Issue No : 21

Friday, April 4, 2014 | Vol. No. 2 | Issue 21 | Price Rs. 10 | www.goastreets.com | G-2/RNP/Weekly/Goa-05/2013-15

Killer Chocolate| Divorce In Goa | Stiletto Diaries

The Complete Story

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Friday, April 4, 2014

Soul-Stirring Indo-Irish Music in Goa A breathtaking performance. No Joke!

Utsav Lal Raga Pianist

Turn to page 5

music & nightlife | 03 Utsav Lal: Raga Pianist

lowdown | 6 food & drink | 07 Killer Chocolate Chantilly

fashion | 10 Monty Sally

feature | 11 Divorce in Goa

cover story | 12 Tourism: The Complete Story

arts & entertainment | 15 Horrific Animal Movies

what’s on | 17 wheels on streets | 18 BMW & Hyosung

feature | 19 Gays: The World is Changing

feature | 21 Goa and the Congress Party

feature | 22 Ethel Da Costa: Stiletto Diaries

Friday, April 4, 2014

6 The Lowdown

The Lowdown Steven Gutkin, the venture’s chief mentor, is an award-winning journalist who has reported from some two dozen countries in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Americas. An international newsman for 25 years, Steven served as Bureau Chief with the Associated Press, the world’s largest news gathering organization, in Israel and Venezuela, as well as AP’s Chief of Southeast Asia Services in Singapore and Indonesia, and Senior Editor in the US. Steven covered the rise and fall of the Medellin and Cali cocaine cartels, rode into Kabul with a triumphant northern alliance and directed coverage of wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza and Lebanon. The Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar was caught because he lingered on the phone with his son to answer Steven’s questions, and the cops traced the call. Steven covered the killing of Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Mexico, the death of Yasser Arafat, a coup in Fiji and the rise to power of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Steven has also worked for the New York Times, the Washington Post, Newsweek and CBS Radio.

Marisha Dutt, Publisher and Editor of Goa Streets, is a former Marketing and Advertising Manager with The Wall Street Journal in Singapore. She took a break from work to raise her two boys in Indonesia, Israel and the United States. She has a Masters Degree in Marketing from The University of Strathclyde in the UK and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations. She was born in Assam, India and spent her early years on a tea plantation overlooking a pristine wildlife sanctuary. When she was 10, she and her family moved to Calcutta, where Marisha had the privilege of working alongside Mother Teresa. Later the family moved to Goa. Marisha and Steven were married 11 years ago on the Candolim beach.

Deraj. A, Our Sales & Marketing Manager is something of a guru in the realms of market research, media planning and advertising. His work has taken him around India to places like Kerala, Gujarat, Delhi and Tamil Nadu. Deraj currently resides in Porvorim along with his wife and daughter. On off days, he enjoys a good game of carrom, and loves to watch cricket and movies of every kind.

Ananda Krishna, Photographer, turned hopefully towards the camera early in life. With an abundance of knowledge and overwhelmed by his brilliant teachers in Light and Life Academy, Ooty, Ananda (last ‘a’ is silent) set out knowing the ‘how’s’ but not the ‘why’s’ of a photograph. It took a good amount of drifting on the road and dabbling with shooting advertisements, a film, weddings, events, exhibitions, copywriting and even selling booze to finally understand where the WHY really matters for him – photojournalism.

Nilesh Shetgaonkar, Administrative Assistant, is a happygo-lucky Morjim native who prides himself on living life to the fullest. He spent seven years in Dubai and loves football, cricket and trivia.

Radhika Naik, Marketing Executive. A Mapusa resident, Radhika enjoys siestas and, when awake, spending time with family. She was always a big fan of the news and is thrilled to be part of that world today. Music with a slow tempo is her favourite playlist.

Anand Pednekar, This Goan-born lover of music and reading heads the distribution and circulation team while also making calls lending a hand in sales and marketing. Anand enjoys the laid-back life style, and says his aim in life is to be helpful and good. Trust us. He is.

Krishna S. Halankar, An integral member of the distribution and collection team, Krishna enjoys music, driving and to everyone’s surprise likes to shake a leg, too. When asked about his favourite drive, he says nothing beats the good ol’ drive from Goa to Mumbai.

Vijay Gadekar, Distribution Team. Aside from being very handy in all things mechanical, Vijay is a big fan of football with an equal passion for quality beach time.

Some folks aren’t sure what to think about Goa Streets. You open up the first page and Music & Nightlife and splashes of colour immediately jump out at you.

Then we tell you where to party, where to find the best food and what to do and see in your leisure time. The definitive guide to fun in Goa. But then suddenly, in the middle of all these event listings and revelry, deeply thoughtful stories about divorce and gays suddenly pop up. And then we offer you a cover story on the state of Goa’s tourism industry, presenting not just the good news but ALL the news.

This is what we promised we’d deliver when we set up shop in 2012. A comprehensive guide to Goa combined with world-class journalism. And this is what we are delivering.

We hope you find these pages to be informative, entertaining, thoughtprovoking and worthwhile. From Ethel Da Costa’s Stiletto Diaries to Monty Sally’s cutting edge fashion to our piece on horrific animal movies to our story revealing the inner workings of the Congress Party in Goa, this is a particularly eclectic edition of Goa Streets. We hope you enjoy reading it!

And don’t forget to check us out on www. goastreets.com (where, by the way, you can watch a video of the incredible musicians covered in our Music & Nightlife story)!

The Goa Streets Team

7

Friday, April 4, 2014

The World’s Best Chocolate Chantilly Please don’t die, but if there were a chocolate to die for, this would be it!

By Kornelia Santoro

I

believe firmly in the healing powers of chocolate.

Heartache, depression and disappointments seem a bit easier to digest with a solid injection of chocolate. One of my favourite forms of absorption is chocolate mousse.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find fresh cream in Goa – a basic component of a proper chocolate mousse. Another difficulty with the traditional recipe is the use of fresh eggs, which can be dangerous in this tropical climate.

In my quest for good living, I discovered Heston Blumenthal’s recipe for Chocolate Chantilly.

(Heston is a huge deal in the culinary world – if you don’t believe me, Google him!) This recipe is a fine example of molecular gastronomy, a branch of cooking which is quite alien to me. However, the simplicity of the recipe convinced me. The trick is a temperature shock for the melted chocolate combined with constant whipping.

Every Saturday Saturday Brunch @ Rs. 950/- Including Taxes with Unlimited Mojito, Vodkatinis, Daiquiris, Frozen Cocktails Saturday Live “Latin Connection At The Park, Calangute +91 8805028194

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

At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj, Panjim 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm +91 832 6633636 Sunday Fun day A fun weekend with the family starting with breakfast, lunch, and high tea.

Lots of entertainment for kids throughout the day.

Adults pay Rs 849 and kids Rs 599 At O Goa, Hotel Fidalgo +91 8806663865/+91 9158055222 Sunday Bikini Brunch Sunday BBQ Brunch @ Rs. 950++ with Unlimited Alcohol. Enjoy Live Karaoke with Emmanuel At The Park, Calangute 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm +91 8805028194 Re-Orient Yourself Make your own meal. Don’t worry, you won’t actually have to do the cooking!

This place serves up some of the finest Asian cuisine in Goa. At Wan Hao, Goa Marriot Resort & Spa, Panjim +91 832 2463333

Baga, Calangute & Around Le Poisson Rouge French, Seafood, Fusion Local fish cooked a la French Style, with a slight touch of Goa Opp. Baga bridge, Baga 7 pm to 11pm +91 9823850276/ +91 832 3245800 Tropical 24x7 Restaurant, Bar & Pub If you’re hankering for some great food in a cool atmosphere, check this place out!

All Day All Night At Calangute, Main Road +91 9820115921 Zuperb Multi-Cuisine As the name suggests, it’s superb! Outdoor and party catering orders taken At Holiday Streets, Calangute +91 9833156510 Caravela Goan, Indian, Chinese and Continental Offers a wide variety of well-prepared food and cocktails. But the big draw is the party scene on Friday nights.

At Hotel Goan Heritage, Calangute Noon to 2.30 pm & 7 pm to 11.30 pm +91 832 2276761/64

Aunty Maria Coffee & Bites Available Fresh home-made breads, cakes, chocolates and cookies At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim +91 832 2226291

Lila Cafe German, Light Fare Think schnitzel, chicken liver pate and German sausages. Lovely tent-like setting At Baga Creek Road, Arpora Baga +91 832 2279843

Saffron Restaurant Indian A wonderful option for truly authentic Indian cuisine. A newcomer on the local culinary scene, and a very welcome one. Home Delivery and Take Away Available At Caranzalem (on the river road between Miramar and Dona Paula) 11 pm to 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm to 11.30 pm +91 832 6523353/ +91 7755927408

Indian Jones Indian For delicious Indian cuisine, it’s hard to be this place on Chogm Road. Great atmosphere, too.

At Chogm House, Saligao, Calangute Road +91 9767655999 Casandre Goan, Indian, Chinese and European Set in an attractive old Goan house, this restaurant serves steaks, sizzlers and Goan seafood.

At Calangute Beach Road, Calangute 9 am to midnight +91 832 9453243/ +91 9890467062 Curry Leaf Chinese, European, Goan, North Indian and world cuisine.

A good place to grab a bite after hours.

At Hotel Calangute towers, Calangute +91 832 6636000 Danny’s Grill European, Goan, Mughlai, Oriental With a varied selection of dishes including tasty Tandoori kebabs.

At Hotel Riverside, Baga-Calangute 7.30 am to 11 pm +91 9767591368 Big Pecker’s Chinese, European, North Indian & Seafood Offers grilled sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, baguettes and jacket potatoes.

We’re not sure why they decided to call themselves Big Pecker’s, as in many countries that’s slang for… Nevermind.

At Calangute beach road, Calangute 9 am to midnight +91 9823226977 Britto’s Goan, Seafood Tourists swear by this Goan seaside institution. We don’t.

At Baga beach, Calangute 8.30 pm to midnight +91 832 2277331/ +91 832 2276291 Café de Goa Light fare Attractive Café with lots of fresh small bites and innovative offerings. Good Sunday Brunch and organic store At The Red Tower, Calangute 10.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2279961

Anjuna & Around Cafe Lambretta European, Italian At Anjuna Mapusa Road, Anjuna +91 8904014140 Guru Bar Chinese, European, Goan, Indian and Italian At Praisevaddo, Anjuna 7.30 am to midnight +91 832 2273319

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

At Sun Village, Fankwadi, Arpora 7.30 am to 10.30 pm +91 832 2279409/14 Biryani Palace Goan and North Indian Fare Take a wild guess what this place specializes in.

At Anjuna beach road, Anjuna 11 am to midnight +918323257586 Blue Tao Italian, Seafood, Organic Food Don’t come here if you’re into junk food At Anjuna beach Rd, Anjuna 9 am to 11 pm +918975061435 Coba Indian, Grills, Seafood It’s in a five-star hotel, so you won’t go wrong At Double Tree by Hilton, Arpora 10 am to 11 pm +91 832 66556672

Candolim O’Asia Pan Asian In a posh hotel right on the busy Candolim strip At The O Hotel, Dando, Candolim Noon to 3 pm, 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918323047000 House of Lloyds Continental, seafood, and hearty Goan cuisine.

The restaurant recommends you go for the Goan roast pork, apple salad with tender greens, crispy sardines, stuffed crab and steaks.

At Saipem Road, Candolim 7 pm to 3 am +91 9823032273 Susse Café European, Fusion Cuisine, Goan Great gourmet restaurant in Candolim, expertly prepared meats.

On the main road Candolim @ 12.30 pm +91 9011379804/ +91 9822089818

Café Chocolatti Sweets, small bites A lovely cafe in a garden setting Good place for light fare (e.g., Greek salad) and assorted sweet goodies At Fort Aguada road, Candolim 9 am to 7 pm +91 832 2479340/ +91 9326112006 Caravela Chinese, European, Goan, Italian, North Indian, Thai A long-time favourite haunt among Goans and visitors alike At Vivanta Holiday, Sinquerim 7.30 am to 10.30 pm +91 832 6645858 Casa Sea Shell Chinese, European, Indian, Seafood The European fare tastes great, mostly made up of steaks At Vaddy, Candolim 7 am to 11 pm +91 832 2489131/ +91 832 2489555

Morjim & Around Hotel Welcome Inn A bakery & confectionary. Delicious cakes and sweets At Arambol beach, Arambol 8 am to 11 pm +91 9822381140 Sur la Mer French, Indian, Italian Terrific décor with a pool. Also offering high-end accommodation At Morjim-Ashvem Rd, Morjim 11 am to midnight +918326453102/+919850056742 Felini Pizza, Pasta Word has it some of the best pizzas around are to be had here.

At Arambol Beach, Arambol 11 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm +91 9881461224

Panjim & Around Black sheep Bistro The Black Sheep Bistro is Goa's first casual fine dining concept restaurant Located in the heart of Panjim City At Swami Vivekananda Road, Next to icici Bank, Panjim 7 pm to 1 am +91 832 2222901

Bombay Darbar Indian, Mughlai To believe it is to taste it. Highly recommended for delicious Indian fare. Take Away and Catering Services At Sairam Residency, Shop no 1, Alto St.Cruz Road, St.Cruz, Tiswadi +91 832-2458877 / +91 832 2458588 Edu’s Restaurant Indian, Chinese, International and Goan Pizzas are one of their specialties.

Nothing fancy but has the vibe of a street café.

Next to Magson’s on the main DB Road in Panjim, Miramar. +91 832 2463777, +91 832 2463888. / +91 9822122085 Goenchin Specialising in Chinese and Pan Asian cuisine Quite popular among the locals At Mandovi apartment, Dr Dada Vaidya Road, Near Mahalaxmi Temple Noon to 3 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm +91 8322227614 Casabela A cosy place to chill out with family, this establishment in Porvorim has been around since the 70s. Check out the pizzas Off Chogm Rd, Porvorim 7 am to 11 pm +91832241558 Mum’s Kitchen Goan Among the best upscale Goan cuisine in Panjim, drawing from Goa’s Christian and Hindu traditions.

At Panjim-Miramar Rd 11 am to 11pm +91 9822175556 Down the Road Continental, Chinese, Thai & Mexican, Goan, Indian Often with live entertainment.

A favourite Panjim hotspot.

At Old Patto Bridge, Panjim 11 am to 11 pm +91 9823173757 George Bar and Restaurant Goan, Seafood Locals love this place.

Near Mary Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim 10 am to 3.30 pm, 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918322426820

Food & Drink 9

Friday, April 4, 2014

Forrest Veg Food Court Continental, Chinese, Thai & Mexican Serves a wide range of fast food from different parts of India At Bhagwan Mahavir BAL Vihar, Panjim 11 am – 11 pm +91 832 6454353/9225903392

Margao & Around Kenilworth Resort Goa Excellent cuisine at a 5-star luxury resort in the south (rated rated among the best leisure hotels in Goa) At Utorda, Salcete, Utorda +91 832 6698888 Café Tato Vegetarian Menu offers puribhaji and lunch in Goan style At Apna Bazaar complex, Margao 7 am to 10 pm +91 832 2736014 Ruta’s World Café Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee Located on a quiet side street right by the City’s Latin Quarter, a world away from the maddening crowd.

At Dr Miranda Rd, Behind Nanutel, Margao 9 am to 6 pm +91 832 2710757 Allegria Goan Fine-dining restaurant at the Taj Exotica, serving up some authentic GoanPortuguese items.

7.30 pm to 10.45 pm At Taj Exotica, Calwaddo, Benaulim, Salcette +91 832 6683333

Canacona Casa Fiesta Mexican The menu is comprehensive, with Tacos, Enchiladas, Burritos, Fajitas and other Mexican dishes.

8.30 am to 11 pm At Palolem Beach Road, Goa +91 9823928548 Baba’s Little Italy Chinese, Goan, Indian, Italian, seafood.

At Palolem Beach, Canacona 9 am to 11 pm +91 9923749449 Big Fish Restaurant & Bar English, North Indian, Chinese, Italian and European Offerings like Bruschetta, Pizza, Foccacia and pastas.

8am to 11pm At Palolem beach, Canacona +91 9418097133, +91 9904312298 Canacona Coffee shop There’s Indian, Goan, European and some Chinese on offer with a contemporary, fusion touch to the items.

Buffet Breakfast At Intercontinental TheLaLiT Goa Resort, Rajbaga, Canacona +91 832 2667777

Chocolate Chantilly

A word of caution: with this recipe, a lot can go wrong. My first attempt ended in disaster with chocolate drops all over the counter, the walls and myself. My second attempt went so well, that I am happy to share it with you. I use less liquid than Heston and I have replaced the water in his recipe with a mixture of coconut milk and coffee.

Heston advises to use only best quality chocolate. Living on a budget, I have used normal dark cooking chocolate. Its taste does not compare to my favourite Lindt chocolate with 70 percent cocoa. Adding coffee, however, masks the lack of depth of flavour sufficiently for my humble taste.

The original recipe deals with 200 grams of chocolate. This amount seemed ridiculously small considering my two chocoholics in the house. When I go to all the trouble of making Chocolate Chantilly, I want an amount that does not vanish in one go (remember, Heston is used to serving haute cuisine with its attendant parakeet portions).

For this reason I have used 500 grams, which gives you around eight decent servings.

Wishing you happy cooking, always!

Ingredients (for 8 servings): • 500 grams chocolate (either dark or milk chocolate) • 200 millilitres coconut milk • 150 millilitres strong coffee, best mocha or espresso • 1 tablespoon vanilla essence • Ice Method: To make this recipe work, you need a large amount of ice. I filled a stainless steel bowl with about 1.5 litres of water and stuck it in my freezer overnight. Before melting the chocolate, I dropped the ice into a bigger bowl and added another litre of water. I kept this in the fridge until needed.

Cut the chocolate into small pieces. This is easily done when the chocolate is at room temperature. Place the chocolate into a pot and add the coconut milk, the vanilla essence and the coffee. Now put this pot into a bigger pot with some water in it. The water should just about touch the bottom of the smaller pot. Switch on the fire and melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally.

When the chocolate has melted, switch off the fire. Take out your bowl with the ice water from the fridge, pour the melted chocolate into a mixing bowl and place this bowl into the ice water. Now is the time to constantly whisk this mixture. If you don’t want a serious workout for your arm muscles, take an electric hand mixer. After a few minutes, the chocolate mix should start to thicken. When you have reached the consistency of a creamy mousse, you are done. This should not take longer than ten minutes and your mousse should look like the picture here.

If it did not work, try again. Maybe you have added too much liquid. Heston and other chefs use at least as much liquid as chocolate. I did this in my first try, but it turned out far too much liquid.

You can read about the benefits of cocoa here: http://www.mediterraneancooking.in/ nutritional-values/surprise-surprise-cacao-is-healthy 

About Kornelia Santoro After riding through India on an Enfield Bullet, Kornelia Santoro settled in Goa with her Italian husband, saying good-bye to her career as a political journalist in Bavaria. Now she writes about her experiences in the kitchen, managing a website, www.mediterraneancooking.in, and a blog, www. korneliaskitchen.blogspot.in. She has published two award-winning cookbooks, Kornelia’s Kitchen – Mediterranean Cooking for India and Kornelia’s Kitchen 2 – Cooking for Allergies.

10    Fashion

I

t was a magical 24 hours when designer Monty Sally and and Prasad Pankar collaborated on an eye catching project. Their work spaces had not crossed for a while and this project was a long time coming. The makeup phenom Minette Pereira and her tutelage Tricila D'Costa worked with alacrity on beautiful Russian models Olga Dachevskaya and Natalia Maslova who were darlings and kept smiling through the 24 hours, which were tough as they shuttled between the Monty Sally changing room, Minette Pereira's brush and Prasad Pankar's lens. The environment was a frenzied explosion of creative thoughts and flash bulbs. The Project was to shoot the look book for Monty Sally's upcoming show bouquet called "Pentacle", which consists of five shows E'Claboussere, Papier 'Encre, Burlesque, Construct and Geisha (Goa Streets is happy to be a media partner for the upcoming shows). The project, christened RetinalGasm by Monty Sally, was made possible because two able Photographers Crispino Dourado and Gautam Pai worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Prasad Pankar did manage to get some shut eye but as for Monty Sally apparently he does not sleep at night, preferring long Susegad noon's (Susegad is not a condition, it is a privilege as Monty puts it). With logistical support from Nitin Borkar the shoot went off smoothly as it transitioned from late night to early morning.

The shoot was an exercise in sleepless energy over 24 hours but the results are important and the images speak for themselves.

Feature 11

Friday, April 4, 2014

Goan couples headed for splitsville Divorces are on the rise in our tiny state of sun, sea, sand and, it turns out, plenty of matrimonial discord. Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello, a psychologist, chats with experts from diverse fields to gain a deeper insight into the phenomenon.

P

atricia was under a lot of pressure to get married. Her parents had been bringing her proposals since she was 21, but she tied the knot only in her early 30s after her father passed away. The marriage was arranged, and the family was assured the groom came from a good family and held a good job.

Now, with baby girl in tow, she has filed her papers for divorce.

“It was only after marriage that I realized that he didn’t have a job, had no source of income, his mom was mentally ill, and he didn’t even bother to show up when the baby was born. My mom is helping me now.”

More and more spouses are filing for divorce in Goa. While 750 divorce applications were received in 2008, the number increased to 770 and 793 in 2009 and 2010, respectively. While 292 couples got divorced in 2008, courts settled 318 divorce cases in 2009, and 307 couples got divorced in 2010 – the last years for which figures are available.

Anecdotal evidence suggests the numbers have risen sharply since.

Lawyer Yulette Coutinho says, “Divorce cases are definitely on the rise.

Sometimes they can be settled mutually and can be disposed faster. Otherwise they can go on till terms are met or else it could go in appeals.”

Most of us want to live happily with a single partner. Love cements the foundation of a successful marriage.

However, several factors can wreak havoc in a marriage.

Dr. Ravindra Agrawal (consultant psychiatrist at Salgaoncar Hospital, Vasco and Manipal Hospital, Dona Paula) says, “We hear of so many divorce cases in our society due to changing life-styles, higher independence, poor tolerance and ever decreasing willingness to adapt to the needs of the other partner.”

Fr. Salvador Fernandes, Principal of Aldona Higher Secondary School adds, “Marital troubles could brew over finances, lack of time for each other, differences in family backgrounds, work pressures and children. Reliving past hurt, unpleasant quarrels, blaming the other for all woes, lack of communication, living in doubt and suspicion, telling lies worsen the issues.”

“Complaints such as ‘my partner is very different after marriage’, ‘there is no love between us’, ‘living together is very difficult’, ‘my needs are not taken into account’, ‘we are just not compatible’, ‘he is always cheating on me’ are commonly heard,” Fr. Fernandes adds.

A famous Spanish refrain holds that it’s “better to be alone than badly accompanied.” It would be foolish to

argue that divorce is always a bad thing. While the experts I spoke to did point to some increased mental health risks among divorcees such as depression, having the courage to leave a bad marriage is sometimes exactly what’s needed.

Studies show that children do best in two-parent households. But they also show that kids do better in one-parent households than two-parent households with an inordinate amount of discord.

To be sure, children caught up in marital feuds are “are more likely to abuse alcohol, smoke or fall prey to other addictions, have poor social skills, higher levels of anxiety and low self esteem. They are 2 - 3 times more likely to divorce their partners than the general population,” Dr. Agrawal says.

Take for instance Sandra (name changed to protect privacy) who visited a psychiatrist with her husband Sandy (name changed). She was very possessive about Sandy and suspected him of an extra-marital affair. Sandy was a nice man extremely devoted to his wife.

However, her constant intrusiveness and suspicions led to frequent misunderstandings and fights, as a result of which Sandy started spending more time with his buddies and coming home late.

It was later learnt that her parents had separated when she was 10 years old. She was attached to her father who had never returned home after leaving for an overseas job. She had a similar fear that her husband would leave her, which explained her clingy behaviour.

Dr. Agrawal comments, “However, not every child of a divorcee will have such problems.”

Marital therapists advise preparing for married life. Fr.

Salvador says, “Getting married without sufficient knowledge and preparation could lead to divorce.”

The Marriage Preparation Programme, initiated by the Diocesan Family Service Centre (branches in Panjim and Margao) is a great step in this direction. This two-day course is meant for engaged couples and gives them tips on building a successful marriage.

Kavita Borker, psychologist and Head of Psychology Department, Chowgule College (Margao) says, “Marital discord reduces the couple to a single unit each, crumbles their world and even the smallest aspect poses a challenge.

However, if the couple is together, they can tackle any challenges that cross their paths.”

She suggests, “Nip any issue in the bud stage. Don’t shove it under the carpet. If unattended, it increases in complexity just as wounds fester. If necessary, do involve a third neutral party who can help to resolve matters amicably.” A third neutral party could be a counselor or spiritual leader who is well-trained to deal with such cases. 

12 Cover Story

everything you need to know about… and the summer season upon us

By Pedro Menezes

T

he new slogan of Goa’s Tourism Department ‘Kenna slow, Kenna fast’ (‘sometimes slow, sometimes fast!’), is an apt description of tourism in Goa. Tourism here has always had a topsy-turvy ride. Everybody has high hopes at the beginning of the season, though some are in tears at the end.

Was this past ‘high’ season a good one for Goa? It depends on who you ask. All those catering to budget travelers are walking away happy, as are those with establishments and services frequented

by Russians. But many high-end restaurateurs and other purveyors of haute diversion are not wearing a smile in these closing days of the 2013-2014 season.

“Business has been down by at least 40 percent this year,” said one owner of a fine-dine restaurant who, not wanting to make business even worse by publicly projecting pessimism, asked that his name not be used.

To be sure, actual tourist arrivals are up, even if most are not the highspending types many Goans would prefer. And many of the issues that are keeping higher spending tourists away – ubiquitous garbage, inadequate

infrastructure like roads and sewage, ridiculously high in-season hotel rates – are slowly but surely being addressed.

In the end, it’s too early to write off Goa as a preferred international tourist destination – and with continued political upheaval in rival destinations like Thailand and Egypt, there’s plenty of reason for optimism going forward.

State authorities are relentlessly promoting Goa as a tourist destination.

Beginning this week, Goa is hosting the Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) with participants from around 30 countries, so that even more tourists come to Goa. After a slow start, this season went into overdrive in January, followed by a slump and then a slight revival during carnival and Valentine’s Day, before slowing down again. This year some beachside restaurants and businesses in the coastal belt – Arambol, Morjim, Agonda, for instance - already shut shop in March, marking the end of the season for them. Others, though, are licking their lips in anticipation of the summer holiday season.

Summer is traditionally the time Goans settled in other places like Mumbai

14 Feature come back ‘home’ for holidays and Goans inside Goa head to the beaches for their annual ‘salt water baths’, which supposedly have healing properties.

The big event, though, is an annual festival promoted by the Goa Tourism Department usually held in the first week of May featuring sea food and entertainment. Summer time also means cashews and mangos, both of which are harvested during the summer months.

Many five-star resorts like the Alila Diwa Goa and the Park Hyatt in South Goa organise festivals promoting cashew feni and also food festivals around the mango.

Russians are now the biggest group of foreign tourists in Goa. Russian charter tourist arrivals slumped after violent protests by taxi owners in February and the cancellation of an Indo-Russian music festival in January received wide negative publicity in Russia. But those arrivals have again picked up in the CandolimCalangute beach belt. The southern belt of Colva-Cavelossim is also full of Russian tourists.

The government and others are going to pains to promote Goa as a year round destination. For some, the main attraction is sun and sand, while others see it as a party hot-spot. It’s also a cheap getaway for retirees – as with the older British tourist.

Local Goans in areas like Candolim are scrambling to keep up with the changing tourist landscape. Seby Fernandes, a Goan in Candolim whose family runs a restaurant, a small guest-house, a beach shack and also water sports, says, “The Russian tourists are different from say the British charter crowd. They’re mostly young couples who want to party, unlike the British charter crowd which is mostly retired people. The government should do something about the sound restrictions for nightclubs and open-air party spots and allow them to play music till late because this crowd likes to party.”

According to Ekaterina Belyakova, head of the Russian Information Centre in Goa, and a partner in an Indo-Russian charter tour company, Goa’s unique blend of “freedom, peace and positiveness” is what attracts people from Russia. “This atmosphere is one of the main treasures

of Goa for both residents and tourists, for anyone who loves Goa. We must protect this cultural treasure,” she says.

With all its faults, tourists often end up end up falling in love with Goa. Says one Sumit, a Delhiite I spoke to in Baga, “Goa has a relaxing vibe. This is a place where you do not want to leave. We loved the beaches, the churches and relaxing by the pool. I had always heard great things about Goa and always wanted to come.”

Shoma Gupta from Kolkatta said she was particularly impressed by Goa’s Portuguese heritage, especially the churches. “A visit to Goa is never complete without seeing its beautiful churches and chapels. We spent one full day exploring the churches.”

At this week’s inauguration of the GITM, Goa Governor Bharat Wanchoo spoke about the need to preserve the good things about Goa – from the environment to the culture. “We therefore need to promote sustainable and clean tourism which should in fact be our forte,” he said.

That’s, of course, easier said than done. Much of Calangute – Goa’s most popular beach destination - has changed, many say, for the worse. What was once a spectacularly beautiful fishing village with a magnificent beach front has now

Summertime... and the livin' is easy

deteriorated into an ugly, unplanned and disastrous sprawl. But the tourists, especially those with limited resources, still pour in – because of marketing and because ‘Calangute’ is the only place many of them have heard of.

Many locals bemoan the presence of legions of Indians of limited means inundating Goa, spending little and messing a lot. However, there’s another way to view this. People who a generation ago in places like Gujarat and Karnataka could never have even dreamt of taking a holiday in another state can now do so – a testament to the country’s overall economic growth. And as large numbers of Indians move from the lower classes to the middle classes, and from the middle to the high, we can expect even more visitors to Goa. And as long as we can find a way for our infrastructure to keep pace, with smart, well-planned strategies, it’s still possible to harness all this into better fortunes for all.

Although the first charters back in the early 1980’s were German, the British became the highest number of charter tourists by the year 2000, and now it’s the Russians’ turn to bask in the sun.

Michael Lobo, who represents Calangute constituency in the Goa Assembly, and also owns or has stakes in a number of resorts and restaurants, says tourists from richer countries like Norway, Denmark, Switzerland and France have stopped or reduced because the beaches have become dirtier, and there is garbage everywhere. Tourists from these countries, he said, are particular about cleanliness.

In the two years since he was elected, Lobo has managed to bring about some change by improving garbage collection

and starting work on a sewage treatment plant. The Goa government under Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has begun widening roads in the coastal tourist belts, among other infrastructure improvements.

Philomena Fernandes, a member of the Calangute panchayat, blames outsiders for bringing in negative influences like drugs and prostitution.

“It is because of this that the quality tourists which we used to get earlier have stopped coming,” she says.

Ekaterina says around 15% of the Russian charter tourists stay in five-star hotels. These folks, she says, tend not to venture out of their resorts, swimming or idling by the pool or relaxing on the beachfronts and sampling the restaurants and other facilities like yoga classes, ayurvedic massages, or sampling the wares in the shops within the resort. It’s the Russians of lesser means, apparently, who tend to spread the economic love to a wider area.

With the mining ban now in effect for more than a year and a half, tourism has taken on added importance as the state’s top revenue generator. Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar says the industry is still growing rapidly, with around three million tourists visiting Goa last year.

Foreign charter tourists are also increasing. According to figures provided

by Ralph De Souza, spokesperson for the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, 626 charter flights landed in the 200910 season, bringing in 1,37,790 foreign charter tourists. In comparison, in the ongoing 2013-14 season, more than 1,85,670 tourists have come from Russia alone on 766 flights. As of March 23, a total of 975 charter flights from different countries landed in Goa, bringing in 2,38,535 passengers.

To keep up with Goa’s tourism boom, the number of hotel rooms in the state is rising by about 10 percent a year, according to government figures. For the record, there are 2,872 hotels in the non-star rated category with 27,988 rooms and 50,732 beds. In the star-rated category, there are 49 hotels, including 23 five-star and five-star deluxe hotels, with 4,519 rooms and 8,370 beds. These government figures are as of June-end 2013.

Ekaterina predicts that more than a million Russian tourists will be visiting Goa in the next few years. Let’s hope they’ll be joined by more than a few Swedes, Germans and Indians with money to spend. 

15

Friday, April 4, 2014

The 5 Most Horrific Hollywood Animal Movies Ever Made In Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello’s humble opinion

By Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello

M

ost of us adore the furries and fishes, if not the slimies.

In the mood to have a unique silver screen experience other than your regular share of romance or comedy? Take a pick from any of these popular animal attack movies.

A real taste of Hollywood reel as you hold on to your seat in sheer fright and suspense…. Whether it is a gigantic gorilla smashing cars or a huge killer shark sinking its razor-sharp teeth into a human or an enormous beady-eyed hissing snake staring at you in the face, watch these man vs monster movies during your April summer vacations.

King Kong

A remake of the 1933 and 1976 film, this Peter Jackson’s film released in 2005 features an encounter with a colossal gorilla on Skull Island. A Kong loose in New York is shot down by fighter planes after he breaks free from his chrome-steel chains.

Though it ends in tragedy, the movie uplifts you with its beautiful human-beast (Kong-

Maxie’s Music & Dance Academy Maxie Miranda, an internationally renowned dance and music teacher, is offering Argentine Tango, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Forro dance classes; and in music Guitar, Keyboard and Voice training, all under one roof at Maxie’s Music & Dance Academy in the heart of the capital city Panjim, opp. Big G. Maxie has travelled extensively worldwide for his work, particularly in Latin America.

The summer batch of dance and music classes will begin from April 7. Oneto-one and group classes available.

For further details, Maxie may be contacted on 9011882880.

16 Feature April 4

Galleries of Note

Jute Bag Exhibition Vaxi self help group will be organizing an exhibition of jute bags, at all-India women`s conference hall of Institute Menezes Braganza.

At Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim +91 832 222 4143

Go back in time, visit San Thome Museum A real Jewel in Goa’s treasure chest.

Free entry, so go with as many friends as you like.

At Varca 9 am to 8 pm

Systemic Constellations Finding Love's Hidden Harmony At Literati Calangute 4.45 pm ot 7 pm +91 832 2277740

April 5 Art Exhibition

By Darshan Shetye At The Art Gallery, Kala Academy, Panjim 10 am to 7.30 pm +91 832 242 0450

April 4 and April 5 Vastrangan presents Exhibition & Sale of kurtis/ Kurtas/Salwars/ Suits/ Chudidars/ Dupattas/ Fabrics At HQ, Swatantra Path, Vasco 10 am to 7 pm +91 9823657232

April 4 to April 7 Furniture Fair Exclusive Interior & Decor Show A Taleigao Community Hall, Taleigao Panjim 10 am to 8.30 pm +91 9011058876

April 5 to April 15 Indian Folk Art & Miniature Art From The Seshah House, Collection At Cheshire Cat Gallery, Assagao 10 am to 6 pm +91 832 6510294

April 14 to April 21 Drawing Contest To mark the nationwide fire services day celebration, the Goa State fire and emergency services department are organising this Drawing competition, for the school students at every fire station in Goa. At Government Primary central School, Bicholim 3 pm to 5 pm

Till April 8 Zindagi, an Exhibition Of works by Aradhana Seth At Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim +91 832 2421311

Till 23 April Tuberculosis Exhibition To commemorate World TB Day, the Tuberculosis Association of Goa will organize its 19th annual exhibition on tuberculosis.

At Tuberculosis Association of Goa, 403, Nizari Bhavan, Menezes Braganza road, Panaji.

10 am to 5 pm +91 832 2434673.

Yahel Chirinian Interesting mosaic mirror sculptures At Monsoon Heritage Studio 9 am to 6 pm +91 9822122771 Gallery Gitanjali An elegant art gallery in Panjim’s Latin Quarter; definitely worth popping in when you’re in the area.

At Fontainhas, Panjim 9 am to 9 pm +91 9823572035 Panjim Art Gallery A dose of local culture: figurative, individual work by Goan artists.

At Panaji Art Gallery, Panjim 9 am – 8 pm +91 9822168703 Cheshire Cat Jewellery Gallery Fashionable wearables. It’s all about style ladies. Jewellery and accessories.

At Bairo Alto, Assagao.

10 am to 7 pm +91 9822580898 Gallery Attic More local talent on display: paintings

by Goan Artists. 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm Opposite Don Bosco, Panjim +91 832 2420929/+91 2257931 Art Chamber - Galleria de Belas Artes Featuring works by Goan artist Yolanda D’Souza and others. Whilst you’re there, check out their musical performances. At Gauravaddo, Calangute 10 am to 1 pm & 4 pm to 8 pm +91 832 2277144/ +91 9823217435 Arte Douro Art Gallery Even if you aren’t into serious art, check out these paintings on canvas, original and prints, international and local. At Porba Vaddo, Calangute 9 am to 9 pm +91 832 22882266/ +91 9822147148 Mario Art Gallery Original paintings and other memorabilia of the great Goan artist/cartoonist Mario Miranda.

Buy “The Life of Mario”, as well as prints, mounted prints, frames, tiles, mugs, card sets and other books.

At Salvador-do-Mundo, Porvorim area 9 am to 5.30 pm. +91 832 2410711 Sunaparanta- Goa Centre for the Arts The centre houses several exhibition galleries, a large multi-functional space for workshops and lectures, an inhouse film club, sketch club, studios, open air amphitheatre, pottery studio and an open courtyard that houses the Cafe Al Fresco. Open to the public, and the food at the Café is recommended, from 10 am to 6 pm, with brunch on Sunday At Altinho, Panjim +91 832 2421311

Big Foot Art Gallery Display of works by various artists from India and abroad.

At Loutolim 9 am to 6 pm +91 832 2777034 Surya Art Gallery Contemporary works - Goan canvas paintings & artifacts.

At Bandawalwada, Pernem +919404149764 Moksa Art Gallery Salvador’s paintings. Salvadore Fernandes, that is, and others.

At Naikawaddo, Calangute 9.30 am to 8.30 pm +91 832 2281121/ +91 9326717386 Casa Araujo Alvares A 250-year-old mansion showcases our heritage in Goa’s first automated sound & light museum.

At Big Foot, Loutolim 9 am – 6 pm. +91 832 2777034 Email: bigfoottrust@gmail.com Website: www.casaaraujoalvares.com Gallery Esperance Go back in time: Retrospective Art in Oils, Watercolors, Crayons Portraits, Landscape and Still Life Photographs.

Near the Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces Carpe Diem Carpe Diem, an art and learning centre in Majorda brings to lovers of art a number of exhibitions. Look out for the workshops there.

At Majorda 10 am to 6 pm. +91 8888862462 Fundação Oriente Art Gallery Permanent exhibition of paintings by Antonio Xavier Trindade (1870-1935) – a well-known Goan painter At Fontainhas, Panjim 10 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 5 pm +91 832 2230728/ +91 2436108 Garden Central Gallery Permanent exhibits, paintings and sketches by artist Derek Monteiro.

At Panjim From 10 am to 5 pm +91 9921372036 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 to 7 pm +91 832 2276017 Ancestral Goa A mock village depicting the culture & traditions of Goa from a century ago and perhaps even earlier. Great for history lovers.

At Loutolim 9 am to 6 pm +91 832 2777034

From page 15 Ann) relationship. A must-see: the action scene as Kong climbs the Empire State building. Got lots of leisure time? Grab this DVD to watch Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody in this marathon film lasting 3 hours and 7 minutes. Having won Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects, I don’t need to comment further.

Jaws

Love the deep blue waters? It’s one of those days where you feel bored and need to watch a thriller to scare the living daylights out of you…

Watch ‘Jaws,’ a great horror film starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss. Based on Peter Benchley’s novel, this 1975 thriller will make you fear the open seas. A gigantic white shark attacking innocent beachgoers on the shores of Amity Island is hunted down with the help of police chief and a marine biologist. Regarded as the one of the greatest movies of all times, Jaws won several accolades after which there were 3 sequels – Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D and Jaws: The Revenge. Though the mechanical shark used looks like a fake by today’s high standards of visual authenticity, Steven Spielberg has done a great job directing it.

Tremors

This monster film of 1990 casts Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward and Finn Carter, and the horror lies below the earth’s surface. Labeled as ‘Graboids’, these snakelike creatures have an acute sense of hearing that can detect the slightest vibrations on the ground. Realizing that they originate from a single source - a huge wormlike burrowing creature in the depths of the earth - the townsfolk use explosives to defend themselves against these monsters. This movie has 2 more sequels to it: Tremors 2: Aftershocks and Tremors 3: Back to Perfection and a prequel Tremors 4: The Legend begins... If you need a little relaxation mixed with edge-of-the-seat moments, it is Tremors for you. The sci-fi concept of these huge creatures just beneath your feet resonates, and so do the funny one-liners.

Anaconda

Starring the popular singer cum actress Jennifer Lopez, this adventure 1997 film features a National Geographic crew being kidnapped by a hunter who is out to capture a giant man-eating Anaconda in the Amazon rainforests. This reel of horror has quite a few technical goof-ups. But it doesn’t fail to make you squirm.

A few scenes of the voracious 40feet Anaconda swallowing human prey and vomiting it up might change your life forever. Overall, bad acting despite being a hit at the box office… There have been 3 sequels: Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid, Anaconda 3: Offspring, and Anacondas: Trail of Blood.

The Rise of the Planet of Apes

Released in 2011, this man vs beast movie is definitely an intriguing cinematic experience. A scientist at a biotechnology company, trying to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease through animal testing, raises a chimp (named Caesar, born of a tested laboratory chimp who gets killed) at his home. This chimp grows to be super-intelligent and leads an ape uprising after being told about his origins. Though the uprising might reek of revenge and hatred towards the human race, the compassionate side of Caesar and the bond shared by him with his master is touching. The ending conveys the subtle message that animals need their freedom in nature. Its sequel Dawn of the Planet of Apes is set to be released in July this year. 

Friday, April 4, 2014

March 30 to April 30

April 2 onwards

April 7 to April 11

Bungalow Eight summer Essentials pop-up Bistro style. at Baba's wood cafe, 49, Mala, Fontainhas, Panjim 0832-3256213, 0832-2421992

Story telling & Singing Classes Hungry Mind presents Do Re Mi, an eight session program on rhythm, singing and voice modulation for 5-8 year olds. Classes will be held on every Wednesday and Friday Hungry mind also presents Story-Telling Sessions to encourage kids to read. The sessions are ioen for children of ages 3 to 5. At Hungry Mind, Margao 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm +91 9158953432/ +91 9923103514

Easter Craft Workshop Get creative this Easter and learn to make eco-friendly Easter decorations At Naree Artisan Movement Centre, St. Inez, Panjim.

1st workshop from 7th-8th April from 3.00 p.m. - 5 p.m.

2nd workshop from 10th April-11th April from 3.00 p.m. - 5p.m.

For details please call 9423883396/7350822115

April 5 Interactive Session Interactive Session with Manish Pingle, Sandeep Mishra, Prasun Chatterje Organized by Samraat Club Panaji and Rotary Club Panaji in association with The International Centre Goa and Inner Wheel Club of Panaji At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula +91 832 2452810

April 6 Gardening Class If you don’t already have a green thumb, Ray’s Atelier Green Initiative will give you one. You will learn all about gardening, composting, potting plants, soil enrichment and manuring.

10 am to 5.30 pm At Ray’s Atelier, Colva +91 9604212769

April 8 Lecture cum Interactive Session On ‘Reclaiming the Idea of Government for the Poor’ By Harsh Mander At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula 6 pm to 7.30 pm +91 832 2452810 April 10 Discussion - Portuguese Language and Literature in Goa, Past, Present and future A compilation of articles presented at the National Level Seminar organized

by V.M. Salgaocar College of Law in association with Ismilda Research Consultancy At Fundação Oriente, Fontainhas, Panjim @ 5.30 pm +91 832-2230728, 2436108

April 1 to April 10 Sanskrit Course Sanskrit Bharati, Goa in association with Siddhartha Bandodkar Seva Pratishthan Panaji, will conduct a tenday course to promote Sanskrit speaking among people.

At Sharada Hall, near Mahalaxmi temple, Panjim 6 pm to 8 pm +91 9823945094

April 2 to April 11 Sewing and Embroidery Classes At Naree Artisan Movement Centre, St- Inez- Panjim 3 pm to 5 pm +91 9423883396/ +91 7350822115

April 2 to April 4 Goa International Travel Mart Goa Tourism will organize the 3rd edition of the Goa International Travel Mart, the prestigious B2B networking event. It aims at stimulating travel, tourism, hospitality, leisure and other related industries, both from within the country and outside.

At Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Goa University, Taleigao +91 9820912100

April 3 to April 8 Goa Consumer Expo Goa’s popular expo of Home & lifestyle products in back.

At SGPDA Ground, Margao 10.30 am to 9 pm. +91 9372723656

April 4 to April 6 Talent Scouting Camp Liverpool Football Club (LFC) International Football Academy - DSK Shivajans are starting their scouting campaign in Goa. Enthusiastic footballers can register online www.lfc-dskacademy.co.in or can also register at the venue on days of the trial. At Duler Stadium, Mapusa

April 5 to April 6 Goa Property Expo Besides some of the biggest names in the Goan real estate industry who will be participating, there will also be banks on hand to provide a variety of housing loan options to prospective buyers. At Ravindra Bhavan, Margao 10 am to 8 pm +91 9823014397/ +91 9822130067

April 12 to April 30 Windsurfing Training Camp The Goa Beach Sports Academy is organising its 4th Annual Windsurfing Training Camp.

At Hawaii beach, Dona Paula +91 832 2275173/ +91 9822122171

April 15 to May 15 Summer Crash Course One month crash courses will be conducted in basketball, football, keyboard, guitar, wushu, drums, and theatre acting. The students will be taught all the basics and advance skills comprising theory & practicals.

At St.Thomas H.s.s, Aldona +91 9823945094

April 21 to April 23 Goa State Chess Championship Jointly organised by Goa Chess Association, Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association and The International Centre Goa At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula +91 832 2452810

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

April 7 to May 22

Great Goan Experiences

Summer Camp 2014 Don Bosco Oratory, Panaji is organising its annual summer club 2014. This year the camp will feature coaching in 14 sports disciplines, training in 18 different talents and hobbies, 3 dance forms and a host of other camps and programmes. There will also be other parallel activities like a campfire, beach trek, night cycling etc.

At Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim +91 832 2221986

Birds & Breakfast Have your morning breakfast watching birds. The best time for bird watching is October to Mid April.

At Gauro Waddo, Calangute +91 832 2276711/ +91 9822149002 Horse Riding Majorda Beach Horse Riding It offers riding on Goa’s longest beach At Majorda 5 pm to 7 pm +91 9822586502

Goa Butterfly Park & Conservatory A small park on a hill that a great place to spot stunningly beautiful butterflies.

Near Tropical Spice Plantation, Ponda +91 832 2985174, +91 9822125474

Shamana Spa Relaxation. Re-Invigoration. Recreation.

At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim +91 832 3011603/ 1604

Canopy Eco – Tours Offering a wide variety of experiences including nature treks, butterfly tours, dragonflies and damselflies tours, plus boat safaris on the Zuari River as well as their original six unique birding tour.

At Housing Board Colony, Margao +91 9764261711, +91 9764052225

Lifestyle

The Bushmasters Owner Rahul Alvares is one of our state’s most experienced snake rescuers. Snake Watch programme costs Rs. 1600 per person inclusive of transport and breakfast.

At Almeida Vaddo, Parra 6.30 am to 9.30 am +91 9881961071

Top Spa in Goa Quan Spa Try signature treatments like Marine Algae Bath, Aroma Fusion Massage and Quan Foot Ritual.

At Goa Marriott, Panjim +91 832 246 3333 Serona Spa Ancient Ayurvedic and yogic healing traditions are infused with the revitalising allure of the Arabian Sea. At Arossim Beach, Cansaulim, Park Hyatt , Arossim +91 832 2721544 Snip Salon & Spa Be Inspired, Be Inspiring At Padmavati Tower, 18th June Road, Panjim +91 832 2420898 www.snip.co.in Sukho Thai Foot Spa Gaining a strong foothold in Goa At Calangute - +91 832 6511265 At Baga- +91 832 6511165 www.sukhothai.in Zara Spa The Luxury Spa At Tambudki, Arpora, Bardez 8 am to 8 pm +91 832 2267300/ www.zaaraspa.com Sohum Spa and Wellness An Absolute wellness spa At Kenilworth, Utorda, Salcete +91 832 6698888 www.kenilworthhotels.com Tatva Spa Elements The only family spa At Panjim, Margao, Dona Paula, Calangute, Ashvem, Candolim, Arpora +91 9325637431

Mandi - Your Indian Fix Mandi, meaning ‘market place’ in Hindi, features apparels, eco-friendly Ayurvedic fabrics, accessories, furnishings, Indian art, handmade paper and quirky ideas that you never imagined.

At Betalbatim behind Jasmine Hotel in South Goa. +91 9545500938.

Paper Boat Collective Specializing in ceramics, textile, furniture, clothes, children items and more!

At Bella Vista, Chogm Rd, Sangolda From 10.30 am to 8.30 pm +91 832 6521248 Solberg A Scandinavian Designer in Goa At Pedro Martina Resorts, Gaura Vaddo, Candolim +91 9822364978 Bebel Boutique Designer fashion accessories At Opp. St Anthony Chapel, Calangute +91 832 6451489 TukTuk 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 Fabindia The shop is famous for ready-to-wear garments for men, women, teenagers and children At Dattawadi, Mapusa 10 am to 8 pm +91 832 2253585 Artjuna An unusual boutique in an old Portuguese villa showcasing, among other items, leather crafts. Also features a lovely outdoor café At Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna 9 am to 6 pm +91 9822686640 People Tree The first outlet in Goa, creating and selling contemporary crafts and cool clothing At Saunta Vaddo, Assagao 11 am to Midnight +91 832 2268091/ +91 9582018969

18 Wheels on Streets Beyond Status and Performance

The all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé launched in India Latest addition to the BMW M Range, the Ultimate Four-Door High-Performance Sports Coupé presents a new experience of luxury in an M car.

T

he all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé, the ultimate four-door high performance sports coupé, was launched in India today at the new BMW Group Training Centre.

The all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé is available at BMW dealerships across India as a CBU (Completely Built-Up) unit from today onwards.

Mr. Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India said, “Seemingly unstoppable, compellingly sporty, a singular presence – the all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé does not follow conventional rules, it sets new standards. What makes the all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé particularly extraordinary is its combination of superior elegance with the comfort and functionality of a four-door saloon and its prowess as a top-class high-performance sports car. With its dynamic expression and luxurious appearance, the all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé is not just the most attractive coupé in its class, it also provides the best everyday usability.”

The new flagship of BMW M, the all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé is a vision of poise and assurance combining hallmark M high-performance refinement with captivating aesthetics, an opulent ambience and a comfortably-sized cabin with ample space even for

D

rear passengers.

The all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé is available in a petrol variant at an all India ex-showroom price of INR 17,540,000. ­­­The all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé.

The all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé boasts extraordinary presence and breathtaking design with sporty and elongated lines and many M-specific characteristics. The front is dominated by large air inlets, Adaptive LED Headlights and the redesigned double-slat M kidney grille in chrome with M6 badge.

The low roofline flowing smoothly into the rear, the swage line and side windows extending well into the C-pillars accentuate the dynamically stretched silhouette.The aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors and exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels

SK Hyosung introduced the GT250 R with refreshed looks which embodies a new headlamp design elements and sporty graphics. The GT250 was the entry level motorcycle before the launch of the Aquila Pro 250.

The new GT250 R comes with three exciting colour options of Red Titanium, White Titanium and Black Titanium each of which will be available in three tone shade.

The Big Boy, powered with a V twin-cylinder and an oil-

in double-spoke design underline the car’s distinctive appearance, as does another M signature – twin exhaust tailpipes positioned on the outer edges of the rear apron. The diffuser in the rear apron, crafted from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), optimises under-body airflow.

The M TwinPower Turbo eight-cylinder petrol engine in the all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé is the most powerful of all the standard BMW engines and is distinguished by its enormous performance, outstanding power delivery, running smoothness and free-revving character. The 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology combines two TwinScroll turbochargers with Valvetronic, Double-VANOS and High Precision Injection to develop an output of 412 kW/560 hp and an impressive torque of 680 Nm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/hr takes 4.2 seconds and top speed is 250 km/h.

With BMW EfficientDynamics, the all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé sets benchmark when it comes to the performance-to-fuel-consumption ratio equipped with a comprehensive technology package including features such as Intelligent Lightweight Construction, Automatic Start/Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution and many other innovative technologies.

cooled 4-stroke engine, the GT250 R produces 27.6 Bhp of maximum power at 10000 rpm, and 22.07Nm of maximum torque at 8000 rpm. The bike is priced at Rs. 2.76 lakhs ex-showroom.

The Big Boy will be retailed through all 36 DSK Hyosung brand outlets spread across the country and via Kar Motors which is the sole dealer in Goa.

Engine

Max Power Max Torque Fuel System Transmission LxWxH Wheel Base Brake Suspension Tyre Mass Top Speed

4 Stroke, DOHC 8 Valve 75O V-Twin 249 CC, Oil Cooled 28 BHP @ 10000 rpm / 20.59 KW @ 10000 rpm

22.07 Nm @ 8000 rpm Fuel Injection 5 speed

2090 x 700 x 1130 mm 1435 mm

F: 300 mm Hydraulic double disc brake; R: 230 mm Hydraulic single disc brake F : Inverted Telescopic ; R : Progressive Linkage Hydraulic Mono shock suspension F: 110/70 -17 54h R: 150/70 -17 69h 188 Kg

40 Kmph

Feature 19

Friday, April 4, 2014

By Perin Ilavia

I

f you’re gay, are you a criminal?

Because you’ve made love to a consenting adult?

In India, the answer is yes. And let’s face it, this law is ludicrous.

We now know through science and empirical research that people do not choose to be homosexual. We are born gay, straight or something in between.

Therefore, outlawing homosexuality is akin to making it illegal to have been born.

Unfortunately, here in India we’re not arguing about whether the government should recognize gay marriage, the main debate in much of the world these days.

We’re still discussing whether it’s OK to BE gay – something we should be well past by now.

Last year, the Indian Supreme Court overturned a Delhi High Court judgment decriminalizing homosexual acts, saying Chapter XVI, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code should be a matter left to Parliament, not the judiciary. This Section 377 dates back to 1861; it criminalises sexual activities “against the order of nature”, including homosexual acts.

So our Supreme Court has now ruled that if homosexuality and bisexuality are to be considered “natural”, Parliament will have to amend the law.

Those who think homosexuality is a modern phenomenon or an import from

Western countries need to know that the first record of homosexuality in history are Kynumhotep and Niankhkhnum - an Egyptian couple.

Homosexuality has been written about in the Kama Sutra, recorded since approximately 600 BC in China, Greek mythology, Mayans, Aztecs, Islamic Era and Latin American civilizations.

Primates and other animals, birds, fish, even gut worms can be homosexual.

Musicians, actors, artists, dancers, fashion designers, white collar professionals, are law-abiding and homosexual. Edward III, Socrates and Lord Byron were gay.

In India, homosexuality and group sex was practiced among the tribals.

The ‘shamans’, tribal priests revered as having extraordinary powers, had sex with men.

India has gay magazines, gay clubs, websites, parades, but the reaction in conservative Indian society to same sex relationships is, ‘stay away, they are unnatural’. Homosexuality is not a mental disorder. There is no evidence to support theories attributing sexual orientation to family dysfunction, trauma or inherent psychopathology. Gays are normal people, good looking, intelligent, creative, sensitive, committed to their partners and friends. Many fear aging and their partner looking for a younger man or woman.

The anti-gay ruling in India corresponded with similar homophobic

moves in Russia and several African countries. And it came at a time when many countries around the world, especially the United States, are undergoing a sea change when it comes to attitudes about gays. Many societies have moved to legalize gay marriage, athletes and performers are increasingly ‘coming out’, and acceptance by mainstream society is becoming the norm.

“People deserve to live in freedom of equality, and should not fear violence or discrimination for who they are, and who they love,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said recently in response to a move by Nigeria mandating 14-year prison sentences to gays who attempted to marry.

The Netherlands has approximately 16,000 same sex married couples, the highest in the European Union. After stiff opposition, Queen Elizabeth cleared the way for same sex marriage in the UK. Belgium, Canada, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Portugal, Argentina, France, Brazil, have legalized same-sex marriage, as have many U.S. states.

In an effort to abolish sexual discrimination, Nepal established a committee that studied the laws across the world in 2007. The South Asian country is now a happy haven and honeymoon destination for sexual minorities. Sunil Pant was Nepal’s first gay M P. All that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily easy to be gay in Nepal, especially for lesbians who often struggle

against patriarchal attitudes and such issues as forced marriage.

The Vatican has always disfavored homosexuality. Pope Francis has not moved away from that position, despite having refocused the church’s priorities away from divisive social issues and toward helping the poor.

In 2013 the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans (LGBT) and Intersexual Association listed about 80 countries that ban gays.

All this homophobia, of course, hasn’t stopped our own state of Goa from attracting a good number of LGBT’s.

Goa has long been a favourite get-away for a holiday or honeymoon for this community. The first publicly declared gay wedding in Goa sent shock-waves among conservatives, not only in Goa, but around the country. Many commended fashion designer Wendell Rodrick’s decision to be open about his identity and marry his partner.

Few think anyone will actually be able to enforce India’s ban on homosexuality.

However, the latest Supreme Court ruling can easily lead to increased harassment of gays by police and others. It’s a terrible set-back to the work of activists who dread the ammunition it provides to homophobes. The outdated law encourages discrimination in housing, education and employment. Not to mention how gays and their families feel about being considered ‘criminals’ in the eyes of the law. 

20

Cashew Trail 2014

Goan Afternoon Tea and Masters of Food and Wine – Revisiting Goan traditions at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa

P

ark Hyatt Masters of Food and Wine is a series of sophisticated culinary and beverage experiences hosted at Park Hyatt locations around the world.

On Day 4 of Cashew Trail, the annual harvest celebration at Park Hyatt Goa, guests savoured a five-course Goan degustation dinner where each course was artfully paired with an exclusive collection of Feni from the Vaz Estate of Madame Rosa Distillers.

The evening was a culinary journey soused in traditions and told a story of pioneering distillers and family heirloom. The highlight of the evening’s menu was the sea bass peri peri, dry prawn fou paired with cashew feni 3 years old, single oak bourbon cask and a delectable modern interpretation of the classic Goan desserts: bebinca, dodol and alle belle, served with the exquisite cashew feni 5 years old, single oak port cask.

Day 3 of Cashew Trail offered the ladies a laidback afternoon with an inspiring book reading by author Katharina Kakar from her book ‘Moving to Goa’. In keeping with the essence of the Cashew Trail celebration, the quintessential afternoon tea was refashioned, borrowing from local culinary

traditions. The decadent confections and delicate savouries used elements of the cashew fruit, and were accompanied by a choice of teas.

While the ladies enjoyed the afternoon soirée, young guests had a fun afternoon at a junior master class.

To know more about the annual Cashew Trail, please call +91 8322721234 or email parkhyattgoa@hyatt.com.

Stay up to date with the festivities on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and Instagram.

“The challenges of the global economy have not deterred Marriott from its commitment to be an environmentally-friendly company.”

– Bill Marriott

T

he Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, together with its staff and esteemed clientele, wholeheartedly observed Earth Hour recently from 8.30pm to 9.30 pm. All lights in the lobby were extinguished, lighting it up with the assembled candles instead. All non-essential lights in restaurants and outlets were switched off, and essential lights were dimmed, having provided candles on each table; the resultant intimacy and cozy ambience were added features that helped to enhance the whole experience. A cake was cut by the poolside to commemorate the occasion, and sky lanterns were released into the night sky as a symbolic gesture.

Guests were appreciative of the hotel’s commitment

towards the environment and gladly supported the cause.

Since the resort participated in this cause for the sixth year running, the hotel Associates were familiar with the process. Guest letters were sent to rooms, explaining the concept of this initiative, if they wished to participate. All associates were briefed and urged to get involved, so that they could elaborate in case a guest wanted to know more about the initiative.Adequate security measures were also implemented in order to ensure guests’ safety.

Feature 21

Friday, April 4, 2014

Congress in Goa Power is a lot of fun for those who have it.

But voters are not amused.

By Goa Streets

B

arring an incredibly unexpected surprise, let’s not hold our breath for a Congress victory this election season in Goa. That in itself is something of a surprise, given the BJP’s eminently flawed national candidate and the spectacle the AAP has made of itself since grabbing the national spotlight.

The bottom line? In the minds of many of us, Congress is too corrupt, too caught up in petty politics, too associated with old ways and too power hungry to deserve our vote. On the other hand, with opponents like the BJP and the AAP, sometimes these folks can seem like the only adults in the room, moderate and sober-minded.

Much unlike the BJP, the Congress in Goa is a conglomerate of loosely bound local chieftains, each of whom thinks of himself as larger than the ideal, larger than the party.

This, one can argue, has been both a boon and a bane, but has made the Congress what it is today.

The Congress leaders of today, be they former legislators, ministers or chief ministers, began their political careers either as independent candidates running on the plank of their individual performance or with local political outfits that today have ceased to exist, ‘merged’ with some larger party, or perhaps exist only nominally.

What better example do we have than the Congress’ two candidates - Ravi Naik and Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenço? While the former began his political career with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, the latter began his with the Save Goa Front, a regional outfit launched by Churchill Alemão, now the party’s most famous deserter who has joined the Trinamool Congress.

The story of the two candidates is like that of every Congress leader worth his salt today. The modus operandi is simple and is a strategy that has been tried and tested with much success in coastal areas of North Goa and Salcete in the South.

An individual decides to run for office.

Since he cannot be given a ticket by either of the major political parties, who already have established candidates, he will contest as an independent, on a ticket of a regional outfit or float his own. On account of being a new face, showing promise, he will defeat the incumbent Congress candidate and earn the title “giant killer”. Once the circle of five years passes and the next elections

come around, if he hasn’t joined the Congress already he will be invited to and be given the Congress ticket, on account of his popularity. The incumbent who he had defeated earlier will either be placated with a party post or will fade into oblivion.

It is not surprising then that the Grand Old Party finds itself rankled by internal squabbling among its local chieftains, each of whom believes that his or her personality, and not the party he represents, will hold sway over his constituents.

“It’s a blessing for the Congress that the BJP’s projecting Narendra Modi, the face of the fascist communal agenda of the party to be its Prime Ministerial candidate,” said Cedric da Costa, an independent candidate who unsuccessfully contested the Margão seat against the then incumbent Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

In the Catholic dominated South Goa Parliamentary constituency, da Costa said Congress is banking on people’s fear of the BJP, its Hindu nationalism and the spectre of Modi as prime minister.

They’re hoping the issue of secularism will trump that of corruption, he said.

Working against that strategy, of course, is the fact that the BJP has been quite successful in wooing Goa’s Catholic community – including roping in Catholics as BJP candidates. However, it’s also clear the BJP-Catholic honeymoon is largely over.

Da Costa is disillusioned that among the faces at the Congress campaigns is

that of Digambar Kamat, who he says lorded over the Rs 35,000 crore mining scam in the state. “[In] Kamat’s Congress, corruption was so rampant that it drove Goans including the clergy towards the BJP and now after two years of BJP rule, they seem to have seen enough of Manohar Parrikar,” da Costa surmised.

True to da Costa’s analysis, the BJP has had to go on the defensive in its state campaign. Rather than promoting Modi, the party leaders have been speaking of the achievements of Manohar Parrikar as well as promises of what he will achieve.

This after the Catholic Church did not mince words when asking the faithful to exercise their franchise in favour of ‘secular candidates.’ No prizes for guessing who they were suggesting not to vote for.

Parrikar’s own admission that the people should vote for the BJP “to strengthen the hand of the state government” pointedly leaves out a call to support Modi, portraying a decidedly local angle instead.

While in the South the Modi factor may work in favour of the Congress, not necessarily so in the North where Catholics are in a minority and the Congress candidate fails to inspire confidence after having come under heavy criticism during his tenure as Home Minister in the previous state government.

While the South Congress candidate Reginaldo can claim a clean image, not so Ravi, whose name has been dragged in

unfavourably in relation to the policepolitician-drug-peddler-nexus mentioned in the case of slain British teenager Scarlett Keeling.

“BJP may just about pull through in the North on account of their committed voters,” said Francis Pais, a restaurateur in North Goa. Unlike the Congress, the BJP in Goa is larger than individual party leaders.

Being a cadre-based party, its workers do not keep shifting alliances based on which local leader is where.

However, the fact that the Congress’ Ravi Naik could split average Hindu voters, the core base of the BJP, is leaving political pundits guessing.

Disillusionment with the local BJP government will weigh in Ravi’s favour, said Yatish Naik, a local campaigner.

“Corruption levels in the BJP government are at the same levels that they were during the Congress government and there is no action being taken against any of the ministers involved in it,” Naik said.

“The people are feeling betrayed and they will show it this elections,” he contended.

Fortunately for the Congress, it does not face internal squabbling in the North and all of the Congress leaders have rallied by their candidate.

A question however remains. Who will a voter disillusioned with the BJP and uninspired by a tainted Congress candidate vote for in the North? Could be an AAP candidate with questionable credentials. But don’t count on it. 

22 Feature

By Ethel Da Costa Chasing Charles & Keith Who could forget Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw proclaiming “Hello, lover!” to a pair of shoes in a store window?

I’m back from the mall. My plastic has been taken to the launders and back, and how. As I walk into my home, greeted at the door by Princess Coco (our male dog) wagging his threatening-to-fall-off tail at full throttle speed, my bags laden with shoes, make-up, accessories and other killer purchases that could put a government salary to utter shame. I’d be close to living on sandwiches for the rest of the month. A strange kick in my brain has sent out all my girl hormones into a `happy feel good’ tizzy. I’ll wake up to a heartache in the morning with the bills my madness has cost me. But oh boy!!

Who cares about tomorrow? For now, I love the afterglow.

If `Sex and the City’ made shoe obsession an accepted norm for the seriously addicted to stiletto victims, I’ve set the bar madder by choosing general well-being over losing control like a manic who needs her fix at the shoe store, so god help the attendants around me. Who, I suspect, secretly love the puppy face when they see me caress a heel like a baby just fed, discuss stitch over zip in detail, explain platform over comfort and pin thin heels over spine spinning issues. Which are a plenty in Goa, if you know what I mean (wink).

Who cares about pain when you step out all dressed up on to rickety pavements the municipality calls footpaths, right?!!

No matter that you could lose a toe, break an ankle, twist your torso out of shape, or worse, fall on your face and permanently achieve brain damage and a broken nose if you miss your step?!! Have you seen how our footpaths have become pedestrian nightmares, ever since bikers on speed have been taking out the fellow man and woman walking home, or taking a harmless stroll post a night meal?!!

Yes, whilst safely walking on footpaths provided by our city authorities, who I’m guessing don’t wear high heels!! None of the roads and their sorry paved toebreakers, are shoe friendly. Least of all for women. You can imagine our plight when eyes-glued-to-the-footpath-lestyou-break-a-glitter leaves you an open target to bingtas in Trax Tourists tempos who think an easy shoulder-brush could always be blamed on your tottering posture, whilst we maneuver already narrow foot roads.

Pfft!! Rowdies who have no fear for our local laws or cops - who are busy on chai breaks anyway even whilst Dial 100 perpetually rings a shrill siren stating crimes against women in Goa have gone through the roof and off the Chief Minister’s election manifesto.

Our roads have turned into killer Mad Max highways with psychos high on testosterone, their systems brimming with alcohol. Good that the RTO is now locking up parents along with their crazed juveniles who still wear teenage diapers, yet ride super bikes their insecure, flashy parents buy them. Go feed the poor instead, people.

Like every common citizen, I battle tuk-tuk woes every single day, heels or not, to work and back, even as the Transport Department dilly-dallies on whether enforcing meters would ease out daylight travel ransoms we poor public-transportusers are forced to bear, just to reach from A to B. With no political will or spine to show that they mean business,

lest the vote-bank lose favour, Goa’s political machinery swings to save face and gout, each time a petty local political brawl does a Russian Roulette (very seriously pun intended), backfiring on the already struggling Goan economy.

Forget that with all the potholes you could actually break a vertebra (did somebody blame high heels?), or, worse, make Spondylitis your ex mother-in-law who just won’t get run down by a bus. You wake up with a semipermanent pain in the neck, thinking instead a stiletto to the head would perhaps be a better idea.

If you are partying up North, ladies wear heels that come undone pronto.

Comes handy when the urge to hit a leachy tourist presents itself. I advise fling it anyway. Though at a recent party with DJ Norman Doray, a bunch of hysterical girls did furiously hop dance and fist pump with shoes in their hands, while I wondered if `mind-yourhead-on-the-dance-floor’ should perhaps be a cautionary clubbing checklist. DJ Doray killed it with his energy and record chartbusters, while the same bunch of women were found behind closed doors in the `ladies’ spilling guts into toilet, as I made a hasty retreat for fresh air. The things these tourists put you through!!

As I’m writing, Princess Coco is watching me with loopy eyes.

Now that he’s chewed through a series of

glitter flip-flops like a mental, I have safe vaulted my heels out of reach, can’t say for how long. Karma is a bitch, warns my daughter with a smirk. I make a hasty note. Calls for a booby trap.

I hope Chief Minister Parrikar is a shoe person. Could he pay heed to the quality of our roads and pavements, like hello!! Shoe control is like women’s empowerment. It makes us sure footed.

Cheerio then darlings.

“People walk differently in high heels.

Your body sways to a different kind of tempo.” Manolo Blahnik

Ethel Da Costa: Is a Goa based acknowledged Fashion, Lifestyle, Music writerjournalist, Radio Head, Creative Entrepreneur, Media and PR Consultant, Fashion Stylist, commentator and columnist of all things political and socially incorrect. She is the founder of Think Geek Media Entertainment, a label for music, fashion, lifestyle and media. She has worked with Femina, The Times of India, Radio Mirchi 98.3FM, the International Film Festival of India, OHerald Publications among others.

She is the recipient of the ‘The Pillar of Hindustani Award 2011’ by the Trans Asian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TACCI) Mumbai and the ‘Jaycee Creed Award 2013’ for her contribution to media. She is the author of Eve’s Revenge: Stories of Nemesis (2008), with a sequel in the making.

Email: etheldacosta@gmail.com Website: http://about.me/ etheldacosta Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/ethel.costa.3 Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/ in/etheldacosta