Issue No: 34

Friday, July 25, 2014 | Vol. No. 2 | Issue 34 | Price Rs. 10 | www.goastreets.com | G-2/RNP/Weekly/Goa-05/2013-15

Goa’s Bikini and Pub Culture Bollywood Bad Guy Teaching Life Skills Iftar at the Park Wheels on Streets

Cover Photo Courtesy Monty Sally

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Friday, July 25, 2014

a product of the group’s spectacular stage presence and its engaging humour leading to every song. At one point, they re-enacted a ‘spelling bee’, enunciating the weirdest syllables imaginable.

The songs included `House of the Rising Sun, `When You Wish Upon a Star’, `Nature Boy’, `Night & Day’, `When The Saints Go Marching In’, `Down By the Salley Gardens’, `Operator’, `Rainbow Connection’ and some contemporary renditions like Tina Turner’s `What’s Love Gotta Do With It’, Buble’s `Just Haven’t Met You Yet’, Simon Garfunkel’s `The Boxer ’, and, of course, the original anthem, `The Whiffenpoof Song’. Goa will remember their harmonious voices for a long time.

By Shubham Gupta

M

usic is everywhere. In the monsoon breeze as it rustles the leaves. In the raindrops falling on your car’s windscreen as the wiper chases them off with a rhythmic dragging.

And in the tweets and chirps of the cuckooshrike and nightingales that wake you up on a Sunday morning. Who said we need instruments to plunge out the music from all that we hear?

As the clock struck seven at North 16 Resort, Calangute last Friday, Goa witnessed a splendid example of music without instruments.

The Whiffenpoofs of Yale, America’s oldest collegiate a cappella group (founded in 1909), enthralled the crowd with their vocal chords, fingers, tongues and wit. Delivering two back-to-back concerts, the Whiffs sang adaptations of old-school classics, traditional ballads, folk hymns and some of original compositions.

The evening helped solidify North 16’s growing reputation as an emerging promoter of the arts in our state. Their out-ofthe-box approach to bringing talent to Goa received a huge boost with the Whiffenpoofs’ performance, which was extremely well received by all who experienced it.

The show wasn’t just music. The Whiffs provoked hearty laughter with an absurd introduction exclaiming what they wanted to be when they grow up.

One said he wanted to get into animal husbandry by marrying a horse. As the musical journey took its course, the evening elicited giggles and goose bumps,

I had the privilege of speaking to two of the Whiffenpoofs’ members, Benji “Pitchpipe” Goldsmith (who also serves as the group’s director) and Ben “Meet me in St.” Lewis, and I dug out some insights into what the Whiffenpoofs are all about today. (Note to reader: I’m not the fastest note-taker in the world, so some of the below quotes are paraphrased).

SG: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of India?

BG. The most beautiful thing about India is that no matter what you say about India, the opposite is also true. On

Turn to page 5

music & nightlife | 3 Whiffenpoofs Finale

mind, body & soul | 6 Teaching Life Skills

July 25

9 pm onwards +91 9890281505

Mohamad Rafi a mohamad Rafi special karaoke nite At Sincro hotel of Fatorda, Margao 8 pm onwards +91 9423820332

Thursday Night Live With Smoking Chutney At Sofala, Nerul @ 8.30 pm +91 777400882

Dream Modulation With Cosmic Oneness, Rob & Goose, Sonic Tunes, Mind Pirates and Many MOre At UV Bar, Anjuna 8pm onwards +91 98 22153440

July 26

what's on | 7 Events in Goa

Every Saturday Melted Madness !!

Axailes Solar, Tejas, Progressive Patriot At Waters Lounge & Grill, Vagator @ 10 pm +91 9702025555

July 28

food & drink | 08 Iftar at the Park

Its all about house music Feat. Lasker, Rinton, Jay, Funksun At Cafe Lilliput, Anjuna 7 pm onwards +91 9822137767

June 30

cover story | 10 Bikini and Pub Wars of Goa

Every Wednesday Tribute Night Chrystal Farrell's Tribute to Madonna At Cheenos, Baga 8 pm onwards +91 8888713976

Every Wednesday

feature | 12 Diamonds are forever

feature | 14 Goa's Gouly Tribals

feature | 15 The Bravery of Zira Almeida

arts & entertainment | 16

Reggae Friday

By Graeme Hamilton At Laguna, Anjuna @ 7.30 pm +91 832 227 4131 Friday Funk With DJ Lasker and Akshay At Cape Town Cafe, Calangute 7 pm onwards +91 95 27612070 Friday Vibes With DJ Jay & Brandan At Cafe Mambo, Baga 7 pm onwards +91 8322275028

Every Saturday Silent Noise Party With DJs Husman, Sam & Azgar Find out which is true, the silence or the noise.

At Neptune Point, Palolem 8 pm to 4 am +91 9822584968 Saturday Showtime With Ajit Pai & Jay Brainwash At Cafe Mambo, Baga 7 pm onwards +91 83 22279895, +91 83 22275028

Rock is Alive With Charley and the Music Factory At Baywatch Resort, Colva @ 7.30 pm +91 832 2747744

Saturday Night Jive Alcatazz - Escape to Music At Cheenos, Baga 9 pm onwards +91 88 88713976

Angels & Demons at Cafe Mambo At Cafe Mambo, Tito’s Lane, Baga @ 9 pm onwards +91 9822765002

On-going

Every Thursday Jack’s only entertainment Alternative rock band from Bombay Indie Fresh Thursday At Cheenos, Baga 8 pm onwards +91 8888713976 Thursday Sizzling Karaoke Nite With Saby Fernandes At Kudos, Chogm Road, Porvorim 7.30 pm onwards +91 832 6510565

Rahul Dev Shetty: Bollywood Bad Guy

Sundown Karaoke With DJ Colett and… you, if you’re in the mood to help Colett with your voice and talent.

At Cocopazzo, Chapora 7 pm onwards. +91 9561212810

wheels on streets | 18

Silent Disco With DJ Mr. R & Flakey Spinning EDM. Nothing ‘silent’ about this disco (unless you’re wearing headphones, that is).

At Alpha Bar, Palolem

Honda's CD 110 Dream

Every Friday

Cavala Every Wednesday: Cavala Acoustic Latin Retro Every Friday: Tidal Wave Every Saturday: Piano played by Bosco At Cavala, Calangute - Baga Road, Baga 8.30 pm onwards +91 832 2276090 Cantare There’s live music on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but the big draw is the jazz duo Steve Sequeira and his wife Kittu on Monday nights, often accompanied by Brazilian chef and harmonica player Guto. The place fills up with locals (not many tourists), and its non-beach location nestled amid the Portuguese-inspired architecture of Saligao adds to the great vibe.

At Cantare, Saligao 8 pm onwards +91 832 2409461 The Park, Calangute Every Thursday: Retro Night Every Friday: Karaoke Night with KDJ Tony Every Saturday: Ladies Night with DJ Sunil and Tania At The Park, Calangute 8 pm onwards +91 8805028194 +91 832 2267600

Friday, July 25, 2014

From page 3 finally getting to travel in India for the very first time, what we felt were a lot of mixed energies and warmth.

SG: Do you have plans for reality shows like Sing Off or America’s Got Talent?

BL: We have a 100% turnover every year. Moreover, our vision has been to tour around the globe and not be stuck to just national or international television.

In a month’s time after touring New Zealand, we are going to break and recruit a fresh batch of Whiffs.

SG: Have any of you taken professional music training?

BG: Four members of our 14-member group are learning music in Yale while the rest are all self taught in what they know.

SG: Which was the craziest gig you guys have had?

BG: Often during our gigs, the elderly get up on stage with us and want to sing along. It gets kinda weird.

SG: How well are you acquainted to the Indian music scene?

BL: Not that well but I have heard classical Indian music and have discovered that Indian singers have this incredible vocal agility.

SG: Which are your favourite artists that you’d love to cover?

BG: Apart from the fact that I’d want to cover Beyonce, both figuratively and literally, I also like the sound of Billy Joel.

BL: I like to cover mostly classic rock and Jazz. Curt Allen is my favourite pick.

SG: What’s your say on Bollywood?

BG: Bollywood to me, as I envision it, sounds very rich and flamboyant at the same time. Every film is a musical.

Though I haven’t seen many movies, I’d say that Bollywood has pulled off the most well coordinated flash mobs ever. I really like watching the TV series ‘24’ and would like to see how it has been remade in India.

BL: I have the whole album of Lagaan on my i-Pod and listen to it now and then.

Though it’s the only Bollywood movie I’ve seen, it was quite inspiring.

SG: What has been your favourite Indian food so far?

BG: Beyond anything that we ever had, we loved Chicken Xacuti.

It’s surprising how the imitations of Indian food we’ve had in the US were all so unidimensional in flavours while the real deal is actually a paradise full of flavours to sink in. 

Ben Lewis leading the group

6 Mind, Body & Soul

The Mind Is Important. And So Is The Heart.

Do our schools rely too much on rote learning? Does our education system equip students with important life skills? Are they empowered to make their own decisions and deal with the harsh realities of the world as adults?

Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello, a psychologist

checks out the ground reality in her chats with experts, students and parents to gain a deeper insight about the importance of life skills based education….

V

erma D’Mello, a mother of two sons says, “Our present educational system surely needs overhauling to shape the future of our children. It is a rat race in securing good marks. This encourages children to mug up and pass exams rather than truly understanding and learning the various concepts.”

Students are also highly stressed due to parental and self expectations.

A healthy balance of academics and extra-curricular activities fosters good personality development.

Johnson (name changed to protect privacy), a college student says, “I still remember the year I was in Xth (that was 4 years back). One of my close friends was so pressurized to study and excel in academics. He was very tense during the examination days that he blanked out for two papers.”

Adds Johnson,“He didn’t fare as per his parents’ expectations and he felt extremely miserable about it. His parents wanted him to pursue an engineering course from one of the reputed colleges here, but he didn’t get a high percentage to gain admission to XIth Science in any of the city-based colleges. So, he joined Commerce and though initially he felt that it was a forced choice, he is enjoying the course right now.”

Many students cope poorly with academic failure. Student suicides are on the rise. Verma continues, “No doubt the education system churns out many graduates and post-graduates. They are unable to find suitable jobs or market themselves with the talent they possess.

Personality development is lacking among the poor motivated students.”

Life skills based education (LSBE) is a life-saver! The LSBE was promoted by the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child which highlighted the need to link life skills to education.

World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined life skills as “the abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.”

Several core life skills have been identified as central to healthy youth development and health promotion – self-awareness, empathy, critical thinking, creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, effective communication, interpersonal relationship, coping with stress and coping with emotion.

Rochelle Pereira, a Margao based psychologist says, “Learning life skills is a must. It should start at a young age.”

However, instances such as teen suicides, college ragging, failed love interests, feeling of isolation from other classmates, inability to socialize or make friends or make conversation, aggressive behavior or bad mouthing others, and an inability to make decisions with regard to college courses exhibit the lack of life skills among the student populace.

Sushma, who has passed her Xth this year says, “I think I will join Arts. Most

of my friends will be taking up the Arts course in the local college.”

She’s doing it because that’s what most of her friends are doing? Is that solid decision-making?

How will she and her peers cope with challenging life situations as adults?

Dealing with finances, choosing a career or life partner, enjoying good relations with family and friends, taking care of kids or sick parents, handling workplace tensions, etc.

Schools are a good place to learn these life skills, especially when this sort of education is lacking at home. In addition to creating a thirst for knowledge, they should equip young minds towards developing healthy behaviours.

Rochelle adds, “Workshops can be organized for students in schools and colleges. Teachers are already overburdened with the academic curricula. It is advisable to call in professionals or resource persons to cover such topics that add meaning to lives.”

In a research study carried out by Bharath Srikala and Kumar Kishore (2010) in Karnataka, 605 adolescents from secondary schools (in the NIMHANS model of health promotion, using a life skills approach) showed better self esteem, coping abilities and social skills than their counterparts who were not in

the program.

In India, the Central Board of Secondary Education has been promoting LSBE under its reform scheme of Comprehensive and Continuous Evaluation (CCE). But, teachers have not been trained to impart the curriculum through LSBE. There are a number of steps teachers can take to start imparting life skills during these children’s crucial formative years.

First, avoid rote learning. It hinders personal growth.

(We’ve known this for years now, so why are so many schools persisting in this practice?)

Next, try organizing some team games in addition to individual activities. Motivate the students to participate in team activities to learn the meaning of cooperation and competition.

Bullying is a big no-no and should be discouraged at all costs. How can a child learn and grow if she is being harassed at every turn? Talk about bullying, and ask students how they would feel if they were the ones being bullied. The classroom ambience should have ample space and respect for the full diversity of personalities – from computer geeks to slow learners to ‘popular’ extroverts.

Everyone needs to feel supported.

Never block creativity when it is flowing. Encourage questions from the children. Cultivate a thinking spirit and an analytical mind.

College professors can work on similar guidelines. Prajal Sakhardande, History Department, Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar says, “Education is a very important tool to progress in life. It should impart knowledge apart from providing information.”

He continues, “Seminars, field components, study tours, and audio visual presentations nowadays are very important modes of transmitting knowledge as well as information. For example, I take my students of History on field study trips, and heritage trails which make the subject more practical and interesting.”

In the end, if we want our children to be better people, we must engage not just their minds but their hearts as well. 

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Friday, July 25, 2014

July 26

Mon to Fri

There will be an exclusive interactive session with werner Egipsy souza & prajyot mainkar on Why do i Blog? and what are my Challenges ?

From 6 pm to 7.30 pm Organised by Sadhnalaya in association with The International Centre Goa At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula +91 9423324119

Champion’s Chess Academy This leading Chess Training Centre in Goa is full of professional Chess Activities for Quality Learning. Learn Right Chess, moves from Pawn to King Level and moves in innovative style.

Classes conducted at Ponda, Porvorim, Mapusa, Miramar, Dona Paula, & Margao.

At Champion’s Chess Academy, Ponda +91 9766109574/ +91 9764185747

Book Launch The International Centre Goa in assiciation with the Department of political science, Goa University and penguin India is hosting the launch sanjay baru’s book “The Accidental prime minister - The Making & Unmaking of Manmohan Singh” At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. 11 am +91 9765404395

July 27 Off trail Adventures announces a trek into treacherous wilderness, through gushing streams and winding trails, climbing Goa’s fourth highest peak Uddan Donger Pick up point at Mabai Hotel, Margao at 7 am and panjim below Mandovi Bridge near santa Monica Cruises at 8 am

July 26 to July 28 Raigad Trek with Eco Treks Goa Hosted by Eco Treks Goa, The fees are Rs 3,000. It covers your bus travel, stay at Hotel at Mahad and entry fees at Raigad, Pratapgad Mahabaleshwar and Panchgini.

The bus will leave from Goa Bombay Bus Stand, at the beginning of the Bridge, opposite Panaji Bus stand on July 26 by 9 p.m. and from Gandhi circle opposite Mapusa Residency sharp at 9.25 p.m. +91 9422445444

July 1 Onwards Portuguese language courses There’s something deeply special about the Portuguese language, with many words having no true equivalent in any other language (for example, the word ‘saudade’ – pronounced Sah Oh Dah Jee – roughly means ‘longing’ or ‘nostalgia’, but in Portuguese, it’s laden with even more emotion).

At Chowgule College, Margao 6 pm to 8 pm +91 832 2759504

Until 30 September STRETCH YOUR STAY WITH ALILA DIWA GOA’S SPECIAL ‘REDISCOVER GOA’ MONSOON OFFER At Alila Diwa Goa, Majorda +91 832 2746800

Every Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays Art Classes By David Fernandes Learn to draw, sketch and develop your painting skills with Acrylic paints by either signing up for a 3 day course..

At Carpe diem, Majorda 10.30am - 12.30 pm and 3.30pm - 5.30 pm +91 8888862462

July to October White water rafting is the ultimate Goa thrill this monsoon The river rafting, subject to availability of rapids and adequate water currents, and suitable weather conditions. There will be two trips beginning at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm every day. The program is open to both adults and children above 10 years. White water rafting activities are carried out in accordance with the internationally accepted norms.

The instructors are highly trained and the operations run with a ‘safety first’ policy. Each passenger will be provided with safety equipments like life jackets, paddles following the instruction sessions from experts. reservations@goa-tourism.com.

Waterfalls in Goa Arvalam Waterfall With an altitude of 70 feet, it falls in a straight drop and is at its most glorious during the monsoons. The spectacle of the thunderous gush of water, with the mountainous terrain as background, is nothing short of stunning.

At Valpoi, North Goa Dudhsagar Waterfall Another amazing waterfall best seen in the monsoons. It’s Goa’s largest and highest waterfall, and well worth a visit.

At Mollem, South Goa Tamdi Surla Waterfall You have to make a quite a trek to get here, but once you do, you’ll be very happy. You pass through dense forest and a number of streams that make for a highly refreshing experience. Also in the area is the temple known as Tamdi Surla, made under the Kadamba style of architecture.

At Sanguem, South Goa

Kesarval Waterfall Emerging from hard rocks and flanked by swaying betel palms, the spring is surrounded by fantastic tropical beauty. Also well worth visiting.

At Verna, South Goa Splashdown Waterpark At Calangute - Anjuna Main Road, Anjuna +91 832 2273008/ +91 9637424023/024 www.splashdowngoa.com

Lifestyle & Fashion Cheshire Cat Jewellery Gallery This Gallery showcases jewellery, accessories and fashion, among other delights At Bairo Alto, Assagao 10 am to 7 pm +91 9822580898 White Brick Wall Shopping & Retail Home and Fashion accessories At Shop No 4,5,6, Jusuit House, Travessa De. Panjim +91 9769062699 Wendell Rodricks a stylish boutique featuring luxuriously comfortable fashion items by celebrated Goan designers Wendell Rodrick At Luis Gomes Garden, Campal, Panjim +91 832 2234082 Bebel Boutique Designer fashion accessories Opp. St Anthony Chapel, Calangute +91 832 6451489 The Private Collection Features an eclectic collection of sophisticated women’s apparel, bespoke jewellery, colorful accessories, lifestyle, furniture, design pieces and more. At Anavaddo, Candolim 10 am to 8 pm +91 832 2489033

Maria Elena’s Wardrobe Elegant ladies party wear and accessories Behind Fidalgo, Panjim +91 9049079769/+91 7769043301 People Tree Its first outlet in Goa, creating and selling contemporary crafts and cool clothing. At Saunta Vaddo, Assagao 11 am to Midnight +91 832 2268091/ +91 9582018969 Sacha’s Shop a little shop of resort wear, Prints and stationary, bags, jewellery, art books, handmade soaps, leather lampshades and wooden toys!

At Casa Mendes, Panjim 10 am to 8 pm +91 9823805897 Baba’s Furniture Store The store displays some of the most breathtaking delightful pieces available anywhere in Goa Open All the time Closed on Tuesday At Baba’s Wood Café, Panjim +91 99 23414098, (+91) 83 23256213

Museums

Goa Science Centre The Centre has a science park with interactive exhibits, 3D shows, galleries on oceanic science, explaining mysteries of the underwater world.

Experience science through fun. There are some interesting exhibits explaining scientific principles.

At Miramar 10 am to 6 pm +91 832 2463426 Goa State Museum Has 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

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

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

Museum Of Christian Art Open all days of the week 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

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

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Friday, July 25, 2014

By Shubham Gupta

B

ismillah-er-Rehman-er-Rahim. This is a sacred phrase in Islam, used before starting anything good or divine. And Iftar – the feast at the end of the Ramadan fasting day – is both good and divine, and an apt setting for saying, “God the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”

As wonderful as the phrase, and the feast, is, one might wonder why it’s being said – and eaten – at the Park Calangute. Isn’t this the place for bikini brunches, pool parties and beach revelry? Well, turns out it’s also very much the place for Iftar.

At The Park Calungute, the good old Rozas (Ramadan fasting) come to an end with something so tantalizing that fasting for a month to seek Allah’s blessings seems totally worth it. During the weeks preceding Eid-ulFitr, the kitchen at the Park Calangute has arranged for the fasters an indulgence like no other. The authentic Hyderabadi Iftar feast is not to be missed this Ramadan season. And guess what? You don’t have to be Muslim to love it.

Here you will find the delightful aroma of ‘Kewda’, the subtle flavor of saffron, the entrancing taste of clove & cardamom, and perfectly tender and juicy meat

followed by the richest desserts reflecting the best of the Mughal influence in India. It’s all happening this Ramadan month at Love, the Park’s fabulous multicuisine restaurant.

Iftar is derived from the Arabic word “Fatar” which in the literal sense, means to tear or to break.

It’s quite apt, as you’ll not only be breaking the fast on these sumptuous offerings but you’ll also be tearing apart your assumptions of Mughlai food being too sweet or heavy. The Iftar meal usually consists of a high protein diet full of fat and rich creams to rejuvenate the body after a

long day of fasting.

Here at the Park, you get the proteins but somehow it doesn’t weigh you down.

Here’s a little secret about Ramadan. Lots of people use it as a chance to shed some extra kilos. After all, you don’t eat at all during the day!

However, if you gorge yourself at the end of the day on fatty proteins, weight is not likely something you’ll be losing much of. But guess what? At the Park, this is all beside the point. Because what you’ll be thinking about is not the weighing scale, but what this food does to the tiny little spores on our tongue called taste buds. Simply put, it’s to die for. I call it ‘Sporegasms’.

Taking in the Iftar feast at this seaside restaurant, you will savour a traditional Mughlai culinary experience with servings like Hyderabadi Haleem, Nalli Biryani, and Mutton Paya, with a sweet yet savory bread known as Sheermal. What ignited my ‘sporegasms’ the most was the Chicken Korma and Chicken ‘Kachchi’ Biryani, which I scoffed with ‘Khamiri roti’ and ‘Raita’. Not to forget the ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ desserts, including the Sheer Khurma, a vermicelli preparation, and Khubani (aka Khwani) ka meetha, prepared from dried almonds and apricots roasted in ghee.

If at this point your mouth is still not watering, fast for a day and read this again at the peak of your hunger. This Ramadan is indeed going to be full of flavours. Rejoice in each one of them. Eid Mubarak in advance! 

Food & Drink 9

Friday, July 25, 2014

June 20 to July 31 Gourmet Breakfasts Soft muffins, warm croissants, eggs the way you like it, artisan brown breads and other breakfast food At Delicieux Cafe and Coffee Bar, Panjim 8 am to 9.30 pm +91 832 520521

July 17 to July 27 Savour Slow Cooked Delicacies Indian cuisine is characterized by the extensive use of numerous spices and the best way to highlight these spices is to cook the dish really slowly over a period of times so that the flavours can unravel.

At Spice Studio, Alila Diwa Goa 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +91 9049997530

Until July 27 Dim Sum Heaven Dive into the delightful aromas and exprience the scrumptuous cantonese starters at Dim Sum Festival in Wan Hao. Authenticity exemplified !

At Goa Marriott, Panjim 7 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2463333

Every Sunday Sunday Family Brunches Rejuvenating cocktails, soul warming gourmet cuisine from around the world and activities to keep the kids entertained.

At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj, Panjim 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm +91 832 6633636 Sunday Brunch Unlimited Desserts At Delicieux, Panjim 10 am to 4 pm +91 7350413490 Italian Sunday Lunch Feast on an unlimited selection of antipasti, pizzas and home made pastas. Conclude your meal with decadent Italian desserts. The Sunday lunch is a perfect opportunity to simply unwind over the weekend and spend your afternoon basking in the pool.

INR 1199 plus taxes per person Complimentary use of the swimming pool, outdoor whirlpool and Camp Hyatt.

At Da Luigi, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and spa, Cansaulim 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm +91 832 2721234 Leisurely Monsoon Sunday Brunch The ultimate weekend brunch experience these monsoons with the reinvented Monsoon Sunday Brunch, Partake in a colourful spread traversing a range of cuisines and indulge in pleasant conversation over drinks, amid a cozy ambience musically enhanced with the light tunes of a live band against the backdrop of the pitter patter of raindrops outside.

At Goa Marriott, Panjim From 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm +91 832 2463333

Sunday Brunch Authentic food, 3-4 salads, 1-2 dips, 3-4 main dishes, 2 desserts Noon to 4 pm At Cantina Bodega, Sunaparanta, Panjim +91 832 2421315

Murg Biryani at The Park

Baga, Calangute & Around

Bob’s Inn Goan Something of a Goan institution, this place offers up some fine curry rice and other satisfying fare.

At Calangute-Candolim Road, Candolim 11.30 am to 3.30 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2489402

Aquamarine Bistro & Bar Indian, Goan, Continental Perhaps the top draw is the riverside location. Good place for golden fried prawns and a nice sunset view over the river.

7 am to 10.30 pm At Baga Land’s End, Baga +91 832 2276084/2275482 Kapriz Restaurant Continental A fusion food restaurant overlooking the beautiful Baga Creak with live music five nights a week catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At Baga Creek Road, The Royal Goan Beach Club, Arpora +91 9922203723 Bhatti Village Indian & Goan There is chicken cafreal, pork roast and beef roast, sorpotel, samaranchi kodi, feijoida, all the different varieties of chilli fry and fish Roe. At Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +919822184103 Amigos Indian, Goan, Seafood Hearty food in an attractive village Below Nerul Bridge, Nerul 12.30 pm to 4 pm & 7 pm to 10.30 pm +919822104920 Britto’s Chinese, English, Goan, Seafood Tourists swear by it. Many locals don’t.

At Baga beach, Calangute 8.30 pm to midnight +91 832 2277331/ +91 832 2276291 Café de Goa Attractive Café with lots of fresh small bites and innovative offerings.

At The Red Tower, Calangute 10.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2279961

Anjuna & Around

Beach House Goan, Portuguese & Seafood A Goan specialty restaurant that was long the base of the renowned chef Rego.

At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918326645858

Panjim & Around Pakiza Restaurant Mughlai, Indian At 31st January road, Fontainhas, Panjim +91 9890974424/ +91 9850464086 Blue Tao Italian & Seafood Organic Food. Calling all hippies.

At Anjuna Beach Rd, Anjuna 9 am to 11 pm +918975061435 Alcove Restaurant & Bar Chinese, Goan, Italian, North Indian & Seafood Dine on chilled Avocado and prawn salad, or get stuffed with the prawn stuffed calamari.

At Ozrant Beach, Anjuna 8 am onwards +918322274491/2273349 Avalon Sunset Bar & Restaurant Goan, Indian, Chinese, Seafood & European Some popular orders are paneer pasanda, fish masala, chicken vindaloo, seafood pasta, seafood sizzlers.

At Anjuna Beach, Anjuna 8.30 am to midnight +91 9822586268 Baba au Rhum A coffee shop with a twist A favourite among the foreign crowd, this popular eatery offers lots of tasty choices. Especially check out their croissants, quiches and pizzas.

At Kudachwaddo, Arpora 8 am to 4 pm +919822078759

A Varanda Chinese, European, Goan, Italian, North Indian, Thai.

Check out the seafood platter, fish curry rice, chicken cafreal and beaf xacutti.

7 am to 11 pm At Resort Marinha Dourada, Arpora +91 832 2276780/ 84

Basilico Italian This alfresco restaurant serves pizzas, home-made pastas, salads and sinful desserts.

At D’mello Waddo, Anjuna 6.30 pm to 11 pm +918322273721/ +918323953744/ +919822599130

Anjuna 6.30 pm to 11 pm +918322273721/ +918323953744/ +919822599130

Biryani Palace Goan, North Indian, seafood Now take a wild guess what this place specializes in? (Hint: there’s rice involved).

At Anjuna Beach Road, Anjuna 11 am to midnight +918323257586

Frangipani Global Cuisine Start with the chicken satay- skewered chicken supreme grilled in Chinese marinade.

At Sun Village, Fankwadi, Arpora 7.30 am to 10.30 pm +91 832 2279409/14

Candolim Addah Indian & Barbeque Enjoy the sea view deck on the beach and the soft music of a live two-piece band, with appealing cuisine.

7 pm to 10.30 pm At The O Hotel, Candolim +91 832 3047000/ 9/ +91 9890800073 Angaara Tandoori, Goan, North Indian & Seafood.

With decent Indian and Goan fare and a lot for vegetarians as well.

At Murrodwaddo, Candolim Beach Road, Candolim 9 am to 12.30 pm +91 832 6647601-4 Barbeque and Grill North Indian, seafood, grills and live entertainment Seafood Bazaar is on Monday and Wednesday At Fortune Select Regina, Candolim 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918323988444 Caravela Chinese, European, Goan, Italian, North Indian, Thai A long-time favourite haunt among Goans and visitors alike. Check out the party scene on Friday nights (and the appealing female/male ratio).

At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim 7.30 am to 10.30 pm +91 832 6645858 Kebabs & Curries Indian At Holiday Street, Goan Heritage Hotel, Candolim +91 832 6515279

Hotel Sanskruti Pure Veg. Filled with office workers at lunch time. Cheap and good.

At Porvorim 7 am to 10 pm +91 832 - 2414400 Black sheep Bistro The Black Sheep Bistro is Goa’s first casual fine dining concept restaurant Located in the heart of Panjim City At Swami Vivekananda Road, Next to icici Bank, Panjim 7 pm to 1 am +91 832 2222901 A’tona Bar and Restaurant Goan, Portuguese Good choice for grilled dishes and highly competent Goan food. Winner of the Goa Streets Readers’ Choice Award for Best Xacutti.

At Carina Desa, Betim 7 pm to 11 pm +919823129239 A Pastelaria Bakery Good place for pastries, cakes, cookies and other sweet offerings 9 am to 9 pm At Hotel Mandovi, Panjim +91 832 2426270/ 73 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 Avanti Bar & Restaurant Indian, Goan & Seafood Serves up Goan specialties like rawa fried prawns, stuffed squid and gratinated stuffed crab masala Near Patto Bridge, Panjim 11 am to 3 .30 pm, 7 pm to 11.30 pm +91 832 2435884/ +91 832 2427179

10 Cover Story

Wars of Goa And The Threat of Talibanisation (Not to worry. It’s not happening… Yet)

By Aparna Raut Desai

C

all it a Goan identity crisis.

You’d think the issue would have been decided by now – after all these decades of hippies, full-moon raves and beach psychedelia. But crazily, and against all odds, we Goans are still trying to decide whether we want to be Ibiza or Kabul, a free-spirited seaside paradise of silent noise and scant coverings or a bastion of “Indian” values that are menacingly beginning to look more like “Afghani” ones.

“In Afghanistan, girls could wear shorts, sleeveless tops, anything they wanted without worry,” reminisces a young Afghani student in Panjim. “Then the Taliban took control of our city, and instantly, women had to wear burkhas.

If they were not accompanied by a male

member of the family, they were not allowed to leave the house.”

Ok, let’s be real here. No one is saying that’s where we’re headed in Goa. But with the BJP in power both at the centre and at home, palpable changes are in the air. Some of them, to be sure, are welcome, especially the feeling that our economy may get a much needed boost.

But what about those bikinis and pubs that our PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar spoke so disparagingly about?

First, let’s be clear. This is about more than just beachwear and beverages. It’s about who we are, and who we strive to be. It’s about our culture’s lure for the rest of the world, our extraordinary blend of East and West that has been drawing visitors from around the globe for decades. At heart, we are an easy-going people who’ve always displayed a broad-minded tolerance that provides stark relief in a region

still battling unspeakable outrages like female infanticide. So when the likes of Dhavalikar speaks out against our “bikini and pub culture,” it feels like he’s shooting down much more than that.

Judging from the reactions of the people of Goa, it seems the good minister will have his work cut out for him in replacing our enlightened worldview with a medieval one. People from all walks of life, exemplified by Goan fashion designer Wendell Rodricks’ open letter to Dhavalikar suggesting he wear a loin cloth if he opposes Western attire, spoke out against the minister.

No, “young girls in short skirts in nightclubs” are not a threat to Goan culture, Mr. Minister, many of us declared.

But you may well be!

Unfortunately, the minister is far from alone in his Taliban-like attitudes.

As a female who dresses largely for her own convenience, I invite glares and

Cover Story 11

Friday, July 25, 2014

frowns all over the state.

I am treated deferentially when I wear a salwar kameez, with suspicion when I wear jeans and with utter incredulity if I happen to bring out a short-skirt.

“What’s wrong with what he said?” exclaims Minaxi Dhume, housewife from Mapusa. “Why we need to wear bikinis? Tem sagrem shobna chalyyank, this sort of dressing does not suit Indian girls. We need to keep our respect among others.”

“You liberals are all hypocrites,” says a likeminded Hindu professor at Goa University hailing from Madhya Pradesh.

“Always you are complaining that Goa is shown in a bad light in Bollywood movies. Now this Minister wants to change that and you have problem with that also?” ……………….

Among the cacophony that followed Dhavalikar’s remarks, the sane voices included that of Goa’s Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar, who steered neatly out of controversy by siding with no one, simply pointing out that it would not be possible to ban bikinis or pubs in our democratic society.

Goa Streets spoke to the managers and owners of several pubs in Panjim who seemed relaxed and unperturbed by the Minister’s hostility towards their bread and butter, so to speak. “This is a democratic country,” says the manager of a pub in Panjim. “We have the right to spend our money as we wish. If it is a pub we wish to spend it in then we will, no one can stop us.”

So, no panic yet. Prahlad Sukhtankar, owner of one of the nicer pubs in Goa (the Black Sheep Bistro), believes pubs and bikinis are decidedly NOT under threat, and even went so far as to ask me why I’m “wasting space on this story.”

“The Chief Minister made it clear what the law is, so there’s no question of a ban on pubs,” he said.

Why write about it? Well, for one, let’s stop and consider for a moment if a recent upsurge in Goans beseeching Indians from the rest of the country to invest in swimwear and not display their chuddis along our coastline has come back to bite us on our briefs.

Of course Dhavalikar has expressed no issues with underwear being paraded along the shores, so long as it is worn by paunchy men.

Outside Goa, the reactions have been more incredulous. “What’s with your Minister,” asks a young female software professional in Bangalore, where this correspondent found herself fielding such questions immediately after the statements were made. “That is so backward. Why is he saying this?”

To help answer that question, it’s worth looking at the company Dhavalikar keeps. A member of the Sanathan Sansthan, which boasts the disrepute of harassing and on occasion beating, “loose” women across the border in Karnataka, Dhavalikar may be looking to

flex his Hindutva muscles at the general public. Maybe a drink or two at BSB could calm his bluster.

All entreaties to the minister to focus on his own work and maybe even ensure a few roadworks in Goa are completed before his tenure is up have fallen on deaf ears. It seems he and like-minded politicians have more pressing matters at hand, such as discussing the relevance of bikinis in a woman’s wardrobe or of pubs to the average boozer’s requirements. …………

On the other hand, social networking sites have exploded with indignance.

Wendell Rodricks, Goa’s state treasure in the department of dressing, did well by pointing out that Indian culture promoted styles of dressing that could make a Frenchman blush.

So who’s going to wear saris to the beach, again? How about cargo pants, or is that simply too American to pass?

What is the point? Decency? Safety for women? Or simply the age-old, nowtransparent attempt to keep women in

line, like the black sheep of BSB. In a scathing post on Facebook, an anguished young lady from Pune expressed that she is sick and tired of politicians in India making life difficult for women, “as if it isn’t difficult enough already.”

It has nothing to do with safeguarding culture or safety of women, she explains, and everything to do with that old male need to control his and other women.

While little children are raped in schools, while those perpetrators go free, while women are harassed in public transport in Goa, while eve-teasers know they will get away with just about anything, the focus is perennially on how much more our society could do in terms of subjugating the rights of women.

“Why, were they (tourists) hoping to wear bikinis when they come to Goa?” says Alina Saldanha, with a twinkle in

her eye, as I accost her on this subject, while she’s on her way to an assembly session. One of Goa’s three women MLAs at present, and a woman who knows how to dress, one could expect Saldanha to stand up against the Dhavalikars and for her women constituents. But what we’re seeing instead is more of a silent spectator. Wake up, Alina!

Perhaps the only MLA to have made his stand abundantly clear, not just through word but by action, has been the flamboyant Vishnu Wagh. With his razor tongue, a gift of gab, and poetic inclination, Wagh has this time chosen to make a statement through his dressing. Mocking the minister who clamoured for an Indian dress code, Wagh decided to don a dhoti, laughing derisively at the proclamations made by Dhavalikar, who has, to date, not put his own words into clothing. “It’s easy to talk,” says Wagh.

The talk however, is sending ripples of insecurity among Indians outside of Goa. Indians who reserve the tiny state for their more raucous holiday ventures, who think of Goa as rather their own, and who come here precisely to wear what they would never dare to back home. Pronouncements like this will only hamper Goa’s tourism, quoted as they were in every major international media, right from the BBC to newspapers Down Under.

Our humiliation is complete. The attempts at Talibanisation are in full swing. Thankfully, most of us love our bikinis and pubs – and the freedom they represent - too much to let such attempts prevail. 

12 Feature

Don’t Knock Crass Materialism Until You’ve Tried It!

By Perin Ilavia

Y

es I know. Money can’t buy happiness. Materialism is empty. What counts is what you do, not what you have.

You can’t take possessions to your grave.

Blah blah blah. Etcetera etcetera etcetera.

Enough! Like ice cream and sex and fillet mignon and various forms of harmless sinning, there’s a place in this world for that gorgeous little rock called a diamond. Go ahead. Cut loose. It’s OK to love it!

For many of us, our first experience with this queen of gems starts with an engagement ring. Many decades ago, especially in Indian culture, buying a diamond engagement ring was not statutory, as it is today. Some buy one just because it’s the ‘done thing’, or perhaps because she wants it. Others say it’s about the symbolism, a promise of ultimate love, a mark of commitment and devotion.

Not many know why the ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.

It’s because it was a common belief in ancient Egypt that the vena amoris (love vein) ran from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart.

The setting for the engagement ring is a solitaire. If she’s traditional, she might like the classic round diamond on a simple band. If she’s feisty, she’ll perhaps prefer a wide gold or platinum band with a huge rock.

Buying diamond jewellery is a big investment, so it’s important to be as

educated and well prepared as possible when you begin shopping.

Keeping the five reliable criteria for diamonds in mind will help steer you in the right direction in finding the perfect diamond for your perfect mate. And, be sure to buy diamonds from a certified retailer who guarantees the specification of the stone, or you’ll end up buying ¼ carat sparkler which is a dud. You don’t have to rob a bank to bag decent diamonds. Now, that’s a revelation with a good ring to it.

The word ‘diamond’ comes from the Greek ‘adamas’, meaning imperishable. It comes from the oldest natural material on earth and is made from a single element. It is also our planet’s hardest stone, surpassing heat conductivity of

other precious stones. Only a diamond can cut a diamond.

Diamonds were first discovered in India, followed by Brazil. They used to be worn only by royalty and noblemen.

Their main component is highly stable allotropes of carbon. They are found deep under the ground, along shorelines of rivers where the carbon eroded from rocks known as kiberlite and lamproite, accumulating due to wind and water.

They’re also found in meteorite impact craters, dated to about 3 billion years ago. The carbonado diamonds from Latin America and Africa are believed to have been deposited via asteroid impacts.

Frances Gerety, a copywriter working for Philadelphia-based advertising agency, coined the phrase ‘Diamonds are forever’. That was in 1943. They still are ‘forever’, cherished as an eternal gift of love.

The test of a pure diamond are the five C’s. The most expensive stones are colourless. Although diamonds look colourless to the clueless eye (which, let’s face it, covers most of us), they normally contain tints of yellow and brown.

Diamonds are graded from D (colourless) to Z (tinted). Engagement rings tend to be around the E-J mark.

The quality of your diamond depends on its clarity, how many natural flaws are prominent. The more flaws, the less expensive the diamond.

Although the shape has four sides, in reality the best stones feature a full 58 sides, which reflect the light and give the diamond its sparkle. ‘Carats,’ (not to be confused with karats- the unit for measuring the purity of gold, or carrots, the vegetable) refer to the weight of the jewel. One carat weighs 0.2 grams, which is divided into 100 points, so a 50-point diamond weighs ½ a carat, and, two diamonds can be of equal carat weight, but differ in value according to their cut, colour, and clarity.

The cut is the largest facet of a diamond which comprises the flat surface on the top of the stone, resembling a ‘table’. There are other components of a diamond, including the crown, the girdle, the pavilion and the culet (the smallest facet of a diamond located at the very bottom of the stone). There are emerald cuts, princess cuts and diamond baguettes. You can choose among channel, prong or pave settings. As you can see, selecting the perfect diamond can be overwhelming, and is very much a matter of personal taste. The decision should be in sync with the personality of the wearer.

In reality almost no gem-sized natural diamonds are absolutely perfect. Colored diamonds, known as “fancy diamonds”, may be affected by chemical impurities and/or structural defects in the crystal lattice. Depending on the hue and intensity of a diamond’s coloration, a diamond’s color can either detract from or enhance its value.

Diamonds occur in a variety of colors, including steel gray, brown, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink and purple. Out of all coloured diamonds, red diamonds are the rarest. ‘Brown’ is considered a killer as far as diamond value goes. Most white diamonds are discounted in price when more yellow hue is detectable, while intense pink or blue diamonds (such as the Hope Diamond) are enormously valuable.

It seems the phrase ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ is more than just a cliché. 

14 Feature

One of the most endangered peoples of India

By Perin Ilavia

N

ot many are aware that like other states of India, Goa also has tribal communities.

These include the Gawid, Velip, Kunbi and the Dhandar. The origin of another tribe, the Goulys - also known as Dhangar- is not very clear.

Likely having migrated from Central India, they are basically nomads, living predominantly in the hilly areas of Pernem, Bardez, Salcete, Cancona, Sanguem and Sattari.

Leading a secluded life, they lived off the forest, the small communes of 10-15 families constantly moving to find pasture for their buffalos and goats. The group has always been close to the land, and they possess deep knowledge of the medicinal plants.

The Goa government made its first proposal to the Registrar General of India in 1963, to include Gouly’s in Schedule Tribe (ST), which was opposed by some on the grounds that they’re migrants from neighboring states. However, Portuguese records indicated that they in fact belong to Goa. Today, somewhere between 7,500 and 9,000 Goulys are believed to be residing in Goa, and they are among the most endangered tribal communities of India.

Their DNA was sent to the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology at Hyderabad for testing, and an anthropological study of the community was done by the Karnataka University.

In March 2010, Mahadev Naik, the then social welfare minister of Goa, explicitly asked the government of India to bestow ST status on the Goulys.

Dr. Maria Bernadette Gomes – a PhD in sociology - began studying tribal communities and in 2004 conducted a government-commissioned research study on the Goulys. She visited remote tribal hamlets, living with them for two to three weeks over a period of eight months.

“I chose to live with them because it was the best way to get detailed information when they are relaxed in the evenings. There was no separate hut for me. I just lived and ate with them.”

Bernadette with a Go

uly woman

Bernadette found that they’re illiterate, are sub-divided into 28 clans, speak an ad-mix of Marathi and Konkani and have no temples or priests. They worship nature, and many trees are considered sacred. Their Goddess ‘Malchi Pander’, symbolized by a blanket with food grains and haldi (turmeric) placed on it, is carried along when they move.

They slaughter goats on festive occasions, but that’s rare, as goats are kept for milk.

They used to hunt wild boar and small game before such hunting was banned.

Their thatched huts made from plants have no trace of stone or metal, not even doors. For them, there is no concept of indoors and outdoors. Their cattle also live with them in the hut. In settlements where there is no electricity, they use ghee for the lamps. They were polygamous, and child marriage was common, though these customs were gradually abandoned.

The Goulys have a council of eldersAgarkhase- who are the judge and jury.

There are no known cases of rape or murder, and stealing is a punishable crime. They used to bury the dead in a squatting position, but now now cremate them.

Their diet is millet, buttermilk, tubers and nachni - ragi roti with ghee. Rice, coconut and fish were later additions.

Their system of commerce mostly uses rice for bartering, though money is used to buy clothes and jewellery. Their main source of income is selling wild honey, milk and milk products in the Valpoi market.

The men wear a dhoti, draped above the knees, and an elaborate white turban and a shawl/blanket over their

bare shoulders. Women wear the traditional Maharashtrian drape sari ending above the knee- which facilities freedom of movement, and silver bangles and earrings.

Their festival - ‘Powo’ or ‘Gaja’ - coincides with Dussehra. In recent years, they have started celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi. The women perform a dance unique to the tribe, accompanied by songs, keeping the beat by clapping hands.

The men were employed by chieftains of Sattari, the Mughals and Marathas as foot soldiers, and an elaborate white robe worn during festivals perhaps originated in the 16th/17th century. In October 2013, it was affirmed they met the necessary qualifications of isolation and other disadvantages to be listed in the ST category.

Around 90 % now live in permanent

settlements, often work as casual laborers at construction sites.

Unlike other countries where tribals are allocated land and other resources, here they have no title to their lands or legal protection against eviction. Their traditions and way of life are eroding quickly.

In addition to her work in sociology, Bernadette is a self-taught artist. In 2012 she exhibited 14 paintings documenting the life of the Goulys. She depicted moments suspended in time, weaving form and colour. There was the scenic countryside, the Goulys’ attire, huts and animals – painted in so much detail they look like photographs! She is currently in the process of doing a census for the Central Government on the Goulys’ education and economic status.

We can only hope her efforts will help save the community from extinction. 

Feature 15

Friday, July 25, 2014

A fall from a chickoo tree turned tragic for Zira Almeida.

A spinal injury ended her teaching career and confined her to a wheelchair for the past 18 years. Nevertheless, this determined 63-year-old woman has braved the odds and has displayed an indomitable spirit, tackling life’s challenges head on…. Psychologist

Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello caught up with Zira

at her home in Chinchinim, in South Goa.

A

s I hurried to keep my appointment with Zira, heavy rains lashed the countryside. I made it just in time for an interesting tête-à-tête with this brave-hearted woman whose ‘never-say-die’ attitude and family love have helped her cope with her physical limitations.

Her husband Olencio welcomed me and I was quickly ushered in a long hallway as I greeted a smiling Zira seated in a wheelchair. I echoed the words softly, “Miss, how are you?” as I lightly touched her forearm.

What followed was an inspiring story of a genial soul leading her life with exceptional grace. As I found myself seated in a straight back chair opposite her, I was glad to be there. She is proof that even amidst unspeakably difficult circumstances, life is precious and must be embraced.

This is the lesson of Zira Almeida. That fall from the chickoo tree paralyzed her legs, but not her will to live.

It was in the year 1996. A devoted teacher, she had finished her lessons for the day, eaten some lunch and caught up on a short afternoon siesta, Goan-style.

An enthusiastic Zira then climbed the chickoo tree - one she always climbed in her compound to pluck a handful of chickoos.

She fell from a height of several metres on the stones below the tree, and lost consciousness for some time. Labourers rushed to her aid along with the neighbours. Zira recalls the fateful day, “I

couldn’t feel my legs from hip down.”

Olencio rushed her to the family physician upon whose advice she was admitted to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) in Bambolim. After two days she was shifted to Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai, where she underwent surgery.

Zira recalls her post-surgery days in the hospital. “I would often ask the attendants at the hospital whether I would be able to walk again.”

An extremely worried Olencio asked Dr. Bandekar, her neurosurgeon, “How long will she live?”

The doctor allayed his fears and explained her condition of paraplegia (loss of motor or sensory functions

Zira with her husband Olencio

of the lower extremities).

Zira was discharged from Hinduja Hospital a month later, carried out on a stretcher. She was then moved to a rehabilitation centre in Sion, Mumbai.

Here she came in contact with many others in similar circumstances, often poor, often in pain. It dawned on Zira that she wasn’t the only one suffering.

The news was not good. Here she was – a 45-year-old mother of two, a successful teacher in the prime of her life. Not only had she lost the ability to walk, but also to control her bladder and bowels. She was completely dependent on her husband. This was the state of her health when she decided to move out of the centre after 2 ½ months and return home.

Her 2 young daughters, LuiAnne and JoyeAnne were eagerly waiting for her.

Zira says, “They were very happy that I was home. They didn’t ask a single question. LuiAnne was in IXth standard and JoyeAnne was in IVth standard.”

She continues, “My faith gave me hope.

I thought and I hoped that I would go back to (teaching) school.”

She had a very bad bed sore in Sion which had to be treated in Goa. There were days when Zira couldn’t sit even on a wheelchair and had to make do with a water mattress.

Periods of deep depression ensued, as she struggled to come to terms with what had happened.

She had to depend on others

for everything. At times, the sadness was unbearable.

But then something happened.

Perhaps it wasn’t a miracle in the literal sense, but its consequences for her were as momentous as the parting of the seas.

Zira was touched by the love of her family.

“I experienced so much love from them. I realized that I shouldn’t hurt the other person. I have to smile. I regained my hope. I changed my perspective.”

She realized it wasn’t practical for her to return to teaching. And she also realized it didn’t matter. And then she spoke these golden words that are still ringing in my ears as I type them on my keyboard.

“Life is not about doing something but being something.”

Zira loves her husband Olencio with all her being. She says, “Olencio is very patient and quiet. It is difficult to get a husband like him. He is very loving and caring.”

Her children have now grown into professionals. LuiAnne decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a teacher, while JoyeAnne, having lived through her mom’s ordeal, is a physiotherapist, using what’s she’s learned to give back to others in need.

Both young ladies have been Zira’s support and joy. Both are extraordinary women in their own right.

The family’s close relations helped them monetarily. Dr. Christopher Dias has also been very supportive, not charging any fees for his visits. Strange how situations like this one can bring out the true spirit of Goa. Zira says, “A person has to be mentally and emotionally strong. Spiritual relationship with the Almighty is most important to live a fulfilling life.”

The late Christopher Reeves, the Hollywood actor who became a quadriplegic (complete paralysis of the body from neck down) always inspired Zira. She thought, “If he can, why can’t I?” Today, Zira tutors a young student in her academics. She also manages cooking a few dishes from her wheelchair, as her kitchen is specially suited to her needs (with a low-built platform).

A regular disciple of yoga, Zira practices this for about 10-15 minutes regularly in the loving company of Olencio.

Zira says, “He is God’s gift to me.”

Olencio has never complained and instead focuses on the positive, saying, “This keeps me more active.”

On a parting note to youngsters, Zira suggests they make time for prayer, “Even a short prayer will do. Read a simple passage from the Bible on how to lead a fruitful life. Respect your parents.”

And to all those out there who have experienced mishaps or ill-fortunes, Zira says, “Nothing bad flows from God.” “Don’t despair. Don’t doubt. Don’t be depressed.

Never give up.”

Destiny may have taken much from Zira Almeida. But there is no doubting the richness of her life. 

16

Friday, July 25, 2014

By Aparna Raut Desai

I

t’s not difficult to imagine Rahul as “quietly menacing” in his new movie Lekar Hum Deewana Dil, as he sprawls panther-like over his easy chair at his home in Indiranagar in Bangalore. The man is soft-spoken, deliberate, and described by his acquaintances as “humble”, by his friends as RDX, X being for the X-factor.

Rahul has lately taken it on himself to point out, repeatedly, the various flaws in my flamboyantly ruptured existence, so it is quite pleasant to ask him questions about himself for once. He used to be the normal carefree teenager until a sudden and lethal stroke took his father away from him at the age of seventeen. RDS remembers driving through the streets of his neighbourhood, desperately hunting for a doctor, a savior he failed to find in time.

“I should have just driven him to the hospital,” RDS says regretfully, “but it did not occur to me at the time. By the time I got back and gave him CPR, he was breathing his last few breaths.”

Rahul, in a span of a week after the tragedy, was no longer a boy. He got a job with United Breweries’ information and consultancy services, and that was that for his carefree existence.

Labeled in professional quarters as a “brand” unto himself, Rahul gave up a seat at an REC college to do his engineering degree in Bangalore instead. With his looks, and despite his brainy persona, modeling was soon to follow. Among the top models in India at the height of his career, he was once described in 1994 by Shobhaa De as “Krishna”, because of his dark skin and easy charm.

Modeling mainly out of Bangalore, and mainly for a couple of designers, Rahul then moved to Bombay, a period he describes as his “biscuit tin” days, where he lived with best friend Pranesh while he struggled to find a foothold in the Hindi film industry.

Rahul Dev Shetty with Armaan Jain (extreme left) & Deeksha Seth (extreme right)

By Aparna Raut Desai t’s not difficult to imagine Rahul as “quietly menacing” in his new movie Lekar Hum Deewana Dil, as he sprawls panther-like over his easy chair at his home in Indiranagar in Bangalore. The man is soft-spoken, deliberate, and described by his acquaintances as “humble”, by his friends as RDX, X being for the X-factor.

Rahul, 45, has lately taken it on himself to point out, repeatedly, the various flaws in my flamboyantly ruptured existence, so it is quite pleasant to ask him questions about himself for once. He used to be the normal carefree teenager until a sudden and lethal stroke took his father away from him at the age of seventeen. RDS remembers driving through the streets of his neighbourhood, desperately hunting for a doctor, a savior he failed to find in time.

“I should have just driven him to the hospital,” RDS says regretfully, “but it did not occur to me at the time. By the time I got back and gave him CPR, he was breathing his last few breaths.”

Rahul, in a span of a week after the tragedy, was no longer a boy. He got a job with United Breweries’ information and consultancy services, and that was that for his carefree existence.

Labeled in professional quarters as a “brand” unto himself, Rahul gave up a seat at an REC college to do his engineering degree in Bangalore instead. With his

Arts&Entertainment 17

Friday, July 25, 2014

Galleries of Note San Thome Museum Go back in time and visit a real jewel in Goa’s treasure chest.

Free entry. At Varca 9 am to 8 pm +91 9822363917/ +91 832 2745017 Yahel Chirinian Interesting mosaic mirror sculptures by an exceptionally creative artist.

Free entry.

At Monsoon Heritage Studio, Arpora 9 am to 6 pm +91 9822122771 Panjim Art Gallery Get a dose of local culture: figurative, individual work by Goan artists.

Near Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim 9 am – 8 pm +91 9822168703 Cheshire Cat Jewellery Gallery Fashionable wearables. It’s all about style ladies. Jewellery and accessories.

At Bairo Alto, Assagao 10 am to 7 pm +91 9822580898 Gallery Attic More local talent on display: paintings

by Goan Artists.

Opposite Don Bosco, Panjim 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm +91 832 2420929/+91 2257931 Mario Art Gallery Original paintings and other memorabilia of the great Goan artist/ cartoonist Mario Miranda.

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 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2410711 Art Chamber - Galleria de Belas Artes Featuring works by Goan artist Yolanda D’Souza and others. Whilst you’re there, check out their programme of musical performances.

At Gauravaddo, Calangute 10 am to 1 pm & 4 pm to 8 pm +91 832 2277144/ +91 9823217435 Casa Araujo Alvares A 250-year-old mansion showcases our heritage in Goa’s first automated sound & light museum.

Entry Fees Charged Rs.50 At Big Foot, Loutolim 9 am – 6 pm +91 832 2777034 Email: bigfoottrust@gmail.com Sunaparanta- Goa Centre for the Arts The centre houses several exhibition galleries, a large multi-functional space for workshops and lectures, an inhouse film club, sketch club, studios, open air amphitheatre, pottery studio and an open courtyard that houses the al fresco café, Bodega. Open to the public, and the food at the café is recommended. Brunch on Sundays.

10 am to 6 pm At Altinho, Panjim +91 832 2421311

Gallery Gitanjali An elegant art gallery in Panjim’s Latin Quarter; worth popping in when you’re in the area.

At Fontainhas, Panjim 9 am to 9 pm +91 9823572035 Big Foot Art Gallery Display of works by various artists from India and abroad.

At Loutolim 9 am to 6 pm. +91 832 2777034 Surya Art Gallery Contemporary art works - Goan canvas paintings & artifacts. At Bandawalwada, Pernem +919404149764 Moksa Art Gallery Salvador’s paintings. Salvadore Fernandes, that is, and others.

At Naikawaddo, Calangute 9.30 am to 8.30 pm +91 832 2281121/ +91 9326717386 Gallery Esperance Go back in time: Retrospective of art in Oils, Watercolors, Crayons Portraits, Landscape and Still Life Photographs.

Near the Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces 9 am to 6 pm. +91 9545536437 Carpe Diem An extremely active art and learning centre that hosts a number of exhibitions and performances. Also look out for the workshops there.

At Majorda 10 am to 6 pm. +91 8888862462 Arte Douro Art Gallery Even if you aren’t into serious art, check out these paintings on canvas originals and prints, international and local. At Porba Vaddo, Calangute 9 am to 9 pm +91 832 22882266/ +91 9822147148 Fundação Oriente Art Gallery Permanent exhibition of paintings by Antonio Xavier Trindade (1870-1935) – a well-known Goan painter of the time.

At Fontainhas, Panjim 10 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 5 pm +91 832 2230728/ +91 2436108 Garden Central Gallery Permanent exhibits, paintings and sketches by artist Derek Monteiro.

Near municipal garden, Panjim From 10 am to 5 pm +91 9921372036 Kerkar Art Gallery This gallery exhibits installations and sculptures by local artists such as Subodh Kerkar and selected works by contemporary artists from all over India. At Gauravaddo, Calangute 10 am to 7 pm. +91 832 2276017 Ancestral Goa A mock village depicting the culture & traditions of Goa from a century ago and perhaps even earlier. Great for history lovers.

Entry Fees Charged Rs. 50 At Loutolim. 9 am to 6 pm +91 832 2777034

looks, and despite his brainy persona, modeling was soon to follow. Among the top models in India at the height of his career, he was once described in 1994 by Shobhaa De as “Krishna”, because of his dark skin and easy charm.

Modeling mainly out of Bangalore, and mainly for a couple of designers, Rahul then moved to Bombay, a period he describes as his “biscuit tin” days, where he lived with best friend Pranesh while he struggled to find a foothold in the Hindi film industry.

“I used to make my money in Bangalore and then go back to Bombay to find movie work,” he explains. He often rode back to his hometown in overcrowded inter-state buses, perched on a biscuit tin. After four years of continuous struggle and getting nowhere, having exhausted his finances and resolve, RDS found himself broke and back in Bangalore, living

with his mother.

Luckily for him, he was soon offered work as a choreographer.

His first show was a success, even while he couldn’t attend it as he was walking the ramp elsewhere.

He was an instant success and four years steadily solidified his reputation as a choreographer.

Now, after years of directing ramp shows, RDS is back full-circle and having another go at the movies. A tad miffed initially at being offered the role of the bad guy in his latest release, RDS has thoroughly enjoyed working in it. “Being the bad guy allows you to vent emotions,” he says.

“You can shout, you can swear, you can kick, and at the end of it all, it’s a lot of ‘bad’ emotions that have been purged from your system. It makes you a better person.”

Rahul loves Goa. A consummate foodie, what he loves most of all about Goa is the food. Pork sausages are a favourite, so is chicken Cafreal and RDS will swear by Florentina’s in Saligao: “Best chicken Cafreal ever.”

He’d love to live here, “if I could make the kind of money here that I do in Bangalore.”

So, not anytime soon. But someday, a little seaside bungalow in Little Vagator, which is “cosy but hot”, is in the offing.

What he loves about being in Goa is that it’s the closest you can come to being abroad in India. “It’s a different state of mind all together.

It reminds me of my home, Udipi, and yet it is equally foreign.”

Over the last decade or so, RDS rues, the influx of holidaying Indian families is slowly tearing away at his foreignholiday-in-India paradise. But he’s not giving up on Goa yet. 

18 Wheels on Streets

H

onda Motorcycle & Scooter India announced its next wave of strategic expansion as it enters a new era of independent and empowered operations in India. Honda’s Wave 2.0 of strategic expansion starts from entering into the basic sub-segment of 100-110cc motorcycle (Basic sub-segment contributes 23% to overall 70 lac units sold annually in 100-110cc industry) with the new CD 110 Dream – Honda’s most affordable motorcycle in India.

The nomenclature “CD” is a mnemonic for Honda’s mass motorcycles in many countries since 1966 while Dream evokes the legendary success of Honda’s first mass motorcycle “Dream D” launched in 1949 in Japan.

The new CD 110 Dream will ride Honda into the rural areas and multiply the success of existing Dream series motorcycles.

The bike is priced at Rs. 41,100 and is a direct competitor to Hero’s HF Dawn and HD Deluxe.

To satisfy the primary need of this category which is mileage, CD 110 Dream comes with Honda Eco Technology or HET for an unmatched mileage of 74 km/liter (mileage based on internal Honda test ride mode that is close to actual city riding conditions / ICAT mileage 83.32 kmpl). CD Dream beats competition with its class leading power output of 8.25 BHP @ 7500 RPM and torque of 8.63Nm

@ 5500rpm.

On the style front, CD 110 Dream comes with stylish graphics, impressive exhaust, signature silver engine sleeve, tempting silver tone alloy wheels, realistic meter console and tail light.

This motorcycle is specially developed for Indian customers, keeping in mind their practical commuting needs.

Making CD 110 Dream the best choice of daily commuting is its

superior ground clearance of 179mm (for dream ride over potholed road every time), extended wheelbase of 1258mm (for better stability during high speed and uphill), long seat (for comfortable rides over long distances). The tubeless tyres, viscous air filter and maintenance free battery in CD 110 Dream significantly increase the durability of this mass motorcycle.

The CD 110 Dream comes in 3 exciting colors (Black with Red stripe, Black with Blue Stripe and Black with Grey stripe.) and Kick/Drum/ Spoke variant.