Issue No: 38

Friday, October 2, 2015 | Vol. No. 3 | Issue 38 | Price Rs. 10 | www.goastreets.com | G-2/RNP/Weekly/Goa-05/2013-15

04

Indian Cinema's German Roots

The grandson of a German pioneer of Indian movies unveils a stunning strategy to preserve his legacy.

(Pages 2 and 19) 10

Embracing The Season

12

FC Goa's Dream

The strange, the wild, the unusual, the fun and everything else you need to slay this high season in Goa.

Goans are going crazy over FC Goa's prospects ahead of this season's ISL matches. Their optimism looks well placed.

Inside:

• Goa International Latin Festival • Waldorf Education • Spin Art • Truffles • Sol de Goa's Music • Christian Zealotry

ALSO INSIDE: COMPLETE FOOD/EVENT/NIGHTLIFE GUIDE

02 COVER STORY

Our Intolerant Times How A Village Ashram In Goa Contributes To Rising Radicalisation

I

By Crespo D’Souza

t might come as a surprise that Goa, a multi-religious state that boasts of its unusually strong communal harmony, is home to an Ashram - the Ramnathi Ashram in the Bandora village of Ponda – which hosts a yearly “All India Hindu Nation Convention” whose unabashed aim is to make India a Hindu Nation by 2025. The convention, which this year was held between June 11 to 17, is into its fourth edition. It regularly passes resolutions proclaiming Hindu exceptionalism and demanding that Hindus be given preference above everyone else.

Ramnathi Ashram is home to the Sanatan Sanstha, whose leaders claim they are non violent but whose members have been arrested for carrying out terror attacks in Malegaon in Maharashtra, and two of whom have died while transporting a bomb.

The secretive Sanstha (organisation) has weathered many storms but is now back in the news after the police arrested one of its members, Samir Gaikwad, for the killing of communist leader and rationalist Govind Pansare of Kolhapur earlier this year. Two other members of the organisation were convicted of carrying out blasts in Mumbai’s Thane area and others were charge sheeted in Maharashtra’s Malegaon town blasts that killed 37 people and injured 125, mostly Muslims. And two Sanatan Sanstha members were

killed when an improvised explosive device they were carrying exploded prematurely.

“There is absolutely no violence and extremism in our ideology. Sanatan Sanstha is an organisation devoted to the cause of spreading spirituality, as well as committed to the spiritual progress of the seekers,” said Nitin Sahakari, a trustee of the organisation.

It’s an argument that few are willing to buy and even fewer in Bandora village.

“We are also Hindus. We don’t need organisations like Sanatan to tell us what Hinduism is. Sanatan teaches ‘something else’ in the name of Hinduism, which the villagers are opposed to. Precisely for this reason not a single villager of Bandora is a Sanatan member while its headquarters are situated in their village,” said villager Saurabh Lotlikar, who said he was confident the majority of his neighbours agreed with him fully. Lotlikar has been pushing for the ashram to be shut down.

It’s not just about one ashram in one Goan village. Our state is far from immune from the sort of radicalisation now sweeping the nation, with an increasing number of Hindus and non-Hindus (see page 19) choosing tribalism over community, chauvinism over tolerance, sectarianism over brotherhood. Yes, the Narendra Modi revolution has its bright spots and moments in the sun with Mark Zuckerberg. But it also has a dark underside that is making its presence felt in every corner of our nation, including the Goan village of Bandora.

This isn’t the first time the village’s people have spoken out against Sanatan Sanstha. They did so in 2009 after bomb blasts in Margao, passing a resolution at the village council demanding the ashram be evicted. But then the issue died down, as did the power of the villagers’ demands.

Now that things are heating up again, the government is in no mood to listen, with Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar saying that an organisation cannot

be held responsible for the acts of an individual.

“The narrative of 'one nation one identity’ does cause apprehension and a sense of alienation among sections of 200 million Muslims and over 27.8 million Christians in the country,” said Shyamal Datta, a former director of the Intelligence Bureau, while brushing aside the ability of the Sanstha to win over many followers or be able to spread its wings beyond Western Maharashtra, Goa and some parts of Karnataka.

So where does that leave the Sanatan?

Left to defend itself, the Sanatan has accused successive governments, including the BJP, of organising a witch hunt against its members as part of a ‘large political conspiracy’.

“The Police have hatched the conspiracy to implicate innocent Samir Gaikwad. It is suspicious to arrest him in such a manner. Earlier, inquiry of many seekers of Sanatan was also conducted in the case of the killing of Dr. Dabholkar.

Sanatan Sanstha also faced similar criticism on earlier occasions. However, no output came out of these inquiries,” Virendra Marathe, managing trustee of Sanatan Sanstha, said in a recent statement to the press.

To be sure, the organisation’s quest to gain traction in Goa is an uphill battle, in large part because of its radical ideology that can even put the RSS to shame.

Still, its increasingly noxious venom is very much in line with the intolerance now blossoming in Goa and throughout the country. In a recent editorial in Sanatan Sanstha’s mouthpiece, the weekly newspaper Sanatan Prabhat, the organisation nonchalantly asked its followers to kill ‘anti-nationals’ like dogs.

The Aam Aadmi Party has demanded that the government stop funding such a paper through advertisements.

“By what journalistic standards is the ‘Sanathan Prabhat’ fit to be called a newspaper? A cursory perusal of said publication will reveal a blatantly right-wing presentation of events and information and special attempts to malign and misrepresent non-Hindu communities, with an obvious intention to create hatred and create fear and psychosis against minority faiths,” said party secretary Valmiki Naik.

And here is Nitin Sahakari’s response to these barbs: “The very fact that the evil elements are accusing Sanstha and harassing it is ample proof of the growing strength of the Sanstha.”

Whether its strength is actually increasing is an open question. But the generalised fanaticism that helps legitimise its hateful message is not. 

FILM

Devika Rani in an iconic scene from 'Bombay Talkies' studios classic film "Durga" 1939.

My German Grandfather Was A Pioneer In Indian Movie-Making A New Book Will Contain Hundreds Of Never-BeforeSeen Images From His Personal Collection

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By Georg Wirsching

osef Wirsching, my grandfather, was a pioneering master of cinematography. In 1923, he was working as a cameraman with the Emelka Film Studios in Munich, Germany when he was directed by his studio to help an ambitious Indian lawyer, Himanshu Rai, shoot a silent film called “The Light of Asia.” The film, shot entirely on location in India in 1925 with the help of three other German technicians, was released in 1926 to rave reviews throughout Europe due to its vivid visual authenticity. The first ever IndoGerman Cinematic collaboration of this magnitude, it was also the most expensive movie ever shot at the time.

The grandeur of the film lives on because it was the first movie depicting India where the sets were not painted backdrops and the actors were Indians and not Europeans in grease paint makeup. It was the first time the Western world got a chance to see India in all its glory and misery, through the telling of the simple story of the life of Buddha.

During the filming of this movie, Josef fell in love with India. The Jaipur court astrologer remarked to Josef that he had “returned to the birthplace of a previous life”, and my grandfather took this as a sign that he must return to India.

In 1927-28, he travelled overland from Munich to Benares through the Syrian Desert and Persia. Along the way, at the Indus River, a soothsayer mentioned to him he would do marvellous things if he stayed in India – a thought also echoed to him by a naked mendicant in Benares. He continued onwards through the northeast of India through Mandalay and Burma to end his journey in Rangoon. At that time he made up his mind that he would return to India and nature would provide a way.

In 1935, Josef was handpicked to become the head of Cinematography and part of a team of filmmakers led by Franz Osten as Director, Carl Graf Von Spretti as

the Set and Costume designer, Wille Zolle the Laboratory in-charge and Benjamin Hartley the sole Englishman who handled the sound recording for Himanshu Rai’s newly created studio in India - “Bombay Talkies”. With the acting talent of Devika Rani, Ashok Kumar, Mumtaz Ali, Najmal Naqvi, Najmal Hussain, Chandra Prabha, F. Pithawala, to name a few, the studios made highly acclaimed films like Jawani Ki Hawa, Jeevan Naya and Achhut Kanya etc .

At the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Josef and all other German, Polish, Austrian and Italian citizens in India and any other “Allied Force”-ruled country east of the Suez, were interned in prisoner of war camps run by the British.

After an air bombing raid over Munich in 1944 destroyed his family home, Josef had nothing left to go back to. He made India his home and continued filming at the “Bombay Talkies” studios, making epic films like 1949’s Ziddi, which launched the career of Dev Anand, and the first ever Indian horror flick, Mahal in 1950. The latter movie had the dark expressionistic film noir look which made Kamal Amrohi’s script come alive with many firsts in film making special effects as well. It was this understanding between Josef and Kamal Amrohi that led to their other hits, including Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai in 1960 and their magnum opus Pakeezah, released in 1972, that is still rated by many film historians as one of India’s top ten films of all time.

My grandfather died in 1967, a fortnight after the passing of his wife Charlotte, leaving his legacy in the careful charge of his only son Wolfgang Peter Wirsching, my father. For many years my dad painstakingly

preserved his father’s collection of photos and other memorabilia, and later I joined these efforts. In 2009, we decided to use technology to open the archive that would give us a comprehensive look at the material. Over the next 5 years, with our limited resources, we digitally inventoried the images in controlled conditions to avoid any atmospheric degradation to the already fragile material, which is highly flammable and adversely affected by humidity.

In December 2010, Mr P.K. Nair, the previous head of the National Film Archives of India, visited our archive and saw some of the material first hand. He was surprised to note the extent and well preserved condition of the collection. He noted that the quality and quantity of our material does not exist in any private or public archive anywhere in India. Much of the material of this genre once found in the National Film Archives of India no longer exists due to fires that broke out there during 2000, after Mr Nair had already retired as its head.

This aroused our curiosity to probe further and, to our astonishment, we learned that Josef’s Askania Camera and other equipment filling six cases, which had been donated by Wolfgang Peter to the NFAI in the late 1960’s, had disappeared. We feel sad

that this is the state of preservation in India and have decided to preserve the remaining part of Josef’s work ourselves by publishing a large format, hard cover, 250-page photo-book which will contain hundreds of “never-seen-before” images from Josef’s personal collection, with detailed anecdotal histories written by a trio of researchers possessing expert knowledge of Josef’s work.

We have chosen to crowd fund this project, as this way the film-loving public can personally get a chance to play an important part in making this project a reality. We are inviting the public to place their pre-orders for the limited edition Postcard sets, the Collector’s edition Book, or Art prints we have made available as rewards on our crowd funding campaign at www.wishberry.in/ campaign/bollywoods-german-origins/ The campaign is open until the 14th of November so please make your pledges today to help preserve this fragile collection of Indian Film History for future generations.

Please do check out www. wirschingarchive.com for more of the imagery being made available from the collection and do follow our family’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ wirschingarchive for interesting film trivia and imagery that’s uploaded regularly.

 Georg Wirsching is the grandson of the late Josef Wirsching and is a professional artist, with many works done over a 20-year career for corporate and private collections around the world. He is currently the Administrator of the Wirsching Archive.

Kamal Amrohi, Josef Wirsching (second from left), Meena Kumari and a few of Josef's assistants on an outdoor shoot in Kashmir for the filming of "Dil apna aur Preet Parai" which was released in 1959.

Friday, October 2, 2015

The international melodymasters of renown - Lil Red & the Roosters • Simply The Blues, Mumbai’s unique roots blues festival moves into its 4th year • Simply The Blues is the only blues festival in India that spans multi-city gigs. In this edition, it spreads its roots across 4 cities in India – Goa, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore • The first edition in this year, kicks off with France’s most popular blues band - Lil Red & The Roosters led by singer / songwriter / percussionist

Ms. Jennifer Milligan • The gigs connect the sounds of modern blues to its roots music, through the ‘washboard’ – one of the most unique roots blues instruments.

The washboard debuts for the first time ever on the Indian live music stage • Upcoming editions will see more cities added to the tour As legendary American bluesman Willie Dixon said – “The Blues is the roots, the rest is the fruits”. September 24th saw the 4th edition of Starkonnect Event & Promotion’s pioneer blues festival Simply The Blues, spreading its roots to Goa and making its way to the city’s favourite music venue - Sol de Goa Hotel, Nerul, Bardez, Goa.

Big band sound got a minimalist twist, with multi-award winning French blues band Lil Red & The Roosters.

Jennifer Milligan took centre-stage, with The Roosters comprising multiaward winning guitarist Pascal Fouquet and the charming Thomas Troussier on blues harp. Together they complimented her soulful voice, creating an electric blues band in a serious ‘roots’ blues format.

Blues music lovers got a chance to

enjoy the group’s refreshing sense of humour, with their originals bringing the 40’s and 50’s blues, and rhythm and blues into the present day. Jennifer Milligan has the voice of a diva, walking voluptuously from Bessie Smith to Janis Joplin. An authentic storyteller with a voice sometimes serious and sometimes sweet, and an unshakeable smile, she

TURN TO PAGE 6

06 music & nightlife Oct 2 Friday Beach Party Featuring Jewlung, Leon, Mr. V, Funksun, Ritesh Gonsalves At Cafe Lilliput, Anjuna 6 pm onwards +91 9822137767 Wet & Tech Tejas Belhond- Goa,Alli Marc - Chronicle , Progressive Patriot, Waters resident At Waters Beach Lounge & Grill, Vagator 8 pm till late +91 9702025555

Oct 3 Sold Out Saturday Get grooving this Saturday at Sol as DJ Zeeqar spins some tunes in sync with live percussionist Lenon.

At Sol de Goa, Nerul 8 pm to 12 am +91 832 6714141 Rock is Alive Featuring Elvis Rumion, Lenon Pires, Noel D' Gama At Soul Souffle, Verna 8 pm onwards +91 9323590051

Oct 4 Jus Jazz 2015 Jazz Maestro IGOR Butman Quartet Featuring Oleg Akkuratov ( A Visually Impaired Pianist) At Bay 15, Odxel, Dona Paula 6 pm onwards +91 8424991879/ +91 7718884200 Sunday Night Jazz Mac Dourado - Guitar, Colin D'cruz bass, Denis Coelho -drums At Bar Code Lounge & Grill, Porvorim 7 pm onwards +91 7050961335

Live music at Mustard Krishna Vamsee is live on Wednesday, only at Mustard playing the best in blues, mo-town rock, and country tracks, 8pm onwards. Come savour the flavours that binds cuisines together at the the newest culinary destination in Goa. 8:00 pm onwards At Mustard, Sangolda +91 98234 36120

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

Every Fridays Wet and Tech Gear up for an amazing session of electronic music acts playing Deep house, Tech, and tech house music At Waters Beach Lounge and Grill, Ozran beach, Vagator 8:00 pm till late +919767200012 & 9702025555 & 9850561111 Friday Night Live with Alcatrazz For the first time in Dona Paula : Retro, Pop and Dance music by the amazing Alcatrazz only at Bay 15.

At Bay 15, Odxel beach, Dona Paula 8:00 pm onwards 095610 06715

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

Herman Abreo Blues Band Live on Stage Herman Abred Voval & Guitar, Lenon Pires drums, Keith Veigas Bass At Guru Bar, North Anjuna 8 pm onwards +91 9960956691

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

Oct 7

Casinos in Goa

Ladies Night With DJ Ryan Nogar At Cafe Mojo Pub & Bistro, Panaji @ 7 pm onwards +91 7774054353

Oct 3 and Oct 4 Season Opening Featuring Delirium.

Weekend Party At Marbela Beach, Morjim 7 pm onwards +91 9158881180/ +91 832 6450599

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

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

holds the rhythm with a light snare shuffle or washboard scratch. Multi-award winning French blues guitarist Pascal Fouquet shines in this intimate setting, agile fingers gliding over the strings of his guitar, always searching for the perfect sound, where you can hear every nuance of his 40 years’ experience.

2012 King of the Chug winner French harmonist Thomas Troussier plays from his heart and soul. They’re warm and inviting and their music is inspired and innovative.

The band connects its modern sound, to the roots of the blues, with Jennifer playing one of the most unique ‘roots’ blues instruments – the washboard, an instrument never heard on a live stage performance in India.

The opening band for the night was Hermen Abreo Blues Band with Hermen Abreu on the Blues Harmonica and guitar, Carlos Gonsalves on percussion and drums, Shayne Ballantyne on guitar and Joe Ferrao on bass.

Blues with a spirit full of hope and joy that may just inspire you to get up and boogie!

About Simply The Blues An initiative of StarKonnect Events & Promotions, Simply The Blues has spread its wings to blues fans across India. The dream of its promoters Anil Mehta and Joyce Arora, to give this beautiful genre its rightful place in the live music event space in India, has slowly taken shape. Blues is no more considered a niche music form. A younger audience is slowly recognising that their

idols in modern music such as Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton etc, have their roots in the blues, and are eager to experience the blues. An increasing number of young musicians across India are taking to playing the blues.

Simply The Blues has been creating this awareness for the past 3 years through its various platforms. In its 4th year now, Simply The Blues, brings the Blues to your doorstep, with a multi-city tour across India. This is a format no other blues festival in India has created so far. This tour sees Simply The Blues, associating with partners across various cities, who believe in providing a quality live music experience to their guests.

Event website: www.simplytheblues.in Simply The Blues (Goa) : Sol de Goa Hotel, Nerul, Bardez.

Simply The Blues is proud to have Sol de Goa Hotel, Goa partner with them on the multi-city India tour. Sol de Goa has made a name for itself in recent years as one of the top music venues in the state, providing delightful, soul-stirring, out-of-the-box musical entertainment and innovative performances that are often a first for Goa. 

Introducing Non-Peak Hours at Basilio’s Gym And Health Club!

The benefits of exercise are huge, and it’s not just about toning up or slimming down. It’s also about having more energy for your family or your work, and looking and feeling better.

Enter Basilio’s, the biggest and best gym and health club in Goa. Exercise not just your body but also your options, which include weight-loss programmes, weight-lifting, kick boxing, kick aerobics, taekwondo, dance classes, karate, free weights, cardio workouts, personal training, group fitness and much more. The gym also offers highly competent and helpful trainers. All of this takes place in an environment that makes you feel at home, no matter what your current fitness level may be. Basilio’s is for people who want to build muscles and for all those who just want to keep fit. The gym has the heaviest dumbbells, ranging from 05 lbs. to 120 lbs. It has state-ofthe-art cardiovascular equipment, as well as heavy-duty machines, treadmill, elliptical spin cycle and many other machines to tone muscles and meet all your other fitness needs. There is ample

area to work on your core muscles and to engage in free-weight training. The gym is conveniently located so that people from surrounding areas can work their way to health.

Basilio’s now offers you non-peak hours from 10 am – 12 pm.

HIGHLIGHTS- Health Club, Gym, Zumba, Kickboxing, Gymnastics, Taekwondo, Karate Timings: 6 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Address - Angel Anne Arcade A-3, St Inez Rd, Santa Inez, Goa, 403001 Contact - 0832 222 8014/ 9822384909

EDUCATION 07

Friday, October 2, 2015

Waldorf Kindergarten For North Goa

By Kanchi Mehta

A

lternative education systems have always been viewed with skepticism, especially in a conditioned society such as ours. A highly competitive social system that pre-determines the future of a child leaves little room for a parent to choose a different kind of education. For many decades, education has been designed to prepare youngsters for ‘respected’ careers like doctors, engineers, lawyers, architects and bankers. Parents aspired this life for their children, one with status, respect and wealth. Today, technology has brought the world closer, and it is easier to access newer pathways into specialized studies. There is a growing sense of individuality and independent thinking among the current youth, and as a result, alternative teaching methods have been introduced and are gaining popularity around the country.

J. Krishnamurti, a philosopher and spiritualist founded the Rishi Valley School in 1926, situated a few hours drive from Bangalore, spread across 375 acres of valley and surrounded by hills and villages. It is a school regarded for its holistic approach to education and the founder’s didactic vision. Although it followed the regular ICSE and ISC board, it aimed at stimulating the child’s strengths through music, dance, art, environment and athletics as well as the traditional subjects. It sought to hone each child’s strengths guided by a worldly outlook. The school was revolutionary in its time, and faced its own set of challenges and cynicism.

A friend of mine was transferred to Rishi Valley when we were in the 5th grade, and I remember requesting my mother to send me there too, based on the exciting description he gave me. But it was too ‘radical’ a school in the 80’s and my request was nulled.

Now I know why, only too well.

I went to a city school that was

An Approach To Education That Focuses On The Whole Child goal oriented, where all students were expected to excel in regular tests and understand all subjects alike. In retrospect, there was an element of trauma involved with performance and behavior. With the constant struggle to balance weaknesses with the strengths, the pressure to compete was stressful.

But we all made it through eventually.

However, studies in child psychology have encouraged the education system in India and around the world to shift paradigms. Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, architect, author and social reformer, was one of the first people to synthesize Science and Philosophy, questioning traditional schools of thought. The structure of the Waldorf Education is based on Steiner’s theories of child development. It stresses the importance of educating the whole child—body, mind, and spirit. In the early grades, the emphasis is on arts and crafts, music and movement, and nature. As the child gets older, they are taught to develop self-awareness and how to reason things out for themselves.

In this method, standard textbooks are not used. Instead the children create their own books, discouraging the use of electronic devices because of the belief that they impair creativity.

By understanding that the child’s development is divided into three distinct stages, each of which last seven years, each stage is nurtured to awaken the behavioral, cognitive, physical, social and spiritual characteristics of each child.

Reading this alone makes me want to go back to kindergarten and re-educate myself the Steiner way. As someone correctly said, ‘the only way to create a new system is to make the current one obsolete.’

Today, there are over a thousand Waldorf schools in some 60 countries, not to mention a number of WaldorfSteiner schools in India, in places like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Puna and Goa, to name a few.

I met with Isha Anand, a young mother who lives in Assagao, and is getting ready to set up a Kindergarten school, based on the Waldorf structure, in North Goa. Goa currently has a couple of Waldorf schools in the south, including the Keshar Academy of Learning in Dabolim. Isha’s school would be the first one in the north.

Her luminous smile reflects her passion for this project. She said, “My motive to start the school is firstly to give my three-year-old son a Steiner education. I also want to to create a really unique space for our children to explore life. I am moved by how Steiner has observed the child. He doesn’t see a child as a physical entity with just a brain. He sees a child as a mind, a will, a soul and a treasure, and this really intrigues me because it is a perspective and an insight of human development which I have not encountered elsewhere” As I did my own research, I learnt the curriculum is broad, and the teaching methods innovative. The students learn and assimilate the learning in their own unique ways. It is not instructional education, but rather the opposite. It

reinforces the students’ sensibilities in the interest of a balanced and self-aware future.

“For me”, Isha explained, “this is my purpose in life that is manifesting itself into reality. This kindergarten is only the beginning … This school is for any parent who is not satisfied with the prevalent system, of being told that their child is not good enough or not up to certain standards, because every child is precious, and has something exceptional to offer. One just cannot standardize children … All teachers are facilitators for children to realize their own purpose and path.”

A common question arises among parents, as to how the child would adapt to life and further education after they graduate from a Waldorf School.

“This transition would be easier for Steiner students, because their entire education prepared them for anything that life would throw at them. They are self-motivated, self-aware and have a general direction they are able to steer towards on their own. Their incentive is not to compete, but they simply do their best to learn, and this in turn allows them to excel,” said Isha.

The Waldorf kindergarten starts in January 2016. A group of parents have already confirmed a space for their children, although the school is still in the process of finding an ideal location around Assagao and its neighboring villages. They will be two passionate teachers and they aim to have 20 students to start with.  • For more information please email Isha Anand on naturalmysticmama@gmail.com • For more information on the Waldorf School, please check the following links www.whywaldorfworks.org/ www.waldorfanswers.com/WaldorfFAQ. htm • Videos- www.youtube.com/ watch?v=tZmAX5adCl0 www.youtube.com/ watch?v=upmMD4JnCus

08 music & nightlife The Goa International Latin Festival Ready To Rumba? Serious About Salsa? Mad For Merengue?

This Is Going To Be Grande. MUY GRANDE! Whisky (Oh, and did we mention Goa Streets is Media Partner?) connoisseur

T

By Goa Streets

his is a story about music, dance and the pure joy of life. It’s a tale about the Latin American way, the embrace of all things festive and the inspirational power of celebration.

If there’s anything that sets Latinos apart from everyone else, it’s their singular devotion to unadulterated fun.

This is the story of the Goa International Latin Festival, or GILF, an exclusive annual niche Latin dance festival with workshops, parties, performances, poolparties, shack-parties and championships featuring Salsa & Bachata international and Indian artists hosted by Latino Rhythms Dance Academy. This is the

Goa International Latin Festival’s fifth consecutive year, and will be held from 16th to 19th Oct’15 at the Resort Rio in Arpora.

The GILF, presented by John Anthony, will feature over 50 workshops, 15 shows, two pool parties, three nights of crazy parties, a beach party, delectable seafood, theme nights, championships and much more.

Goa Streets is extremely proud to be Media Partner for this enchanting Latin Festival!

About LRDA Latino Rhythms Dance Academy, founded by John Anthony, is a Bangalore-based a Latin dance academy that has taught some 5,000 students over the past eight years.

John also hosts Asia’s largest dance congress, India International Dance Congress, or IIDC, every year for the last four years.

Venue: Resort Rio, Arpora, Goa, India Date: Oct. 16-19 Artist line up for GILF 2015 International Artistes: 1. Troy , USA 2. Dmitri and Stella , Greece 3. Marco and Samantha, Italy 4.

Oleg and Yaiza, Spain 5. DJ Cisco, Belgium National Artists 1. Richard David Tholoor 2. Sonali Kunmun Das 3. Ranjani Venkatesan 4.

Rishikesh Chabria 5. Suman and Santosh 6. Peddro 7. Sovit and Satyaki 8. Sameer and Shenny Sachdeva 9. Yavit and Titil Bhattacharya 10. Jose and Neel Ak Shi 11.

Awadhesh Introducing Artistes 1. Elvis Mascarenhas 2. Namrata Witke 3. Nakul Ashok Ghanekar 4. Adiseshan Prithvi 5. Nilesh Waman 6. Abhishek Soman 7. Megha Khatri

and mentor – Anchal Kaushal

For registration details visit www.goalatinfest.com Facebook: GoaInternationalLatinFestival Media Contact: etheldacosta@gmail.com (don’t forget to ask about special prices!)

John Anthony Director , LRDA Organizer IIDC and GILF Phone : 98454 33370 Email : john.anthony@latinorhythms.in

09

Friday, October 2, 2015

Oct 4 Self Defence Workshop At Carpe Diem By: Sensei Joseph Rodrigues (Karate Instructor) 2 sessions: 11:30 am - 1:00pm and 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm Age: Open for all Fees: Rs.1500/- (Register in advance) Cafe Open for lunch At Carpe Diem, Majorda +91 8888862420

Oct 25 Exclusive Photography Workshop for Kids

By Darshan Lolienkar, renowned photography professional Organised by Sushant Forever...

Free & Open to children from 14 - 16 years At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula 10.00 am - 1.00 pm 9422443933 / 9405921094

Every Wednesday & Friday David Furtado Dance Classes Salsa & Waltz for beginners At Casino Motel, Porvorim 6.40 to 7.40 +91 9975914195

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Yoga With Nikhila Trikha at Carpe Diem At Carpe Diem, Gomes Waddo, Majorda 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm +91 832 2881 035/+91 8888862462 Great Goan Experiences

Experiences in Goa 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 , childrens pool etc.

At Pateipur, Nuvem +91 9823480057 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, 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

MUSEUMS

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

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

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

Go Karting Track I Goa Karting Single and tandem go karts are available for Rs: 180 for ten laps or Rs 200 for ten laps tandem At Panjim - Margao Highway, Nuvem 4 pm to 10 pm +91 832 2757899/ +91 9850736334 Track II Goa Karting Single and tandem go karts are available for Rs: 180 for ten laps or Rs 200 for ten Laps tandem At Anjuna - Calangute Rd, Arpora 4 pm to 10 pm. +91 832 2914526 Outdoors 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 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 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

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 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 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

Dance Classes Jason & Sylvia Dance Academy At Las Viegas Dance Studio, Taleigao +91 9822161652/ +91 9822151614 David Furtado Dance & Aerobics Dance styles such as Waltz, Jive Salsa, Cha Cha, and Merengue & Salsa for adults. And Hip Hop, Contemporary & Bollywood for children.

At Rosary Chapel, Miramar, Dona Paula Road, Caranzalem +91 9975914195 Snaden Shawn Dance Academy Dance Style: Hip hop, Bollyfunk, jazz, contemporary At All Over Goa +91 7798609859/ +91 9890163433

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 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 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 MarathaPortuguese war.

At Vagator

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

I will not be cowed by a bully.

10 explore

13 Weird And Crazy Things To Do This Season In Goa The high season is upon us, and soon this little state of ours will be swarming with throngs of visitors eager to make the most out of their visit to our little slice of paradise.

But you don’t have to be a visitor to enjoy Goa’s myriad offerings. Here’s a list of unusual, out-of-the-way, littlethought-of activities that might just stir your soup, boil your borsht, or energize your soul this season in Goa. 1. Float on a houseboat Check out the houseboats on the Chapora River, a delightful way to hang out with your loved one or ones.

These boats come with a bedroom and living room, besides the deck and a kitchen with a small staff to take care of all your needs.

2. Learn ballroom dancing This is definitely a Goan USP (Unique Selling Proposition). Ballroom dancing is not a craze here, but a longstanding tradition. This is a wonderful way to bond with your significant other in a particularly classy fashion.

3. Explore the caves Are you cave man or a wild woman?

Check out the “Pandava caves” near the St Sebastian Church, Aquem-Margao, or the Buddhist and Jain caves at Sanguem.

Other caves are located at Vasco and its surrounding areas of Chicalim, Issorcem and Hollant, besides Khandepar in Ponda taluka.

4. Go crocodile watching Crocodiles are abundant in Goa, and as long as you avoid becoming lunch for one of them, watching them in their natural habitat is nothing short of breathtaking.

Lot of tour operators in the coastal areas will readily book you a trip.

5. Watch a Tiatr If you don’t speak Konkani, you might be wondering why it’s

worth attending one of these eminently Goan Konkani theatrical performances. The reason is that you can’t beat them for an insight into the subtleties of Goan society, and if you have tag along with a true-blood Goan who can translate a line or two, you’re in the money.

6. Stay in a floating tent How many places on earth have floating tents? We’re not sure, but Goa is one of them. Head to Mayem Lake near Bicholim and check out these onebedroom floating tents at the Champions Yacht club at the GTDC Residency there.

7. Explore an underwater ship wreck Lest you forget, dear reader, Goa hosted (or shall we say, survived) Portuguese rule for more than 450 years. During those four and a half centuries of seafaring intrigue, more than a few shipwrecks occurred. Scuba diving outfits in Goa offer dives where you can also explore some of these ship wrecks around the Mormugao harbor, near Grande Island and Bat Island.

8. Take a heritage walk For some, Goa is about beach shacks, bikinis and ice-cold bear. For others, the lure is sun, sea, and parties. And yet when it comes to rich culture and heritage, Goa stands tall on the world stage. To celebrate this reality, why not take a walk with the Goa Heritage Action Group, which organizes tours in the state’s capital city and points out bits of the past you would never have seen otherwise?

Tel: +91-832-245-9109.

9. Visit Houses of Goa Houses of Goa has painstakingly archived and documented Goa’s Architectural History, starting from the arrival of the Portuguese. It is located in a wooded

residential area in Torda in North Goa, in a uniquely shaped building. (www. archgoa.org)

10. Visit India’s first public library Not too many people know that Panjim’s Krishnadas Shama State Central Library was India’s first public library.

Established in the 1830s, the library has gone through several transformations, but its latest development saw a totally revamped avatar in an all-new location in Patto, Panjim. Spread over six spacious floors to accommodate its varied collection of close to half a million books, the building is open to one-time visitors too, making it worth a visit, even if just for a few hours.

11. Steep yourself in archaeology Goa is home to an Archaeological Museum located in a convent of the church of St. Francis of Assisi in North Goa. Showcasing a range of antique collectibles including objects from prehistoric and early historic times up to the late mediaeval period, the museum is spread over eight galleries.

12. Add some spice to your life Spice plantations are Goan gems definitely worth visiting. Check out Pascoal’s Spice Farm opposite the Nestle factory along the NH4A leading towards Belgaum, and the Sahakhari and Savoi plantations nearby.

Also worth visiting is the Tapanshikar spice garden in the south.

13. Visit a Fort Cabo de Rama is a beautiful fort located in the Canacona district of South Goa, about 25 kilometres south of Margao. Named after Lord Rama, the fortress was built before the arrival of the Portuguese. Reis Magos Fort has been restored and has quickly become one of the more popular forts in North Goa. It was built in the late 15th century under Adil Shah’s rule. Overlooking the Mandovi River, it view is particularly scenic and it’s now open to public for visits as well as private events like weddings and film shootings.

12 sports

Dii Tekha (Give It Back) Forca Goa Style The Promising Future of FC Goa and Football In the Sunny State

By Vivian Maverick Martins

I

nfectious optimism has gripped the football crazy state of Goa as FC Goa are battle ready and the ‘Gaurs’ (as they are fondly called) are raring to go in the second edition of the India Super League, hoping to decimate opponents.

FC Goa had a decent pre season in Dubai, with the team looking quite good with Coach Zico weaving his magic by adding Brazilian flavor to the FC Goa team.

However, as who and where teams play in preseason is almost irrelevant, FC Goa faithful want the samba magic to continue as it’s show time now and the countdown to kick off has begun. FC Goa has managed to achieve its pre season goals of fitness and unity, and the Gaurs have sharpened their horns and are ready to strike.

The Gaurs had an abysmal start in the inaugural edition of the ISL as Zico chopped and changed his line ups to get the perfect combo from a pool of players made available to him by the team management.

According to sources in FC Goa, the Brazilian treinador Zico was very unhappy with his team and the coaching staff last season.

He had also criticized some of the players and kept the likes of Robert Pires on the bench. He also got rid of Arthur Papas, after which the team really turned it on in the latter half of the season. This season, however, Zico got involved in the team selection right from the start and managed to get his wish list fulfilled by the owners.

“Last year I did not know the players, so the team struggled in the beginning.

This year we will be better because I got to choose the Indian players and the foreigners. We’ve also had a very good pre season and the team is looking in great shape," said Zico This season FC Goa has got in some Brazilian jogadors through former Dempo FC star Beto’s sports management agency Get Pro. Their marquee signing Lucimar Ferreira da Silva, Lucio, was a masterstroke by Zico as he will provide the much needed stability at the back and his partnership with Gregory Arnolin could be a striker’s nightmare.

Even the best attack in the league will struggle to find a way past this impassable duo.

However, Lucio doesn’t want any complacency in the team. He wants everyone to rise to the occasion and do their bit to win the title for FC Goa.

“We have a great set of players and it is always good to have competition amongst your teammates to get into the playing eleven. It won’t be just the Brazilians or foreigners that will help the team to deliver but equal efforts from every other player is required to make sure FC Goa lifts the ISL trophy this season,” said Lucio.

Apart from Lucio, FC Goa has made some interesting signings this season. They have a great strike force in Reinaldo, Duffy, and Haokip who will be feeding off creative masterminds like

Leo Moura, Jofre and Romeo. With reinforcements in the back, midfield and forward line, the fans have a season to really look forward to.

FC Goa marketing activities are also in full swing after the successful first season, with the FC Goa brand reaching a whole new level. The team was welcomed by a horde of adoring fans well past midnight in Goa, and there has been some crazy fan following at the training venues as well.

More importantly, the team owners now have a long-term vision for the club and want to take it to even greater heights. The owners have backed Zico with both staff and player selection. And FC Goa fans have responded by giving their unconditional love and support to the club.

Shrinivas Dempo, Co owner FC Goa said, “We are very thrilled that the people of Goa have taken FC Goa as their team and we want the fan build up to continue. The popularity of the team is judged by how much the people of Goa love the club and I think we can further increase this bar.”

“Winning or losing doesn’t really matter. However victory would be an icing on the cake because the finals are in Goa. If the team performs well and reaches the final I think the trophy would be ours as we have a very strong team,” added an optimistic Dempo.

The match day entertainment is also an integral part and this season FC Goa has gone all out to make sure there is an electrifying atmosphere in the stadium.

Varun Carvalho, Singer & Composer of the FC Goa anthem and his entertainment team are all set to make the environment as hostile as possible for the opposing teams!

“Forca Goa chant really caught on last season with more than 20,000 fans chanting Forca Goa in unison but this season we’ve taken it a step further and created the Dii Tekha Forca Goa official anthem, which will surely strike a chord with all Goans,” said Varun Carvalho.

The entertainment team at the stadium will comprise of musicians, drummers, trumpeters, RJs and DJs intent on keeping the mood upbeat at all times.

“We will have drummers and trumpeters in all the stands connecting with the fans via music. The idea is to engage with all the fans and make sure they get involved vocally to support their team from the stands,” added Varun.

Even the hike in ticket prices has not deterred the fans and tickets for the first match against Delhi Dynamos on October 4 were sold out in no time.

Naeem Headan, better known as Lil Naeem, from Margao is a diehard FC Goa fan and is all geared up for the ISL. “We have a great team and I really do believe FC Goa can win it this time. Last year it was heartbreak for all Goan fans but this season will surely be ours,” said Lil. This year Goa will also host the finals of the ISL and it would truly be spectacular if FC Goa could lift the trophy in front of a passionate and vociferous home crowd that would chant ‘Forca Goa, Forca Goa, Forca Goa.’ The Squad • Coach: Zico • Goalkeepers: Andrade, Laxmikant Kattimani, Luis Barreto, Keenan Almeida • Defenders: Nicolau Colaco, Lúcio, Grégory Arnolin, Raju Gaikwad, Narayan Das, Roy Debabrata.

• Midfielders: Bikramjit Singh, Jonatan Lucca, Pronay Halder, Léo Moura, Jofre, Mandar Rao Desai, Léo Rocha, Denson Devadas, Romeo Fernandes • Forwards: Victor Simões, Reinaldo, Darryl Duffy, Chinadorai Sabeeth, Joaquim Abranches, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Victorino Fernandes

13 Friday, October 2, 2015

Sinfully delicious Truffles We are all sinners: Forgetting common sense and indulging in chocolate may be a minor sin but can give us major pleasure – forget about slim figures and everything and come to chocolate country with these truffles. (Just remember to stop before you transgress the limits your body can handle). My son – after having experienced some seriously sinful chocolate delicacies in Italy – insisted that I start to produce some of my own. Luckily, as mentioned before, there is decent cooking chocolate available in India.

Subsequently I searched some cookbooks, did some experiments, gained and lost maybe a pound or two and the result I present here: 3 different kinds of truffles, my variety of egg less chocolate sweets.

Coconut truffles Ingredients (for 15 truffles): • 1 packet (100 gram) desiccated coconut • 6 tablespoons sweetened, condensed milk • 1 tablespoon brandy • 300 gram dark chocolate

Method: Put the coconut, the condensed milk and the brandy into a bowl and mix everything well. Put the bowl into the fridge until the mixture is solid. Place the roughly chopped chocolate into a double boiler and melt it as described in the recipe of chocolate brownies.

Roll spoonfuls of the coconut mix into balls. With the help of a thin fork dip them into the melted chocolate and let them rest on aluminum foil, until the chocolate has set. Store them in the fridge in a closed container.

White truffles Ingredients (for 15 truffles): • 300 gram white chocolate • 3 tablespoons cream • 5 tablespoons butter • half a cup sugar • 1 packet (100 grams) almonds • 1 cup icing sugar

Method: Bring 2 glasses of water to a boil. Immerse the almonds in the boiling water and simmer for a minute before switching off the fire.

After 10 minutes, drain the almonds and let them cool down.

Remove the skins and place the almonds on a cookie sheet.

Toast them in the oven at lowest temperature until they are golden brown. Be careful: They need constant attention as they tend to burn really quickly. When your almonds are nicely toasted, chop them roughly. Place the sugar with 4 table spoons water in a saucepan. Cook the sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Then stop touching it and let the sugar boil until it has turned golden brown.

Place the almonds on a cookie sheet greased with 2 table spoons butter. Pour the caramel over and let the mixture cool down. Once it is set, break the caramel into big pieces and chop them roughly in a food processor or blender.

Put the white chocolate with 3 table spoons butter and the cream in a double boiler, melt the chocolate (as described in the brownie recipe) and combine everything well. Stir the chopped caramel into the melted chocolate and place the mixture into the fridge until firm. Then form small balls and roll the truffles in icing sugar. Store them in a closed container in the fridge.

Whiskey truffles Ingredients (for 15 truffles): • 300 gram milk chocolate • 3 tablespoons butter • 3 tablespoons cream • 2 tablespoons whiskey • 1 cup sifted cocoa powder

Method: Put the chopped chocolate, the butter and the cream in a double boiler and melt everything (as described in the brownie recipe). Stir the mixture well, remove from the heat and incorporate the whiskey. Place the bowl in the fridge until the mixture has solidified. Now

form it into small bowls and roll them in the sifted cocoa powder. Store them in a closed container in the fridge.  Kornelia is a German food writer living in Goa, India, with her Italian husband and her son. She has published two cookbooks, Kornelia’s Kitchen Mediterranean Cooking for India and Kornelia’s Kitchen 2 - Cooking for Allergies. Both have won the Gourmand World Cookbook Award.

All her recipes are easy, fast and delicious - the right kind of food to keep your family healthy and happy without spending too much time in the kitchen.

14 food & drink Every Saturday

Cheese and Wine @ Grand Hyatt Enjoy Grand Hyatt Goa's finest selection of wines and cheeses every Saturday at The Verandah. Treat yourself to an exclusive wine tasting and exotic cheese table, carefully crafted by our very talented Executive Chef Mark Long At The Verandah, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim 7 pm to 11:30 pm +91 832 301 1234

Brunches Every Sunday

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 Sunday Family Brunch Live Music by The Actacy At Gawin's Restaurant, Verna 12 pm to 3 pm +91 9822177179 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 Myra Vineyards presents 'Sangria Sunday Brunch' at Sol de Goa Sangria Sunday Brunch with the amazing Helen and Xavier Peres.

Complimentary use of the pool for all customers.

Italian, Spanish and Mexican delights and unlimited Sangria, beer and cocktails.

Sunset set with Dj David Phimister Rs: 1200+ taxes per head, Rs: 600+ taxes for kids.

At Sol de Goa, Nerul 12:30 pm onwards. 0832 671 4141

South Goa Restaurants

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

Cafe Lovii - Healthy Food with Love Health Food Restaurant, Sandwich & Coffee Shop At Oorja Wellness Centre, Next to Old criminal Court, Margao +91 8308794850 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 Spice Studio Contemporary Indian and Coastal Cuisine Enjoy Dine in the Dark special theme nights.

At Alila Diwa Goa, Majorda +91 832 2746800 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 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 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 Allegria Goan, Portuguese This fine-dining restaurant at the Taj Exotica serves mouth watering food.

On offer are all the classic Goan dishes like Chicken Cafreal, Pork Sorpotel, and Kullanche Mass Kottnim, which is crab meat in a shell, and of course, the all time favourite, Fish Curry Rice.

At Taj Exotica, Calwaddo, Benaulim, Salcete 7.30 pm to 10.45 pm +91 832 6683333 Peppers Gourmet Cuisine Seafood, Tandoor Indulge in innovative desserts and local flavours at this exciting food joint.

Near Child Care School, Margao +91 832 2711125. +91 9822133506 A Tartaruga Multi – Cuisine This eating space is a great venue for weddings and parties with sprawling beach front lawns that can accommodate up to 1000 pax. At Colva Beach, Salcete 7 am to 11 pm +91 832 2788068/69 Casa Sarita For truly outstanding authentic Goan Food.

Open only for dinner, this classy fine dining restaurant is a delightful place to explore Goan and Portuguese cuisine.

At Park Hyatt Goa, Cansaulim +91 832 2721234 Tato’s Fine Dining Goan, Indian, Chinese Tato’s fine dining makes its presence felt in the culinary circles in Margao.

Opp. New Collectorate, Margao 12 pm to 3 pm and 6.30 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2758590 Fisherman’s Wharf Authentic Goan It’s a fantastic restaurant to celebrate a special occasion.

At the riverside, near Holiday Inn, Cavelossim – Salcete +91 832 2871317

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 flavors 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 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

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 Gunpowder Indian At Cursino Villa, Sauntawaddo, Assagao Noon to 3.30 pm & 7 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2270091/ 92 Desbue European Fusion Modern European Restaurant A traditional Portuguese heritage home in the Latin quarter of Panjim.

At La Maison, Fountainhas, 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 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 223200 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 Barrels & Bones BBQ - Steakhouse - Pizzeria Meal For Two: Rs.1000 At Fontainhas, close to the Maruti/ Hanuman Temple, Panjim 9673994064/7774078276 promobnb@gmail.com Goenchin Chinese, Pan Asian Yes the Chinese food here is Indian-ized.

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 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 Mum’s Kitchen Goan Among the best upscale Goan kitchens in Panjim, this restaurant draws foodies from all religions and walks of life.

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

Casabela Continental, European A cozy place to hang around with your folks, it has been around since the 70’s and has mouth watering hand tossed pizzas.

Off Chogm Rd, Porvorim 7 am to 11 pm. +91832241558 mail@casabelagoa.com www.casabelagoa.com Marbela Beach Italian, Seafood One of the finest beach resorts in the state, Marbela Beach is the ultimate destination to party or to unwind during the sunset with refreshing cocktails and decent food to hog on to.

At Morjim –Ashvem Road, Morjim 7 am to midnight +91 832 8450599 Goa Marriott Resort & Spa Open for dinner 7 pm onwards every day, Wan Hao is also open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Re-orient your taste-buds with the choicest of Oriental cuisine all this season only. At Wan Hao, the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa! +91 832-246 3333.

Avanti Bar & Restaurant Indian, Goan & Seafood Serves Goan specialties like Rawa fried prawns, stuffed squid, and gratinated stuffed crab masala among other Goan delights.

Near Patto Bridge, Panjim 11 am to 3 .30 pm, 7 pm to 11.30 pm +91 832 2435884/ +91 832 2427179 hotelavanti@yahoo.com Peep Kitchen Indian, Continental, Goan, Chinese A family restaurant with a bar run by a Goan family serves food with an authentic Goan and homely touch.

At Caranzalem, Near Petrol Pump, Panjim Noon to 2.30 pm and 7 pm to 10.30 pm +91 832 6454474 Hotel Sanskruti Chinese, Goan, Indian, Oriental It’s a pure vegetarian restaurant which is packed during lunch time. It’s really good for South Indian food, Thali, and chaat.

At Near HDFC Bank, Porvorim 8 am to 11 pm +91 832 2414400/ +91 94233323822 Casa Bhonsle Indian & Goan All meals here are prepared in the authentic Hindu Goan Style.

Above Café Bhonsle, Near Cine National, Panjim Noon to 3.30 pm & 7 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2222260/ +91 9822100684 O’Asia Pan Asian This is the ultimate destination for your pan Asian culinary fix.

At The O Hotel, Dando, Candolim Noon to 3 pm, 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918323047000 A Lua Chinese, European, Goan, North Indian, Seafood 11 am to 11 pm At, Bella vista, Sangolda +91 832 2416671/ 73 At Porie Bhatt, Verna Contact: +91 832 2782760/ +91 9881272080 At Bhueem Bhatt, St Cruz, Merces +91 832 2448172/ +91 2448757 A Pastelaria Bakery An ideal place for pastries, cakes, cookies and other baked offerings.

9 am to 9 pm At Hotel Mandovi, Panjim +91 832 2426270/ 73

15

Friday, October 2, 2015

Exploring New Spaces With Spin Art Kudos to Candice Vaz For Bringing This Unusual Art Form To Goa!

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By Perin Ilavia

f you’re like me, you enjoyed “marble painting” from the earliest age. The process went something like this. You filled a large flat container with about 2.5 cm of cold water, then poured enough cooking oil to coat the surface of the water, adding food or other colouring on top. You then carefully placed drawing paper onto the surface and quickly lifted it off, leaving it to dry.

Every finished image was one of a kind.

If you use oil based paints, mix a teaspoon of turpentine for every ½ teaspoon of paint. The mixture should be smooth, and not too watery. The paint is poured onto the surface, and selective colours can be distributed where you want them, using a toothpick. It’s like capturing a galaxy, but without subatomic particles or the need for superhuman effort.

Unless you twirled the paints, the designs printed on the paper were horizontal or vertical, according to the flow of the paint in the tray.

Although 19th century books contain some of the best examples of marbled papers, the history of marbling began several centuries earlier. The Japanese form of marbling, ‘Suminagashi,’ dates back to at least to the 1100s. Ground sumi inks were floated on water, then lifted onto paper. The random patterns emulated natural phenomena such as the waves created by wind in fields of grain.

The invention of machinery inspired artists to new art forms. The technique of “spin art”, also known as “action art”, was invented, and the spinning wheel was the artist’s tool, often using canvas, paper and cardboard as bases.

Spin art combines textures, play of colour and palpable spaces, hinting of something beyond the surface colours. The movement across the canvas evokes mysticism. Among Western contemporary artists, Alfons Schilling (1934-2013,) a Swiss artist, was among the first to introduce spin art.

Over the years, each spin artist constructed spinning wheels to suit their requirements.

In the 1960’s French artist Annick Gendron used industrial wheels to spin paint on plexi-glass. German artist Mark Chadwick and American artist Lawrence Stafford, among others, are well known for their spin art masterpieces.

It’s fair to say British artist Damien Hirst took spin art to a new level, using more spectacular materials, sizes and shapes. He used a circular drum, and his paintings could be displayed vertically or horizontally, which produced a unique image.

The technique involves dripping paint in the centre of the canvas. Before the paint dries, the canvas is secured on a spinning platform which can be electrically operated, enabling the artist to vary the rotation speed.

Spinning the canvas spreads the paint in a circle. While it is spinning, more paint is dripped

onto the canvas and the centrifugal forces draw the paints in layers. Colours blend, creating different effects that stand in stark contrast, exploring the idea of an imaginary mechanical painter.

The image can be viewed as it progresses by stopping the spinning platform.

More colours can be added, and even for the artist, the finished picture creates a sense of surprise, as the technique produces infinite possibilities. And yet, few artists pursue this technique.

One of the reasons could be cost. When an artist uses a brush or knife, less paint is used.

In spin art, a lot of paint is wasted as it’s thrown off the canvas, and acrylic gel is an expensive medium.

Some viewers feel it’s “childish” art, but the spontaneity of the spin paintings definitely has a lure of its own, with unexpected and often exciting results.

‘I have not heard of any artist in India working with this technique,’ says Candice Vaz, an artist from Saligao, in north Goa, who has exhibited remarkable works using this technique.

Candice began painting a few years ago, and found she could express her thoughts best in abstract art forms.

She discovered the works of Damien Hirst about a year ago, and found the abstract effects of his spin art to be outstanding. She decided to pursue it and her nephew helped construct an eclectically operated spinning wheel.

Planning her colour palette, she says, takes longer than the actual construction.

She goes with the flow, relying totally on her gut feeling. The visuals joyfully dance between nature and spirituality, expressing a peaceful state of mind. It is the uncertainty of the finished picture which has become the essence giving her profound peace and satisfaction. 

Oct 2 and Oct 30 Fontainhas Fridays On Oct 2nd Imago- An Alternative Film club A film for Pina Bausch by Wim Wenders @ 6 pm

On Oct 3O Between The Lines - The Reader's Club The Arrival By Shaun Tan a Geaphic Novel. 6 pm At Gallery Gitanjali, Panaji +91 832 242 3331

Until Oct 25 Fables of Design At The Cube Galery, Moira 11 am to 7pm +91 9422806748

Every Saturday Expressions

By Artist Vaishali Lall, with a focus on exploring the skills of embroidery and mix media in painting.

At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula +91 9420820890

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, watercolors, 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 TURN TO PAGE 17

arts & entertainment 17

Friday, October 2, 2015

Grand Hyatt Goa Kicks Off The Festive Season With The Traditional Cake Mixing Ceremony

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

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hristmas is a festival for kindling the fire of hospitality. Grand Hyatt Goa recently celebrated the traditional cake-mixing ceremony this year with much aplomb. The resort’s pastry shop; Confeitaria hosted the age-old ceremony of cake mixing to usher in good tidings and happiness.

Leading the event General Manager, Jaco Le Roux and Executive Chef Mark Long shared plans on the upcoming festive events at the resort. Pastry Sous Chef Ashutosh shared tips with guests on how to balance dry fruit with wine and preserve it for the perfect cake mix. Also celebrating present was Executive Assistant Manager, F&B Tufan Kobanbay along with Executive Committee members and guests were a part of this early holiday cheer at Confeitaria.

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-doMundo, Porvorim area 9:00 am to 5:30 pm +91 832 2410711 archauto@gmail.com www.mariodemiranda.com

Preparing for Christmas, the dried fruit mixture will be placed in a secure place at the in-house bakery, to soak in all the liquid and mature beautifully in time for December and will then be used to make delectable cakes, cookies and puddings.

Filled with camaraderie and cheer, this cake mixing ceremony not only infused fruits and wines, but also reapedin early Christmas cheer.

About Grand Hyatt™ Goa Grand Hyatt™ Goa is conveniently located 7 km (4.3 mi) from the capital of Panaji. The hotel is an enchanting destination resort and spa inspired by a seventeenth-century Indo-Portuguese palace, spread across 28 acres of lush landscaping and serene tropical gardens that roll down to the bay. Set along the calm waters of Bambolim Bay in northern Goa, this contemporary palace features 312 grand rooms and magnificent suites.

Most rooms offer panoramic sea views and magical sunsets from their oversized

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 centers 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

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balconies. Grand Hyatt™ Goa has been honoured with some of the most prestigious awards in the hotel and hospitality industry, including: • 2014 Best Five-Star Resort Hotel – Today's Traveller Award • 2014 Best Spa Interiors (Hotel and Resort) – asiaSpa India Awards • 2014 Best MICE Luxury Hotel – Goa Food and Hospitality Awards • 2013 Best Luxury Family Hotel – World Luxury Hotel Awards • 2012 Best New Hotel – Conde Nast Traveller (US) Hot List • 2012 Shamana Spa – Best New Spa – Conde Nast Traveller (US) Hot List • 2012 Favourite New Hotel India (No. 1) – Conde Nast Traveller India Readers’ Travel Awards • 2012 Best New Hotel (No. 1) – Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards • 2014, 2013, 2012 – Chulha (Indian), The Dining Room(all-day dining) and The Verandah (Grill) – Best Restaurant – Times Food Guide Award

Roarrr Media presents Igor Butman Quartet at BAY 15

hree years in succession, the Igor Butman Jazz fever continues to rise in the country! Roarrr Media & Public Relations in collaboration with Jazz Addicts presents Jus’ Jazz 2015 with Igor Butman and his quartet featuring Oleg Akkuratov live at Justa’s Bay 15, Odxel Beach, Dona Paula, Goa on 4th of October, 2015.

After mesmerizing audiences with an 18 member band (IGOR BUTMAN BIG BAND) last year, Butman is back to India, yet again with his quartet- Saxophone, Drums, Double Bass and Piano. This year, Butman is all set to outclass himself with an unimaginable presentation; Butman will be staging an astounding blind pianist and a vocalist, Oleg Akkuratov; it would be a musical treat to remember! A blind boy from a small Russian town Armavir, a great talent in full bloom, Pianist and vocalist Oleg is a unique jazz and classic musician, participant of International

Choir of UNESCO and winner of countless international contests, he has been awarded by the World Health Organization with "Health“ award entitled "For the will to live.“At the age of nineteen Oleg outplayed the sighted and became the winner at the International Piano Competition in Novosibirsk.

Saxophone in hand, Butman who has enthralled audiences all over the world, needs no introduction. Bill Clinton calls him ‘the greatest living jazz saxophone player, who happens to be a Russian’. Butman popularized jazz in Russia, which before had only known the Western Classics. With strong influences of Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Coltrane and Sony Rollins, Butman combines the heart and soul of Russia and brings it all the way over to India.

The concert gets even bigger this year, as along with the annual Mumbai and Delhi concert schedules, Butman will shake a leg with his fans in the musical capital- Goa!

OPINION 19

Friday, October 2, 2015

Wave of Intolerance Does Not Stop At Hindus Christians, Too, Are Joining the Act

By Selma Carvalho

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or decades, India’s intellectuals have clung to the notion that Indians are better than the economically and intellectually failed states of Pakistan and Bangladesh. That the things we hold dear, secularism and freedom of expression, still stand. A spate of killings targeting rationalists – Narendra Achyut Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and M. M. Kalburgi – have proven Indians wrong.

Misguided nationalists are hell-bent on expunging free speech and rational thought: mythologies are reinvented, histories distorted, increasingly religion is taking over the public sphere and the oppressive arm of the moral police has become intolerable. Anything deemed ‘offensive’ can be obliterated either by threatening, rioting and now by assassinating the inconvenient person.

This bleak scenario would prompt one to believe, minorities, often the victims of religious chauvinism, would be at the vanguard of upholding free speech. Yet in 2012, what started as a minor incident would test the very boundaries of Christian tolerance in India. Irla is a nondescript

neighbourhood in Bombay, where in the summer of 2012, a cross belonging to the Leander Dias family was purported to have water dripping from it. The cross happened to be within the vicinity of Our Lady of Velankanni church. As news of the dripping water spread, people queued to collect vials of the water thought to have miraculous healing properties.

Sanal Edamaruku, president of the Indian Rationalists Association, challenged this notion. At one point, he actually visited the site. It took him only minutes to dismiss the phenomenon as capillary action rather than anything divinely inspired. In the course of events, Edamaruku accused the church of profiting at the expense of ignorance and obstructing scientific temper. By this time, what was found objectionable was not the dismissing of the miracle but Edamaruku’s alleged derogatory comments. Bishop Agnelo Gracias, a man I’ve had the pleasure of dining with, and know to be of the utmost integrity, tried to play a conciliatory role but the reactionary zeal of lay organisations such as the Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) and the Association of Concerned Catholics (AOCC) would conflagrate the situation.

To understand Edamaruku’s position, we must look at his life story.

Born in Kerala, to Joseph and Soley Edamaruku, a family of rationalists, he was taught early on to question everything.

When Edamaruku was fifteen, he founded a students’ rationalist forum. Later, he became convenor of the Rationalists forum of Kerala, and president of the Indian Rationalists Association. He has spent most of his life debunking myth and superstition without fear or favour, and doubtless, some may find his statements (‘I thought Jesus was Cinderella’s brother’) to be unnecessarily provocative, but they really are not from an atheist’s point of view.

Edamaruku was given an ultimatum of either apologising for his ‘derogatory’ comments which had ‘maliciously insulted the religious sentiments of the Catholics’ or face prosecution. When an apology was not forthcoming, the CSF filed a complaint against Edamaruku at Juhu police station. The feckless police, who should routinely dismiss such frivolous complaints, registered an FIR under section 295, which allows them to book anyone who ‘intentionally insults religion’, an archaic colonial code, which has lost all relevance in modern society.

To avoid jail time and lengthy legal battles, Edamaruku, now lives in selfexile in Finland. His concerns are not without foundation. Catholic groups are committed to prosecuting him should he return to India.

The role the CSF plays in the lives of Indian Christians bears questioning: it promotes the idea of victimisation

with vivid imagery on its website; it advocates an evangelical principle of giving ‘10% of one’s resources to God’s work’; it opposes the repeal of section 377 which would decriminalise homosexuality (and in a statement called it an unnatural act against divine law); it constantly demands apologies for various slights (an apology letter from Spicejet for promoting a Jesus tomb in Kashmir is featured on its website) and it takes easy offence.

Its general secretary, Joseph Dias, undertook a fast unto death at the Azad Maidan to protest against the Da Vinci Code. Among those movies which met with similar protest and were taken to the High Court by the CSF were Tickle My Funny Bone, Sacred Evil, and Sins.

They targeted Sakaal Times for ‘carrying a political cartoon featuring a spoof on the Last Supper with Sonia Gandhi and the UPA cabinet.’ It has even objected to that most innocuous of plays ‘Agnes of God’ as anti-Catholic.

The CSF has by default become the unelected spokesperson for Christians, and though some of its activism is to be lauded, its relentless drive to curtail freedom of expression makes it no different from other self-appointed custodians of religious and cultural values in India.  Selma Carvalho is a columnist and author of ‘A Railway Runs Through: Goans of British East Africa, 1865-1980’.

Between 2011-2014, she headed the Oral Histories of BritishGoans project.