Issue No 44

Thursday, September 5, 2013 | Vol. No. I | Issue 44 | Price Rs. 10 | Pages 24 | www.goastreets.com

Electric Pulse • pg 3

Festive Flavours • pg 07

Mining Restart: Winners & Losers • pg 11

Ganesha in Goa pg 12

Multimedia Art pg 15 • What’s On pg 17 • DesignYatra pg 18

3

Thursday, September 5, 2013

streetspicks Pickled Mango

It has a different menu every night where music is concerned.

Monday: Karaoke time with Bonny; Tuesday: Music by Jus’ Leo n Zie; Wednesday: Grill Nite with Music fever; Thursday: Rock n Retro by Country Joe; Friday: Dance your blues away with Party Creation; Saturday: Rio Festival with Crossroads Band; Sunday: Live entertainment with Hyden and Natasha.

At Resort Rio, Arpora @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm +91 832 2267300

Monsoon Confessions Every Sunday, enjoy this live music series featuring leading musicians Bosco D’souza (Drums), Greg John D’souza (Guitar & Vocals), Edwin Braganza (Bass/Double Bass).

At Spazio Leisure Resort, Anjuna @ 9 pm – 11 pm +91 832 2274866 Website: www.spazioleisureresort.com

Karaoke Sessions at Whispering Palms Whispering Palms Beach Resort presents a night of karaoke, song, dance & party with Gethin Fernandes. Croon to songs in different languages and melodies. Event happens every Sunday.

At Whispering Palms Beach Resort, Sinquerim, Candolim @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm For advance bookings, contact +91 9970093175/9970075234

Women’s Soul with Anika Enjoy fine dining tastefully paired with fine entertainment.

Choose from delicious heady cocktails with generous servings of contemporary ambience and DJ Anika spinning the best of hip-hop and commercial music. On every Thursday.

At Malts n Wines, Near Baga Bridge, Baga @ 9 pm onward +91 9763711180

Percussionist Carlos Gonsalves performing at the 2013 Bonderam Harvest Festival in São Matias village.

September 5 Thursday Night Live @ The

music & nightlife | 05 Electric Pulse

lowdown | 06

Sofala

Catch Smoking Chutney jam live with Chrystal Farrell (vocals), Benoy Rai (guitar), Sancho Menezes (keyboards), Colin D’Cruz (bass) & Dennis Coelho (drums).

At The Sofala, Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm +91 7774008822

September 7 Saturday Night Live Music Project

Catch 2 indie bands from Mumbai – Bone Broke & The Lightyears Explode – jam to garage, alternative, punk & rock music.

At Tawa-Resto Bar, Baywatch Resort, Sernabatim Beach Road, Colva @ 7:30 pm onward +91 9323590051

food | 07 Festive flavours

environment | 10

September 7 – 8 Saturday Fabulosity

Green Fingers Nursery

economy | 11 Will mining resume in Goa?

Every Monday

cover story | 12

Karaoke Night

Goa’s beloved Lord Ganesha

arts & entertainment | 15 ‘Why Not?’

design | 18

hot streets | 20

DesignYatra 2013

Footballer Clifford Miranda

Manic Mondays with Saby. Karaoke sessions included.

At The Backyard, House #248, Bella Vista, Sangolda, Bardez 7 pm – 12 am +91 9823593872

EDM Nights

Chill out with the latest and most popular dance music tracks.

At UV Bar, Anjuna @ 4 pm – 10 pm +91 9822153440

Every Wednesday Karaoke Night

Who We Are

sports | 21

Let your hair down and grove to some of Goa’s most popular DJs. At White House, Lucky Star, Colva @ 10 pm onward +91 9049066470/ 9922646312

Chief Advisor - Steven Gutkin Publisher - Marisha Dutt Content Head - Puja Roy Photographer - Ananda Krishna Marketing & Sales - Werner Egipsy Souza Marketing & Sales - Sneha Rodrigues Marketing & Sales - Indu Moola Data Entry Operator - Radhika Naik Administrative Assistant - Nilesh Shetgaonkar

Happy hours and international music.

At Resort Rio, Tambudki, Arpora @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm +91 832 2267300

Cosmopolitan Ladies Night

Free Absolut Cosmopolitan cocktails all night long exclusively shaken & stirred for the fairer sex. Ladies Night, the Butter way.

At Butter, Patto, Panjim @ 8 pm onward +91 8308838888

Wednesday Nights

Catch the band Rhythm and Blues play live music every Wednesday.

At Cavala Beach Resort, Calangute @ 8:30 pm onward +91 8390055518

Wednesday Nights

With their frequent gigs, DJs David & Ashley entertained hordes of people with their act. Now they join hands together to make the crowds groove to their songs every Wednesday. The fun begins early at Kamaki.

At Kamaki, Baga @ 7:30 pm onward +918322276520/ 9923093408

Driving Women Crazy

With DJs Nix & DJ Crodin. Unlimited premium alcohol. Dress code: ‘Stylish Best’. At Ianos, Calangute @ 8 pm onward +91 8888662244

Every Thursday Lavina Special Thursdays

Catch Lavina croon to some of the best pop hits and rock numbers followed by a jam session and Open Mic Time.

At Down The Road, Panjim @ 10 pm – 12 am +91 9637808867

Thursday Grill &

Games

Music, games & barbeque!

At Soul Souffle, Verna @ 7 pm – 10 pm +91 832 2782100/9764694321

Every Friday Retro House

Live rhythm & blues.

At The Park, Calangute @ 8 pm onward +91 832 2267600/8805028194

Old School Fridays

Live music featuring Elvis on lead guitar & keyboards. The best of slow rock/ retro & old school music.

At Down The Road, Panjim @ 9 pm onward +91 9823173757

Every Saturday Saturdays With R&B

Catch the band Rhythm & Blues bring the house done with their lively jam sessions.

At The Backyard, House #248, Bella Vista, Sangolda, Bardez 7 pm – 12 am +91 9823593872

Sizzling Saturdays At Lucky Star With resident DJ Spike @ 10 pm At Hotel Lucky Star, Colva +91 7798983490

Funky Saturdays

A lot of youngsters can be seen hanging out at Butter for its Funky Saturdays where everything – from the music to the dress code and even guests’ hairstyles – have to be funky.

At Butter, Gera Emporium, EDC Patto Plazza, Panjim @ 8 pm onward +91 8308838888

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Sexy Saturdays

With DJs Joel, Rinton & Mr E. At SinQ Beach Club, Opposite Taj Holiday Village, Candolim @ 10 pm – 4 am +91 8308000080

Hindi Karaoke Live

If you like crooning to Bollywood tunes, check out this event.

At Appetite Classic, Housing Board, Mapusa @ 7:30 pm – 11 pm +91 9823107114

Exclusive Saturday

Groove to the mixes of DJs Cris, Rosh, Milad, Xavier and Melroy.

At F Cube, Calangute @ 9 pm – 3 am +91 832 2275796/9822176572

Every Sunday Bikini Brunch

A lazy brunch by the pool with live music. Priced at 750/person.

At The Park, Calangute @ 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm +91 832 2267600/8805028194

Sunday Fun With Regan

Music and vocals by Regan. Sway late into the night with an eclectic mix of numbers courtesy the inhouse artist.

At Wok & Roll, Sinquerim, Candolim @ 8 pm onward +91 9049022348

Monsoon Confessions

Live music series featuring leading musicians.

At Portico, Spazio Leisure Resort, Anjuna +91 832 2274866

Ongoing

In an EDM-dominated music scene, band pushes through with Classic and Hard Rock

Club Ianos

Mondays and Tuesdays are for commercial club and house music.

At Calangute, Baga Road @ 8:30 pm – 3 am +91 832 6528283

Raissa’s Sheesh Mahal Lounge Delicious food & lovely music.

At Shop #2, 3, 4, Priyadarshani, Margao @ 10 am – 11:45 pm +91 832 2712899

Zuperb

Sing and swing with Nelly to jazz, retro & the season’s popular tracks on ‘Zuperb Tuesdays’.

On Friday nights, the vibrant duo of Jonathan and Nashvin get guests into the weekend mode with the ‘Music Fever’ theme.

Gauravaddo, Holiday Street, Calangute @12 pm – 12 am +91 9869076107/ 9820134503/ 9833156510

By Goa Streets @GoaStreets

B

eyond the trance and psychedelic beats that resound along Goa’s many streets, there exist pockets of classic rock music lovers who have been waiting for someone to come around and make them fall in love with music all over again.

We managed to trip on this young band, which even though a year old, is taking over the calm beaches of Goa by storm.

Onshore

Offshore

Behind Old Secretariat, 1st Floor, The Crown Goa, Bairo Alto Dos Pilotos, Jose Falcao Road, Panaji. Goa - 403001. INDIA Mob: +91 9158883461 Land Line: 0832 2222822/2222833 Email: reception@crowncasino.in Open: 12:00 noon-06:00am | All days

Entry Rs.1500/ Enjoy free unlimited snacks, Veg & Non-veg Buffet-dinner, alchoholic & nonalcholic beverages and loads of live entertainment.

At Panaji, Goa. Open 24 Hrs. +918888807256

Crown Casino

Chances Casino

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

Gold finger Casino

At Vainguinim beach, Dona Paula +918322454545

Casinos Treasures

At Majorda beach resort, Majorda +918322881111

Casino Paradise

At Neo Majestic, Porvorim +918326710101

Casino Carnival

Deltin Royale

Deltin Royale, India’s premier casino & entertainment destination, and anchored in the Mandovi, creates an ambience that is at par with gaming destinations worldwide, with international games such as poker, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette, and serviced by dealers trained to the highest global standards. A family destination, it also has a kids’ room where trained staff look after the little ones. Open 24x7. Entry: Rs 1,500 per person on weekdays (Mon-Thu) and Rs 2,000 on weekends (Fri-Sun).

Boarding Point: Fisheries Department Building (6 pm-6 am only), Opposite Mandovi Hotel, D. BandodkarMarg, Panaji; and Noah’s Ark Jetty, D. BandodkarMarg, Panaji 0832 6519471, 0832 6519472.

Casino Pride

Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim +918326710101/111/ +91-832-6519641 www.casinopridegoa.com

Electric Pulse is a lethal combination of Classic and Hard Rock that has enough energy to power up the smallest of venues to the largest of arenas.

Inspired by a number of bands from the ‘70s and ‘80s like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Ronnie James Dio, Queen, Deep Purple and Rush, Electric Pulse has been taking listeners on a journey through a soundscape of unrelenting hard rock, galloping riffs and melodic hooks. Sure to unite head bangers and classic rock junkies in a single arena each and every show, the band exhibits powerpacked performances that send audiences home with a sore neck the next morning.

We caught up with Anirban Halder, Vocalist and Lead Guitarist of Electric Pulse, to tell us more about the band.

GS: EDM fever is gripping the nation and the state, with youngsters today craving for trance and house music. Do you feel insecure as Classic Rock artists?

AH: We do agree that EDM is a somewhat a mainstream genre today, but that doesn’t make us

Turn to page 6

6 The Lowdown From page 5 insecure at all. Rather, it gives us the chance to be different from the rest.

While all new artists tilt towards EDM or EDM-type music, we are moving as much away from it. We believe that there are more than enough people who still love listening to Classic Rock.

GS: How do you manage to sustain yourself as a Rock band in a place where there’s not that much scope for music of your genre?

AH: I don’t agree with that. True, other genres are taking up most of the space. But it gives us the opportunity to stand out and give the audience something totally different from what other artists are offering. With regards to sustainability as a Rock band, we thrive on our live performances. Live performances today have a lot of sequenced music or pre-recorded music playing along with the artists during a live show. However, we are a pure live act and give the experience of ‘real’ live music which our audiences love.

GS: What kind of music does Electric Pulse play and what inspires you to do what you do?

AH: We like to classify ourselves under the Hard Rock genre. A number of youth today have not heard true Rock, Metal, as they are growing up listening to modern music and have not been exposed to Classic Rock. Our objective is to bridge this gap. By listening to and liking our music, they will further listen to the music that has influenced us and discover the beauty of Rock & Metal.

GS: How different is Classic Rock from Metal Rock. Has Goa warmed up to your style of play?

AH: Classic Rock could be a wide range of Rock music primarily encompassing the styles of the late ‘60s, ‘70s & ‘80s, whereas Metal Rock could be from any time period with heavier guitar tones and riffs, louder shriller vocals & maybe a darker element to the overall theme.

With regard to our style of music, we try to be sweet to everyone’s ears – Metal fans and non-Metal fans. We have received quite an overwhelming response from the Goan audience, especially the foreigners who really connect with our style and have not heard such tones in a long time. Our live performances are

quite loud and have a lot of energy. There have been many times when, though the people never heard the music before, they still sync with the energy and the vibe and end up thoroughly enjoying themselves.

GS: What is the moment you enjoy the most during a performance?

AH: Once a show starts, usually during the initial few songs, the audience is still warming up to our music and tapping their feet. Once the show moves forward and the energy levels rise, we have people dancing crazy in front of us and from stage we can see them having a real good time. The fact that we are able to transfer this energy to the audience and give them an unforgettable experience would probably be the most enjoyable moment for the band.

GS: Why did you give up your regular jobs for a career in music?

AH: We always knew we had the talent to play professionally and always wanted to play music full-time. But it’s not the easiest thing to tell your family.

Working in the corporate world made us realise that we were not comfortable in that environment. At the end of the day, we didn’t want to be old and look back and regret that we never tried. Even if we failed, at least we have the satisfaction of knowing that we tried and gave it our all. Thankfully, with support from our families, we took the drastic step and left everything to start afresh in the music world. Now there’s no looking back and a long way ahead for us.

GS: Do you see international rock bands touring Goa anytime soon? You feel a concert here could maybe revive the culture of Rock music?

AH: A very long time ago, bands like The Who, Deep Purple visited Goa and helped revive the culture of Rock Music in Goa. Today an international Rock band’s presence in Goa would certainly boost the culture, but not for long. Sooner or later, there will be a massively branded EDM festival filling up the streets and causing traffic across half of Goa. On a more positive note, we are quite sure that Rock culture will be back and rise higher than ever. Electric Pulse will be playing live at Decades Bar, Arpora, this Friday 7 pm onward.

GOA GOES INDIE THIS SEPTEMBER Goa-based The Live Music Project & Mumbai-based independent music label ennui.BOMB are organising The Indie Night Project – a platform for bringing together the best of India’s indie music scene. The project will cut across genres and feature talented singers/songwriters, bands and musicians to perform original music. The Indie Night Project will launch on Saturday, September 7, at Tawa Resto-Bar in Colva, South Goa. The opening act will feature Mumbai-based solo garage rock project Bone Broke (featuring Dinakar Dwivedi, a young prolific singer/ songwriter) and three-piece garage/indie/punk band The Lightyears Explode (these guys were part of the HarleyDavidson Rock Riders concert at IIM Ahmedabad). Watch this space for more details on future indie events and artists.

The Lowdown Welcome to the Ganesh Chaturthi edition of Goa Streets! We decided to put Lord Ganesha on our cover not just because of the importance of the festival in this corner of the world, but because the various ways it is celebrated here say something truly unique about Goa. We hope you enjoy our piece revealing the legends and stories behind both the festival and the god. You might even learn something new from our coverage!

Goa Streets was proud to be media partner of last week’s extraordinary conference Kyoorius DesignYatra, bringing together 1,300 design-related professionals at the Grand Hyatt in Bambolim. Streets Content Head Puja Roy attended the conference and walked away very much impressed. That shines through in the piece she wrote on the event.

We have lots of other interesting offerings in this issue of Goa Streets – from our piece on footballer Clifford Miranda’s prestigious sports award to the classic & hard rock band Electric Pulse to our in depth story on the resumption of mining in the state. In this edition, we’re also showcasing an unusual art exhibition at Sunaparanta and the eclectic and varied work of R Chander Shekhar, supplier of up-market food products, connoisseur of art & artefacts, chef, poet and all-around fascinating fellow!

This is the season of Ganesha, of removing obstacles and hoping for good omens and prosperity. May it be so for all of us. Here’s to wishing our readers a happy, healthy and prosperous Ganesh Chaturthi (and, for a small but thriving community here in Goa, a happy Rosh Hashanah as well!)

The Goa Streets Team

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

“I did an interview with Goa Streets last week that mentioned certain content with respect to drug abuse in dance music. I discussed this subject with the interviewer and admitted that drug abuse is an issue in dance music today.

Goa Streets has accurately and professionally relayed these statements but unfortunately some people seem to have wrongly interpreted them. I would like to explicitly state that I never intended to portray use of these substances in a positive light and that I do not in any way endorse their use.”

Anish Sood, DJ & Producer

7

Thursday, September 5, 2013

streetspicks

Khatkhate

Food Fest at Riorico

Choose from a range of soups, starters and sizzling specialities and an authentic range of Goan, Indian, Portuguese and Continental delicacies like Canje de Galinha Soup, Melho de Verde Soup, Prawns Forminhas, Mushroom and Cheese Rissoies, Herb Grilled Tiger Prawns, Curried Shepherd Pie, Chicken Saute Chasseur, Spinach-Corn au Gratin, Crepe Suzzette and more.

At The Mandovi, DB Marg, Panjim On Till September 15 +91 832 2224405/09

Maracas Garden Bar Maracas is a tapas bar in Porvorim with both indoor AC seating and a beautiful outdoor garden area with a water-body and wooden deck. Maracas promotes the ‘tapas culture’, meaning slow relaxed meals consisting of a number of ‘small morsels’, ‘bigger bites’, meals & platters, salads and lots of drinks and good conversations.

At Opposite O’Coqueiro Restaurant, NH-17, Porvorim @ 11:30 am – 12 am +91 8805586728 Website: www.maracas-goa.com

Terry’s Restaurant If you’re looking for a riverside restaurant with scenic views in Panjim and around, Terry’s should be a good bet. The menu offers a range of different cuisines. The French Onion Soup, Chicken Thai Salad Goan-style Peri Peri Prawns, Spaghetti Con Polo and Pork Chopsare highly recommended. To add, there’s a selection of signature dishes from around the world, including Caribbean Prawns, English-style Baked Fish with Rosemary and Potatoes and Chicken Cordon Blue.

Both AC and open-air seating options are available. Try out Terry’s for its food and its beautiful setting.

At Behind Betim Petrol Pump, Betim @ 10 am – 12 am +91 832 2411961/9823028448

By Goa Streets @GoaStreets

W

hat’s a festival without some traditional festive fare, right? For this week’s edition on the Chovoth (as Ganesh Chaturthi is called in Konkani), we bring to you some dishes that are associated with the festival and which can be found in almost all Hindu Goan households at this time of the year.

Varan Bhaat

Viva Panjim Located in an old heritage house in the bylanes of Fountainhas is Linda and Michael de Sousa’s home and their restaurant Viva Panjim. Linda’s passion for food got her to delve into the past and create a menu which has Goan-Portuguese preparations that won’t normally feature in other restaurants. Besides old-time favourites like Prawn Curry, Balchao, Cafreal and Caldin, her menu boasts lesser-known dishes like Piexe Portuguese, Torradine and Pork Cabidel. Highly recommended by the chef herself are Stuffed Karela, Feijoida and Arroz Com Chouris.

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

Home delivery: 0832-2411959 & 9764159686 Caterin Service Contact: Mr. Roland Rodrigues @ 9890422440

The Special Flavours Of Chovoth

At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 11 am – 3:30 pm; 7 pm – 11:30 pm +91 832 2422405/9850471363

Varan Bhaat forms a quintessential part of Chovoth in Goa. This vegetarian dish is offered as naivedhya (food offered to a Hindu deity as part of the worship ritual) to Lord Ganesha during the main pooja. Unique to India’s Konkan Coast, both Maharashtrians and Goans prepare this dish. The only difference – Goans add coconut.

Ingredients • ½ cup moong dal (split & skinned moong lentils) • ½ cup arhar dal (spilt and skinned pigeon-pea lentils) • 2-2½ cups water for

• • • • • •

pressure cooking (you may add 1-1½ cups more water later) ½ tsp haldi (turmeric powder) 1 tsp crushed jeera (cumin) or jeera powder 5-6 curry leaves (optional) A pinch of hing (asafoetida) 1 cup fresh grated coconut ground with a little water Salt as required Turn to page 9

8 Food September 7 Texan-style Steak & Ribs Night

TinTin Bar & Restaurant will be serving choice aged steaks like Fillet of Water Buffalo, Rib Eye Steak, New York Sirloin, Pork Chops, Tequila-marinated Chicken and Schnitzel with a selection of sauces & gravies and Barbequed Baby Back Ribs Smothered with Hickory-smoked Barbeque Sauce served with Cajun house chips. Plus, buy-one-get-one-free offers and live music by Nelly. Vegetarian guests are welcome too.

At TinTin Bar & Restaurant, Vagator On August 31 @ 7 pm – 11:30 pm +91 9623922796/9623073691

On Till September 7 The Cupcake Menu Saturday Try out any 5 cakes for just a hundred bucks!

At Aunty Maria, Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim +91 832 2226291

September 8 Viva Goa…

TinTin Bar & Restaurant will be hosting Goan Nights with live performances by guitarist Elvis Carvalho. Enjoy traditional Goan delicacies with on-the-house Caju feni. Special discounts for groups and corporates. At TinTin Bar & Restaurant, Vagator @ 7 pm – 11:30 pm +91 9623922796/9623073691

On Till September 30 Sizzler Fest

Offering a choice of juicy chicken, prawns, fish, chili, paneer, veg kababs and Cajun mushroom steaks.

At Blue Monkey Restro Lounge Bar, Porvorim @ 1 pm – 11 pm +91 832 2411028/7507061910

Every Sunday Champagne Sunday Brunch

Enjoy brunch at the Grand Hyatt with French champagne & food from five interactive & live stations dishing out Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian cuisine & desserts. At Rs 2,200 + taxes (includes buffet, champagne, wines & select drinks.)

At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim Beach @ 1 pm – 4 pm +91 832 3011125

Sunday Family Brunches

Rejuvenating cocktails, soul-warming gourmet cuisine from around the world, activities to keep the kids entertained.

At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj, Panjim @ 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm +91 832 6633636

Bikini Brunch

Sunday BBQ Brunch at Rs 950 with unlimited alcohol. Enjoy live Karaoke with Emmanuel. At The Park, Calangute @ 12.30 pm – 4:30 pm +91 832 2267600/8805028194

Anjuna & Around Cantare

Cantare is perhaps Saligao’s best kept secret. This traditional mansion turned lounge offers a good selection of food & wines and a warm ambience.

At Cruzwado, Saligao +91 832 2409461

Alcove Restaurant & Bar

Serves Continental, Goan, Portuguese, Indian, Chinese &Thai cuisine. Expect a variety of seafood with a range of barbeque & grills.

At Ozrant Beach, Small Vagator, Anjuna @ 8 am – 12 am +91 832 2274491/2273349

Artjuna

Set in an Old Portuguese house surrounded by a beautiful garden, the café serves up chilled café au lait, milkshakes, sandwiches, juices & baked goodies, homemade dips, iced lattes, blended coffees & more!

At Monteiro Waddo, Anjuna @ 9 am – 6 pm +91 832 2274794

Cotinga at the Tamarind

The restaurant has a multi-cuisine menu, including Italian, Chinese and Indian dishes, seafood, meats and signature pastas and pizzas.

At Opposite St. Michael’s Church, Anjuna +91 9810804063

Mamma Mia

Italian cuisine with a blend of imported Italian ingredients &local organic produce with a nice view of paddy fields and coconut trees of Baga’s backwaters.

At Resort Rio, Arpora @ 12:30 pm – 10:30 pm +91 832 2267300

Curlies

The restaurant serves you everything from charcoal fired oven pizzas/bakes to the best of Indian, Chinese & continental dishes, plus fresh seafood (Anjuna­style), with wine & beer.

At Anjuna Beach @ 9 am – 2 am +91 9822168628

Baga, Calangute & Around Aquamarine Bistro & Bar

Fat Fish Restaurant & Bar

Known for authentic Goan cuisine, specialty Goan Thalis, Continental, Tandoor & seafood.

At Agra Waddo, Calangute Arpora Road +91 832 6512288/8806077550

10 Calangute Beach Hotel

This boutique hotel located in the heart of Calangute is cradled amongst some of the most famous beaches in the world.

Enjoy the offerings of its exclusive bar tucked in a corner and refresh yourself with a drink.

At Gauravaddo, Calangute +91 9960524567

Candolim Addah

Addah specialises in Indian, seafood, European/Continental cuisine. Popular dishes include Paneer ZafraniTikka, Dum Aloo Kashmiri, MaanSahari Kebab Platter & Bhuna HuaAnjeer.

At O Hotel, Ground Floor, Dando, Candolim @ 7 pm – 10:30 pm +91 9890800073

Banyan Tree

The garden restaurant at the Taj Holiday Village specialises in Thai cuisine set under a 300­year­old banyan tree.

At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim @ 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm +91 832 6645858

Beach House

Choose from a range of goodies like Hot Wings, Chicken Snacker Burger, Chicken Shotz, Hot n Crispy Chicken and Fiery Grilled Chicken. For vegetarians, there’s Veg Zinger Burger, Potato Krisper and Veg Strips. For dessert, check out the Kreamball Sundae and Soft Serves.

At Neelam the Grand, Post Office Road, Calangute @ 11am – 11 pm

Fig & Olive

Offers specialties from Morocco, Spain, Italy, Lebanon & Greece. The menu boasts tapas, fresh salads & seafood, paella & pasta, wood oven pizzas and homemade desserts.

At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 am – 11 pm +918322871303

Mog Café

A pastry shop with some innovative décor! Choose from a selection of cheesecake pops, cupcakes, crispy chocolates &lemon pie shots. Also offers ‘designer’ cakes, desserts and chocolates At Shop #3 & 4, Colaco Residency, Off Abade Sariya Road, Comba, Margao +91 8380078252/9892588252

This bakery & confectionery serves gateaux, pastries, cookies& traditional Goan sweets. The chocolate &strawberry mousses are hugely popular.

At Vaidya Marg, Panjim @ 9 am – 9 pm +91 832 2426270/2426273

A Tona Bar &Restaurant

Nostalgia’s the first word that comes to mind when one walks in to A Tona (meaning ‘A Canoe’). Specializing in authentic Goan & Portuguese food, the menu here seems to be straight out of a grandmother’s kitchen.

At Carina Desa, Betim @7 pm – 11 pm +9 19823129239

AZ.U.R

Catch up with friends or colleagues at India’s first transition lounge with a variety of bites and drinks.

At Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Miramar @ 8 are – 1 am +91 832 2463333

Baba’s Wood Cafe

An Italian wine bar &restaurant specializing in wood­fired pizzas and homemade gelato. Choose from a wide range of pure Italian dishes with beef fillet and fish always on the menu.

At Mala, Fontainhas, Panjim @ 12 pm – 3 pm &6 pm –12 am (Closed on Tuesday) +91832 3256213/9923414098

It’s in Margao, but it may as well be in San Francisco with its stylish interiors, comfy sofas, and a great selection of world music. Chef/owner Ruta Kahate spent 20 years in Northern California and you can taste it in her global menu. Everything is made in-house from scratch, down to the breads.

Behind Nanutel, Margao @ 10 am – 8 pm 8pm (Closed Sunday) +91 832 2710757/www.rutas.in

Carasid

Shandong

Chilli ‘n’ Spice

Wok & Roll

KFC

A 24­hour café serving seafood, Goan & North Indian cuisine, coffee & snacks.

Panfried Pomfret Recheado, Chicken Xacutti, Pork Vindaloo and Goan Fish Curry are some of the popular offerings.

At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ All­day +91 832 2871303

A Pastelaria

L’Orange

Cavala

CoBa (short for Coastal Barbeque) is known for its starters, grills & steaks. The setting is a treat for the eyes, with the pool on one side and saltwater lagoons on the other. At Double Tree by Hilton, Arpora @ 10 am – 11 pm +9183266556672

Café Mardi Gras

In & Around Panjim

Peppers

Specialising in Indian, European/ Continental cuisine, the seafood at Aquamarine is sought after along with its Mutton Xacutti, Vegetable Moussaka & Risotto Spinach.

At Baga Land’s End, Baga @ 7 am – 10:30 pm +91 832 2276084/2275482

CoBa

Boat Quay Grill serves tropical cuisine in a romantic setting. Favourites on the menu include Grilled Tiger Prawns & Beer Battered Fried Fish.

At Royal Orchid Beach Resort, Uttorda @ 7 pm – 12 am +91 8805013553

This Goan & seafood specialty restaurant has a live kitchen counter of Goan­ Portuguese fusion food. Signature dishes include Galinha Cafreal, Camarao Tigre Con Cilantro, and Clam Chops with Mango Chilly Sauce.

At Vivanta by Taj, Fort Aguada, Sinquerim, Candolim @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm +918326645858 Tucked away in a cosy corner in Candolim, L’Orange also doubles up as an art gallery.

It’s open through the year & features a multicuisine menu with homemade Goan delicacies, seafood & pastas.

At Next to Magnum Resort, Candolim Main Road, Candolim @ 12 pm – 3 pm & 6 pm – 1 am +91 9970173606

Specialises in Goan seafood & live music.

The restaurant recommends dishes like Country Captain, Trincomalee Prawns & Chicken Periperi.

At Saunta Waddo, Baga, Calangute @ 7:30 am – 1 am +91 832 2277587/9552551422

Boat Quay Grill

A multicuisine restaurant which serves Japanese, Thai and pan-Asian cuisine.

Restaurant recommendations include Honey Glazed Pot Roast, Pork Ribs, Thai Garlic Peppered Prawns and Deep-fried Prawns Tossed in Garlic.

At Sinquerim, Candolim @ 1 pm – 3 pm & 7 pm – 11 pm +91 9049022348

Zuperb

Unlimited breakfast offer between 8 am – 11 am for Rs 180 only. Open all days of the week. One of the few restaurants in Goa that serves Parsi food.

At Gaurro Vaddo, Calangute +91 9869076107

Margao & Around Firefly Goan Bistro Bar

Firefly features classics which are prepared like they should be, with a touch of artistic flair.

At Ground Floor, Vasvaddo, Benaulim Beach Road, Benaulim +91 9822123535

If your weakness is Goan cuisine, head to Pepper’s for a wide range of local delicacies cooked in a traditional style with a hint of modernity.

At Gold Road Pajifond, Margao @ 11:30 am – 11 pm +91 9822133506

Ruta’s World Cafe

An Asian cuisine restaurant with a fine dining ambience focusing on fresh, in season ingredients.

At Radisson Blu Resort, Cavelossim Beach @ 11 am – 11 pm +91 832 6726666

Spice Studio

The award-winning Spice Studio has a dinner menu that boasts the flavours of India’s southeast coast, the dum preparations of the Nawabs of Awadh & Hyderabad, Tandoori fare from the Northwest Frontier & Goa’s rustic flavours.

At Alila Diwa, Adao Waddo, Salcette @ 7 pm – 10:30 pm +918322746800

Upper Deck

A lively coffee shop with an interactive kitchen & communal/bench/roundtable seating; Offers a creative a la carte menu with Continental & Indian fare.

At Radisson Blu Resort, Cavelossim Beach +91 832 6726666

Cantina Bodega

Pizzeria, bakery & cafe. Owner Vandana utilisesher her expertise earned from her years as a top pastry chef in New York City. At Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim @ 10 am – 7 pm +91 9011662233 For quick bites like burgers, sandwiches, wraps, cakes & chocolates, drop in at any of the five outlets through Goa to sample the offerings (designed by coowner Christabel Shrivastava, who is also a nutrition expert). The cheesecakes here are also quite nice, we hear.

At Ground Floor Chanson Building, Near Hotel Solmar, DB Marg, Miramar +91 832 2465904/9326111476 A carnival of fusion cuisine, a bar to enlighten your spirits, this multi­cuisine restaurant serves up exotic traditional fare, with a focus on Oriental cuisine.

At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim @ 7 pm – 2 am +91 832 2226291

Coffee Cove

A wide range of espressos and specialty hot or ice blended beverages with freshlyground beans. Also sample Americanstyle treats, baked fresh daily.

At Opposite Bata Shoes, Above Rooster, 2nd Floor, Porvorim @ 10 am – 11 pm (Closed on Sundays) +91 832 6528222

Confeitaria

The Grand Hyatt’s patisserie, Confeitaria serves homemade products. Ideal for snacks, light lunches & desserts, it also offers chocolates, cookie, teas & seasonal specialties. At The Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim Beach @ 8 am – 8 pm +91 832 3011200

Food 9

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Coros Velvet

Want gourmet food in Caranzalem? Head to Coros Velvet. It’s a multicuisine fine dining restaurant which specialises in ravioli, steaks & pastas.

At Miramar, Panjim @ 12 pm – 3 pm & 7 pm – 11 pm +91 8605020020

Doçaria

Doçaria is many things in one. A coffee shop, beverage counter, cake shop, games centre, snack bar and dessert lounge. It also has a late night menu. In short, it provides everything you want in a relaxed open setting.

At Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula @ 8 am – 11 pm +918322454545

Edu’s Restaurant

A multi­cuisine restaurant with Indian, Chinese, international &Goan food. Pizzas are one of their specialties.

DB Marg, Miramar, Panjim +91 832 2463777/2463888

Forrest Veg Food Court

Serves a wide range of fast food from different parts of India: Mumbai’s Butter Pav Bhaji, frankies & paani puri, Delhi’s Chatpata Chaat & samosas and the South’s dosas. Apart from that, there’s Continental, Chinese, Thai & Mexican cuisine to choose from.

At Bhagwan Mahavir Bal Vihar, Panjim @ 11 am – 11 pm +91 832 6454353

Giardini

An alfresco restaurant, the menu here is exclusively Goan­Portuguese with some authentic Goan Catholic fare. There’s live music on most nights.

At Curca, Bambolim @ 11:30 am – 11 pm +918805873335

Sher­e­Punjab

Well-known for its traditional North Indian fare, the restaurant serves Punjabi classics like Sarson da Saag, Paneer Makhani, Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Biryani& Mutton Dry Fry. At Rue 18th June, Near Levis showroom, Panjim +91 832 227204/227975

Tea Café

Nestled in the Latin Quarter of Mala­ Fontainhas in the heart of Panjim, Tea Café offers a lot of goodies (along with tea). Everything is made in-house, including a wide range of pastries, biscotti, quiches, a mezze platter, sandwiches, and its famed Red Velvet Cupcake.

At Empresa Dempo, 31st January Road, Fontainhas, Panjim Contact: +91 832 2223050

The Verandah

The signature grill restaurant at the Grand Hyatt serves fresh market produce of seafood, meat & vegetables.

At The Grand Hyatt, Bambolim Beach +91 832 3011658

Urban Dhaba

Urban Dhaba sure lives up to its name of being an urban dhaba – there is a definite fusion of the rustic with the urban. While the menu boasts a host of cuisines (Goan, Chinese, Continental), the Indian food here is noteworthy, particularly Tandoori Chicken, Daal Makhani and the fresh Naans.

At Opposite O’Coqueiro Restaurant, Alto Porvorim +91 832 3290939 Email: urbandhaba@yahoo.com

Global Shore Restaurant

A Multicuisine restaurant serving Goan, seafood, Chinese, Thai, Indian & Tandoori dishes. The Chinese & Thai food here is very popular among its patrons.

At Hotel Chandrageet, Porvorim +91 832 2414125/93731113205

Pan Asian Bowl

The restaurant gives you a bowl, which you then take to a bar of noodles and raw vegetables and meats. You then fill your bowl with as many of these ingredients as you like, then choose one or more spicy or no spicy sauces from a list of 18 and then hand your bowl over to a chef who cooks the concoction in a sizzling wok before your eyes.

At Next to Hotel Solmar, River Road, Miramar, Panjim +91 832 6455547

Steamed Modaks

From page 7 Procedure Rinse the lentils in water a couple of times and then pressure-cook them till they turn soft.

Mash them with a spoon or ladle. Add coconut paste to the cooked lentils and mix well. Next, add asafoetida, cumin powder, turmeric powder & curry leaves and salt. Mix again. Add water to thin the dal if needed. Keep the dal on the stove and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Serve Varan Bhaat traditionally on a plantain leaf with steamed rice and some ghee. (Note: Instead of a combination of moong and arhar dal, you can use just 1 cup of moong or arhar dal in this recipe. Also, you can grind the coconut and cumin seeds together and add the mixture to the dal.)

Khatkhate

Khatkhate is a special vegetarian dish prepared by Goan Hindus. Usually reserved for wedding, poojas and festivals, it is rich in vegetables and always made in large quantities to be shared with others. It is filling, nutritious and tasty. The essential vegetables are red pumpkin & radish. The remaining vegetables are optional. (Tip: Do not add brinjal and ladyfinger; they spoil the texture of the dish.)

Ingredients • ½ cup soaked chana dal • 2 cups fresh grated coconut • 30 red chillies • 1 teaspoon haldi (turmeric) powder • 3 tbsp jaggery • 2 tsp mustard seeds • 1 tbsp triphala (literally meaning ‘three fruits’, this mix can be found at all local shops) • 1 tsp pepper powder • 1 tbsp tamarind paste • 750 grams of mixed vegetables diced (raw papaya, pumpkin, raw banana, corn, carrot, ivy gourd or tendli, sweet potato, radish) • Salt as required • Oil

take a longer time to cook (for example raw banana, papaya). When they are half done, add the vegetables which cook faster to the water. When the vegetables are cooked, add the paste and water (if required) to maintain the consistency. Do not make the gravy too watery or too thick. It should have medium consistency. Now add salt according to taste.

Meanwhile take another pan and add oil to it.

Add mustard seeds to it and let them crackle.

When the dal-vegetable mix starts boiling, add the triphala and remove from flame. Triphala gives a particular flavour to the dish with its typical aroma. Add the crackled mustard and mix. Khatkhate is ready to be served!

Steamed Modak

Modak has a special place in the worship of Lord Ganesha. It is believed to be his favourite sweetmeat. (That’s why Ganesha is also called Modakapriya – ‘the one who likes modak’ in Sanskrit.) During Chovoth, the pooja always concludes with an offering of 21 modaks to the deity. They’re usually prepared on the day of the pooja itself.

Ingredients • For the Filling: • 1 cup grated coconut • 1 cup grated jaggery • A pinch of jaiphal (nutmeg) • A pinch of saffron For the Shell: • 1 cup of water • 2 tsp ghee • 1 cup of rice flour

Procedure Boil the chana dal with enough water in a utensil. Grind the raw coconut with turmeric, red chillies, tamarind, jiggery and pepper to a medium-consistency paste using water. When the dal is half cooked, add the vegetables which

Procedure For the Filling: Heat a pan. Add the grated coconut and jaggery. Stir for about five minutes. Add the nutmeg and saffron. Mix well. Cook for another five minutes and keep aside.

For the Modak: In a deep dish, boil water with ghee. Add salt and flour. Mix well. Cover the dish and cook till it is half done. Spread some ghee on the base of a steel bowl and while the dough is still hot, knead it well. Take a little dough, roll it into a ball, flatten it well, shape the edges into a flower pattern. Put a spoonful of the filling onto the dough and seal it. Put the dumplings in a muslin cloth and steam them for 10- 15 minutes. Serve!

Tamari

If a fancy evening out is on your mind, then visit Tamari which does Chinese, Thai & Japanese cuisine (sushi) in fine style. A Teppanyaki counter provides an interactive dining experience while two private dining rooms set the stage for a super exclusive experience.

At Vivanta by Taj, Lobby Level, Off Dayanand Bhausaheb Bandodkar Road, Panjim @ 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm +91 832 6633636

Nevryos from Gujarat Sweet Mart on 18th June Road, Panjim

10 Environment

From Dragon Fruit to Blood Lilies to Bamboo Exotic fruits, funky plants and the evolution of one woman’s Green Finger

By Charlane Pereira e Rebello

W

here in Goa can you find vermicompost with earthworms and litchi grafts and flowering creepers and African violets? Where are the begonias and vanilla spice and mulberries?

The answer is in Calangute, at 29-yearold Sheetal Nagvekar’s Green Fingers Nursery.

Now this is no run of the mill plant joint. The nursery specialises in certain hybrid varieties of fruit crops and tries its best to promote local Goan varieties.

There are exotic fruits and unusual grafts and even the opportunity to see emus and ducklings.

Sheetal exclaims happily, “I enjoy what I do. Gardening has always been my hobby. Seeing my clients with a happy smile makes my day.”

Green Fingers deals in all types of plants - horticultural grafts, spices, flowering and ornamental plants, indoor plants, creepers, vegetable seedlings, tissue culture bananas, palms, varieties of lawn, aquatic plants, forest trees and many more. Cocopeat, vermicompost using earthworms and other organic compost are among the varied and always interesting offerings.

The nursery also houses exotic fruits avocado grafts, rambutan (red and yellow variety grafts), cardamom, soursop grafts, litchi grafts, dragon fruit, milk fruit, durian, velvet apple graft, jagma graft, adav grafts, sweet ambada seedless grafts, wood apple grafts, strawberry, apples, and grapes. (This is a decidedly partial list).

Sheetal grafts fruit plants, rosewood, sandalwood, water lily, torch ginger (3 colours), shampoo ginger, Heliconia (sexy pink), air plant, pitcher plant, flowering creepers, anthuriums, dendrobiums, phinolopsi, oncidiums and other varieties of orchids, tacca, ylang ylang, African violets, different varieties of bamboos and ferns, blood and other lily varieties, begonias, all varieties of palms,

Sheetal Nagvekar at her Green Fingers Nursery in Calangute cardamom, vanilla, and other spices and some Goan fruit varieties like adav, cherry, mulberry and local lime and banana.

The nursery also provides services in farm development. Sheetal explains, “We look after the fencing, irrigation, and future marketing of the crop. It is developed as per the customers’ requirements organically or inorganically. Some customers want to develop land for ecotourism.”

Sheetal, a young hardworking entrepreneur, finds immense satisfaction in this venture that she started three years ago.

In addition to Green Fingers, Sheetal has done landscaping for Golden Tulip

Hotel in Candolim, Ramans Hotel in Baga, Wooden Village in Morjim and has taken up the residential projects of Apeksha homes and a few private bungalows in and around Mapusa.

Hailing from a middle-class farmer’s family, Sheetal was exposed to agriculture at a very young age. Her dad had high aspirations of his daughter pursuing some fancy degree in engineering or architecture. But the young girl followed her heart’s desire, which turned out to be not too different from her father’s (yes, it’s true leaves don’t fall far from trees).

Her love for nature motivated her to specialize in floriculture and landscaping at Puroshottam Walawalkar Junior College, Mapusa. She also completed

her diploma in an agriculture-related course through Yashwantrao Chawan Maharashtra Mukta Vidhyapit, Nasik.

She worked at one of the leading nurseries in Goa - Mr. Farmer Nursery, Guirim. Armed with experience and education, there was no turning back for Sheetal.

With guidance and support from a few of her friends in the initial stages of setting up the nursery, she set up a smaller nursery some five years ago. It was only in 2010 that she started the Green Fingers Nursery on a bigger scale, investing all her savings in the venture.

The nursery has been getting a good response from the public after last year’s Konkan Fruit Festival organised by the Botanical Society of Goa in Panjim.

Sheetal quips, “Nowadays, people call up to inquire about new varieties or to visit the nursery or to do grafting/layering. A few educational institutes have requested me to conduct lectures on gardening, vermicomposting, grafting, etc.”

She has had her share of challenges in business. She says, “I had to struggle a lot in setting up this nursery. I had to manually irrigate the nursery plants, unload the vehicles all by myself, protect the plants from animals, fire, excess water, etc.”

She continues, “There were times when I had to face accidental loss; loss during transportation. The struggle is still on as it is an open business and one cannot just lock it down the way normal businesses operate.”

Sheetal’s fiancé Anup Painginkar has been a strong motivating force. Anup owns Vrushavalli Nursery in Canacona which is a sister branch of Green Fingers Nursery. Vrukshavalli Nursery is the production counter for all their plants, mostly horticultural grafts.

Sheetal is extremely grateful to her mother for helping her in more ways than one. Her mom single-handedly manages the counter when Sheetal is busy at the work sites.

One of her well-wishers, Tejen Majumdhar, was instrumental in providing the financial and moral backing for her venture.

The smart young lady also deals with arboric, clay and cement pots, and livestock such as ducklings, pigeons and emus. She can also arrange varieties of pets on customers’ requests.

She says, “I am a person who cannot sit idle. I love interacting with my customers and expanding my business.

I love collecting rare varieties of plants. Customer satisfaction and selfsatisfaction is what I aim for. Don’t cheat your customers. You will always find them visiting you once more for your services.”

She adds, “There is lot of scope in this field. There is no shortcut to success.

Be humble. That is what I had learnt from my parents when I was a little kid.

Overcoming struggles and hard work pays in the end. Never forget to ‘plant for the planet.’”

For this young lady, it is business mixed with pleasure - all in one.

Economy 11

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Will Mining Resume in Goa?

The effects of mining can also be seen at these anchored barges.

By Goa Streets @GoaStreets

H

undreds of people, mostly men conspicuously out of place in ‘urban’ Panjim, marched along the city’s streets with just one thing on their mind: The resumption of mining in Goa. It’s not just them. There’s the vociferous rhetoric glorifying mining and the need to protect livelihoods. There’s the criticism of anti-mining NGOs, the traffic jams and the thousands of red flags drumming up support for mining. Both the chief minister and the opposition leader are making similar noises. News reports attributed to ‘sources’ said the finance and mining ministries are joining forces to ensure that the ban is lifted by September end. So yes, one may be left convinced that mining may actually start before the year end.

But will it? The truth is we don’t know, and there are many hurdles to be overcome before a resumption can be considered.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said his government is clearing the ground for resumption of mining once India’s Supreme Court lifts the yearold ban, something widely (even if not accurately) expected to happen soon. The state cabinet, he said, has empowered the Director of Mines and Geology to withdraw the suspension order of 24-30 mines with ‘clear’ documents, so that mining activity can resume as soon as the Supreme Court acts.

The ban has cleared the air, literally, in large swaths of Goa, pleasing environmentally conscious folks who bemoaned the uncontrolled, rapacious mining that seemed to be swallowing up more of the beautiful Goan countryside every day. However, mining contributes

some 35 percent of Goa’s Gross Domestic Product and an estimated quarter of the population depends on the sector in one way or another. The Supreme Court imposed ban, which applies to other states as well including Karnataka, has cost the Indian economy an estimated $10 billion.

The state has 90 working mining leases of which 12 leases may face direct suspension for failing to follow proper legal procedures, Parrikar said. Out of the remaining 80 mining leases, several may not get environmental clearance due to various issues like their proximity to wildlife sanctuaries or national parks, he said. In the end, around 50 mines should be operational in the state, Parrikar said.

However, let not the dust raised by the drummed up frenzy cloud your vision of reality. While some unattributed news reports in the national media claim that the Supreme Court will hear the case beginning September 17 for three days and further on September 24, the issue is more complicated than it seems.

Whether mines will start or not will depend entirely on the orders of the Supreme Court’s Forest Bench, which has only recently been reconstituted. There is nothing officially from the Supreme Court to indicate that it has been influenced by such phenomena as the falling rupee, an increasing current account deficit or a poor economy.

Perhaps the best indicator of how the Supreme Court will decide is the example of Karnataka. In the case of illegal mining there, the court cancelled 43% of ironore leases, but allowed the remaining, which had not strayed beyond 10% of their boundary (15% in certain cases), to reopen.

Of course Goa’s illegalities are different from Karnataka’s, so there no guarantee will see a repeat here. The

The real mining dust has settled, but not the dust raised by a frenzy of new speculation Shah Commission and the subsequent Supreme Court-constituted Central Empowered Committee identified Goa’s illegalities as including: Environmental clearances granted for mining activity near national parks and wildlife sanctuaries Mining leases operated by persons other than the lessees Lack of controls on production and transportation of iron ore Overburdening dumps outside the lease areas Over production of iron-ore beyond permissible quantities Rather than following the Karnataka model for resumption, the Supreme Court is likely to follow a series of recommendations for controlled mining submitted to the Forest Bench last Dec. 7.

The Central Empowerment Committee suggested that strict caps be placed on allowed quantities of iron ore production, that current mining leases be assessed and surveyed and mining caps be established after carefully considering the mineral availability, area available for overburdened dumps and available infrastructure to support mining, particularly the carrying capacity of existing roads.

None of these have been met so far.

Some 42 mines located either in or near wildlife sanctuaries or national parks aren’t likely to reopen. Mining operations found to be involved in illegalities and working beyond the sanctioned mining lease boundaries will also probably remain shut unless a decision regarding compensation payable

by such lease holders is taken and complied with.

Considering that any such imposition of a fee could be challenged before the courts again, this isn’t expected to happen immediately.

Importantly, before any mining can restart, the Central Empowerment Committee has called for a new set of rules strictly regulating storage and transportation and reconciling amounts produced with actual exports and domestic sales.

“Till such comprehensive rules are put in place, the resumption of mining operations may be not be permitted,” the CEC recommended to the Supreme Court.

This hasn’t been done either.

Pro-mining forces have begun lashing out at the anti-mining NGO which filed the case in the Supreme Court, saying it should be probed for suspicious sources of income.

“What will help in resuming mining is expediting the process of probing those who have been found guilty of illegal mining and further putting systems in place to ensure the rampant digging of what it once was will not be allowed to happen again,” anti-mining activist Roque D’Costa said.

“NGO bashing will not help. The NGOs are not threatening their livelihood. It is the illegal miners and greedy truckers who have got them in this situation, not us,” he added.

It’s important to remember that the CEC has yet to submit what are sure to be some of its most important suggestions: Punitive action against erring officials, public functionaries and others Compensation payable by the defaulting leaseholders and others Cancellation of the mining leases which are found to be involved in substantial illegal mining Despite a chorus of demands from the political left and other players, Goa is unlikely to see any auctioning of leases or nationalization of mining through a Mining Corporation, as it being done in the state of Orissa.

Currently the leases are held by a handful of families and the public listed company Sesa Goa, which is the largest and is in turn owned by the British listed firm Vedanta Resources.

In the assembly, Curtorim legislator Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco threw a challenge before Parrikar to use the opportunity of the mining ban to nationalize mining, or at least let it be run through a state owned corporation, on the grounds that the state’s mineral wealth should be shared more equitably.

Parrikar has yet to respond to the challenge.

12 Cover Story

Goa’s Beloved

Bhalchandra Kalangutkar giving the finishing touches to a sarvajanik Ganesha idol. The 65-year-old has been making idols for over 20 years now.

Some lesser known facts about the Remover of Obstacles

Cover Story 13

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Photographs by Ananda Krishna

Veena & Nilesh Desai selling festive items in Panjim.

This family-run business has been around for 50 years.

By Puja Roy @AriAsher

I

t is said that if one chants ‘Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha’ a hundred and eight times during Ganesh Chaturthi, s/he is blessed with intelligence, knowledge and wealth.

Come September 9 and India’s west coast will be drowned in Sanskrit paeans honouring the region’s beloved Lord Ganesha. It’s that time of the year again when Goa, Maharashtra and the rest of the Konkan Coast get ready to celebrate the (re)birth of the elephant-headed god.

There’s a lot you may already know about Ganesh Chaturthi, or Chovoth as the festival is called in Konkani. It falls every year between August 19 and September 20. It marks the beginning of the end of the monsoon – a time “when the earth covers herself in green, and brings forth her son, the one who will remove all obstacles as the seasons begin their march toward harvest time”, as mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik says.

But as we approach this time of renewal, let’s look at some Ganesh Chaturthi peculiarities that you may not already know.

Take, for instance, the feminine angle attached to Ganesha’s birth and rebirth.

Of course he is most popularly known as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of good omen and prosperity. But he is also said to have been created from Shakti (the Goddess Parvati) when she anointed herself with turmeric and oil. When the mixture soaked and dried her skin, she scraped it off and created her son. As such, Ganesha is also known as Vinayaka (Vina: without; Nayaka: the help of a man). The legend goes on to say how Shiva, unaware of his new son, chops his head off in a moment of fury when the eight-year-old refuses his ascetic father’s entry to the house.

Parvati, upon seeing her beheaded son, wails and demands his resurrection.

The head of Airavata, the bull-elephant vahana (animal vehicle) of rain-god Indra, subsequently replaces Vinayaka’s severed head. Thus goes the story of the ‘twice-born’ Ganesha. And this rebirth (and not necessarily his birth) is what constitutes the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ganesha’s loyalty to his parents,

particularly his mother, is another important aspect of the legends surrounding him. In view of that, the day before Ganesh Chaturthi is always marked by paying homage to Shiva and Parvati. What’s special about this tradition in Goa are the offerings made to the Goddess – a special dish of five different seasonal greens. Village women make bunches of these greens (which include pumpkin leaves, drumstick leaves, red and green amaranth) and sell them in the market. These are cooked without salt and offered to Parvati to satiate her pregnancy cravings.

In Goa, the oldest sculptures of Lord Ganesha, located at Divar Island in North

Goa, can be found from the period of the Gupta Dynasty dating to the 4th century.

This clearly shows that Goans have been worshipping Ganesha for more than 1,600 years. And this worship is deeply rooted in ecological principles.

Take, for example, the unique Goan tradition of matoli (meaning ‘canopy of flowers’) where a makeshift bamboo roof adorned with fresh seasonal flowers, fruits, vegetables and berries is hung over the idol, symbolising Ganesha’s status as provider.

During Chovoth, a large number of annual makeshift bazaars (called ashtamichi feri) pop up throughout the state selling elaborate matoli decorations.

The most popular such market is at Pimpalkatta in Margao, South Goa. In a bid to promote eco-friendly celebrations of the festival, the state government through its Art & Culture Department organises matoli competitions where

Turn to page 14

14 Cover Story From page 13 canopies with the maximum number of natural components are rewarded. (Given the fact that many urban households today celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with plastic decorations, it might be fair to ask which is more eco-friendly - the natural flowers or reusable artificial ones?)

This eco-friendly drive is increasingly being seen in the way the idols of Ganesha are made. Over the past decade or so, Goan environmentalists have been pushing for ‘Eco-Chaturthis’ where local artisans use biodegradable products like clay, natural fibre, recycled paper and vegetable dyes to create idols instead of Plaster of Paris (PoP) and toxic paints.

Conservationist Rajendra P Kerkar, who runs the green NGO Vivekanand Environment Awareness, says, “There has been some degree of change. We encourage artisans to use natural flowers and paints. The PoP idols are coming mostly out of Goa (interestingly, from as far away as China!) and are being sold as clay idols.” In addition, the Goa Handicraft Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC) will distribute a subsidy of Rs 58 lakh to 528 clay Ganesh idol artisans this year.

GHRSSIDC Chairman Lavoo Mamledar says the move is to encourage the replacement of PoP idols with clay ones.

Skilled artisans typically begin working on idols at least two months before Chovoth. Forty-six-year-old Ragunath Madhukar Joshi, who has been creating such idols for over 20 years, says it takes about a day to make one statue for the ‘ghar pooja’ or family worship.

For the bigger sarvajanik (community) idols, the process takes about a week to complete.

Worshippers install these idols in their homes with matolis and other traditional decorations like dekhaves (seen more in community worship). The festival usually lasts for a period that ranges from a minimum of one-and-a-half days to a maximum of 21 days. Ganesha’s consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi, are also worshipped during this time. Mornings and evenings are usually reserved for aarti, the most important ritual of the worship, where songs are sung in praise of Ganesha.

Like all festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi is as much about worship as it is

Artist Ragunath Madhukar Joshi’s Ganesha idol for domestic worship.

about family, friends, fun and frolic. A large number of people living outside Goa make it a point to visit home for this traditional celebration. Sanjay Kalangutkar, an art director with an advertising agency in Mumbai and whose family has been traditionally involved in making Ganesha idols, says, “It’s like a happy thing. The family gets united for five days once a year and we go to our grandfather’s ancestral home. We eat all kinds of festive foods in traditional banana leaves, burst crackers in the evenings. It’s a beautiful celebration.”

Speaking of celebrations, what’s a good Indian festival without some traditional sweetmeats, right? Lord

New uses for the Indian Rupee

Ganesha is known for his love of modaks, which makes its appearance around the time of Chovoth. Loved by one and all, it is believed that the modak’s distinct upward-pointing triangular shape represents spiritual reality in ancient Tantrik art. Quite profound symbolism for the humble modak! It is said that during the aarti when 21 modaks are offered (with one purposely filled with a bitter filling), the person who gets the bitter modak as prasad is blessed with a lucky year. Other traditional goodies include nevryo, ladoo, puranpoli and peda.

Community celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi was popularised during India’s freedom struggle by Lokmanya Tilak.

In 1893, he transformed the domestic festival into a well-organised public event and popularised it as a national festival to bridge the gap between Brahmins and non-Brahmins and to build a new kind of national unity. This tradition is carried on even today, with community celebrations called sarvajanik utsavs.

These celebrations include all members of the community with idol competitions, lotteries, contests for traditional dances (called fugdi) and hymns (called abang).

Through the course of the festival, people visit the specially-constructed pandals and pay homage to Ganesha and marvel at the creativity of the artisans.

The end of Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by the ritual of visarjan. On the last day, idols are taken through streets in procession accompanied by dancing, singing and a lot of fanfare and immersed in rivers, lakes and the sea. This symbolises a ritual see-off for Ganesha, who is going back to Kailasha, the abode of his parents, taking with him the misfortunes of his devotees. Streets are filled with cries of ‘Ganpati Bappa Moriya Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Yaa’ meaning ‘Oh Ganpati, my Lord, return soon next year…’

Preparations for Chovoth are in full swing now in Goa. The state will soon swing into sweet and hopeful celebrations, a wonderful manifestation of Goa’s rich and varied traditions.

Here’s to a happy and auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi for all! 

15

Thursday, September 5, 2013

streetspicks

Remembering Tiatr Greats Tiatr Academy Goa is organising a special programme to remember late tiatr artistes whose birth anniversaries fall in September, including Prem Kumar, Seby Coutinho, Philomena Braz, Peter D’costa, Khadda Minguel & Remmie Colaco. Wellknown tiatr personalities Osvi Viegas & William Fernandes will speak on the occasion and highlight the works of the artistes.

At Ravindra Bhavan, Margao On September 5 @ 4 pm onward +91 832 272 6980

Tiatr: Que Sera Sera Zaumchem Zatelem Que Sera Sera Zaumchem Zatelem is a highly successful tiatr and has been staged a number of times. It is entertaining, funny and a great watch with music, funny observations and sharp dialogues. Catch it if you missed it previously.

At Pai Tiatrist Hall, Margao On September 6 @ 3:30 pm onward +91 9822169696

DanzOn 13 Organised by the One Dance Academy, the All-Goa Dance competition is based on the hip-hop theme and will feature Group Dance performances (minimum of 5 participants; age no bar). Each group will have a minimum of 5 minutes and maximum of 10 minutes to demonstrate their style and expertise.

On September 7 +91 832 2700139/9765056005

At Ravindra Bhavan, Margao

Onam Pookalam Contest The Federation of All Goa Malayalee Association is organising the 7th edition of All-Goa Onam Pookalam Contest (flower rangoli). Participating teams must comprise 5 members. Entries should be submitted by September 5. Prizes will be distributed during the Goan Kerala Onam Cultural meet.

At Kala Academy, Panjim On September 8 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm +91 832 24204521/9823850272

Artist Vijay Bhandare showcasing his work at Sunaparanta

16 Goan Artists Ask Out Loud, ‘Why Not?’

By Revati Upadhyay @haathitime

I

t’s not every day that artists gather around to celebrate that which is not accepted. And that which is not conventionally considered artistic. And yet, artists through the ages have continued to push boundaries and challenged accepted norms of artistic expression, to raise the bar and visually represent experiences gathered from that which has already been seen and experienced, and that which lies in the realm of their minds. Why Not? – a group show that opened at the Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts – celebrates just those deviations that have led to the birth of several forms and schools of art right from the Renaissance to the time of Dadaism, up until today and perhaps will continue for decades to come.

Why Not? – a multimedia show featuring 16 Goan artists – is being curated and presented by local artist Vijay Bhandare as a tribute to that facet of artistic expression that inspires artists to stand apart, question accepted norms and create something path-breaking.

The group show was inaugurated on August 30.

At an intimate opening made warmer with wine and snacks, artists, art lovers and students wound in and out of the gallery taking in the 16 pieces,

each of which asked ‘Why Not?’ Artists featured include Vitesh Naik, Viraj Naik, Vasudev Shetye, Siddharth Gosavi, Shripad Gurav, Shilpa Mayenkar Naik, Santosh Morajkar, Sachin Naik, Ramdas Gadekar, Rajesh Salgaonkar, Rajendra Usapkar, Pradeep Naik, Kedar Dhondu, Kalidas Mhamal, Chaitali Morajkar and Vijay Bhandare himself. The pieces on display were unique in that they pushed barriers not just with the use of multiple media, but also techniques adopted and themes explored.

Perhaps that’s why I was particularly struck

by Shilpa Mayenkar Naik’s larger-than-life watercolour and acrylic piece on paper, which extended onto the wall space surrounding it.

Impressive in scale and sheer size, it drew me in and had me wondering “why not break the restrictions of the canvas? Why not let creativity spill over?” A sculpture by Santosh Morajkar stood tall at the centre of the gallery grabbing a fair bit of attention. Resembling the structure of an animal, but covered in bold, vivid strokes and patterns (not otherwise expected on the body of an animal), it seemed to give the piece a surrealistic touch. Vijay Bhandare’s work titled ‘Apparition of a Roman Head Emancipating Itself’ has its roots in hypnotic recollections. With loud and stark Turn to page 16

16 Arts&Entertainent September 4 – 8 Exhibition & Sale

Contemporary eco-friendly garments, embroideries, fabrics & furnishings made using traditional handcrafted textiles from across India at affordable prices. At M-79, Goa Housing Board, Porvorim @ 10 am – 7 pm +91 9545306699/8698155939

September 7 Konkani Play: Tuka Kitem

Meule

Literally translated as ‘What You Got’, Tuka Kitem Meule is a Konkani tiatr

by Sao Gonsalo Dramatic Group and directed by Mario De Vasco. It will include music (by Anthony De Velim & troupe), dancing and singing, along with some good acting.

At Kala Academy, Panjim On September 7 @ 3:30 pm onward +91 832 243 2528

September 16 Piano Duo Recital

Gavin Martin and Joanne Pearce Martin will perform a piano duo concert which will feature solos and duets of Mozart, Chopin and Rachmaninov. Donation passes are available at Furtado’s music stores in Panjim and Margao.

At Kala Academy Dinanath Mangueshkar Indoor Auditorium, Panjim @ 6:30 pm onward

September 21 Noman Tuka Goa

Goa Entertainment Association presents ‘Noman Tuka Goa’, a complete family extravaganza which showcases Konkani music

by Goa’s well-known music bands and singers.

This year, the event will feature Pure Magic, Archie, Sylvia & the Beat Root Jam. At Blue Berry Hill, Verna @ 6:30 pm onward

Galleries of Note Akasha – The Art Space

This new art space in the heart of Margao is a platform for artists from various genres to display their talent and creativity.

At Opposite Gaylin Restaurant, Near Yogita’s Lifestyle Store, Margao

Arte Douro Art Gallery

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

At Porba Vaddo, Calangute @ 9 am – 9 pm +91 832 22882266/ +91 9822147148

CarpeDiem

Carpe Diem, the newly-opened art and learning centre in Majorda, brings a number of exhibitions and workshops to art lovers.

At House #81/2, Godinho House, Gomes Waddo, Majorda @ 10 am – 6 pm +91 8888862462

Fundacao Oriente Art

Gallery

Permanent exhibition of paintings

by António Xavier Trindade, (18701935), a painter from Goa. At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 10 am – 1 pm; 2 pm – 5 pm +91 832 2230728

Galleri Esperanca

Retrospective art in oils, water colours, crayons portraits, landscape, still-life photographs of artist Francisco Joao Fernandes.

At Near The Our Lady Of Merces Church, Merces @ 4 pm – 7 pm +91 9922509704

Gallery Attic

A display of paintings by Goan artists.

At Opposite Don Bosco, Panjim @ 9 am – 1 pm; 2 pm – 7 pm +91 832 2420929

Gallery Gitanjali

This art gallery showcases works of artists from Goa, Mumbai and Karnataka, including Suhas Shilkar, Jayshree Patankar, Kerky & Devi Prasad.

At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 9 am – 9 pm +91 9823572035

Kerkar Art Gallery

The Kerkar Art 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 – 7 pm +91 832 2276017

Art Gallery

Ruchika’s

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

Opposite Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar @ 10:30 am – 6 pm +91 8322465875/9850571283/98 81836400

Surya Art Gallery

Surya Art Gallery is situated in a quiet location where contemporary works of canvas paintings & artefacts of Goa are displayed.

At Bandawalwada, Pernem +919404149764

Xavier Centre of Historical

Research

Catch exhibitions of paintings, rare books and symposiums with particular emphasis on contemporary cultural & social issues affecting Goa. At BB Borkar Road, Porvorim +91 832 2417772

Santosh Morajkar’s sculpture From page 16 visualisations of a large head rising out of a surface, in dark tones of purple and ebony, it was definitely another piece to take in.

I chatted with Vijay Bhandare, who said the inspiration for such a show came from his desire to pay tribute to great artists who have always pushed boundaries and let the spirit of questioning the norm stay alive. “This idea is not limited to canvases and brushes,” he said, “but also the way in which artists approach their work.”

The single unifying characteristic of almost all the pieces on display was that each of them was striking at first glance – the liberal use of loud colours, bold and brash strokes. Why Not? presented a refreshingly different take on artistic expression and on certain conventional notions of art. Can there be beauty in violence, I ask myself?

Is beauty necessary at all in art? Why must artists constrain themselves to a canvas, or to anything at all?

Why Not? is on show until September 7 at Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, Panjim, between 10 am – 7 pm.

Goa State Culture Awards 2012-13

L

ast week, the Government of Goa conferred the prestigious Goa State Culture Award for 2012-13 to 16 artistes for their contributions and achievements in the fields of drama/tiatr, folk art, literature and music. The awards, instated by the Directorate of Art and Culture, recognise personalities for their efforts to set an example to the youth by dedicating their lives to preserving the rich heritage of Goa’s art and culture.

This year’s recipients include Suman Pilgaonkar, Ajit Kerkar and Isabel Santa Rita Vaz

for Theatre (Drama), Anil Devulkar, Marcelino Noronha and Wilson Mazarello for Theatre (Tiatr), Ashok Naik, Yusuf Sheikh and Hema Naik for Literature, Balkrishna Kelkar and Ulhas Velingkar for Music, Kanta Gaude and Mahendra Phaldessai for Folk Art and Hanuman Kambli for Fine Art. Besides, Ponda-based Hauns Sangeet Natya Mandal also received the honour for being the best cultural institution in the field of art and culture and for its contribution in the fields of drama and music. All awardees will receive a cash prize of Rs 50,000 each, along with certificates and other mementos.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

streetspicks White-water River Rafting This river-rafting adventure commences from Ustem Village and ends at Sonal Village covering a distance 10 km in 90 minutes.

Guests have to report 30 minutes before departure for safety briefing and other procedures. Rafters are provided with rafts, pedals, jackets, trained guides and light refreshments at the end of the trip. Organised by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation.

On Monday-Wednesday (at Rs 1,400); Weekends (at Rs 1,700) @ 10:30 am onward +91 832 2224132/2226515 www.bookings.goa-tourism.com

Creative Art Classes A workshop with elements of craft, music and drama interwoven to develop out-of-the-box thinking skills for children aged 5-13 years. The art classes will have 12 sessions a month (on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday evenings. Fees: Rs 1,200/month.) You can also opt for special Sunday morning classes. (Fees: Rs 800/month.)

At Caranzalem, Panjim @ 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm; 6pm – 7:45 pm +91 832 2462054/9763550980

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. This 36-acre estate comprises sylvan forest land, wooded groves, perfumed tropical gardens, an orchard, an astrological plant park, charak vatika - a medicinal plantation and a butterfly garden.

At Bondu Mol, Molem @9 am – 4 pm +91 832 2287861/7350012000 Email: atreyavedicfarm@gmail.com

Goa Chitra With a collection of over 4,000 artefacts, Goa Chitra is an ethnographic museum that focuses on Goa’s traditional agrarian lifestyle and technology.

It includes collection of local pottery, farming tools, musical instruments, ancient carts and palanquins. Visit for a walk down history and Goa’s interesting ancient past.

At Goa Chitra, Mondo Waddo, Benaulim @ 9 am – 5 pm +91 832 6570877 Email: goachitra@gmail.com

September 5 Onward

September 10 – 14

Organised by Chowgule College, classes will be held two-three times a week at the college premises.

At Chowgule College, Panjim +91 9890194857

Pinhole Photography Workshop for kids above 10 years of age. Trash to Treasure workshop for kids above 6 years of age.

At Paper Boat Collective, Chogm Road, Sangolda @ 10:30 am onward; 4 pm – 6 pm +91 832 6521248

Spanish Language Classes

September 6

Friday Health Talk

Co-organised by International Centre Goa and Maniple Hospital. Free entry for members and non-members.

At The International Centre Goa, Dr E Borges Road, Dona Paula @ 6 pm – 7 pm +91 832 2452805/10

Everyday

Free Swimming Guidance

Organised by Walter Mascarenhas; Everyday by prior appointment only.

At The International Centre Goa, Dr E Borges Road, Dona Paula @ 5 pm – 7 pm +91 9822911161

TukTuk

Museum of Christian Art

From apparel to silver jewellery, bags to accessories and souvenirs to curios, everything at TukTuk is handpicked from across India.

At A 104, Pereira Plaza, 1st Floor, Opposite Hospicio, Margao @ 10:30 am – 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm – 7 pm +91 9049017182

Open all days of the week At the Convent of Santa Monica, Old Goa @ 9:30 am – 5 pm +91 832 2285299

Every Monday & Wednesday

Learn Viennese waltz, foxtrot, cha cha cha and jive from Monday to Saturday.

At Sanvordem, Margao +91 832 2715906/9921039537

Capoeira Classes

Learn this traditional Brazilian martial art form that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music.

At Tito’s White House, Anjuna @ 7 pm – 8 pm +91 9769341128

Spice Farms

Dance

Cyrus Da Costa Dance Classes

David Furtado Dance &

Aerobics

Learn salsa, jive, waltz for adults & Bollywood, hip hop & contemporary dance for kids.

At Panjim, Mapusa, Porvorim, Candolim, Aldona & Saligao +91 9975914195

Sahakari Spice Farm

Jason and Sylvia Dance

Tropical Spice Plantation

Kids aged between 4-12 years can learn hip hop, Latin dances, jazz ballet, zumba and Bollywood. Classes for adults are held for three weeks where waltz, Viennese waltz, jive, cha-cha and the basics of tango and salsa are taught.

At Las Viegas Dance Studio, Taliegao; BPS Club, Margao +91 832 2451167/ 9822161652/ 9822151614

Spend a day among the green environs of the 130-acreSahakari 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 Ponda-Belgaum Highway, Curti, Ponda +91 832 2312394 Email: info@sahakarifarms.com Located in a village yet untouched by pollution, the Tropical Spice Plantation is spread over a setting that allows one to soak in the joys of nature at her unadulterated best. Listen to birds chirp & sing, ride on elephants, stroll through betelnut plantations or just laze around by a stream. If peace of mind is what you’re looking for, the Tropical Spice Plantation is a good place to find just that.

At Arla Bazar Keri, Ponda +91 832 2340329 Email: tropicalspice@rediffmail.com

Savoi Plantation

Offers traditional Goan Saraswat cuisine served in mud pots & banana leaf plates along with seasonal fruits grown in the plantation.

At Ponda +91 832 2340272/9423888899 Email: savaiplantation@rediffmail.com

Museums

Ancestral Goa

A centre for the preservation & promotion of art, culture & environment started by Maendra JA Alvares.

At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 9 am – 6 pm +91 832 2777034 Email: ancestralgoa@gmail.com Website: www.ancestralgoa.com

Casa Araujo Alvares

Goa’s first automated sound & light museum. A 250yearold mansion showcasing traditional inheritance.

At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 9 am – 6 pm +91 832 2777034 Email: bigfoottrust@gmail.com Website: www.casaaraujoalvares.com

Academy

Dr Martin & Dance Illusions

Team

Learn waltz, jive, cha cha cha, tango, Viennese waltz & salsa. At Panjim, Vasco, Margao +91 9823014397

Languages

Alliance Francaise

Alliance Francaise offers high quality French training in Goa. By choosing to study at Alliance Francaise, you join a large and diverse network of students.

Courses are designed to meet individual French needs. At House #46A, PE Agnelo Road, Near Menezes Polyclinic, Altinho Panjim +91 832 2420049/9922813950

Cooking

Cooking Classes for Foreigners

Learn how to cook Indian, Goan, vegetarian cuisine, including desserts and starters. At Detroit Institute, Panjim @ 12 pm – 2 pm (finishing with lunch) & 5 pm – 7 pm (finishing with dinner) +91 9822131835 Email: detroitinstitute@gmail.com

GESTO Culinary & Hospitality

Academy

The course duration is of 2 years and an optional 1year internship. Six months’ industrial training is included in the third semester. At Niana Gracias Plaza, Margao +91 832 2730873

North Goa Sephora Salon & Spa

A Dubai-based beauty services chain Nr. Don Bosco School, Panjim. @ 9 am to 9 pm, Open daily 2231314, 3260890

Papiillon The Beauty Lounge

Virginkar Bhavan, Opposite Saraswat Bank, Margao, Goa 9822488355, 9822488366, (0832) 6483110, 6483111, 6480107, 6480106

Spa Sitara

At Fort Aguada Rd, Candolim +918888886084

Dreamz Salon & Spa

Rio Sol Tower, Near Bal Bhavan and Campal Clinic, Campal, La Campala Colony Main Road, Caculho Colony, St Inez Panaji, 403001 Goa 0832 222 3628

Neomi Salon & Spa

Navelkar Legend Dhempe College Road Tonca - Caranzalem Ph. 2461674 / 2462147 F9, Joe Leitao Residency Opp. Hari Om Jewellers Naika Vaddo Ph. 6513658, 6513659

Sevanta Salon & Spa Pvt.

Ltd.,

Shop No. 1/284 B, Gourawado, Calangute, 0832-6524999

The Shamana Spa

Grand Hyatt Goa P.O. Goa University, Bambolim, North Goa, Goa, India view map +91 832 301 1603

South Goa Park Hyatt Goa Resort

and Spa

Sereno Spa at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa is a unique health and wellness oasis that offers holistic treatments through a blend of unique therapies.

At Arossim Beach, Cansaulim +918322721234/+919923207075

Snip Salon & Spa

the SNIP Salon & Spa offers an array of treatments specifically including massages, scrubs, ayurvedic therapy, hair treatments and anti aging facials.

At Calangute candolim road, Candolim +91 832 2275421

18 Design

By Puja Roy @AriAsher

W

hat do you get when you bring together 21 of the world’s smartest thinkers/ innovators and 1,350 design-related delegates at a luxury hotel in the heart of Goa? A celebration of talent and creativity, filled with moments that took more than a few breaths away. That’s what happened at the Grand Hyatt in Bambolim which played host to the ninth edition of Kyoorius DesignYatra, one of the world’s biggest annual conferences on design, from August 29-31.

The Mumbai-based non-profit venture Kyoorius is working to bring together India’s design community, providing information and networking opportunities. Since 2006, Kyoorius has been galvanising creative talent in India and is today recognised as the foremost platform for designers and other creative professionals.

DesignYatra 2013’s theme was ‘Create Change’ through design. It aimed at looking beyond the aesthetic and applying design to connect with audiences not just visually, but also emotionally. The conference brought together chief marketing officers, brand managers, designers, students and young professionals from across Asia and the world. And, Goa Streets was proud to be media partner for the event this year.

Day One of the conference, dedicated to digital, had a starry line-up that included Margaret Stewart (Director of Product Design at Facebook), Andy Goodman (MD at global service design consultancy Fjord), João Cardoso Fernandes (of Portugal-based digital agency VIEW Isobar), Simon Sankarraya (of London-based interactive design and user-experience agency AllofUs) and Laura Jordan Bambach (Cofounder of SheSays and Cannt Festival and Creative Director at Dare UK).

Simon Sankarayya kicked off the proceedings with his session ‘Design is Empowering’. He termed the Internet the world’s ‘second electricity’. Margaret Stewart spoke about human-centric design, saying, “Create change with humanitarian design. Make it about people, not technology.” João Cardoso Fernandes had this to say: “It’s reasons, not prizes, that get people to interact with a brand online.”

Digital ad spends in India are growing at a rate of 25% annually. As such, the need to build online platforms and content for enhanced consumer engagement is becoming more relevant to India.

Digital filmmaker Andy Goodman won significant applause with his reference to an article from The Guardian ‘Did cocaine use by bankers cause the global financial crisis?’ That was followed by Laura Jordan Bambach and her well-received presentation on getting more women into the digital space.

Later in the conference, author Paul Hughes delivered an inspirational talk

A Kyoorius Kase of Kreativity World-class Design Event Rocks Goa

Melissa Weigel and Oliva Jeffers

on success, the difference between ‘change’ and ‘transformation’ and the role of leaders. Karin Fong, Director and Designer at New York & Los Angelesbased Imaginary Forces, was the ‘rockstar’ speaker, with a portfolio that includes commercials for Herman Miller, Sony PlayStation and the cinematics for Sony’s God of War video game series.

Case studies were presented by Leo Burnett’s KV ‘Pops’ Sridhar, who provided a much-needed Indian context to the conference. Another star was 20-year-old Susant Pattnaik, an extraordinary young innovator and entrepreneur. Delegates also heard from Bart Kresa, whose LAbased firm, BARTKRESAdesign, is one of the world’s most innovative projection design firms. Real-time lessons from a wizard, enthusiastic delegates called it.

Other speakers included Brooklynbased artist & illustrator Oliver Jeffers (who spoke and sketched onstage simultaneously), Haryana’s farmerinventor-genius Dharamveer Kamboj and Ramesh Sathiah of Sydney-based award-winning music & sound studio SongZu. Ramesh’s presentation on the ‘Alchemy of Music’ and what soundtracks can do for advertisements had audiences gushing. Melissa Weigel of Montrealbased new media & entertainment studio Moment Factory provided a fitting end to the conference, with a presentation of her firm’s groundbreaking new media installations.

But DesignYatra 2013 was not just about speeches and presentations.

Industry practitioners also got to communicate over panel discussions, answer questions from delegates and network informally through the course of the event. This year’s edition also saw a special exhibition, Artkriti, showcasing

the unique works of 20 traditional artists from all over the country, creating works from the traditional peoples of India (including Madhubani, Warli, Bengal Patua, Orissa Pattachitra, Gond art) based on the theme of ‘Create Change’. The art pieces were auctioned, cumulating a total of Rs 2.8 lakh which went toward Kyoorius Grant (launched to help students conclude their final-year projects).

DesignYatra 2013 also saw the launch of Kyoorius Awards, honouring creative work in the Indian visual communications sphere. Spanning nine categories (including print, packaging, digital, retail and design for good), the awards recognised frontrunners in each of these streams who walked away with Blue, Red and Black Elephants.

Max Hegerman, Managing Director of Edelman Digital India, said, “These types of things just create an atmosphere of understanding, the fact that we’re helping nurture case studies and develop young students and young talent.”

The 2013 Kyoorius DesignYatra threw open a host of alternative ideas to students and budding professionals.

Rajesh Kejriwal, Founder CEO of Kyoorius (an initiative by Mumbai-based Transasia Fine Papers), said, “We went around the world looking for people who have done things differently…It’s nice for the audience to know that there’s something called music design, projection design…

And each one inspires the audience in a different way.” He added that this edition was significant for the interest it garnered on the client side of the business. He said, “We got a 122 more clients compared to last year. If clients start coming to these conferences, they will learn more about design,

they will spend more on design and eventually the design quality will go up.” Apart from that, the participation of delegates from smaller cities like Indore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin, Ludhiana and Coimbatore was “very encouraging because those places need to get more design sensibilities than people in Bombay or Delhi or Bangalore.”

Melissa Weigel summed up the conference thusly, “It has been great to hear so many different professionals and so many inspiring people, sharing and being able to meet all kinds of different people. And it’s great to see all these young people that are inspired.” Added Ramesh Sathiah of SongZu, “DesignYatra has been amazing. It’s been world-class.”

Here are some of the best quotes we heard during the 3-day DesignYatra conference.

• João Cardoso Fernandes: “We use the digital world, but must not forget we live in a physical one.

We’re made of matter, not bits and bytes.”

• Margaret Stewart: “Create change with humanitarian design. Make it about people, not technology.”

• Andy Goodman: “Take care of your customers and they’ll take care of you.”

• Laura Jordan Bambach: “A boring client doesn’t exist. A difficult client exists.”

• Paul Hughes: “We are moving from egosystems to ecosystems. Me becomes we.”

• KV ‘Pops’ Sridhar: “Making responsible choices in our communication can address damaging stereotypes.”

• Tan Yew Leong: “If you’re going to interrupt them, you have to entertain them.”

• Susant Pattnaik: “Success is when people look you up on Google instead of Facebook.”

• Bart Kresa: “I always listen to everyone. But at the end of the day, I make my own decisions.”

• Oliver Jeffers: “If I don’t believe my own bullshit, nobody else is going to.”

• Ramesh Sathiah: “I hope you never stop marvelling at the alchemy of music.”

• Melissa Weigel: “To all future designers – maintain a conscience, maintain the integrity of your work.”

Feature 19

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Rendezvousing With A Connoisseur Par Excellence I’m a fatalist.

I believe in destiny, but I try to change the flow of events in my favour...

By Perin Ilavia

I

n a recent tête-à-tête with R Chander Shekhar, I found out why he dispels the saying that ‘a jack of all trades is a master of none’. An entrepreneur supplying up-market food products, Chander is also a connoisseur of art & artefacts, a chef, a history buff, a versatile calligrapher and an ardent poet.

The child of an Army officer, Chander grew up in various nooks and corners of India. Influenced by his artistic mother, he joined the family business of exporting bed and table linen. Almost 14 years ago, he came to Goa for the first time where he discovered the simple rustic life Goans led – there were few bridges, rivers had to be traversed by row boats, no one locked their homes and shops, bullock-carts were the mode of transport for commoners, and you could buy a big basket of fish for eight annas! He travelled into the hinterlands to absorb the culture, and a year later decided to settle in Goa. “Basically, we moved here to lead a sussegado life”, he reminiscences.

After settling in Goa, Chander realised there wasn’t much gourmet food available and that imported foodstuff in the market was depleting. He decided to introduce gourmet products to hotels and launched his venture Cookshop – the Gourmet Food Company. He started by bringing in exotic sauces, varieties of cheese, International Food Standard-certified packed lamb from New Zealand and pork and beef products. When he found that hotels were receptive, his business evolved into diverse dimensions. Today, he has an officecum-outlet at Porvorim whose products attract a lot of people from all over Goa. We checked out his collection of art at his office and his enchanting villa in Porvorim. This actually turned out to be a little treasure trove.

Ebony sculptures from a single block of wood from Madagascar, Oriental porcelain statues, cut-glass and blowglass artefacts, antique furniture, a wooden door embedded in the wall with nine squares set with brass cut-out motifs, emphasising the importance of the number nine, 15th & 16th-century Chinese tiles, brass vessels from his ancestral home in Tamil Nadu, a

collection of records of old Hindi songs, Western and Indian classical music…the list goes on.

A masterpiece withstands time, its importance grows on those who feel attracted by its unending life, creating enthusiasm which spreads from soul to soul. Exploring the aesthetically displayed artwork, a painting by Asha Kama, a Bhutanese artist, titled Lugata Voyage connected instantly. Kama’s Wind

Horses are a reoccurring theme in his oeuvre – the harmonising colours create a form of worship. It was Chander’s desire and passion to own this work and waited for a year-and-a-half to get this painting. His patience ultimately paid off. Alongside Asha Kama’s works, I notice works of Goan artists like Vamona Navelkar, Querozito de Souza, Yolanda Souza and Vitesh Naik among others.

Chander has spent many enlightening

hours with the eminent artists in his collection. He says, “For me, it’s not the name of the artist, it’s the work that entices me.”

Talking about the art scenario in Goa, he opines, “I wish Goans would buy Goan artists. How many do you think know about art? Just a handful. The tragedy of Goan artists has been limited-to-little local support. They’re recognised because of outsiders who patronise them.” He adds that local artists are yet to achieve that ‘edge’ and that “in the past several years, no one has put out any spectacular work with that spark of freshness.”

However, he also acknowledges that the younger generation is making the effort to put out variegated art forms.

Chander has a natural flair for creativity and this can be seen in his business as well. He sources out the Osmanabad breed of mutton from the North and Bangur from Karnataka, bringing in specialised butchers from Lucknow and Delhi who are versatile with specific cuts.

Of course, there are challenges to be faced, including moving inventory and cold chain logistics.

There is a constant struggle to monitor products transported at specific temperatures of 18-20 degrees. Then there’s the problem of rising airfreight costs, taxes and a dithering economy. Still, he is in the throes of introducing exotic fish, selective-sized lobsters and prawns, large mud crabs, and crème-de-la-crèmefreshwater trout from the Himalayas. “I’m a fatalist. I believe in destiny, but I try to change the flow of events in my favour”, says the entrepreneur.  Cookshop – the Gourmet Food Company is located at: House #924/48, Home in the Woods, Kadamba Depot Road, Porvorim

20 Hot Streets

My problem is I love two guys...

Dear Acaricia May,

I’m a 19-year-old student interning at a PR firm. I recently slept with a guy at work and he hasn’t paid any attention to me since then. We’re not on talking terms at all. I’m confused, considering we had this flirty sort of thing going on for a while. I can’t stop thinking about him and his strange behaviour is making me crazy. Help!

Rukmini (not my real name), Panjim Dear Rukmini,

It seems Mr. Love-her-and-leave-her doesn’t deserve the emotional energy you are spending on him. I suppose the experts would say that I, as a sex and relationship columnist, should refrain from giving you direct advice on this matter, but rather help you understand your feelings and reach your own conclusion. To hell with those experts. Honey, the guy’s a jerk.

Move on!

Love,

Acaricia May

Dear Acaricia May,

My problem is that I love two guys. One is my ex-boyfriend who wants to come back to me, the other is my current boyfriend.

Both of them are wonderful, but I feel more attached to my ex. We broke up because he didn’t want to commit to a future with me and my current guy can’t wait to settle down with me! I can’t make up my mind.

Christina, Margao Dear Christina,

What is it about us human beings that makes us love the unattainable? Why do we want what we cannot get? No doubt the reasons for your stronger feelings for Boyfriend No. 1 are varied and complex. Still, it’s worth asking that if Boyfriend No. 2 were the one shunning commitment, would he come out on top as the object of your affection? Whatever’s behind them, the feelings are your feelings and they can’t be turned on and off like a lamp switch.

Take a look at what I wrote to Rukmini. I know I’m not really supposed to tell you what do to.

I’m supposed to help you find out for yourself what’s best for you. What if I told you to go back to your ex and he made you miserable?

What if I said choose the loving fellow who wants to be your husband and he made your life as a dull as a doorknob? Christina, Stephen Stills sang, “If you can’t be with the one you love, honey, love the one you’re with.”

Today I think I’ll ignore sex columnist convention and tell you exactly what to do. And it’s a variation of Stills’ song. You CAN be with him, so love the one you love!

Love, Acaricia May

Sports 21

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Touching New Highs Clifford Miranda on Winning the Dilip Sardesai Sports Excellence Award

By Andrea Fernandes

F

or football fans, Clifford Miranda really needs no introduction. A midfielder for Dempo SC for the past 14 years, the 31-year old is a class in himself. And the past year has been particularly special for him – apart from scoring one of the winning goals at the 2012 Nehru Cup (which India lifted for the third consecutive year), he was also recently honoured with the Dilip Sardesai Sports Excellence Award, instituted by the state government in 2009 in memory of Goan cricketing legend Dilip Sardesai.

The Dilip Sardesai Sports Excellence Award is given to Goan sportspersons who achieve milestones at international sporting events (like the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games) within a year preceding the award. It comprises a bronze plaque of Sardesai, a certificate and a cash award of Rs 2 lakh. Miranda was picked over three others — master athlete Agnes Dias and taekwondo players P Anand and Aman Kumar.

Miranda is the fourth footballer to win this award. Interestingly, all former football awardees belong to his club Dempo SC – Mahesh Gawli (2009), Climax Lawrence (2010) and Indian Football Captain Samir Naik (2012). Dempo Group-sponsored swimmer Talasha Prabhu and Woman Grandmaster Bhakti Kulkarni are the other recipients of the award.

He says, “It feels great to be recognised, especially by the state government. I feel happy to be amongst the company of some of the best players of our generation.” He adds that he’s very lucky to have been honoured with the state’s highest award for sports as “there were many players who couldn’t get it.”

When applying for the award, Miranda had expectations that his achievements in football would see him through. Yes, there were other talented and highly competent sportspersons in the fray.

He knew the competition was going to be tough. The strongest thing that worked in his favour was his gold medal for India at the Nehru Cup. He says, “I had a feeling that would prove to be the clincher.” And pleasantly, it did. Miranda gushes, “Any award is always nice to have as it recognises one’s hard work and dedication.”

Born in July 1982, Miranda hails from Betalbatim and started playing football at the age of seven. He joined Dempo SC when he turned 17. In those early days, Arjuna Award winner and Goan footballer Bruno Coutinho was

his inspiration. Today, Miranda admires Welsh footballer Ryan Giggs (who also plays for Manchester United). “I always wanted to play like him as I am also leftfooted.”

He recalls the efforts of his late father, Alleluia Patricio Miranda, to get him into football. Miranda says, “My father was always my inspiration, he toiled hard to get me where I’m today…” He adds, “he is not here but I know he is watching me over from up there…” Apart from his family, he also acknowledges the support of his coaches and teammates for his success.

The debate on whether sportspersons should concentrate on playing for their clubs or their country is ongoing. To this, Miranda says, “There’s nothing like giving first preference to club or country.

Whenever I’m on the field, I always give my hundred percent. Both club and country are important as one is bread and butter and the other is pride and honour.”

What about Indian football and its future? Miranda believes that it is moving forward in the right direction and will probably (and hopefully) become a powerhouse in Asian football. But what about the fact that India cannot perform well at the international levels? He says, “We are lagging behind in terms of grassroot development, infrastructure, planning and football culture” but adds “Indian football can only get better from here on”. He cites the efforts of the All India Football Federation in organising national camps for all age groups.

Miranda feels that being a great football player requires just hard work and single-minded dedication, plus love for the game. He says that the need of the hour is not just good talented players, but hardworking ones who can make a difference on and off the field.

Clifford Miranda playing against UAE at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi

The

Corner

V

olkswagen, Europe’s largest carmaker, has announced the launch of the new Cross Polo. With this launch, India’s leading premium hatchback gets bold, sporty design flair, which will appeal to customers with active lifestyles and a taste for adventure. The New Cross Polo is priced at Rs 7.75 lakh, (ex showroom, Goa). It will be available with a 1.2L TDI engine and a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Commenting on the launch of the New Cross Polo, Arvind Saxena – MD, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, (Volkswagen Group Sales India), said, “The Polo is an important carline in the Indian portfolio and with ongoing updates we keep it relevant and exciting for our customers. The Cross Polo has been created for those looking at a premium hatchback in a sporty ‘crossover’ style.”

The sale of the new Volkswagen Cross Polo began from August 23 at Volkswagen’s Goa North showroom.

The Corner is a regular space where organisations, entrepreneurs and all those with noteworthy projects can ‘strut their stuff’.

‘Just Me’ Beauty Pageant In its inaugural year, the ‘Just Me’ beauty pageant is designed to create an exciting platform for contestants & help young girls in Goa who aspire to make it big in the world of fashion and films. Organised by G.A.M.E in association with Mahindra Scooters, auditions will take place on September 21. Selected finalists will then undergo professional training. The finale will be held in the last week of October at Tito’s, Baga, and will be judged by a panel comprising celebrities from the film and fashion world.

Entry forms available at Tatva Spa & Salon outlets in Panjim, Calangute, Margao; Ulhas Jewelers in Margao; Tempations in Vasco.

For more information, contact: +91 7798200011/9637089545

Hyundai’s Grand i10 Launched in India

H

yundai Motor India, the country’s largest exporter and second-largest car manufacturer, launched the much-awaited Grand i10 on September 3. The launch marks the global debut of Grand i10 in India.

The Grand will be available with two engine options – the 1.1L advanced 2nd generation U2 CRDi diesel and 1.2L Kappa Dual VTVT petrol offering a combination of optimum performance and best-in-class fuel economy.

It will also be available in a range of 8 new colours.

Speaking at the launch, BS Seo – MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India said, “The Grand is a worldclass product developed for the Indian market. It symbolises Hyundai’s commitment to Indian customers by offering high standards of quality, durability and reliability. It offers an ideal urban mobility with a complete package from style to performance creating a new benchmark in the Compact High Entry Segment. We expect Grand, with its excellent value proposition and its unique features, to serve a wide range of customers in India.”