and craft are also utilised to make books more appealing.

This is even more necessary in today’s society, where reading outside academics is no longer considered important. The basic idea of the project is that books and reading for pleasure opens up a whole new world of imagination for children, which can help a child learn, as well as change ideas and thinking of the children. The underlying motto of the project is that learning is fun! The name Bebook means ‘little frog’ in Konkani and also plays with books, as seen in our logo.

The project started a few years ago under the Tara Trust.

However, Bebook is now an independent registered trust from Feb 2012. We have just got a van for our mobile library, which was inaugurated on 3rd March this year at our Fundraiser, the Bebook Charity Fete, held at Literati Bookshop in Calangute.

The van and its refurbishing were possible due to the funds

raised by volunteers who successfully conducted Goa’s First Art Auction in March 2011, and the first Bebook Charity Fete in Feb 2011. The support of the artist community, art aficionados and donors made all this possible.

While we have worked at various projects like orphanages and a school for children of migrant labour in the past, we are currently interacting with three projects on a weekly basis.

A team of dedicated volunteers have built up a library of donated books, art materials and other workshop materials.

The volunteers donate their time and skills to conduct the reading workshops at the various institutions, carrying the reading and art materials to centres in Panjim, Porvorim and Candolim presently.

Though we have faced hurdles, the experience of working with children who are hungry to learn has been hugely rewarding for me personally and for the dedicated volunteers.

The feedback from the caregivers has been almost consistently very positive.

There are mobile libraries for disadvantaged children all

over the world including in Goa. Some of the more established ones are The Room to Read which was first started in Nepal and is now in different parts of India; Hippocampus in Bangalore and the Mobile Outreach Program of Bookworm in Goa. It is too early to assess the impact of Bebook in Goa, but the support we get from the projects we go to and the response from some of the children is very encouraging. At the Bebook Charity Fete this year some of the children we work with performed a skit and some percussion and rhythm numbers under the tutelage of volunteer Arundhatti Chattopadhyaya and Goan percussionist Bondo. The impact of Bebook could be seen in the confident performance of the children. The response to the Fete is also a reflection of the fact that the community feels the need for such programs.

The success of the mobile library project has been twofold, in that not only do the children benefit but the community by generously participating in the fund raisers and activities is fundamentally involved in the evolution of the program.

We have very limited funds to run the program, we do not have any paid staff nor administrative staff. There is a serious lack of youngsters who volunteer to go to the projects and read to the children. We welcome assistance from well-wishers, be it volunteering, book donations or any other support.

BEBOOK, E/1-282 Gaura Vaddo, Calangute, Goa 403 516.

Diviya Kapur owns the Literati Bookshop and is the Managing Trustee of the Bebook Mobile Library Project.

Contact the Bebook project at bebgoa@gmail.com

e t e F y t i r a h Bebook C alangute at Literati-C

Literati Bookshop at Calangute held a Bebook Charity Fete on Sunday 3rd March. Bebook is a mobile library project for underprivileged children.

Among the fun activities were a jumble sale, children’s book fair, face painting, live music and even painting the mobile library van.

For Trade Inquiries Please Contact Arihant Trading Corporation - Panaji E-mail: arihantgoa@gmail.com (or) enquiry@rsfpl.com