Issue No: 10 by Goa Streets

Coconut-Tree No More

Goan Weddings

Fonte Fenix

Studio Momo

Will the new amendment spell hell for Goa's iconic palms?

Time for a reality check on our favourite money-spending event

Fontainhas' landmark spring is soon to be restored

An architect couple crafting homes the natural way

Also Inside:

Panjim Mayor Election - 04 Art feast at Sensorium - 16 Beithak crafts - 17 Holistic Education - 19

Governor Jacob

Goa Goa Will Will Remember Remember You You

02 warrior

The Death Of Lt. Gen. JFR Jacob

Did You Know That Goa’s Most Successful Governor Was Jewish? And That He Singlehandedly Saved Hundreds of Thousands Of Lives?

By Steven Gutkin

he death this week of Lieutenant General Jacob Farj Rafael Jacob, the last surviving commander of a trio of leaders who led India to its greatest military victory in modern history, came as no surprise, of course, considering that he was 92. What might come as a surprise to many, however, is the following: • Jake Jacob, as his friends called him, was also Governor of Goa - one of the most successful ones in history, having set aside large swaths of land for conservation and turning around a flagging economy. • Jacob was Jewish, one of the only Jewish military and political leaders of consequence on the Asian continent during the past century. • Bangladesh gave him an award for his decisive role in the creation of that nation – one of the few times in history a Muslim nation bestowed such an honour on a Jewish person. • He craftily negotiated the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, telling his Pakistani counterpart General A A K 'Tiger' Niazi that a major Indian onslaught was imminent. It was a bluff that Jacob didn’t even tell his superiors about. It is also believed to have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. • He lived alone in a largely solitary life in New Delhi in his final years. • He never married, even though he had two relationships, calling the second one the love of his life. • He maintained close ties to Israel and with famous Israeli leaders including Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres. His uniform hangs in a military museum in the Jewish state. • He was the highest ranking military officer in the history of the Indian Jewish community. • He was perhaps the most prominent Jew associated with Goa since the great herbalist Garcia de Horta made the territory his home in the 1500’s. Jacob was born in 1923 in Calcutta, British India. His family hailed from a

long line of Baghdadi Jews who moved to India from Iraq in the middle of the 18th century. He enlisted in the British Indian Army in 1942, and continued to serve in the Indian Army, eventually becoming a lieutenant general. He was best known for the role he played in India’s victory in the IndoPakistan War of 1971 and the Liberation of Bangladesh. Jacob was Chief of Staff of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command during that war. Jacob also fought in World War ll and the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965. Later, he served as governor of both Goa and Punjab. Jacob wrote a well-received autobiography, An Odyssey in War and Peace, in 2011 and a year later sat down for comprehensive interviews with Open Magazine. The article was written by Israeli-American writer Aimee GinsburgBikel, who is the widow of the late performer Theodore Bikel and who spent many years in Goa herself. In it,Jacob opened up about his life and career. When Ginsburg wrote to Jacob requesting the interviews, he wrote back, “‘I am approaching 90. I think I have earned a rest. I intend to now slowly fade away. If you want to write about me, you better be quick. Regards, jfrj.’ Jacob proceeded to talk about the two women he loved (calling the last one the love of his life), his tenure as a military chief, his Jewish identity and his life as an old man in New Delhi. He said his siblings were all gone and that he had no contact with extended family members. The Jewish community of India had dwindled to just a handful of people. In his final years, he kept mostly to himself in his book-filled flat, receiving few visitors. “My friends and peers are all gone,” he told Ginsburg. “I have never been a very religious man … I believe in God, I can say a few Jewish prayers, but that’s it. When we

were young, our parents hired tutors to teach us Hebrew. Unlike my brothers, I was not bothered to learn. I regret that now.” He recalled his time of Governor of Goa in the late 1990s, when he was asked by state party leaders to take the reins of day-to-day governance under a system called President’s Rule as a response to political turmoil in the state. He was widely praised for turning around a flagging economy, raising efficiency, addressing citizens’ needs and, perhaps most notably, saving two large tracts of jungle from mining – turning them into nature reserves in

what Ginsburg called “a legally airtight manner.” “The politicians and the mining companies were up in arms,” he told Ginsburg. “This is the best thing I have ever done. Even the tigers have started to return.” By the time Jacob was set to leave office, there were widespread calls for an extension of President’s rule, and the Herald newspaper wrote at the time: “Of all the Governors who served in Goa, Lt. Gen. Jacob was the best by any yardstick.” Ginsburg asked Jacob if he’d be interested in coming back to Goa to “view the beauty of the sanctuaries he helped create.” His response: “I never retrace my steps.” After Jacob’s death from pneumonia last week, President Pranab Mukherjee said the general’s “distinguished services to the nation and the Indian Army shall always be remembered." Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted condolences and said India “will always remain grateful to him for his impeccable service to the nation at the most crucial moments.” And Daniel Cermon, Israel’s ambassador to India, called Jacob an "Indian war hero, a proud Jew and a great friend of Israel." Ginsburg asked Jacob if he ever thought of moving to Israel to share his military expertise there. “Israel has outstanding military leaders of their own, they do not need me. Besides, India has always been very good to us. I am proud to be a Jew, but am Indian through and through. I was born in India and served her my whole life. This is where I want die.” On Jan. 13, 2016, that wish came true. 

Publisher Marisha Dutt • Chief Mentor Steven Gutkin • Contributing Editor José Lourenço Photographer Brendon Sapeco • Marketing Co-ordinator Radhika Naik • Marketing Executive Alvira Rodrigues • Graphic Designer Amol Kamat • Circulation & Accounts Co-ordinator Nilesh Shetgaonkar • Circulation Vijay Gadekar & Valentino D'Cruz • Correspondents/Writers: Ethel Da Costa,

Sheela Jaywant, Charlane Pereira e Rebello, Bina Datwani, Karan Bhagat, Perin Ilavia, Dielle D’Souza, Anzil Fernandes, Crespo D’Souza, Sanket Sharma, Richa Narvekar, Vivian Maverick Martins, Claron Mazarello, Aliya Abreu, Kanchi Mehta, Sapna Shahani, Vaishnavi Pilankar

politics

Panjim Chooses

Residents of Goa’s Capital Set To Choose Their Next Leaders By Crespo D’Souza

ho will rule the capital of Goa? With municipal elections just 7 weeks away, political horse trading, mutual recriminations and old-fashioned Goan intrigue are well under way as the people of Panjim prepare to hit the polls. The first thing you need to know about these upcoming elections is that revolution is not at hand. That’s because the party best positioned to shake things up – Aam Aadmi – is considered to have virtually no chance of winning enough of the 30 council seats at stake to name Panjim’s next mayor. Instead, the real fight is between a grouping of former and current Congress politicians led by Santa Cruz MLA Atanasio Monserrate, known popularly as Babush, and a ramshackle BJP coalition promising a fast track to prosperity. It’s anyone’s guess who will win the March 6 vote. But one of the most noteworthy developments in the run-up to the election of the Corporation of the City of Panjim is Monserrate’s decision to bury the hatchet with his one-time rival, former mayor Surendra Furtado, joining forces with him to beat the BJP. “We are coming together for the sake of Panjim. If you can see, Panjim has

deteriorated. The reason for coming together is to ensure that the BJP stays out of power,” Furtado said in views echoed by Monserrate. What does all this mean to you and me? The truth is a victory by either the Monserrate-Furtado coalition or the BJP stalwarts is not likely to fundamentally change politics-as-usual in the Goan capital. It would be naïve to assume these elections could make a serious dent in the prevalence of crony capitalism, corruption and red tape. Whoever wins, the nods to development and the half-hearted commitment to public improvements are likely to continue, as is a slow, and more or less steady, march toward infrastructure improvement. To be sure, the BJP folks insist they’re best positioned to usher in progress because they count on the support of both the state and central governments, each of which is also dominated by the BJP. Panjim’s prospects of becoming a “smart city” will be improved quickly, they say, because of their links to the centre. The Monserrate-Furtado folks, for their part, insist that a vote for them is a vote for a better, more efficient city – one

that is more responsive to the needs of the people. Aam Aadmi is the one party promising substantive change, but because of their small size, their best hope is to establish a strong foothold in Panjim politics rather than outright victory. Anastaio Monserrate, the Santa Cruz MLA, is a political heavyweight from Taleigao who holds sway over much of western Panjim. Panjim is currently in the hands of the BJP under the leadership of Shubham Chodankar. Many Panjim residents wish the Aam Aadmi Party were larger and better positioned. Ashley do Rosario, a Panjim resident and one time candidate for city office, laments the long standing battle between Monserrate and former Panjim MLA Manohar Parrikar, a former Goa Chief Minister and the current Union Defence Minister who is known locally as Bhai. “The CCP election has become a joke. Power is alternating between Babush and Bhai. The people of Panjim have been made fools of. I really hope a third alternative like that of the AAP offers an alternative to Panjim,” do Rosario said. The Furtado-Monserrate saga is something of a soap opera. Monserrate helped Furtado become mayor of Panjim in 2013, but then withdrew his support two years later and Furtado was unseated. Now the two are back together, but not many buy the “for the sake of Panjim”

argument. Rather, most see it as marriage of convenience, with Furtado likely having been promised a full five-year term as leader of Goa’s most important city. Monserrate refused to say as much, but did acknowledge there have been discussions on who would be mayor. The BJP camp is keeping its cards close to its chest over its plans for the Panjim polls. With the party ruling at the centre and the state, the Panjim elections are the its to lose. A crucial factor this time round is Parrikar’s absence. A common belief in Goa these days is that Parrikar and Monserrate have agreed not to oppose each other in the machinations of Goan politics. That belief was bolstered by Monserrate’s decision not to support Furtado in the Panjim byboll called to replace Parrikar’s seat in the state assembly when he was called to New Delhi, allowing Parrikar’s protege Siddharth Kuncalienkar to win at the polls. Whatever their prospects in the upcoming election, the AAP is promising to usher in a new kind of politics. “People are suffering and biding their time to express their frustration,” said AAP secretary Valmiki Naik. “The city is suffering from various issues, be it garbage, traffic, law and order, parking and other basic issues. The AAP will put up a citizens’ panel and our volunteers will campaign for these candidates. We will come up with a manifesto for corruption-free governance which the people want.” The Corporation of the City of Panjim deals mostly with mundane issues such as garbage collection, the vegetable market and parking. But make no mistake. If the local government truly has the people’s interests at heart, a better life is possible. 

iming is everything. Make it your mate and watch it expand, allowing you to dance with its secrets. The magical maverick genius of our times, I’m guessing, knew this well. With eccentric artfulness, he peeled each layer of skin to self mould into another version of his personal re-invention. Create, destroy. “We are nothing, but a Blackstar,” he said. David Bowie to the world was a gender-blender of mind, mood and spirit. Ziggy Stardust to those conflicted with sexuality, Aladdin Sane to the thin-line closet walker, the Thin White Duke snubnosing conventional lyric, song-writing and society itself - inspiring fashion lines across the planet, ushering androgyny, and telling every outcast on Earth that it’s OK to be different. Each persona was a careful study of personality,wringing out great flourish and then sealing it forever to history. Bowie was addictive. When he was 9 years old, his teachers remembered him as “strikingly imaginative,” "vividly artistic" and "astonishing" for a child. The truth about him was apparent even then. Bowie first came to me in a flash of screaming hormones seeking defiant self-expression. In 1983’s `Let’s Dance’,

he sang,“Put on your red shoes and dance the blues. Sway through the crowd to an empty space.” His highest selling track with a smashing guitar solo by Stevie Ray Vaughan became a popular anthem. I was among the children dancing with electricity coursing through my veins, gobsmacked by the universe of possibilities Bowie brought forth. We could be whoever we chose to be. We could love men or choose to love women, or both, together. It wasn’t necessary to live within the confines of what our parents or peers

deemed acceptable. I looked at Bowie, this bohemian gentleman, with his fancy cross dressing, hair gelled stiff or spiked bright, a flamboyant flair for flowing trench jackets that were Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes in a blink, and knew the world was big. Very big. And life’s possibilities, like Bowie’s personas, were endless.

06 music & nightlife Jan 15 32nd Assagao Mehfil Featuring: Namana (lounge, fusion) Anna Shabalina - Cello, Musical Saw, Vocals, Linar Rizatdinov - Vocals, Bass Guitar, Tanjore Quartret Dannse theater, Ronald Suresh Kishna, Theodorus Ramdjiet Kishna Entry: Adults Rs.500, kids Rs.200 At Hotel Astoria, Assagao 7pm Onwards + 91 9545 71 8824

Jan 16 Goa Reggae Sun splash Goa Sun splash is India’s first music festival solely dedicated to the celebration of reggae sound system culture Featuring: General Levy (UK), Naaman (France), Steppa Style (Russia) and Delhi Sultanate (India). Ticket price: Rs 750 to Rs 4,500 At Club Nyex, North Anjuna Cliff, Near Anjuna Bus Stop, Anjuna, North, Goa 2 pm to12 am +91 9619 39 9117 Retro & Country Music  Featuring: with Triads - 3 piece all boys band At Bay 15, Odxel Beach 7:30 Onwards +91 8322 456231

Every Fridays & Saturdays Wild Bar Session Drink All You Can Special Performances At Nyex Beach Club, Anjuna 8 pm onwards +91 7387410421/ +91 9545550571

Every Wednesday Free bird nights at Cotinga Free bird nights at Cotinga presents, Elvis and Anirban, with a classic rock and blues session, this Wednesday 8:00 pm onwards. At Cotinga at the Tamarind Hotel, Anjuna 8:00 pm onwards +919822851155, (0832)6519999 Live music at Mustard  Krishna Vamsee is live on Wednesday, only at Mustard playing the best in blues, mo-town rock, and country tracks.  Come savour the flavour that binds cuisines together at the newest culinary destination in Goa.  8:00 pm onwards  At Mustard, Sangolda +91 98234 36120

KARAOKE at GURU BAR Karaoke Night Kony Hindi, English & Russian Free entry At GURU BAR, Anjuna 8 pm onwards +91 98233 83257

Every Thursday Karaoke Nite Come & be with Mojo Rockstar Kdj Seby At Cafe Mojo Pub & Bistro, Panjim 7 pm onwards +91 7774054353

Every Fridays Friday Nights @ A Reverie With Anika Noronha Live At A Reverie, Calangute 7 pm onwards +91 98231 74927 Live Music Jukebox - Andre & Tania At The Fisherman's Wharf, Cavelossim  @ 7 pm onwards +91 832 287 1317 Fusion Live Music  Shanti Fusion A Fusion Of Indian Classical Music & Western Music. The Lead Instrument Is A Sitar Accompanied By Tabala, Drum Set, Saxophone, Keyboard & Double Base Guitar At Deltin Royale, Mandovi River (Offshore)   8 pm onwards +91 86985 99999

Every Saturday Saturday Live Music Saby Fernandes At MUSTARD, Sangolda 8 pm onwards +91 98234 36120

Music Spots in Goa Cavala Every Wednesday: Cavala Acoustic Latin Retro Every Friday: Tidal Wave’s live act Every Saturday: Piano played by Bosco Cavala, Calangute - Baga Road, Baga 8:30 pm onwards. +91 832 2276090 sales@cavala.com, www.cavala.com The Park, Calangute Every Monday: Retro Night by Jus Leo Every Thursday: Retro Night Every Friday: Karaoke Night with KDJ Tony The Park, Calangute 8 pm onwards +91 8805028194, +91 832 2267600 resv.goa@theparkhotels.com www.theparkhotels.com

Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim Piano Evenings- Every Evening A sip of coffee or a selection of the finest wines and digestifs; enjoy late evenings at Confeitaria while Melanie enchants you with the melodious keys of her Grand Piano. At Confeitaria, Grand Hyatt Goa 10 pm – 1 am Fire Place - Every Thursday Gather around the fire place at the Capiz Bar for an evening of sundowners, performances by DJ Thelma and the acrobatic Safari Cats. Sunset - 00:00 midnight Alfresco Night – Every Friday Walk over to the Pool Bar and Grill and enjoy comfort food accompanied with live music by DJ Thelma 7 pm – 10:30 pm For reservations call +91 832 3011510

Casinos in Goa Deltin Royale Casino Get lucky on a big boat. D.Bandodkar Road, Panjim +91 9820 616515 or email: groups@ deltin.com (If you’re based in Mumbai) +91 7875 024455 or email: groupbookings@deltin.com (If you’re based in Goa) Crown Casino Crown Casino located on the first floor of The Crown Hotel, Celebrate and have fun in crown casino that offers the latest in Gaming technology. Enjoy an international experience right here in the heart of Goa! Hotel guests can avail of special casino packages as well. Contact hotel reception on check in. Bairo Alto Dos Pilotos, Jose Falcao Road, Behind Old Secretariat, Panjim For Group Booking Contact: Mr. Rakshit Talwar: +91 9049084848 or +91 832 2222833 reception@crowncasinogoa.com Casino Carnival Casino Carnival Goa offers premium entertainment in Goa, anchored in the Mandovi River overlooking the charming city of Panjim. Offers High Quality Entertainment and Live Gaming experience in Goa comparable with the best practices of international casinos. At Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Panjim +91 8888885314

From Page 5 The cult of Bowie inspired five decades of avantgarde, in fashion, music, art, sexuality, culture and other human arenas. In a career spanning more than half a century, David Bowie curated his own master-class. Starting from his `British Bitch’ of the late 60s, he epitomized androgyny, cultural diversity and glam rock. Decade after decade, he spearheaded a fashion and cultural frenzy, all the time weaving sexual fluidity, creating and then rejecting his own reinventions,defying common sense and then suddenly embracing it,lest he were to buckle under the pressure of his own aura. From Jean Paul Gaultier who quotes Bowie’s influence on him as “instant and permanent,” to Emilio Pucci who showcased a dedication of jewel bright suits, to Burberry’s recent tribute to 1969’s `Space Oddity’, Bowie’s impact has stood the test of time. No other artist has had the singular ability to trapeze so elegantly through new wave and pop rock eras of decades past right through to 2016, straddling glam rock, electronica, and neo-classical with virtuoso complexity in between. Bowie adopted many elements of Japanese culture into his stage performances. Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto - who designed much of Bowie’s celebrated Ziggy stage outfits – called him a “beautiful androgynous shape-shifter,” who broke one sexual taboo after another with this infectious style. Among Yamamoto’s other famous Bowie outfits was `Space Samurai,’ using loose trousers and martial arts attire. With such an astounding career behind him, Bowie in recent years started to look the part of `elderly gentleman’. Until we realised this past week that, even in his late 60s and racked with cancer, the rebellious spirit that formed the core of his artistic being was far more alive than his failing body. He released the album Blackstar on Jan. 8, his 69th birthday, just two days before his death. There’s little doubt he meant it as a parting gift to his fans, a kind of message from the grave. “Blackstar may be the oddest work yet from Bowie,” wrote the New York Times. Bowie inspired innumerable bands across the planet, as they drew heavily from his signature sounds, stage persona and individual style. He changed the nature of rock music, and sold more than 140 million records worldwide. Bowie had no minutes to waste, no tears to shed, leaving behind a history so vast it would take another lifetime to emulate his hugely successful journey on this planet (and, in song at least, other planets, too). So long Ziggy. Let your Stardust continue to shine on me.  Ethel Da Costa is an award-winning, Goa-based acknowledged Fashion & Lifestyle writer-journalist, Published Author, Professional Entrepreneur, Media, PR, Concept Consultant, commentator-columnist of all things politically incorrect. She is FounderCEO of Think Geek Media, A Media & Lifestyle Company.www.facebook.com/

ThinkGeekMedia. She can be reached at etheldacosta@gmail.com

enquire 07

Saturday, January 16, 2016

By José Lourenço

n 14th January, the Legislative Assembly passed the controversial Goa Preservation of Trees (amendment) Bill 2016, reclassifying the coconut plant as a palm. The opposition in the House—the Congress and independent members—walked out in protest. A couple of days earlier, heritage activist Professor Prajal Sakhardande led protestors including students, NGO members and opposition politicians on a tree hugging protest on the Mapusa-Guirim stretch of the highway, bringing traffic to a halt. The politicians included MLAs Vijai Sardesai, Reginaldo Lourenco and Rohan Khaunte. The social media platforms too have been ablaze with posts supporting the status of the coconut as a tree. What is all the fuss about? In 2008, the Congress government had included the coconut tree under Section 1(A) of the Act, which had classified it as a tree. The present BJP government has amended the Act and placed the coconut under Section 21(A), which classifies it as a palm. There are presently about 47 lakh coconut trees in Goa. The Environment and Forest Minister Rajendra Arlekar insists that the common people support this move. “The move is aimed to ease the common man of Goa, who has to face hardships to remove a coconut tree endangering his house or human life,” says Arlekar. With this bill coming into effect, coconut trees in private property can be cut without permission. Activists argue that this sudden move by the government is intended to favour an agro-group

that wants to clear out its land of coconut trees. Real estate groups and industrialists will now be able to clear large swathes of coconut plantations without having to ask permission. But what does botany say about the coconut tree? Is it a tree? Or is it a grass? Botanist Miguel Braganza holds the original Goa, Daman and Diu Preservation of Trees Act of 1984 defines the tree as “any woody plant whose branches spring from and are supported upon a trunk or body and whose trunk or body is not less than five centimetre in diameter at a height of thirty centimetres from the ground level and is not less than one metre in height from the ground level.” Hence, he argues, there is nothing wrong in deleting coconut from the definition since a tree needs to have branches. So the 1984 Act said the coconut is not a tree. The 2008 change saw the Congress government turn the coconut a tree. And now the BJP government is simply reversing the status of the coconut back to a ‘non-tree’. Miguel still considers the government’s move as suspicious, possibly to facilitate some landed corporate group. Popular sentiment in the wake of this bill holds that the common man has never complained about difficulties in cutting coconut trees. Goan householders treasure a yielding tree for its coconuts which are an important part of curries and other Goan dishes. If a tree or two leans dangerously over a house, or a few palms have grown old and weak, the owner simply cuts them down without even asking the authorities. The process of replacing the cut trees is always ongoing, with new saplings being regularly planted. The 2008 Act has only been a thorn in

the flesh of the corporates who want to carry out large scale cutting, and what the ‘common’ people see as degradation of the Goan environment and ethos. Cyberspace pundits are also pondering the semantics of the coconut tree/non-tree. “Technically, they are correct in that it's not a tree. Trees are primarily dicots, whereas the Coconut is a monocot,” argues one poster on a Reddit forum. Dicots are plants that have two cotolydons (sections) in their seed. Cotolydons are the first ‘leaves’ that emerge. Common dicots are most trees and shrubs, as well as beans, peas, tomatoes, etc. Common monocots like grasses and palms have only a single ‘leaf’ in their seeds. A palm does not have trunks any more than corn or grass does. It is most commonly called a shaft or stalk, informs the forum member. Another poster disagrees, saying there are a large number of trees like the conifers that are clearly trees, but not dicots. But then again, the charter of Goa’s Forest department refers to coconuts as being tree cover, which brings it under their area of concern, and the recent government move obviously conflicts with this concern. We could argue till the cows come home or the coconuts fall on our heads, but at the end of the brouhaha, one thing is clear. Many landed industrialists and builders are going to breathe a huge sigh of relief that they can fire up their bulldozers and mow down the coconut groves in their path. And the rest of Goa will only look on helplessly, knowing their own elected representatives sanctioned the destruction of Goa’s Kalpataru, the noble all-giving coconut tree.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Jan 16

Jan 15 to Jan17th

European Dancers to Entertain Goa Gallery Gitanjali in collaboration with Sheela Raj and the heart Light presents Event – a unique, immersive dance featuring dancers from the UK and Spain, Julia Robert and Rudi Cole. At Gallery Gitanjali 6:00 pm Onwards +91 8322 42 3331

Goa Tattoo Festival The 1st International Goa Tattoo Festival will be a celebration of tattoo art featuring some of the best tattoo artists from all over the world. There will be live art displays, galleries and entertainment all weekend, plus competitions, awards, seminars and education and much more. At Titos White House, 1259, Calangute Arpora Siolim Road, Anjuna, Baga, North, Goa 11:45am - 10:00pm +91 8322 91 4687

Taleigao food festival for a cause The ‘Centro Social e Culture Sao Miguel de Taleigao Food Festival, commonly known as ‘Amchez Daiz’. The festival will include cooking of traditional Goan food at the venue by the village and culture programme comprising of Konkani and Portuguese songs and traditional dances such as ‘Fugdi’ and ‘Dhalo’ which will be staged by the local artists from Taleigao.  At Taleigao Church Square 7:00 pm Onwards

Jan 17 The Army Jazz Band 'The Aquarians' The band will play Jazz as well as Hindi and English patriotic songs and other genres such as soft-rock, hard rock, blues, and martial music. At Garcia De Orta (Municipal garden), Panjim From 5 pm to 8:30 pm Screening Official Liverpool Goa supporters club At Vault 18, Panjim 7:00 pm Onwards + 91 9049 91 1082/ + 91 9890 70 1909/ + 91 7709 01 0710

Jan 12 to Jan 16 Science Film Festival of India Science Filmmaking workshop and competition ‘Dream to Screen’ At Maquinez palace, Old GMC complex, Panaji, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, VHP office, Khadpabandh, Ponda, Ravindra Bhavan, Vasco, Vidya Prabhodini, Porvorim, Mapusa 11:00 am to 4:00 pm +91 832 2428111

Jan 14 to Jan 17 Science Film Festival of India Enjoy film screenings scientist Interaction daily. Open for all Film making workshop shoot a Film! Workshop on nightscape photography learn to assemble a rocket, fancy dress competition (science theme), science magic show, traveling planetarium, 3D printing demo, robotics & book exhibition At Inox 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm +91 8698 92 5200

Jan 15 to April 30 Vagator Night Bazaar Every Friday Retail, Food, live music, shows, games At Vagator Hill near thalassa, Ozran, Vagator 6 pm to 12 am +91 9172479697/ +91 7875233985

Jan 28 to Jan 30 Difficult Dialogues An independent non-partisan forum for conversations around critical issues concerning our lives in South Asia ‘Difficult Dialogues’ will conduct a series of talks and discussions. It is an annual festival of topical ideas and motions. At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula 9:30 am to 12:30 am +91 8322 452805

Every Tuesday Rejuvenate & Detox At Shamana Spa Designed to restore balance to your body system, cleanse it of toxins, and rejuvenate the mind. The program at Shamana Spa, Grand Hyatt Goa will include a combination of yoga, aqua exercise, lymphatic drainage treatment and royal wellness bath along with healthy drinks and herbal teas. Shamana Spa, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim 8:00AM – 1:00PM +91 832 3011510

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday Salsa Workshop A Series of Salsa Classes will be conducted. At Carpe Diem, Majorda 6 pm to 7 pm +91 88888 62462

Great Goan Experience Tiger Balloon Safaris Explore Goa-Get carried away on our hot air balloon rides an unforgettable sky high experience. At Chandor, South Goa +91 9999 74 2000 Website: hotairballooningingoa.com Froggy Land Froggyland is a venue for all the water lovers. Some of our activities would include the wave pool, lazy river, slides, rain dance, children’s pool etc. At Pateipur, Nuvem +91 9823480057 Birds & Breakfast Have your morning breakfast watching birds The Best time of bird watching is October to Mid April. At Gauro Waddo, Calangute +91 832 2276711/ +91 9822149002

Horse Riding Majorda Beach Horse Riding It offers riding on Goa’s longest beach At Majorda. 5 pm to 7 pm +91 9822586502 Wildernest Crocodile Safaris Offers boat safaris starting from Britona Jetty (Near Panjim) through the backwaters and mangrove-lined canals, which are home to fresh water crocodile locally called ‘Muggers’. At Kamat Centre, D.B Marg, Panjim +91 9595553799/ +91 9341112721 Seaeaglecruises.com Canopy Eco – Tours Offers a wide variety of experiences including nature-treks, butterfly tours, dragonfly & damselfly tours, and boat safaris on the Zuari River as well as their original bird watching tour. At Housing Board Colony, Margao +91 9764261711, +91 9764052225 Canopygoa.com Goa Butterfly Park & Conservatory A small park on a hill that’s a great place to spot stunningly beautiful butterflies. Near Tropical Spice Plantation, Ponda +91 832 2985174, +91 9822125474 Bcogoa.org The Bushmasters Owner Rahul Alvares is one of our state’s most experienced snake rescuers. Snake Watch programmes costs Rs. 1600 per person inclusive of transport and breakfast. At Almeida Vaddo, Parra 6.30 am to 9.30 am +91 9881961071 Rahulalvares.com Off the Grid Offers a unique home stay experience in a secluded village in the Western Ghats At Western Ghats John +91 9623451758 Sylvia +91 9049081097

Sahakari Spice Farm Relax under a dense forest cover and take in the aroma of a variety of spices grown in the farm. Also, enjoy a traditional Goan lunch served in earthen pots & banana leaves. At PondaBelgaum Highway, Curti, Ponda +91 832 2312394 Email: info@sahakarifarms.com

Goa Chitra With a collection of over 4,000 artefacts, Goa Chitra is an ethnographic museum that focuses on Goa’s traditional agrarian lifestyle and technology. At Mondo Waddo, Benaulim 9 am to 5 pm +91 832 6570877 Email: goachitra@gmail.com

Book Centres

Naval Aviation Museum Displaying a number of vintage aircraft and armaments used at different stages by Naval Aviation dating back to the 1950`s and a vast number of memorabilia related to Naval Aviation history. Near Bogmalo Beach 10 am to 5 pm +91 832 2538668

Literati It’s a Bookshop and Café At Gauro Vaddo, Calangute 10 am to 6.30 pm +91 832 2277740 Broadway Book Centre Broadway Book Store offers great books at amazing prizes to passionate readers of all ages At Aguada Fort Road, Candolim 10 am to 9 pm +91 9860030339

Notable Forts Aguada Fort Fort Aguada and its lighthouse is a well-preserved seventeenth-century Portuguese fort Daily 10 am to 5.30 pm At Candolim Reis Magos Fort This Fort, surrounded by sturdy laterite walls studded with typically Portuguese turrets, was erected in 1551 to protect the narrowest point at the mouth of the Mandovi estuary. The fort stands on the north bank of the Mandovi River at Reis Magos, and is visible from the Panjim side of the Mandovi River. At Verem 10.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2410711/ +91 832 2410715

Outdoors

Tiracol Fort The fort was originally built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi, in the 17th century. Now, in a state of ruins, Fort Tiracol has been converted into a luxury hotel, the Fort Tiracol Heritage. At Tiracol, Keri

Abyss Spice Farm Located on high hills amidst stunning surroundings near Ponda. Many tourists visit it for the medicinal herbs grown here on a large scale. The Plantation also offers ayurvedic massage. At Sai Farm, Savoi Verem, Ponda

Cabo de Rama Fort Interesting fort named after Lord Rama. Inside the fort, check out the church of Santo Antonio, still used by devotees. At Cola Beach

Tropical Spice Plantation The Tropical Spice Plantation guided tour is certain to refresh your senses and make you feel at one with Mother Nature. At Arle Bazar Keri, Ponda +91 832 2340329

Pascoal Spice Village A wide variety of spice plants and cash crops is grown here. For visitors there is a restaurant with an open-air party facility along with boating At Khandepar, Ponda +91 832 2344268/ +91 832 2344536 -39 Atreya Vedic Farms Set amidst nature’s abundance at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Molem is Atreya Vedic Farm, a unique ecotourism venture. At Bondu Mol, Mollem 9 am to 5 pm +91 832 6570877

Chapora Fort One of the most loved forts of Goa; it was built in place of an older fort on the same location after the Maratha-Portuguese war. At Vagator Chapora Fort One of the most loved forts of Goa; it was built in place of an older fort on the same location after the Maratha-Portuguese war. At Vagator

Museums Museum of Goa Art Museum At Pilerne Industrial Estate, Pilerne 10 am to 6 pm +91 7722089666

Wax World Museum A brainchild of Mr. Shreeji Bhaskaran, the man behind India’s first wax museum at Ooty, here’s Goa’s very own Madame Tussuad’s. With over 30 lifelike wax statues of the who’s who of India, including the most eminent personalities from culture, religion, politics, heritage and more, it’s a huge attraction. At Gandhi Circle, Old Goa 9.30 am to 7.30 pm +91 9970126202 Museum Of Christian Art Open all days of the week Located at the Convent of Santa Monica, you may pray if you wish to, else just soak in the ambience of peace. At Old Goa From 9:30 am – 5 pm +91 832 2285299 Goa Science Centre The Centre has a science park with interactive exhibits, 3D shows, galleries on oceanic science, explaining mysteries of the underwater world. At Miramar 10 am to 6 pm +91 832 2463426 Goa State Museum Have some 8,000 artifacts on display including carvings, paintings, manuscripts, rare coins and stone sculptures. A museum shop is planned soon with the aim of popularizing Goan culture through museum objects. At EDC Complex, Patto, Panjim 9.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2438006 / +91 832 2437306 Xavier Centre of Historical Research See exhibitions of paintings, browse through rare books and attend symposiums with particular emphasis on contemporary cultural & social issues affecting Goa. At BB Borkar Road, Porvorim +91 832 2417772 Archaeological Museum Check out the sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, antiques from the Hindu period and currencies leftover by the Portuguese. At Old Goa 9 am to 5 pm +91 832 2285333 Monsoon Heritage Studio Treat yourself to some amazing collection of mirrored mosaic art and handpicked artifacts at this upscale studio by Yahel Chirinian. At Mainath Batti, Arpora 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM +91 9822122771

10 weddings

My Big Fat Goan Wedding They Come, Dance, Eat and Don’t Care Anyway

By Aliya Abreu

ou and your brand new bride are browsing your wedding album photos. You squint at some suited and booted chap guzzling beer in the pictures and ask your beloved “Who was that?” She shrugs, she doesn’t know either! Weddings in Goa! A lot of us have had an overdose of those this season – if not in reality, than at least via Facebook and Whatsapp updates where proclaiming that you’ve just tied the knot with the love of your life (*gags*) seems to be the order of the season. And man, the weddings just keep getting fancier with every year. This season saw no shortage of the latest trends in fashion, especially the bridesmaids’ dresses. (We’ve gone up to eight bridesmaids now! Per bride, yes!) And the food, OMG! Live counters and buffets running up to fifteen plus courses. Then there’s the groovy dance music to knock you over, with Goan bands reviving songs to dance to, like Dollar Wine which is over two decades old! The new trend is to have a Photo Booth, where invitees can click crazy pictures holding props and cards with wild punch lines. There’s no denying it: The Big Fat Goan Wedding delivers as promised, with guests going home well-fed, well-entertained, and with enough gossip from the wedding to last till the next one. In the love and laughter of these weddings, no one seems to see the elephant in the room. Why spend lakhs of rupees on hundreds of people half of whom the couple will never be able to call friends? Is it really worth the money spent? A local daily recently carried the story of how ‘The Big Country Band’ was so fed-up of guests arriving late at the reception venue,

Why it might be a good idea to start restricting your guest list that they started a campaign of sorts to get weddings started at the time designated on the invitation card. The band starts playing on time, whether the venue is filled up or not. This story looked into the many reasons why Goan Catholic weddings are starting later and later (some start as late as 9: 30 p.m). Loads of reasons were cited, but none that hit the nail on the head, according to me: If people cared about you or making your wedding a success, they’d take the effort to make it on time. Perhaps the invitees don’t really care about you, your wedding, and even your marriage? They’re just there to make merry and eat well. Oh wait, that’s not entirely true: they’ll care if your marriage eventually breaks up. They will find out, and they will talk about you behind your back, till their tongues hurt.

It’s not entirely the guests’ fault for not caring. In most cases, the invitees do not even know the couple, or are merely acquaintances. It’s the parents of the couple who have invited the people they feel indebted to in some way, or simply feel obligated to call. And the poor couple has to smile for the camera all evening long and greet people they’ve never met before and will never meet again, and politely thank them for attending the wedding.

People go for weddings for a number of reasons: the dancing, the food, the getting-to-dress up, but mainly because along with the invitation card, you handed them an obligation to attend your wedding, which they now feel forced to fulfil. They also probably grudgingly make a note of your name so that they can reciprocate and call you for their, or their children’s wedding ... and so the cycle of obligation goes on! Back in the day when I believed that God could solve all of the world’s problems, I paid close attention to what my Confirmation class teacher had to say. And one thing I remember with great clarity is this – Pay close attention to your marriage, not your wedding, for weddings last a day, marriages, a lifetime. So take a good look at your wedding guest list. Knock off the freeloaders and those who don’t care too much for you. You’ll have a decent party of relatives, neighbours and friends who really love you, will turn up on time and make your wedding day memorable. You will actually recognise every smiling face in your big fat album! 

12 heritage

The Phoenix Rises Again

Historical Freshwater Spring of Fontainhas to Be Restored

By José Lourenço

he Fontainhas residential area in Panjim is much celebrated as the city’s Latin Quarter, a space that exudes a genteel way of life imbued with intellectual and cultural value. The Fontainhas locality is believed to get its name from the Fonte Fenix, a spring (fonte means spring in Portuguese) located here. This spring has been in a dilapidated state for many years now. But thanks to renewed interest by the city authorities, it will soon be rejuvenated. Fonte Fenix is a natural freshwater spring by the hillside aquifer, leading to the catchment area of Mala lake. The Fenix spring is a ‘sister’ spring to Boca De Vaca on the other side of the hill and shares the same underground aquifer. ‘Boca de Vaca’ means ‘Mouth of the Cow’ in Portuguese. Fenix refers to the phoenix, a mythical long-lived bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn from the ashes. The Fenix spring has a connection to the development of the City of Panjim. Its water was channelized for use by the locals at the street junction. The area around it developed as a residential

quarter in the early 1800s. The spring was built in 1853-57 during the reign of the Governor General Conde de Ourem along with other development work in the Fontainhas locality. The wonderfully designed system consists of an underground tunnel, two vent towers rising from the tunnel and finally the spring water body itself, covered by a third domed tower. A crucifix stands mounted in the wall at the far end of the tunnel, near the feeding vaults. The first vent tower caps this point. It doesn’t look much like a tower from the outside, its dome is almost at ground level. Light diffuses from the laterite stone dome capping the vent, illuminating seven low vaults in the side of the tunnel. The feeding vaults stand barely waist high, tapping into the fresh

water that gently seeps from the hillside into the tunnel. The water then flows down the floor of the tunnel to the Fenix tank. The Fonte Fenix has an elaborate façade, with three bays and a three storey high structure. The pilasters and horizontal bands are intricately moulded. Two arched doorways at the sides allow entry into the tunnel. From being just a source of water, the Largo (Square) de Fonte Fenix emerged as an important

public space for recreation, celebration and other community activities over the decades. Presently the components of this space are the Largo or the street junction, the spring along with the vents and the underground tunnel, the park and the playground that stand near it. The other subsidiary components are the Steps to the temple, a milk booth, a puja platform, a club house and a public toilet. “These are all disparate elements and the place requires a holistic redevelopment and revitalization,” says Panjim-based restoration architect Ketak Nachinolkar, who has studied the project and drawn up plans for its revival. “We have to create a sense of place by improving the existing physical elements and introducing new ideas.” Much has to be done. I went down into the tunnel along with Ketak and his team to see the inside of this centuries old underground space. The laterite stone dome roofs of the vent towers are fractured and need structural rehabilitation. The tunnel vault roof can also be seen cracked at one place, it has been grouted from the top with concrete in the past, in an attempt to

repair it. The spring water tank itself is dirty, with locals washing clothes in it, and even defecating inside the tunnel. The balusters at the top of the retaining walls look out of place, as does the milk booth and service chambers just outside the tank. “The retaining wall at the edge of the existing playground is wrongly located above tunnel,” says Ketak. The toilet for this play area is in visibly poor condition and is planned to be demolished. “The vehicular traffic here limits use of this area as community space,” adds the architect, “We plan to do some realignment of the road to improve the use of space for public recreation.” The new planning includes restoration of the spring, a revamped play court and kids play area, seating, road realignment relocated parking, landscaping, a new bandstand and a display board with historical information. The Phoenix bird of Greek mythology is believed to rise from the ashes time and again. True to its name, the Fonte Fenix too will rise again to be an exuberant public space for the people of Fontainhas. 

the corner 13

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Details Rock and Roll Fridays at Hard Rock Hotel Goa

ock & Roll themed nights, featuring authentic rock and roll music through the decades by 'The Aviv Projekt'. Guests can enjoy our Chef’s inspired a la carte menus available at Sessions & Tonic Poolside Bar and Grille and specially crafted cocktails while you move to the beats by our poolside. For more information, please contact +91 8554984841 • Date – Every Fridays • Time – 8:00 pm onwards • Venue – Hard Rock Hotel Goa • Entertainment – Live with ‘The Aviv Projekt’

World Class Quick Service Restaurant Now in Morjim On the Go and Mona’s Pantry Opens Doors

n the uniquely diverse beach hamlet of Morjim, a new F&B outlet called On the Go that also houses Mona’s Pantry reflects the changing times. Owned and operated by Peruvian-born Marco Crisanto and his wife Mona Nalovalia, it offers fresh, healthy and most of all tasty sandwiches, salads, iced teas and desserts from Mona’s Pantry in a modern, hygienic environment. As Goa’s culinary standards evolve to meet international levels, niche tourists now gravitate to the state for the quality and diversity of the food as much as the beaches. Mona’s Pantry is a good example of a business that stands a cut above the rest, using high quality ingredients, no preservatives and original recipes that appeal to the adventurous palate. The bright colored logo calls out to urban Indian, Russian and European tourists as much as it does to local residents, who need to grab a quick bite. This quick service format is unparalleled in the area for the quality of foods available here. The neatly hand written menus, displays of the take-away foods and open kitchen concept are all welldesigned, adding to the appetizing atmosphere. The contemporary and minimalistic design appeal to urban clients who are used to the quick, quality service offered here.

advised to drink more green tea but the flavor is not that palatable for some of us. “This is why I blend my iced teas with fruits,” Marco says of his innovations. Marco’s wife Mona, who was trained by the prestigious Cordon-Bleu culinary school, also retails her artisanal desserts and pastries here under the brand name ‘Mona’s Pantry’. So this is a wonderful stopover point for an iced tea and a Chocolate Brownie mousse as well. She prepares her signature products like Chocolate Truffle Torte, Pear Frangipani Tart and Carrot Cake at home in Assagao. Soon, esteemed chefs like Chris Saleem Agha Bee of Sublime restaurant were placing orders for desserts as well. Rather than having The iced teas really stand out here. Blended with various options of fresh seasonal fruits and green or black tea, they are an original answer to the tropical heat on the main Morjim-Ashwem road alongside the beach. In fact, the flavors’ of the teas are enhanced when shaken and served ice cold. Not only are they refreshing but they are also healthy as the teas contain anti-oxidants that aid in weight loss. “We are all

a standard list of products, Mona encourages her customers to express their preferences so she can create something unique and bespoke, exactly suited to their taste. Catering orders for events can be placed here as well. Her gluten free bread is extremely popular as it enables those with allergies to wheat to still eat bread, and will be sold at On the Go. The couple is both passionate about quality and customer satisfaction. A quick bite at On the Go turns into a meal in itself, complete with delicious dessert from Mona’s Pantry. The gourmet sandwiches are especially popular at an affordable price range. The Vietnamese Salad also gets snatched off the shelves. Made with rice noodles, carrot, cucumber, beans and a sweetish Vietnamese lemongrass dressing, it makes for a light yet satisfying meal. Having lived in Peru and the UK, their experience and sensibilities are well appreciated in Goa, a new home that they thoroughly enjoy. “The cosmopolitan nature and the opportunity to meet a variety of different people. In addition Goa provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. My free time is spent with my family mostly, and then indulging in my passion for music, listening and mixing music,” says Marco who is also a DJ.

14 lifestyle

STUDIO MOMO The Wabi-Sabi Way: Seeing Beauty In Imperfection Crafting The Modern Green Home In Goa

By Gurmeet Akali

Architect Gurmeet Akali holds a Masters degree in Advanced Architectural Design and specializes in Interior Design. Architect Benjamin Robb specializes in environmentally friendly architecture. He has done his Masters studies in International Architectural Regeneration & Development. Gurmeet tells Streets of their passion for building green homes from their Studio Momo in Goa. Â

met my partner Ben Robb at Oxford, where we realized that we had a common passion for traditional building techniques and the use of local materials and skills. We both believed in giving back to the society by practicing eco-architecture and decided to work together towards this. Not just by reducing the carbon footprint of our work but also by designing buildings which are more in tune with their context. After working together on some very interesting projects that included a straw-bale house in England and a mud-house in Thailand, we decided to make Goa our base, for its sheer natural beauty and like-minded people. Here we formed our company, Studio Momo, an architectural and interior design firm. It is guided by a Japanese philosophy called Wabi-Sabi, which believes in appreciating beauty in imperfection, an underplayed and modest design, the kind of quiet undeclared beauty that waits patiently to be discovered.

Our architecture is contextual and derives from traditional techniques. Ben and I believe in improving local building details so that the building naturally keeps the heat out. For example by using a modified radiant barrier insulation in the roof, that also acts as an additional water proof layer. Another technique is creating an internal courtyard with a water body and plants to create a microclimate that actively modifies the temperature. For interiors we use natural materials and handmade products. We custom design everything for our projects;

from the flooring tiles and lamps to the upholstery, every element is specially designed for the particular space. All our designs are unique. We often travel across the country to handpick furniture, artifacts and fabrics to complement our design. Our sensitive approach and attention to details helps us create homes that represent simplicity and elegance. Since we are an environmentally conscious firm, we refrain from using strong chemical based paints and polishes for our projects. After unsuccessful attempts at finding natural wood polishes and paints in the market, we decided to develop our own range of chemical free finishes. We have now under our label Chalkbarn, a range of products like natural beeswax furniture polish, hardwax oil, casein emulsion paints, etc. All our products are natural, non toxic, and in general, healthier alternatives. Our latest project Villa Verde located at Anjuna, Goa, is another example of our passion for creating eco friendly architecture and bespoke interiors. Villa Verde is a luxury home for our client Isprava. It is a courtyard house constructed using local load-bearing stone techniques juxtaposed with contemporary details. The end result is a modern take on the Indo-Portuguese building type, which extends this vernacular so that it responds to climate, context and also changing lifestyles. We have used a light and breezy colour palette, keeping in mind the beaches and coastline of Goa. The interiors are contemporary, finely detailed, personal and playful. The flooring in each room of the villa is uniquely designed. The zig-zag in-situ flooring in the living room and the master bedroom is one of its kind. With each new project we are also taking a step closer to our dream of creating a completely sustainable modern green home. When I look back at our four years in Goa, I feel this has been the best decision we have made. Goa gives me the luxury of time. I can mull over ideas until Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m finally ready to put them on paper. Though we give each of our projects a lot of time and attention, work feels like leisure in Goa. There are days when we just take our sketch books to the beach for inspiration. ď ą Ben and Gurmeet can be contacted at ben@momo-studios.com / meetu@ momo-studios.com

food & drink 15

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Every Monday Hops & Nibbles Walk into the Capiz Bar to experience new flavours in beer and food pairing. Try something new every Monday as the pairing changes every week; Tapas, Yakitori and more to enjoy At Capiz Bar, Grand Hyatt Goa 4:00PM – 00:00 midnight INR 990 + taxes For reservations call +91 832 3011510

Every Wednesday Pizza Night @ Ciao Bella Dive into a selection of authentic Italian wood fired pizzas At CIAO BELLA, Assagao 7 pm onwards +91 97675 57673 Seafood Night Market A weekly seafood night market with a wide selection of seafood delicacies. If you can’t seem to get enough of seafood through the week, walk over to The Dining Room and enjoy an amazing selection of your seafood favourites and live entertainment. Every Wednesday INR 2500 per person At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim +91 832 3011510

Every Thursday Pasta Thursdays Treat yourself to a selection of pastas At Bar Code Lounge & Grill, Porvorim +91 832 241 0027

EVERY Saturday  Spanish Nights Head over to the Grand Hyatt Goa Palace Lawns; where they give you an evening of live entertainment and food inspired from the Mediterranean coast of Spain. 7:00PM – 11:30PM INR 2200 + taxes At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim +91 832 3011510

Brunches Every Sunday Sunday Brunch Happy Hours Buy one Get one free Lunch Buffet Starting 899/Pool Usage At Bay 15, Dona Paula 12 noon onwards +91 7350146000 Sunday-Champagne Brunch Relish a sumptuous meal over five interactive food counters along with free flowing cocktails, champagne and live music by Thelma. Every Sunday, the Dining Room, Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim 1:00PM – 4:00PM INR 2500 + taxes +91 832 3011510 Sunday Barbeque Brunch Poolside Sunday grills with live music 12 pm to 5 pm At Banana Republic Bar - Cavala, Baga +91 832 227 7587 Sunday Brunch at Barrels & Bones 12 noon onwards At BARRELS & BONES, Fontainhas +91 77740 78276

Super Brunch   The Super Brunch at Vivanta Panaji is a decadent affair with an astonishingly wide selection of Live grills. Serving up the finest cuisine from around the world.   At Vivanta by Taj, Panaji, Off D B Bandodkar road, Panaji  +91 832 6633636 Brunch at Cantina Bodega This is one of the more interesting spots in town to have a meal. Under the supervision of Vandana Naik, a former top chef in New York City and easily one of Goa’s most notable culinary experts, there’s a wide variety of delights on offer, including pizzas, soups, salads, hummus and meat balls, plus an eclectic mix of Indian, Mediterranean and other world cuisines. That’s not to mention the desserts, another top draw here. Noon to 4 pm At Cantina Bodega, Sunaparanta, Panjim. +91 832 2421315 info@sgcfa.org, www.sgcfa.org Bikini Brunch Sunday BBQ Brunch @ Rs. 950 ++ with unlimited drinks Enjoy Live Karaoke with Emmanuel At The Park, Calangute 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. +91 8805028194/ +91 832 2267600 resv.goa@theparkhotels.com www.theparkhotels.com Sunday Brunch Highlights: Free Use of Swimming Pool, Rain Dance with DJ, Lavish Buffet with live counters, unlimited house brands alcohol & cocktails & games & Activities Cost: Rs. 1500/- inclusive of all Taxes (with alcohol); Rs. 1100/- inclusive of all Taxes (without alcohol) At Resort Rio, Tambudki, Arpora 12 noon to 3 pm +91 8322267300 / +91 8322267302

South Goa Restaurants Gigi Park Restaurant and Bar Specialized in Goan, Pan Indian, Tandoor & Continental Delicacies At Next to Joecons, Near Taj Exotica, Calvaddo, Benaulim +91 9890263418/ +91 9552873785 Cavatina Thai, American, Chinese, Italian, Goan A restaurant in Goa brings to the state a whole bunch of international flavours simulated for the local palate. At Benaulim, near Joecons Resort, Salcete +91 832 2770607

Sunday Family Brunch Live Music by The Actacy At Gawin's Restaurant, Verna 12 pm to 3 pm +91 9822177179 Firefly Goan Bistro Bar Goan This happening bistro on Benaulim beach serves splendid Goan food and hosts live music acts all week long. At Firefly Goan Bistro Bar, Benaulim +91 9822123535 Brews & Bakes Brewing Smiles & Baking Memories At Shop No: 250, Abade Faria Road, Comba, Margao +91 8308800080 brewsnbakes@live.com Café Mardi Gras Goan, North Indian, coffee & snacks. Pan fried Pomfret Recheado, Chicken Xacutti, Pork Vindaloo and Goan Fish Curry are some of their most popular offerings. At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim All-day. +91 832 2871303 www.holidayinn.com Cozy Nook Bar & Restaurant Serves Indian, Continental, and Goan food. At Palolem Beach, Canacona +91 832 2643550 Peters Pub and Restaurant This is the place where you can spend your nights with live music and delicious food close to one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. At Utorda, Beach Road +91 9922909432/ +91 9049066470 Casa Fiesta Mexican The menu is comprehensive, with Tacos, Enchiladas, Burritos, Fajitas and other Mexican dishes. Does it taste exactly the way Mexican food is supposed to taste? You be the judge 8.30 am to 11 pm   At Palolem Beach Road, Goa  +91 9823928548 Canacona Coffee shop. There’s Indian, Goan, European and some Chinese on offer with a contemporary, fusion touch to the items. Buffet Breakfast At Intercontinental The LaLiT Goa Resort, Rajbaga, Canacona +91 832 2667777

Spice Studio Contemporary Indian and Coastal Cuisine Enjoy Dine in the Dark special theme nights. At Alila Diwa Goa, Majorda +91 832 2746800

Da Luigi Experience flavours from the streets of Rome, Venice or Milan at this surprisingly authentic Italian fine-dining restaurant. At Park Hyatt Goa Resot and Spa, Cansaulim. +91 832 2721234

Cafe Lovii - Healthy Food with Love Health Food Restaurant, Sandwich & Coffee Shop At Oorja Wellness Centre, Next to Old criminal Court, Margao +91 8308794850

Zeebop By the Sea Seafood At Opp. Kenilworth Beach Resort, Utorda Beach +91 832 2755333/ +91 9822154541 zeebopbythesea@gmail.com

Portofino Coffee Shop Multi-Cuisine This all day dining restaurant is an ideal place to head for a midnight snack or after party munchies. At Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Utorda Open 24x7 +91 832 6698888 Alcoves Goan, Indian, Chinese Some excellent choices to be tried here would be Chinese Crispy Chicken, Cafreal, Veg Kolhapuri, Veg Crispy, and Chicken Vindaloo. Near Cine Vishant, Aquem, Margao 8.30 am to 11 pm +91 83 22735062, +91 832 2730536

North Goa Restaurants Suwadik The Coastal Cuisine This Shravan, treat yourself with some of the best veg delicacies. Introducing Unlimited Shravan Thali @ 175/Limited Shravan Thali @ 140- / At Dada Vaidya Road, Near Mahalaxmi Temple, Panjim +91 832 6516159 Voltaire Restaurant An exquisite restaurant dedicated to serve authentic Goan cuisine with an attempt to tickle your taste buds with flavours ranging widely from vindaloo and caldine to khatkhate and uddamethi which we are sure to leave you nostalgic! Opp.Ins Mandovi boat pool, Reis Magos Fort Road, Reis Magos +91 832 2402755/+91 9822588231

Mamma Mia Ristorante Italiano & Pizzeria Italian Some of the best Italian food in the state. Tastes the way someone’s grandma in Sicily might book it. Definitely worth checking out. Also try the wood-fired pizzas. At Resort Rio, Tambudki, Arpora +91 832 2267300 fom@resortrio.com www.resortrio.com Bar Code Lounge and Grill Offers Slow-Smoked Regional BBQ and Grilled Seafood items along with the most exotic beverages Goa has to offer. At National Highway, Porvorim +91-832-2410027/+917030961333 www. barcodeloungeandgrill.co.in info@ barcodeloungeandgrill.co.in Anandashram Hotel Chinese, Goan and Seafood This is one of the oldest eateries in Goa and is something of an institution for its affordable and delicious Goan Fare. At 31st January Road, Panjim 1 pm to 10.30 pm +91 9823195245 Edu’s Restaurant Indian, Chinese, International and Goan Pizzas are one of their specialties. There’s nothing fancy about it but it has the vibe of a street café. Next to Magsons on the main DB Road in Panjim, Miramar. +91 832 2463777, +91 832 2463888

Veggie Deli Sharanam Green Resort One of the very few places in Goa that serve both alcohol and vegetarian cuisine at the same venue, with an all day restaurant. 124/3 Gauravaddo, Nr Calangute Mall, Calangute. +91 9545418554

Aunty Maria This quaint little café in Hotel Fidalgo is an upscale coffee shop and bakery offering fresh home-made bread, cakes, cookies, chocolates and quick bites that could make for a wonderful breakfast or tea time snack. At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim +91 832 2226291 secgoa@fidalgogroup.com www.fidalgogroup.com

Ciao Bella Restaurant Authentic Italian food The décor is charming and romantic, and the ambiance, relaxed and inviting. At Assagao Badem Road, Assagao +91 832 2273065/ +91 9767557673 Ciaobella.goa@gmail

Barrels & Bones BBQ - Steakhouse - Pizzeria Meal for Two: Rs.1000 At Fontainhas, close to the Maruti/ Hanuman Temple, Panjim 9673994064/7774078276 promobnb@gmail.com

Gunpowder Indian At Cursino Villa, Sauntawaddo, Assagao Noon to 3.30 pm & 7 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2270091/ 92

Goenchin Chinese, Pan Asian Yes the Chinese food here is Indianized. But is that necessarily a bad thing? It depends on your taste. At Mandovi Apartment, Dr Dada Vaidya Road, Panjim Noon to 3 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm +91 8322227614 reservations@hotelmandovigoa.com www.hotelmandovigoa.com

Desbue European Fusion Modern European Restaurant A traditional Portuguese heritage home in the Latin quarter of Panjim. At La Maison, Fontainhas, Panjim +91 832 2235555 Tropical 24x7 Restaurant, Bar and Pub Blistering Venue, Scrumptious Cuisine, Lip Smacking Drinks, Invincible Performers and more… At Main Road, Calangute +91 9820115921

Chicken Man The trademark dish here is their rotisserie Chicken. With healthy, delicious, rotisserie chicken in quarter, half and whole cluck sizes. Chicken Man is a Top choice for every meal. At off 18th June Road, Panjim +91 832 2423333

Saturday, January 16, 2016 yet with a spontaneity of movement, weaves together fragility and resilience. A black book is opened, and out spirals Anju Dodiya’s unending scroll, like a white sash whirling across the painting, unfolding a dramatic sequence of scenes from Hiroshima. The backdrop shows fairy-tale scenes of family, countered by scenes of Japanese lovers passionately embracing. Then there are women with their eyes visible, but mouths covered. Does this refer to what women endure or to their private lives?

By Perin Ilavia

he driving force and creativity of 39 young as well as senior artists, with art work in diverse themes, mediums, and metamorphosed imagery, are displayed in the ongoing Sensorium Fest at Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts at Altinho, Panjim. These images fused with personal narratives and memories are an art lover’s delight. Rana Begum from Bangladesh, migrated to the UK in 1985. She crafts minimalist patterns formed by the traditional Islamic architecture motifs, and geometrical patterns with triangular steel sheets with edges folded, with a splendid play of light bouncing off reflective surfaces. Renowned photojournalist Pablo Bartholomew has exhibited images on the folly of union, separation and banality of ceremonial rituals, of moments from his personal life. There’s a lingering tenderness in portrayal where laughter turns pitiful. Dhruv Malhotra, prowls streets in darkness with his camera, transforming the nocturnal life of nature amidst an urban topography. The near barren human life wrapped in blue fabric, trees filling the panorama and jutting out from

homes, all evoke a solitary and powerful awakening. American photographer Roger Ballen, living in Johannesburg, found a derelict house where no one knows what happened. The images are disturbing and dreamlike, smudging the line between fact, fantasy and reality. Richard Bartholomew (19261985) was a photographer, poet, painter and art critic. He co-authored a book on M F Husain. He photographed his family and wife Rati for years, recordings Rati’s posturing with ethereal stylishness. Atul Bhalla’s photographs are a reflection on the deliberation and inexpressibility of love. A quote appears from Dante, “In that book which is in my memory….” Then Mahendra Bhalla’s unpublished poem, “Here begins a new life. In the corner of the world I think of you. I have two red flowers, like your eyes when they cried”.

Art historian and critic Anita Dube’s exhibit shows harsh wire covered with soft velvet carrying lines from a poem by Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, author of erotically charged love poems and surrealist verse. The text repeated over and over is a painful act, but is the only way to experience and express intrigue. Amsterdam-based Praneet Soi originally hails from Kolkata. He interprets Paul Klee’s mono print of the 1920s as an angel of history. Terracotta hands cover a face gasping at the devastation at its feet, the character is thrust into a storm brewing from Heaven. Young artist Mithu Sen’s work shows a barren tree weakened with suffering, yet alive, growing a leaf, with hummingbirds fluttering above. The tree looms over the body of two skeletons engaged in carnal pleasure. Sen draws her viewer to a scarcely visible circle, suggesting the cycle of life and afterlife. Arpita Singh, from New Delhi, a contemporary of leading artists like S H Raza, Tyeb Mehta, F N Souza and M F Husain, is known for her combinations of miniature painting technique and forms of folk art. Her series of drawings of a human body with bony ribs and sagging skin, starkly depicted and

Chitra Ganesh based in Brooklyn, New York, predominantly shows feminine characters exploring unimagined futures and desires, assuming many avatars. The women in her paintings exude sexuality, power and defiance. They discard their shackles, and shred expectations that weigh them to the roles of lovers, mothers and workers. L N Tallur is a conceptual artist based in Bangalore and Seoul. He creates exaggeratedly scaled sculptures that expose the absurdities of everyday life. He offers an eerie humour to viewers, with an installation of two men lying belly up in two boxes, a reference to gluttony mired in wealth, and yet driven by basic human nourishment, love and desire. Goan artist Kedar Dhondu takes viewers to surreal realms. ‘The Blackened Garden’ contrasts historical references of paradise with archival records of old Goan landscapes. The barks of trees squeezed by man invite moments of reflection on the discrepancy between natural and built environments. (to be continued)

On exhibit till 15th February, at Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim

arts & entertainment 17

Friday, January 8, 2016

Jan 15th

International Art and Craft Festival Goa will play host to the Spandan International Art and Craft Festival, A unique art and craft festival that will be held over 45 days in popular Locations of Goa like Panjim, Margao and Mapusa. At All over Goa

Nov 5 to Jan 25

‘GOPAKAPATTANAM – Exploring Goa’s histories through the lens of contemporary art’ Curated by Dr. Subodh Kerkar & Mr. Peter Mueller 10 am to 6 pm everyday At Museum of Goa, Plot No. 79, Pilerne Industrial Estate, Pilerne Email: subodh@museumofgoa.com / mail@museumofgoa.com Web: www.museumofgoa.com www.facebook.com/museumofgoa

Dec 15 to Feb 15

Sensorium – Sunaparanta, Goa Theatre, Music, Arts 17 JAN: 7 pm: The Shanghvi Salon with Bharti Kher 1 FEB: 7 pm: Performance and Talk by Nikhil Chopra 11 FEB: 7 pm: The Shanghvi Salon with Anju and Atul Dodiya 12 - 14 FEB: 7 pm: A Crossover Love Club, a participatory performance by Sanchayan Ghosh 15 FEB: 7 pm: Jeet Thayil curates a spoken word performance with Akhil Katyal, Mithu Sen, Aditi Nagrath, and Zachary Bushnell 8 pm Sensorium Closing Ceremony with the Musical Narrative on Amir Khusrau At Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim  +91 832 2421311 | info@ sgcfa.org

Jan 15 to Jan 17

Classical dance festival by Kala Academy The 22nd edition of the prestigious Classical Dance Festival jointly organized by Kala Academy Goa and West Zone Culture Centre, Udaipur will be held with the courtesy of Shree Mahalasa Saunsthan, Mardol with the participation of national as well as international repute artists in the field of Classical Dance. The dance festival is open to all dance lovers, students and considered amongst top ten Classical Dance Festivals of India. At Mahalasa Devasthan, Mardol 7:00 pm Onwards

Jan 9 to Jan 31

‘Through The Eyes of a Goat’ An exhibition of paintings by Mohan Naik will be inaugurated 10:00 am to 7:00 pm At Carpe Diem, Majorda +91 832 288 1035

Jan 22 to Jan 24

Poems ‘Olyo Yadi’ – a collection of Konkani poems by John Aguiar will be released at the 30th session of the All India Konkani Parishad. At Kala Academy, Panjim +91 832 242 0450

Jan 23 to February 23

Art Exhibition THEME: Life CURATED BY: Mohan Naik & Swetlana Cardoso at Achies Art Gallery, Chandor 10am – 6pm   +91 9822814957/+91 9552475233

Galleries of Note

The Cube Gallery Every architect, since the beginning of time, has secretly tried to create a vision of paradise in the buildings they design. Discover one such paradise and much more. At The Cube Gallery, Calizor Vaddo, Moira. 11 am to 7 pm +91 832 2470415/ +91 9422806748 thecubegallerygoa@gmail.com

Surya Art Gallery This gallery is situated in a quiet location where contemporary works of canvas paintings from Goa and artifacts are displayed. At Bandawal Wada, Pernem 10 am to 6 pm +91 9404149764/ +91 9422064754 Galleria Esperance Retrospective Art in oils, watercolours, crayons, still life photographs etc. on display Near Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces 4 pm to 7 pm +91 9922509704 Kerkar Art Gallery Exhibition of recent works of Subodh Kerkar “The Pepper Cross” & “Indigo”. Besides a new series of Laterite Stone Sculptures on display. At Gaura Vaddo, Calangute 10 am to 7 pm +91 9326119324

Routine is normal, normal is boring, why settle for that? Beithak’s founder Suman Pareek tells Streets about her creative saga

Monsoon Heritage Studio Treat yourself to some amazing collection of mirrored mosaic art and handpicked artefacts at this upscale studio by Yahel Chirinian. At Mainath Batti, Arpora 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM +91 9822122771 Off The Wall Discover a collection of deeply astounding works of art displayed on a daily basis at this thoughtful art cafe. Fort Aguada Road, Sinquerim, Candolim 10:30 am to 11:30 pm +91 9820083497, +91 9823289123 Panjim Art Gallery Get a dose of the local culture with figurative works of Goan artists. Near Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim 9:00 am to 8:00 pm +91 9822168703 Mario Art Gallery Discover the original paintings and other memorabilia of the great Goan artist/ cartoonist Mario Miranda. Here you can buy “The Life of Mario”, as well as prints, mounted prints, frames, tiles, mugs, card sets and other books. At ‘Houses of Goa’, Salvador-do-Mundo, Porvorim area 9:00 am to 5:30 pm +91 832 2410711 archauto@gmail.com www.mariodemiranda.com Gallery Gitanjali An elegant art gallery in Panjim’s Latin Quarter is worth hopping into when you’re in the area. Fontainhas, Panjim 9:00 am to 9:00 pm +91 9823572035 gallerygitanjali@gmail.com www.gallerygitanjali.com Art Chamber: Galleria de Belas Artes One of the more interesting and pleasant art centres in the state featuring confident acrylic strokes that are somewhat three dimensional, put across the canvas by Yolanda De Souza and others. The musical acts here are worth looking out for too.  Gaura Vaddo, Calangute 10:00 am to 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm +91 832 2277144 artchamber@gmail.com www.goa-art.com Sunaparanta- Goa Centre for the Arts The centre houses several exhibition galleries, a large multi-functional space for workshops and lectures, an in-house film club, sketch club, open air amphitheatre, pottery studio and an open courtyard that houses the al fresco café, Bodega. The red velvet cupcakes at Bodega are a must try! At Altinho, Panjim 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. +91 832 2421311 info@sgcfa.org | www.sgcfa.org

eithak was born with the idea of breaking the monotony of life that usually comes with uninteresting, monochromatic stuff that we are surrounded with. We thought of making day to day stuff more interesting to use, through handcrafting, weaving, and painting colours into them. Take for instance, our Green Leaf Collection or Colours of the World collection, every item is a unique piece of art in itself, that you can own, which would look stunning in any part of your living space. You can see an element of fun, adventure, randomness, a bohemian streak, and above all sexiness in everything we design. The idea started taking shape as I started realizing how uninteresting my life was getting

in the corporate setup. As I started looking for ways in which I could make stuff around me quirkier, Beithak was born. Our current basket of products ranges from a paper-clay molded bowl to an elegantly colourful arm chair. Our range of furniture has three styles of collections; Mosaic, Bohemia & the Ranch. Our utility décor has 2 styles of collections; Green Leaf & Colours of the World. We also have some very chic stationery items. In the coming months, we will be expanding into travel accessories, lighting, gifts and luxury goods. The future looks very exciting to us as today’s consumer is looking for a non-monotonous way of living and that’s where we fit in. The millennials of today are asking for more, and we have our belts tightened for lift off!! 

21 future learning 19

Saturday, January 16, 2016

The Benefits Of A Holistic Education Yes, The Word Holistic Is Overused. But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Not Great For Kids Educators, Embrace The Digital Revolution! By Shilpa Mehta Holistic. The word's overuse these days in everything from vegan cuisine to alternative medicine detracts from the undeniable reality that, when it comes to education, it's precisely what our kids need. If we want to prepare them for life in the Digital Age, we must nurture every part of them; intellectually, emotionally, physically and morally. Holistic means seeing the world as a network of interconnected relationships, not just separate, unrelated parts. Therefore if a person is sick, a holistic practitioner might treat their emotions first, before the physical symptoms. True health is only possible if the whole organism is well on every level. The truth is that in the realm of education, holistic thinking is not new at all, having been around for the past 250 years. Back then, a powerful group of intellectuals reacted to a public education system they felt was plagued by linear thinking, standardisation and uniformity, moulding children for an industrial and empire-driven machine. They took a stand against it and the movement toward alternative and progressive education was born. Humanists, transcendentalists and even the godfather of modern-day psychology Carl Gustav Jung raised the bar by saying schooling should cultivate the developing child on all levels. The pioneering work of Maria Montessori and Rudolf Steiner created pedagogies which stood the test of time, creating a worldwide network of schools still expanding today. J. Krishnamurti and Reggio Emilia did the same. Their defiance and determination to overturn

mainstream orthodoxy are what made them holistic. Dr Ron Forbes described these educators as being committed to what he called ‘ultimacy’ - the fullest possible development of human potential.

However, the irony today is ‘holistic education’ has now slipped fashionably into the mainstream and is used as a generic term referring to virtually everyone’s educational offerings, regardless of their commitment to developing the child as a whole. Glance at absolutely any school’s website and you will see this phrase thrown about like confetti. In strict schools with formal curriculums it usually refers to the ‘social and personal’ development of children. In alternative schools, it’s used to express a more relaxed atmosphere, with less rules and more freedom, placing equal emphasis on non-scholarly pursuits such as gardening, yoga or crafts. All of which is fine. But it’s not ‘holistic’ in its original sense. No matter what your vision statement says. Instead, something more radical needs to happen. A fundamental tenet of education needs to be challenged, a wider angle taken to tap into children’s highest potential. Most schools (including

those who call themselves holistic) are still operating from a centuries-old model of a teacher standing in front of a class of static children, delivering content. Whether that’s in a relaxed or formal manner, it doesn’t really matter. It’s still the same old dynamic of traditional education. If we want real change, we need to tear down the walls of that classroom. Find a new way to teach. Rip the guts out of the curriculum. Create better methods. See it all afresh. That’s what a real holistic education stands for. Tech-leader Raj Dhingra agrees. His solution is to bring computers slap, bang, centre into the classroom. Not a separate lab which children visit for a lesson a week. Nor does it mean simply having iPads in the classroom. He is advocating a much bigger shift than that, in the form blended learning. This is where children receive a part (or all) of their learning from online and digital methods. This work can be done from their own homes, giving a child control over their time, pace, path and even place of studying. The actual ‘bricks and mortar’ structure of classrooms can then be used to interact with teachers more directly, or work with other students on shared projects. Thus schools become places not to receive instruction, but support. There is an increase in productivity as students become involved in meaningful work, without the drudge of normal school routine. Whilst Dhingra is able to cite a few small examples of this new model, what we really need to know is how it would work on scale. For that, we need look no further than the Khan Academy. No one knows how to flip a classroom better than its founder Salman Khan. He has created a highly successful free online tutoring service generating a learning revolution for millions. Children can study tutorial videos at home at their own pace, with the ability to rewind videos as many times as they need until they get it. This creates excellence in their learning,

which is a great outcome. But it’s also a massive breakthrough for teachers and schools who choose to engage with it. The old model, teaching 30 pupils simultaneously who all work differently, is no longer needed. Now children are getting the lesson online and working individually at their own speed, so all teachers need to do is track progress. Khan Academy gives them the tools to do that with a special dashboard. Green indicates the student is doing well. Blue means they’re working on it. Red shows the pupil is stuck - and exactly where they are stuck. Then the teacher can move in on the ‘Red’ cases and directly target the problem - without asking them embarrassing questions or putting them on the spot. They can be clear exactly where all their pupils are at. How much time they are spending on the site, on which videos and subjects, where their focus is, what’s easy for them and what’s not. That’s a highly bespoke service they’re getting, one they could never fulfill on their own in a traditional classroom. Thus teachers get on with teaching. Not delivering one-size-fits-all lectures. Or spending huge amounts of time marking papers. Or second guessing what their children know or don’t know. They become ‘Learning Masters’ instead of mere ‘Content Providers’. Schools become places of clarity, communication, collaboration, community; with higher levels of student engagement and satisfaction all round. The old model is transformed. The true full potential of children is being harnessed. That’s the remarkable empowerment technology can bring into the classroom, for everyone. So next time a school claims to be 'holistic' you need to ask yourself – is this a normal classroom or a flipped one ? Who's leading their learning - teachers or students ? How is the curriculum being delivered ? Via traditional methods or with advanced digital and online tools ? Therefore what's really being addressed ? The whole, or just some little parts. 

Shilpa Mehta, with her daughter India-Fire

Shilpa Mehta is the CEO of Indi-Global Paradise School (iGPS) and the founder of Paradise School in South Goa. A new school is due to open in North Goa in Sept 2016. A former television broadcaster for Discovery, BBC and Channel 4, her aim is to modernise education in India and the world.