issuu 35

Thursday, July 4, 2013 | Vol. No. I | Issue 35 | Price Rs. 10 | Pages 24 | www.goastreets.com

A26 rocks • pg 3 Kebab festival • pg 7 Beyond mining: Goa’s economy • pg 11

Monsoon Adventures Goa in the rains Goa’s Twitter Champ 18 • Marooned in Sattari 19 • Laugh for health 21

Thursday, July 4, 2013

streetspicks Sharik Hasan Quartet at Malts & Wines in Baga The Sharik Hasan New York Quartet is coming up at Malts & Wines in Baga on Saturday July 6, 9 pm onwards. Sharik Hasan is one of the leading pianists and composers of his generation to emerge from India. He spent several years studying jazz and classical music in France and the USA while also working in Indian classical musical traditions. Also in the band is Adam Larson, a rising star in the New York jazz scene. Described by critic Howard Reich of The ChicagoTribune as “a player for whom the word ‘prodigious’ was coined,” Larson is currently a faculty member for Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Alliance in New York. Quartet member Philippe Lemm was born in Amsterdam and has performed at festivals such as North Sea Jazz Festival. Raviv Markovitz won 3rd place in the 2011 International Society of Bassists Jazz Bass Competition and was selected as one of 15 semifinalists for the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Bass Competition.

The concert is presented by Armando Gonsalves of Heritage Jazz.

On July 6, 9 pm.

At Malts & Wines, Baga bridge, Baga, Calangute.

Music Fever and Artis3 at Zuperb Dine and dance to the world melodies of Music Fever band featuring Jonathon and Nashvin at Zuperb in Calangute. They have live music events every Friday and Tuesday. At ‘Zuperb Tuesdays’ you can sing and swing with the band Artis3 featuring Anthea, Bosco and Sammy. On certain days, you can even request them to play your favourite songs. 7.30 pm onwards.

Zuperb, Gauravaddo, Off Holiday Street, Calangute 9869076107, 9820134503, 9833156510

Hotel Fidalgo’s Magnificent Two Looking for live music entertainment in the heart of Panjim? Try the Hotel Fidalgo. There’s an international live music band there which plays in the Chilli N Spice restaurant. Called Magnificent Two, it consists of two lovely Filipino singers belting – and when we say belting, we mean it - out pop and rock hits. You can make requests – and they might even be able to sing your Hindi song favourites.

The action is from 8 pm to 11 pm. But if it’s Hindi you really want, then you should head to their O Goa restaurant which has different performers on different nights singing the latest Hindi hits and old classics too. They also have local musicians singing Konkani songs on some nights.

At Hotel Fidalgo, 18th June road, Panjim.

832 – 2226291

Feel like a rock star In the mood for karaoke? Karaoke is one of the best ways to have fun! Just hold up the mike and feel like a rock star. Join in at this place to croon out your favourite Hollywood melodies as your friends cheer for your singing. Unleash the singer in you and shed all your inhibitions. By the way, who wudda thunk it? Mapusa has a nightlife.

On Friday, July 5 7:30 pm Appetite Classic, Housing Board, Mapusa.

9823107114, 9823008135

Ghazals on the casino boat

The rains put you in the mood for ghazals and some sublime Urdu?

All you need to do is head to the Casino Carnival. Treat yourself to a blasting mix of fun, frolic and music. They promise you an enjoyable and eclectic performance by the immensely talented and renowned singer, Subhan Shah. The artist will present some amazing Ghazal and mehfil hits, they say.

Thursday, July 4, 7 pm.

832 2222094, 8888864347, 8888807256, 8888864346

A26I A hot dance band in Goa

By Jonathan Rodrigues

f you happened to roam around the lanes of Baga this past week and heard some fusion of African beats resounding from House No: A-26, youmay have just had a sneak-peek into one of Goa’s most popular bands rehearsing for their show in Africa.

This team of gifted musicians has set the bar high for live bands in the state. Their keyboardist can play the trumpet, the bassist can hypnotize you with a flute, and the lead guitarist also plucks at bass. Along with the above, a versatile drummer, a powerful female singer and a charismatic guitarist-manager make up the A26 troupe, which is today considered to be one of the best dance bands in the state. Formed in 2009, the band takes its name from the number of the Baga house where they practice. A26 has left many fans spellbound, as they testify on the band website www.a26india.com. Streets caught up with Lester Rodrigues, the band’s guitarist and manager, for a candid chat.

Turn to page 5

music & nightlife | 03 A26 band aims high

lowdown | 06 food | 07 Kebab festival

Clubs/Bars/Lounges/

Every Tuesday

Raissa’s Sheesh Mahal Lounge

Retro & all Time Hits

Club IANOS

Every Wednesday

Delicious food and lovely music At Margao @ 10 am to 11.45 pm +918322712899 Club & Global Cuisine Calangute, Baga Road 0832 6528283

feature | 11 Beyond mining- The Goan Economy

July 5 Dine and Dance

cover story | 12 Monsoon tourism

To world melodies of “Music Fever” (Jonathon and Nashvin) @ 7.30pm onward.

At Zuperb, Calangute +91 9869076107

On-going

arts & entertainment | 15 Marathi Film Fest

feature | 18 Streets twitter contest

feature | 19 Stranded in Ambeli

sex | 20 Kamasutra positions

Pickled Mango

Multi Cuisine serving culinary delights from around the world with different music themes every night. Môn: music fever. Tue: in-house music. Wed: karaoke burning. Thur: in-house music. Fri: one man band by Joe. Sat: karaoke burning. Sun: in-house music. @ Resort Rio, Arpora @ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918322267300

Souza Lobo

give back | 22 Homes for special kids

At Soul Souffle, Uddear, Verna @ 8 pm +918322782100/ +919404312100

Russian Ecstasy Nights At Radisson Blu sort, Cavelossim beach @ 9 pm +918326726666/ +918888061199

Jam Session

A musical adventure with Goa’s one & Only Zezhinio At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm +91 9820820254

Retro, Rock n Roll & Old School With DJ Saby Fernandes spinning Retro, Rock n Roll At Resort Rio, Tambudki, Arpora From 8 pm to 10.30 pm +919552538203/ +919011015959

Wednesday Nights

Fort Aguada Beach Resort

Music, games & barbeque At Soul Souffle, Verna @ 7 pm to 10 pm 2782100, +91 9764694321

Mon: Estella Pinto. Tue: Mac Dorado. Wed: Estella Pinto. Thur: Savio. Fri: Darryll. Sat: Natasha.

At Sinquerim, Candolim @ 7.30 pm +918326645858 Authentic seafood and Goan cuisine along with live music every week. Môn: Shane.

Tue: Karaoke by Jonny. Wed: karaoke Francis Paul. Thur: Ashley. Fri: Karaoke by Johnny.

Sat: Shane. Sun: Kenny, Bonny.

At Betalbatim @ 8 pm. +918322880061

Your heart needs a good laugh

Ladies Night

Oldest restaurant on Calangute beach With live music in the evenings. Different music themes every night. Môn: Nelson & Leo. Tue: Nezz and Neka. Wed: Lui one man band. Thur: Nelson and Leo. Fri: Just Leo. Sat: Victor & Sol. Sun: Valentino.

At Calangute Beach @ 8 pm +918322281234

Martin’s Corner

feature | 21

Retro hits played by DJ Aggie At Radisson Blu Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 pm onwards +918326726677 / +91 8888061199

Night By Night Every Monday Hindi music

At O’ Goa, Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim @ 8 pm to 11 pm 2226291

Featuring DJs David and Ashley At Kamaki, Baga @ 7.30 pm +91 9923093408/ +918322276520

Every Thursday Thursday Grill and Games

Every Friday Ladies Night and Hoteliers Special At Radisson Blu Resort Cavelossim @ 9 pm +918326726666/ +918888061199

Every Friday Blu Nights

At F cube, Lounge- Disco, Arpora +91 832 2275796

Every Sunday Retro Metro

with DJ Melroy, DJ Xavier and DJ Gabby At F cube, Lounge- Disco, Arpora +91 832 2275796

Thursday, July 4, 2013

From page 3

Onshore

Offshore

Crown Casino is Goa’s latest addition to the fast growing gaming industry. Owned and managed by SOL Entertainment Private Limited (A Sugal&Damani Group Venture), the casino is located in one of the award-winning 5 star hotels in North Goa where patrons can enjoy a panoramic view of the Mandovi River from the glass walls of the casino. The Crown Casino offers a range of table games.

12:00 noon-06:00am | All days Behind Old Secretariat, 1st Floor, The Crown Goa, Bairo Alto Dos Pilotos, Jose Falcao Road, Panaji.

9158883461, 0832 2222822/2222833

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

Casino Royale

Casino Royale Goa is India’s largest and most luxurious offshore gaming vessel. Anchored in the Mandovi, Casino Royale Goa 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 2433289.

Casino Pride

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

JR: A26 is quite literally a pack of aces who have shared history with other bands. As individuals, have the band members experimented with other jobs besides music?

LR:Abigail our female vocalist … is Assistant HR Manager at the Goa Marriott. Grayston (ex ‘Big City Band’) is a full time musician with A26 besides lending his talent to many artists from Goa and outside in recording studios around the country. Marwino (ex‘Fantasy’) teaches music in his music studio at home and has a professional choir that performs for wedding masses.

Alfin (ex ‘Band Wagon’) is a composer and recording artist. He composed and arranged all the music for the Christian Opera “Carpenter’s Cross”. He used to be the production head at Radio Mirchi handling their advertising jingles and their programs. Joe (ex ‘Archies’, ‘Lynx’) is a full time drummer with A26. He also makes and modifies drum-kits as a hobby and a business. I myself run an event company with my wife Sunita.

JR: Goan culture has traditionally encouraged youngsters to take to music as a hobby and passion. What are the ingredients that would make Goan musicians shine on a national platform?

LR:Goa is music, art and culture by itself. It’s a blessing for any musician to be in Goa. What Goa needs though, are artists that can stand up to artists from outside the state, in terms of commitment, creativity, hard work, professionalism and performance. If music is a hobby then it’s fine to treat it like a pastime. But if it’s a passion, then we need to work much harder to get to where we want to go.

JR: How have you all battled the hurdles to stay together as a band?

Has your career in music- the lifestyle and late nights affected your family

lives or marriages?

LR:There were challenges along the way and there still are. Our strength is the attitude of all my musicians in the band. Besides the immense talent that all of them have; our biggest asset is the highly enthusiastic and positive attitude.

We are very strict about practice. All the guys travel all the way from South Goa to North Goa for practice nearly every day when we are not playing. Abigail comes in after a long day at work. That’s passion and commitment. Besides that we’re all really close friends. Our families are very supportive. It hasn’t really affected our family lives except for the fact that we travel away from home and we miss them.

JR: Today people engage a DJ for a wedding instead of a live band. Is sophisticated recorded music stealing the show from a live performance?

LR:DJs from abroad are also very skilled musicians and play instruments.

It requires equal amount of skill and practice to be a fantastic DJ too. We play club music in the band too and have started using technology to our advantage in terms of using samplers, drum and pattern loops and different sounds. The combination of both has worked absolutely well for many events.

I think there is a healthy competition between the bands and the DJ’s. This competition drives us both to outdo each other musically. Healthy competition is good for us to improve and come out with better ideas. The edge that a band has is that there is an audio and a visual appeal and the connection between the crowd and the musicians is indispensable.

JR: Is there a particular genre of music A26 connects more with? What kind of music do you all like playing?

LR:Any artist that has a song that makes me get up and say wow, whatever Turn to page 6

6 The Lowdown The Lowdown Perhaps of all the elements we brought to the fore in this week’s cover story on monsoon tourism, none is more salient than the simple observation that there is no more ‘off season’ in Goa. Truth be told, the notion that Goa cannot be enjoyed by tourists during the monsoons never really made sense anyway. Why wouldn’t tourists like Goa at its most beautiful? The answer is they do, and that’s reflected in the statistics. Read all about it in this edition!

From page 5 the genre may be, becomes my idol for that song. As a commercial cover band we play and spend all our time practicing songs that are hits. We are in the business of entertainment and that means giving the crowd what they want. Some time back we played for a Konkani function where we spent about 6 weeks re-doing 10 Konkani classics in a style that suited our mood. It came out really well. We will be putting this on CD very soon.

JR: Besides being one of the most popular bands in Goa, A26 is also one of the most expensive bands. I hear you charge around 90k for a show. There must a Unique Selling Proposition that makes such a bid possible.

LR:We are just 4 years old so it feels

An Extraordinary Recital at Art Chamber

Goa is a small place, and some might argue that, especially during the monsoons, there’s not all that much happening in the local art and music scene. Streets would argue otherwise.

Sometimes you have to look to find it, but during any given week there are

really great to be known as one of the most popular bands. We haven’t reached the 90k slab as yet but we are almost there. Bands from outside Goa charge much higher. Over the last four years we have played across the country and we have realized that we can command a higher rate outside Goa because of the quality of our performance. I think us pushing up our rate has worked very well for other bands in Goa too.

JR: You fly to Nairobi tonight. Does A26 tour the world regularly?

LR:Our tours around the world have just about started. We were in Denmark last month to play 3 gigs for a corporate.

Previously we did an engagement party in Dubai and now we are off to Nairobi. Our African Gig is for a Birthday Party. Our high energy and quality performances have landed us an opportunity to go global.  all sorts of artistic and musical gems happening around the state. This week was no exception. An extraordinary piano and cello recital took place at Calangute’s Art Chamber on July 1, with two young classical musicians wowing a small but very appreciative crowd. Neville Bharucha, a 20-yearold piano prodigy who’s been giving concert-level performances since age 9, and Bianca Mendonca, a 22-year-old cello virtuoso, played selections from Mendelssohn, Francoeur, Arutunian, Moszkowski and Grieg that can only be described as breathtaking. The two, who put together their program in just two days, are among the best young classical musicians in India. When introducing young Bianca, Art Chamber’s Rudolf Kammermeier questioned her plans to head to Australia this month to complete a degree in Business, suggesting she should pursue her music instead.

Sorry Bianca. We agree. 

There’s so many other wonderful stories in this issue it’s hard to know where to begin. We’re arguably the first publication in the state to take a step back and tell you what’s really happening with the Goan economy in the wake of the mining ban. Yes, there’s still growth but not anywhere near the level most of us have come to expect. And then there’s our piece on laughter yoga and its apparently very real health benefits. Or our piece on the Marathi film festival, or the fabulous rock band A26, or a mouth watering kebab festival in South Goa. We bring your attention to a family stranded by rains in Sattari, and to some extraordinary facilities catering to Goa’s mentally disabled.

And of course there’s our out-of-the-box Twitter contest highlighted in this edition. Recently we asked people to nominate their favourite Goan on Twitter. Lots of folks participated, and in this edition we announce the top three winners.

Congratulations to all of you!

Last but not least, we hope all our readers are enjoying our new format for events/ party/nightlife food listings, with a select few establishments chosen each week as Streets Picks. Happy monsoons!

The Goa Streets Team

Chief Advisor - Steven Gutkin Publisher - Marisha Dutt Editor - José Lourenço Senior Correspondent - Ashley Do Rosario Business Manager - Praveen P Sales Executive - Kedar Prabhugaonkar Sales Executive - Vincent Kola Data Entry Operator - Radhika Naik Photographer - Ananda Krishna Administrative Assistant - Nilesh Shetgaonkar

7

Thursday, July 4, 2013

streetspicks

Methi Mahi Tikka

Coros Velvet Perhaps the most interesting thing about the menu of Panjim’s Coros restaurant is the extraordinary range of choice. Shark Ambotik shares space on this menu with traditional Spanish Paella and Penne Carbonara from Italy. If you don’t happen to be hankering for Coros famous Babycorn with Almonds and Asparagus in mild Mustard Sauce, maybe instead you’d go for the Chicken Biryani or the Paneer Tikka Masala, or Goan delicacies, such as the Chicken Sukhem or the Pork Vindaloo. They make an outstanding Steak Bordelaise. There’s also dishes such as the Seafood Thermidor, the Stroganoff and the Coros Famous Stuffed Crab.

1,2,3,4 Models Marine Castle, Off Miramar-Dona Paula bypass, Panjim.

098 50 672911.

Pan Asian Bowl What is the bowl? It’s the local version of what world travellers might recognize as “Mongolian barbecue,” or as Pan Asian Bowl’s creators put it, “the Quick Wok.” Here’s how it works. 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 non-spicy sauces from a list of 18 (examples: XO, Szechwan, Black Bean, Teryaki, “Devil’s” Sauce), and then hand your bowl over to a chef who cooks the concoction in a sizzling wok before your eyes. The nice thing about the Bowl is that it’s both a dish and an experience.

However, it’s not the only attraction at Pan Asian Bowl. There’s also a full menu of Chinese, Malaysian and Thai offerings. Bella Goa Annexe, Next to Hotel Solmar, River Road, Miramar, Panjim. Phone: 0832 6455547

By Goa Streets

Café de Goa Café de Goa is a well-appointed bistro just off the Mapusa-Calangute road.

Serves up a selection of confectionery, fresh salads and sandwiches among other offerings. From crunchy salads with fresh greens including arugula, lettuce, basil and even home-made mozzarella cheese, to a selection of freshly baked warm crusty breads, and an assortment of innovative condiments. One can also choose from a variety of coffees, teas and juices to accompany your meal.

A wide assortment of cakes, quiches, muffins, brownies and other baked goods are available. The emphasis at Café de Goa is on simple and healthy eating. A small store, complete with fruit, vegetables, local farm produce, freshly baked breads and packaged products is housed adjacent to the café. Scenic photographs of Goan landscapes line the walls. Oh… and it’s currently one of a handful of places in Goa where you can get a bagel.

Open all days from 9 am to 5 pm Café de Goa, Mapusa-Calangute road, Calangute 832 2279961

49er’s Restaurant & Bar

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

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

Kebab Festival

This is a popular multi-cuisine restaurant among tourists in Colva. Housed in the Hotel Seacoin, it’s well known for its Crab Lollipop and Tandoori Chicken Lollipop with Szechwan Sauce. They also serve good Tandoori Pomfret, Fish Recheado, Grilled Fish and seafood. But if you want something spicier, ask for Chicken or Veg Kolhapuri. There’s also decent South Indian Thali, Gujarati Thali, pastas and rissottos. Also popular for various kinds of ice creams from Pune’s Dinshaw Company. The eatery also serves traditional Goan desserts like Bebinca.

They organize live music from Friday to Monday.

Alcoholic beverages served at reasonable rates. Hotel Seacoin, Colva.

0832 3263964, 9822124531

I

t’s a small culinary irony of life. Even though we’re in Goa, India, it’s not that easy to find really good Indian food in the ‘luxury’ category. Sure, hole-in-the-wall greasy spoon joints with mouth watering Indian offerings abound. But when you want an evening out – with wine and music and shoes rather than slippers – there’s simply not that many options. Perhaps one of the reasons is that with so much cheap Indian fare available, a ‘fine-dine’ Indian restaurant really needs to be a cut above food-wise to justify its ‘fine-dine’ prices. We are pleased to report this has been achieved – and then some – at Spice Studio at the Alila Diwa resort in South Goa. Perhaps the best part of Spice Studio’s allure

Love kebabs?

There’s a mouthwatering variety on offer at this festival in Salcete is that its creators have steadfastly refused to fall into the LCD trap – tailoring their dishes to the Lowest Common Denominator, or dumbing down flavours so as not to offend any palette.

This simply does not happen here. The flavours are bold. And let’s face it, Indian food without full-on, luxuriant flavour unhappily misses the point.

Which brings us to the point of this article. From July 5 to July 14, Spice Studio will be putting on a Kebab Festival featuring a wide and highly appealing selection of … you guessed it, kebabs! A few nights ago the restaurant invited a group of journalists to sample the kebabs ahead of the festival. Nonveg options included Mutton Galout, Murgh Chapen, Sarson Wali Bater, Methi Mahi Tikka

Turn to page 8

8 Food A doner kebab shop at Milan, Italy

Featured this Week June 4 to July 16 Pizza Feast

At Mia Cucina, the Sofala Hotel, Nerul @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm +91 832 6714141/ +91 8550919222

July 4 to August 31 Mango Fiesta

Yes, the mango season is still not over, but rushes, it will be gone soon. Enjoy mouthwatering mango milk shakes, aampanna, spicy prawns with spicy papaya and mango salad, Goan prawn mango curry, delicious mango–inspired desserts, besides exotic mango mojitos and coolers.

At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim +918323011125

July 4 to July 14

World Pizza Festival

There’s a month long festival of pizzas with toppings from around the world at this Italian eatery near Azad Maidan, Panjim.

There’s the Big Fat Greek Pizza, the Desi – with a makhani twist, vegetarians can do the King Fu Hustle or the Gringo Chilli. Plus a Trip to Hollywood, Indonesian Volcano, Singapore Merlion, even a Sweet Tooth Pizza with fresh fruits. You get the idea – you’ve got a month to check them out at the awardwinning café.

At Cafe Mangii, Panjim @ +918322230771/73

Every Sunday

Champagne Sunday Brunch

Pamper yourself every Sunday in a luxurious setting. Enjoy brunch at the Grand Hyatt with French champagne and food from five interactive and livestations dishing out Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian cuisine and desserts.

Rs. 2200 + taxes (includes buffet, champagne, wines and select drinks) At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim @ 1 pm to 4 pm +91-832-3011125

Sunday Live Brunch

Enjoy a Sunday Live brunch with live stations, a live band, best of live entertainment and an unlimited flow of wines! There’s live entertainment for kids too, including magicians, balloon sculpting and face painting, etc.

From 12:30pm to 03:30pm At Waterfront Terrace & Bar, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa +918322463333

Sunday family brunches

Rejuvenating cocktails, soul warming gourmet cuisine from around the world, activities to Keep the kids entertained and get into the rhythm with Ashley.

At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj – Panaji @ 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm +918326633636.

Everyday

Happy Hours

At Capiz Bar, Grand Hyatt Goa @ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Enjoy 25% discount on all beverages.

Happy hours, happier moments! +91-832-3011125

Baga, Calangute & Around Café de Goa

It’s a Café, At The Red Tower, Orchard Villas, Calangute @ 10.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2279961

Eat Street

Specialising in multi-cuisine, it’s a place to dine, drink and dance the night away.

At Hotel Calangute Towers @ 24 hrs a day +918326636000

Cantare

Old wood panelled lounge situated in the by lanes of Saligao away from the madding crowd, well above average food and classy atmosphere. Good place to escape the beach belt.

At Saligao @ 6 pm to 12 pm +918322409461

Coba

Specialising in Indian, Grills, Seafood At Double Tree by Hilton, Arpora @ 10 am to 11 pm +9183266556672

Cavala

Specialises in Goan seafood and live music.

The restaurant recommends dishes like Country Captain, Trincomalee prawns and chicken peri peri.

At Saunta Waddo @ 7.30 am to 1 am +91 9552551422/ +918322277587

Aquamarine Bistro & Bar

Specialising in Multi Cuisine At Baga Land’s End, Baga +91 832 2276084/ +91 832 2275482

Anjuna & around Curlies

The restaurant serves you anything from charcoal-fired oven pizzas/bakes to the best of India, China and continental dishes.

Also fresh seafood with wine and beer.

At Anjuna beach +91 9822168628

Artjuna

Set up in an Old Portuguese house surrounded by a beautiful garden. The café serves up chilled café au lait, milkshakes, sandwiches, juices and baked goodies, homemade dips, iced lattes, blended coffees and more. At Monteiro Waddo, Anjuna @ 9 am to 6 pm +918322274794

Alcove Restaurant and Bar

Specialised in Chinese, Goan, Italian, North Indian, seafood, At Ozran beach, Anjuna @ 8 am onwards +918322274491/+918322273349

Thalassa

Greek and Mediterranean food by the sea.

At Vagator beach @ 4 pm to 12 am +91 9850033537

Villa Blanche Bistro

it is set in a tropical garden of a restored Portuguese house and one of the few restaurants serving breakfast all day.

At Socolwaddo, Assagao @ 9 am to 5.30 pm +91 9822155099

Mamma Mia

Italian cuisine with a blend of Italian imported ingredients and local organic produce. At Resort Rio, Arpora @ 12.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918322267300

Candolim Orange

Tucked away in a cosy corner next to Magnum Resort in Candolim, almost opposite the Candolim health centre, Orange is a soothing place which also doubles up as an art gallery. It’s open all through the year and features a multicuisine menu with great Goan delicacies like roast pork, excellent sea food and great pastas. They have live music sometimes too.

Almost like an ocean of peace in the hustlebustle of Candolim’s main street.

Orange, next to Magnum Resort, opp Candolim health centre, Candolim main road, Candolim.

Beach House

Specialised in Goan, Portuguese, Seafood At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918326645858

Addah

It’s a sea view deck on the beach.

Specialised in Indian, Barbeque At O Hotel, Candolim From 7 pm to 10.30 pm +919890800073

Banyan Tree

Specialised in Thai food, An open airy Restaurant surrounded by lush green lawns At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim @ 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm 10.30 pm +918326645858

Zuperb

Another specialty is a unlimited breakfast offer between 8.00 AM and 11.00 Am,,for Rs 180/only. on All days of the week.

At Zuperb, Multicuisine, Gaurro Vaddo, Calangute. +91 9869076107

Wok & Roll

A multi-cuisine restaurant which serves Japanese, Thai, Pan-Asian cuisine. The restaurant recommends: Honey glazed pot roast pork ribs, Thai garlic-peppered prawns, deep-fried prawns tossed in garlic, black pepper and colourful bell peppers. At Sinquerim, Candolim @ 12 pm. +91 9049022348

In and Around Panjim Giardini

Live Music on most nights, specializing in Multi-cuisine At Curca, Bambolim @ 11.30 am to 11 pm +918805873335

Cantina Bodega

Pizzeria, bakery & cafe. Owner Vandana utilizes 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 to 7 pm +91 9011662233

Food 9

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Forrest Veg Food Court

Specializing in Chinese, Indian, Italian At Bhagwan Mahavir BAL Vihar, Panjim @ 11 am to 11 pm +918326454353

A’tona Bar and Restaurant

Specializing in Goan and Portuguese food At Carina Desa, Betim From 7 pm to 11 pm +919823129239

A Pastelaria

Bakery & Confectionery Gateaux, Pastries and Cookies.

Chocolate and strawberry flavoured the mousses are soft and melting, a treat for the kids. Its maska all the way At Hotel Mandovi, Panaji From 9 am to 9 pm +918322426270/+918322426273

Baba’s Wood Cafe

An Italian wine bar and restaurant with pizza oven and homemade gelato. Wide choice of pure Italian dishes with beef fillet and fish always on the menu.

12 pm to 3 pm & @ 6 pm Monday to Sunday. Closed on Tuesday At Mala, Fontainhas, Panaji +918323256213/ +919923414098

Global Shore Restaurant

Global Shore Restaurant is a multi-cuisine restaurant and we specialize in Goan Seafood/Chinese/Thai/Indian & Tandoor.

At Hotel chandrageet, Porvorim +91832 2414125/+9193731113205

The Verandah

George Bar and Restaurant

Specializing in Goan, Seafood Near Mary Immaculate Conception church, Panjim @ 10 am to 3.30 pm, 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918322426820

Alfama

Well known for fado evenings At Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918322454545

City Pride

Specializing in Seafood At Opp. Vivanta by Taj, Panjim From 11 am to 11 pm +918326633636

Peep Kitchen

Authentic Goan and Multi Cuisine Rest and Bar. Near Caranzalem Petrol Pupm, Panaji Goa Contact 0832 6454474

Habour Café

At The Crown, Panjim +918322400000

Indian Street food and Tandoor At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim @ 3 pm to 11 pm +91832-3011125

Tea Cafe

Cafe Mojo

Barista Lavazza Outlet

Confeitaria

Cakes, Coffee and other goodies. A newcomer to the Panjim cafe scene, it’s part of the Group. At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 11 am to 7 pm +918322223050 Barista Lavazza’s famous beverages like Flavoured Hot Coffee, Cold Coffee, Hot Tea, Ice Tea, Mojito, Smoothie, Ice Cream Shakes, Juices. In bites section they offer Sandwiches, Calzones, Muffins and Cakes.

At Shop No. 15, 16, & 18, First Floor, Navelcar Trade Center, Opp. Azad Maidan, M G Road, Panjim +918322422130

Chilli ‘n’ spice

Arguably Panjim’s best pub. Innovative, fun and lively.

At Salida Del Sol Hotel, Panjim All day +91 9850980091 Serves fresh bakeries, Pastries, Chocolates, and speciality Coffees and teas At Grand Hyatt, Goa @ 8 am to 8 pm +918323011200

Doçaria

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

A carnival of fusion cuisine, a bar to enlighten your spirits, this restaurant next to the lobby specialises in multicuisine, with a focus on Oriental cuisine.

At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim @ 7 pm to 2 am +918322226291

Coros Velvet

Edu’s Restaurant

Margao and Around

The concept of street cafes has not really been there in Goa in a big way, but if you’re looking for a place with the vibe of a street café where you can sit and watch the world go by as you sip a drink or two and have a few bites, we suggest Edu’s restaurant in Miramar, next to Magsons, on the main DB Road. Nothing fancy, just some basic plastic tables and chairs, with some music playing in the background sometimes. It’s multi-cuisine with decent Indian, Chinese, International and Goan food available. Pizzas are one of their specialties. Prices are slightly on the higher side.

Edu’s Restaurant, Miramar, Panjim 2463777, 2463888.

From page 7

Café Azul

All day dining restaurant offering buffet combo option.

At Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach @ 7 pm to 11 pm +918322454545

Chulha

Lahsooni Jhinga

Is the signature grill restaurant, serving fresh Market produce of seafood, meat and vegetables.

At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim @ 7 pm to 12 am +918323011658

Want gourmet food in Caranzalem? Head to Coros Velvet. It’s a multi cuisine fine dining restaurant which specializes in ravioli, steaks and pastas. At Miramar, Panjim @ Noon to 3 pm to 7 pm to 11 pm +918605020020

Mog Cake Studio

It’s a Bakery Shop in South Goa Food Type: Brownies, Cakes, Confectionery, Cookies, Bread At Shop No 3 & 4, Colaco Residency, Comba, Margao @ 8 am to 9 pm +91 9892588252/+91 8380078252

and Lahsooni Malai Jhinga. Vegetarian selections included Rajmaaur Maw Ke Galouti, Teen Mirchka Paneer, Tandoor ke Bharwan Moti, Dahike Kebab, Alooke Lachche, Nawabi Chaapen, Goat Cheese Stuffed Palak Galauti and Parchewala Haloumi. We tried all of the above, and our verdict is positive.

Actually, very positive.

The kebabs are served with an interesting selection of Biryani, plus Raita, Pickle, Naan, Roomali and Dal Bukhara, among other accompaniments. For dessert, choose between

Shahi Tukda, Kulfi and Gulab Jamun. They’re all good.

Spice Studio is a well-covered outdoor restaurant just off Alila Diwa Goa’s lobby. The combination of the crashing monsoon rain and the haunting sounds of live Indian acoustic music made for a rather stunning experience. The kebabs with an alcohol selection will set you back Rs 1,299, and Rs 999 with just soft drinks. For a fun evening out in the monsoons, for high-end Indian fare that justifies its cost, for ambience that touches on the magical, we recommend it.  For reservations, call +91 832 274 6800.

At the Alila Diwa Goa, in Majorda, South Goa

Kebabs around the World

Peppers

Known for steaks and other meat dishes At Pajifond, Margao @ 11.30 pm to 11 pm +91 9822133506

Gavin’s Restaurant & Pub

Specializing in Goan cuisine, Goan Curries, Cafreal At Verna, around a kilometer off NH-17 +919822177179

Betty’s Place

Specializing European, Goan, Indian, Seafood At opp. Holiday inn Resort, Mobor, Cavelossim @ 6.30 pm to 11 pm +918322871038/+918322871456

Upper Deck

Coffee shop offerings traditional coffee along with light snacks and drinks.

At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ all day +918326726666

CHINA CYPRUS GREECE INDIA

Chenjeh Kabab - chunks of mutton or mutton fat pierced on metal (or wood or bamboo) skewers, grilled on a coal-fired barbecue, and served with cumin and chili paste.

Sheftalia - A traditional Cypriot sausage made of ground pork or lamb and wrapped in caul fat that is served alone or in a pita, usually with tomato, cucumber, parsley, and lemon.

Gyros -Made from chopped meat, usually lamb and beef, formed into a large loaf for slowroasting on a vertical rotisserie cooker, the autodonner.

Shami kebab - Made of minced meat, with paste of lentils and chopped onion and coriander and green chillies usually added to the mixture, which is kneaded in a disc-like shape and fried.

Chelow kabab - Combines a variety of Persian kebabs with saffroned Basmati rice, lavash (a paper-thin bread), grilled tomato, raw onions, bell peppers, mushrooms and sumac.

Fig & Olive

24 hrs cafe serving seafood, Goan, North Indian, Coffee & snacks At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ All day +918322871303

Flavours of the Mediterranean, Arabian & Italian. At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 am to 11 pm +918322871303

IRAN

Shandong

Spice Studio

PAKISTAN Seekh kebab - Prepared with minced meat with spices and grilled on skewers, cooked in a Tandoor, often served with chutneys or mint sauce. Can also be served in a naan bread.

Cafe Mardi Gras

Asian-cuisine restaurant with fine dining ambiance At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ 11 am to 11 pm 6726666

Goan dinner. Elegant outdoor restaurant in a well-appointed resort in the South.

At Alila Diwa, Majorda @ 7 pm to 10.30 pm +918322746800

TURKEY

Adana kebab - With hand-minced meat mixed with chili on a flat wide metal skewer.

Feature 11

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Money Woes What’s really happening to Goa’s economy after the mining ban?

By Ashley do Rosario

Y

ou don’t need to be a hot-shot economist to understand that the ban on mining and iron ore exports have dealt a bloody blow to Goa’s economy.

Nearly a year since the ban, the state is still struggling to cope with the drying up of cash flows in the Goan marketplace.

The domino effect is visible in almost every sphere of economic activity, from the rickshaw driver to the banker.

“We used to be flush with cash this time of the year... This year, business has been poor for the first six months,” says Shankar Naik, a rickshaw driver who plies his trade in the capital city. Income has dived to less than half of what he earned last year and the preceding years,

he says.

The scene is even worse for the bankers. Normally bullish about mobilising deposits, bankers are struggling to meet targets in Goa and top officials have admitted that deposits have dropped by up to 11 per-cent.

Between 2008 and 2011, Goa’s Gross State Domestic Product grew by around 10 percent each year. The figure dropped to 8.94 percent for 2011-2012, and is expected to drop further to 5.9 percent in 2012-2013, according to ‘quick estimates’ of the Economic Survey document of the Goa government’s Department of Planning and Statistics.

“The decline in growth rate can be attributed to the mining industry,” says the Economic Survey for 2012-13.

None of this is good news for a state

that’s grown accustomed to superb growth rates, and the writing is on the wall. Goa needs to proactively invite new, employment-generating investment, says mining magnate and a recent investor in the hospitality industry, Nana Bandekar.

Bandekar, who recently took over the reins of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Streets that the mining ban is severely affecting the Goan economy.

“There’s no two ways about it. We must attract new investments. The government needs to pull up its socks and be responsive,” he said, adding that the Chamber is eager to partner with the government to get the economy back on track.

“More importantly, we must make sure that these new investments come along with ideas that create jobs that match local skill sets,” he said.

An official in the Planning and Statistics department said between one to 1.5 lakh people in Goa are either directly or indirectly involved in the mining sector.

“With so many incomes coming to a halt since the Supreme Court imposed ban, it’s bound to have an impact on the flow of cash into the general economy,” said the official, who asked that his name not be used because he’s not authorized to make public statements.

The contribution of the mining sector to the Gross State Domestic Product has fluctuated between 15 to 20 percent in the last four years, according to the

Economic Survey. However, in the letter Chief Minister ManoharParrikar wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking an economic bailout, he cites the mining industry’s contribution as being up to 41 per cent.

Regardless of what happens with mining, few expect any quick turnaround.

“Even if the ban on mining is lifted, the industry is unlikely to see business volumes reach pre-ban levels for several years. It’s imperative that out-of-the-box ideas and investments are promoted,” said a mining magnate who also requested anonymity.

Interestingly, Goa’s Governor Bharat Vir Wanchoo sees the glass half full rather than half empty.

“Seize the situation post the mining ban as an opportunity,” he told Goa’s business leaders at a recent conclave.

And the road to take, he said, is one of inclusive growth built on integrity and ethics.

“End the race exclusively dedicated to making quick and instant profits at all costs,” Wanchoo said, addressing the annual general meeting of the Industry, Trade and Commerce Chamber.

It’s not all gloomy, to be sure.

A handful of sectors, especially construction and real estate, continues to be buoyant. The tourism industry, including the new kid on Goa’s economic block Casinos, is also holding its own.

According to the Town and Country Planning Department tasked with licencing and regulating new construction in the state, the flow of applications for new project approvals has been steady.

“There’s no indication that there’s any slump,” said a town planner from the department.

Similar is the case with the hotel and casino industries, but officials in the state finance ministry aren’t enthused. It’s debatable, they say, whether volumes in these sectors can grow at a quick enough pace to nullify the negative trends in the overall economy.

All eyes therefore are now trained on the long overdue investment and industrial policy which the Parrikar-led government had promised to unveil in May but hasn’t yet done so.

The task force set up to draft the policy has outlined a broad aim of attracting Rs 5,000 crores in investment over the next five years. Another objective is to create 50,000 jobs through these investments.

The task force is headed by Atul Pai Kane, the Goa Chapter Chief of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and once complete, it will be thrown open for public suggestions before taking final shape.

Finance ministry officials also have their fingers crossed on the numbers pertaining to tax collections. Sales tax revenues now re-christened as Value Added Tax (VAT) give a fair take on the overall health of the economy.

“We haven’t completed the task of compiling figures for the quarter ended June 30,” said Shamsunder Korgaonkar, the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes.

But his subordinates acknowledged privately that the numbers, because of the mining ban, aren’t good. 

12 Cover Story

Monsoon Tourism Who said there’s an off-season in Goa?

By Pedro Menezes

I

t can be argued that there’s no better time to be in Goa than the monsoons, when the entire state turns green, wild flowers sprout and the land comes alive with fresh water streams. And yet with Goa’s image as a sunny beach destination, the monsoons are still something of an open secret. All that’s changing, though, with the Goa government and the tourism industry aggressively marketing the state as a cool monsoon destination with waterfalls, river rafting and other thrills there for the taking. Yes, right there in the midst of the pouring rain.

The monsoon no longer deters tourists determined to visit Goa, going by the number of visitors thronging places like Calangute and Panjim even during the rains. Officials estimate that the number of monsoon visitors to Goa has been increasing by between 10 and 20 percent a year for the past eight years. According to the Tourism Ministry, during the period from June

to September of 2012, Goa was visited by 3,76,992 domestic tourists and 28,461 foreign ones - a number that is expected to rise this year.

“We have been coming during the monsoon, and it gets better each season, it has a special vibe,” says an Irish tourist who identified herself as Susan. “There are lot of beaches you can visit and most of them are quiet and peaceful… If you are the adventurous type and want to take a chance you’ll love the greenery and fresh smell of monsoons in Goa.” Tourism officials have been making a concerted effort to attract tourists even during what used to be known as the ‘off-season’. The fact is there is really no longer an off-season in Goa. It’s on all the time. ‘Go Goa – 365 days on holiday!’ was the slogan which started it all some eight years ago.

This monsoon the Tourism Department organised promotion campaigns across India,focusing on raindrops (and their cooling effects), monsoon weddings and MICE tourism (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions).

According to tourism industry insiders, an earlier

Cover Story 13

Thursday, July 4, 2013

initiative by the government to promote ‘hinterland’ tourism during the monsoon didn’t succeed, primarily because of a lack of facilities like luxury resorts in the hinterland. Places like Calangute are chock-a-block with resorts and umpteen dining options. A Swiss tourist, Jean-Pierre, talking to Streets in Valpoi where he had come for some river rafting, said he wanted to spend a couple of days there but couldn’t find a place to stay in the area. So he went back to Calangute after the rafting. “We come to Goa for nature,” JP, as he calls himself, told me. “This place is so beautiful, but I don’t think too many people know this part of Goa.” Now I decided to see for myself whether there’s any decent places to stay in the area, so I called Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar to ask. To my surprise, he said that yes, the Tourism Department has a three-star property there. Wonderful, no? Actually, no. “It has remained nonoperational for the last few years,” Parulekar explained, adding hopefully, however, that “we’re now developing it and beautifying it” and hope to lease it out “by around December.”

River rafting is one of the latest offerings by the Tourism Department to attract tourists during the monsoon. One of the many wonderful things about monsoon tourism is that you don’t have to actually be a tourist to enjoy it. Dr.Dialle D’Souza, from Calangute, also rafted down the rapids and he loved it.

“I’ve done rafting once before, but this is more beautiful because the area is completely untouched,” he said.

While the rafting trips started last year, this year the Tourism Department’s focus is on MICE tourism (yes, I agree this is a rather unfortunate title). A top tourism official, talking about MICE, said “Corporate houses could hold their conferences and activities in Goa at a time when hotel room

Turn to page 14

14 Cover Story From page 13 rates are low and simultaneously give their employees a welcome break in Goa.” That is, a paid holiday.

The focus of this all-India campaign is the domestic tourist. The hope is that resorts which are full of foreign charter tourists during the high season can have some decent occupancy levels now. There are no foreign charter tourism flights during the monsoon, and consequently fewer foreign tourists. That’s not to say there aren’t any at all, however, as testified by the white faces seen strolling down Panjim’s avenues and the beach belt’s lanes at this time of year.

Richard, an Englishman, is a regular visitor to Goa, both in and out of monsoon season. He says he is struck by the humidity at this time of year.“The weather here is so humid that if you wear a plastic raincoat, you will end upmore wet by sweat than by rain,” he says.

Parulekar said there are no plans to attract foreign charter tourists during the monsoon. “The charter tourists come from October to May. The Europeans come from October to March when it is winter time in Europe and very cold.

They come to get away from the cold for some days. In Russia it is freezing even during May. And then when it rains here, during the monsoon, it is summer there, so they prefer to stay there during their summer. That’s why foreign charter arrivals are not possible during the monsoon.”

What about foreign arrivals other than charters? And the possibility of attracting more Indians?The clincher is the reduced – ‘off-season’ – room rates. The Leela Goa, for example, reduces room rates by nearly 400 % during the monsoon.

A standard room which costs Rs 45,000 during the December peak season is available for Rs 9,000 during the monsoon. It’s an attractive proposition for corporates who can then give their employees ‘paid holidays’. People love it because they “get to go to Goa”. Never mind that it pours.

Of course, once here there is no dearth of events for them to enjoy, including the recent Sao Joao festival and its riotous rituals of jumping into water bodies

Walking through a tunnel near Dudhsagar

on the feast day of St John the Baptist.

Though essentially a Catholic festival, it’s now celebrated by dozens of resorts with music around swimming pools.

It’s true the promotions are attracting lots of Indians during the monsoons, but not everyone in the industry is thrilled about it. A general manager of a premier resort in Calangute, requesting anonymity, complained about the type of tourist he gets. “There were 15 adults and they had brought along 15 children below seven years who get free stay. They would come for the buffet and when offered something by the stewards, they would take the whole tray and wolf down everything.”

The folks this GM referred to didn’t do anything but hang around the hotel and

The Leela Goa, for example, reduces room rates by nearly 400 % during the monsoon. A standard room which costs Rs 45,000 during the December peak season is available for Rs 9,000 during the monsoon.

the beach. But there are others who do visit places like the Dudhsagar waterfall and Selaulim Dam, both of which are at their awesome best during the monsoon.

Although it’s dangerous to enter the water on the beaches, many still do. And of course there are many heritage sites, especially churches, to visit. And just driving around the Goan countryside

which turns completely green during the monsoon is an invigorating experience.

But despite the best efforts of the Tourism Department and others, the fact remains that tourism during the monsoon is concentrated in a few places like Panjim, Calangute and Old Goa. Most of the popular beach areas like Arambol, Morjim, and even Anjuna in the north, and most of the Salcete beaches in the south, turn into virtual ghost towns during the rainy season. Even in the north, many of the resorts and most of the shops in Candolim – which largely cater to the charter tourist crowd – shut down during the monsoon, laying off staff while focusing on maintenance and upgrading work. Even the taxi drivers take a break, along with others like the water sports operators, the shack operators and many of the restaurant owners.

SudeshShirodkar, a small guest-house owner in Calangute says, “It’s hectic during the season with guests coming at any time of the day and night, asking for this and that. So for three months we shut down the guest-house, do all the maintenance work like painting and repairs.”

An English tourist named Trevor says he doesn’t recommend coming to Goa during the monsoons.

“Even the sea rages with a vengeance of its own,” he says. “You probably would want to give this region a miss during this time unless you’re the type who would like to sit at a lonely table in a shack on a beach sipping your beer and watching the sea powerfully rip at the shoreline.”

Come to think of it, I think yes, I might just be that type. Looking at current trends, it appears so are a lot of others. 

15

Thursday, July 4, 2013

streetspicks Piano Recital Musician Karl Lutchmayer will be presenting a classical music piano recital on Friday, July 5 at the Art Chamber in Calangute at 7.30 pm. As charismatic at the piano as he is at the lectern, Karl Lutchmayer is an arresting artist in whose inspiring performances musical virtuosity and intellectual profundity meet as equals. Continually challenging tired expectations and reinvigorating jaded palettes, his dynamic recitals inspire colleagues, seasoned concert-goers and new audiences alike, whilst his pioneering Conversational Concerts draw audiences into the very heart of the music. The programme will feature Chopin Allegro de Concert, Schubert Wanderer Fantasy, Liszt and friends Hexameron, Alkan 2 etudes. All happy music which should lift you out of the pensive monsoon mood – or make your monsoon happier.

Donation passes for Rs 250 are available at the venue and at Furtado’s music shops.

Art Chamber, Galeria de Belas Artes, Gauravaddo 115/a, Calangute 9823217435

‘In Stages’ - A Theatre Company for Young Adults’ These are basically theatre classes you can send your kids to. The three semesters consist of 10 classes each and will focus on turning the children’s ideas into scripts, drawing story boards, sound and music, lighting, props, set and costume design. Added attraction is a special one week introduction to Videography The programme, facilitated by Arundhati Chattopadhyaya, features Guest Facilitators like Nikhil Chopra, Chitra Palekar Neel Chttopadhyaya, and Ramdas Gadekar. Registrations open for 8 to 14 year olds; 30 Saturdays beginning on July 6.

Limited Seats!

3 semesters of 10 classes each Time: 4.00 to 6.30 pm Sunapranta, Altinho, Panjim.

0832 2421311 or email us on info@sgcfa.org

‘Koddu’ (Konkani play) ‘Koddu’ is the latest comedy from John D’Silva and could leave you in splits – but only if you know your Konkani. John is one of the top comedians of the Konkani stage and was even in the Limca Book of Records for writing, directing and producing 25 Konkani tiatrs with their titles having a double alphabet in it – even ‘Koddu’ (bitter in Konkani) has two alphabets. His first, ‘Vell’, was released in 1996, while his 25th ‘Nattok’ was premiered in the UK. He was the first to receive the Goa government’s Yuva Srujan Puraskar award. Though comedies, his plays always drive home a strong message.

On July 4, at Kala Academy, Panjim @ 3.30 pm +91 832 2653083

All Goa Youth Festival Play Group-Margao in association with Department of Art and Culture and Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, are organizing this mega all-Goa youth festival – Srujanotsav on July 14. The event will include an all Goa solo dance competition, mimicry competition, fancy dress competition, etc. Auditions for the same will be conducted on 7th July.

At Pai Tiatrist Auditorium, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao @ 9 am to 1 pm +91 832 2726980

The Marathi Film Festival

And its Surprisingly Decent Offerings

By Sheela Jaywant

T

his is not a festival where you hear a lot of English or Hindi, or see many folks wearing blue jeans or summer dresses.

The men who attended the 6th Goa Marathi Film Festival wore old-fashioned checked shirts and the woman wore saris and flowers in their hair.

In the end, it’s a testament to Goa’s diversity that every festival seems to come with its own fashion statement, from IFFI to ThinkFest to the DD Kosambi Festival of Ideas.

Marathi-lovers from Ponda to Pernem bussed it to the Marathi film fest with their ‘tiffins’ and water bottles. The security men were firm about following the rules. But unlike in most places in India, the tiffins and bottles kept on tables outside the halls were not empty or missing when their owners came to claim them after the shows.

I intentionally skipped the inaugural function (can’t stand speeches), and was in time to hear the veteran actor, Vikram Gokhale request Goans to encourage Marathi cinema and theatre by being good (paying?) audiences.

The opening film, ‘Premsutra’ was the only boring one. The reason it ‘inaugurated’ the festival was because it was filmed in Goa. It showed an atypical Catholic family speaking terrible Konkani, poor English and a little bit of Marathi. The director could have cast ageappropriate actors. It’s awful to see middle-aged folk prancing ungracefully all over the screen.

Turn to page 16

16 Arts&Entertainment July 7

Kerkar Art Gallery

Directed by John D Silva Pai Tiatrist Hall, Margao @ 3.30 pm. +91 832 2653083

Owned by Goa’s best-known artist Subodh Kerkar and located right in the middle of Holiday Street in Calangute, this is a good place to buy some contemporary art by leading Goan, Indian, and International artists. Not just fine art, but also sculpture and other art forms. There are exhibitions on at all times of the year, and also a nice restaurant attached where you can meet up with your artist friends and discuss the art scene. Subodh also does installations often, at times on the beach just down the road. Besides original art, you can also buy reproductions of famous paintings here, frames, etc. Well, you get the idea.

At Gauravaddo, Calangute From 10 am to 7 pm. +918322276017

July 1 to September 30

Xavier Centre of Historical Research

Konkani Play ‘Koddu’

Directed by John D Silva At Ravindra Bhavan Hall, Sanvordem @ 3.30 pm. +91 832 2653083

July 8

Poetry Competition

At Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim @ 3.30 pm +91 832 2224143

Konkani Play ‘Koddu’

Goan Short stories competition 2013

Stories should be of a minimum 1000 words Winner will be announced before 1st December and the prize winning stories will be published by Navhind Times At Fundação Oriente, Fountainhas, Panjim +91 832 2230728/ +91 832 2436108

July 18 to July 21 Goa Bridge Festival

Goa Bridge Association invites all the Bridge Players to participate in this National Level Open Bridge Tournament to be held under the aegis of Bridge Federation of India.

With the Sports Authority of Goa & Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias 18th July, Rajaram Hede Trophy.

19th July, A.F. Rodriguez Trophy.

20th July, Manohar Keni Trophy (Swiss League).

21st July, Manohar Keni Trophy (Round Robin)/ Padmashri V.S. Dempo Trophy.

At Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar, Panjim. +919881075756/+91 9422064995

July 13 to September 30 A workshop - Chitrangan Every Saturday At Gallery Gitanjali, Panjim @ 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm +917350530445/+918322423331

Galleries of note

Ruchika’s Art Gallery

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

Opp. Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar.

From 10.30 am to 6 pm. +918322465875/ +919850571283/ +919881836400

Casa Popular

At Municipal Market, Panaji +918322262135

Exhibitions of paintings, rare books and symposiums etc, with particular emphasis on contemporary cultural and social issues affecting Goa. At B B Borkar Rd, Porvorim. +918322417772

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem, a newly opened art and learning centre in Majorda.

At Majorda From 10 am to 6 pm +918888862462

Surya Art Gallery

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

At Bandawalwada, Pernem. +919404149764

Yemanja Art Gallery

Features works by different artists At Betim, Verem road, Reis Magos +918322416930

Panaji Art Gallery

To promote Goan art, this gallery displays figurative and individual works of artists.

At Panaji Art Gallery From 9 am to 8 pm. +919822168703

Arte Douro Art Gallery

This gallery in Calangute displays paintings on canvas of original art & international print arts. It also showcases works by contemporary artists from India & abroad.

At Arte Douro Art Gallery, Calangute, From 9 am to 9 pm +919822147148

Big Foot Art Gallery

Display of works by various artists from India and abroad.

At Big Foot Art Gallery, Loutolim From 9 am to 6 pm +918322777034

North Goa

From page 15 Reminded me of the inelegantly clad hairy non-money-spenders that come to Goa in hired four-wheelers to have ‘fun’ by vomiting out whatever they’ve drunk and drunk and drunk over a weekend.

The rest of the films I saw were way above average. This was the first time I heard of ‘catapooolting’: “Crowd funding as a means to finance films”. There were so many mustsees that I missed all three premiers: ‘Langar’, ‘Duniyadaari’ and ‘Postcard’. Had there been better food organized (KA had overpriced cold stuff and the Marquinez complex had nothing at all), I might have been able to attend at least one of these.

‘Investment’ brought home the ills of over-ambition and the thirst for wealth and power.

The teenaged, only son of an upwardly-mobile couple kills his classmate and gets away with the murder because his parents can afford to pay their way through the ‘system’. The producer, Ratnakar Matkari, used to write, direct and act in several plays that were favourites in my childhood.

Glad he is still involved in socially relevant themes.

‘Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asta’ was about two divorcees, one from a conservative background, the other more liberally-inclined, who fall in love. Quite unusually handled.

Nikhil Mahajan’s ‘Pune 52’ (like ‘Kahani’ in which Vidya Balan has acted) is a really nicely made detective film. The twists are unexpected, the experience a good one.

In my previous job in a hospital I’d seen heart-breaking scenes of poor relatives running from employers to charitable institutions trying to raise money for (un)salvageable patients.

Gajendra Ahire’s ‘Anumati’ made me live through those scenes again. Vikram Gokhale won the

Sephora Salon & Spa

At Padmavati Towers, Panjim @ 10 am to 9 pm 2420898/989 www.snipsalonandspa.com

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

Club Mud Spa

Dreamz Spa and Salon

Snip Salon Spas

At Sorantowaddo, Anjuna Open daily 8 am to 8 pm 2274131, 9011071941, 9822162111. www.lagunaanjuna.com

Spa Sitara

At Fort Aguada Rd, Candolim +918888886084

@ 10 am to 9 pm At Campal, Panaji :+918322223628 At Don Bosco, Panaji :+91832222488 At Village Panchayat, Calangute:- +919561319903 www.dreamzsalonandspa.com

national award for his acting in it. Well-deserved.

He wasn’t acting. He lived that role. And the music was worth buying the CD for.

‘Samhita’ was about a woman film-maker visualizing a story from a princely state during the British Raj. By itself a good film, but didn’t make an impact because the other films were better.

In ‘Ajacha Divas Majha’, Chandrakant Kulkarni brought home the lethargy and heartlessness of a government office. Sachin Khedekar as the chief minister who wants a disabled musician to be given an apartment due to him before the night is over, played his role well. The movie entertained the audience, and brought home the fact that there is inefficiency and insensitivity to human suffering in government offices.

Vikrant Pawar’s award-winning ‘Kaatal’ was thankfully 22 minutes short. The Konkani ‘Digant’, the other short film, seemed more preachy than real.

It was incredible how many people came over to Panjim over the rainy weekend. For ‘Anumati’, there were more willing viewers than number of seats. So a few people were disappointed. The woman sitting next to me said,“We need more theatres”. Having observed the way people had commuted, I’d add to it: “We need more shuttles from the bus-stop for functions like these, and metred autos, too”. Hoping that’ll happen before the 7th Festival next year. 

South Goa Park Hyatt Goa Resort

and Spa

At Arossim Beach, Cansaulim +918322721234/+919923207075

Sohum Spa

At Royal orchid beach resort and spa, Utorda @ 9.30 am to 10 pm +918322884400/+918322884401

Beyond Looks Beauty Salon At Margao, Salcete +919822100932

Amanya Spa & Salon

Traditional Ayurvedic Therapies Relaxing European Massages Mystical Oriental Therapies Rejuvenating Body Scrubs and Wraps Pampering Bath Preparations Indulging Facials At Ranghvi Estate, Dabolim (Near airport), Vasco, +918326486888/+918322538661/ +919096700407

Thai Spa Beauty Salon At Old Market, Margao +918322701177

Thursday, July 4, 2013

streets picks

July 15 to October 15 Advanced arts Program

Trek to Maan

At Canopy Azure, Art and Design community, Margao @ 3.30 pm to 6 pm +91 9326135577

Not yet gone on a monsoon trek? Don’t worry, the monsoon is still young. The Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI), Panjim will conduct its maiden monsoon trek of the season at Maan, a village 2 km from Surla on the Goa-Belgaum route. Chorla Ghat has lush green hills, and Maan has beautiful forests, rich in biodiversity. During summer, the village thirsts for water, but during monsoon, it is greenery all around. This is an area where three states – Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra – meet. Maan is in Karnataka, but it is situated between the Goa and Maharashtra border. A 4-km trek through the jungle pathway from Chorla-Chowki is expected to give participants a panoramic view of Maan.

The bus will leave Old Secretariat, Panaji. Rs. 150. July 7, at 8 a.m. 9822125868.

Oil and acrylic Painting Classes

‘Contours in reading early Indian history’ The Goa University launches its Visiting Research Professor Programme with a lecture by Prof Romila Thapar, arguably India’s No. 1 historian. The lecture entitled “Contours in Reading Early Indian History” will be held in the main auditorium in the recently inaugurated New Science Faculty Block (Block-E) of Goa University. The University invites all citizens, in particular students and teachers of history from schools and colleges of Goa, to attend. Professor Thapar has recently accepted a professorship at Goa University and is expected to spend about six weeks every year during the next three years at the university. The 82-year-old professor’s principal area of study is ancient India.

Goa University, July 5, 3.30 pm.

‘Preparation of Base Documents for care of Christian Art’

The Museum of Christian Art, Goa in collaboration with the CSMVS Museum Art Conservation Centre, Mumbai is organising a five-day workshop on ‘Preparation of Base Documents for care of Christian Art’ in Goa. The workshop is open to functionaries of churches, collections, museums and others.There are limited seats and the last date to register is July 10.

At Gallery Gitanjali, Panjim, August 6-10. 0832-2285229

July 5

July 6

The total duration of the language course will be 100 hours and the minimum age to join is 16 years. The last date for admissions is 4th July 2013.

At Chowgule College, Margao @ 6 pm to 8 pm +91 832 2759504/+91 9422062928

by cancer specialist Dr.Shekhar Salkar At institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim @ 9.30 am +91 832 2224243

Portuguese Language Classes

July 5

Breast Cancer awareness

July 4 to September 30

Cholta in the Rains

Take a walk with experts and see the heritage structures of Panjim At Panjim Church @ 5 pm to 6.30 pm +91 9823222665/+91 832 2451233

July 6

Personality Plus Programme of Aspire, centre for Human Resources Development, Peddem- Mapusa @ 3.15 pm to 5.45 pm +91 9822802574

starting a new batch for the courses on oil and acrylic painting on canvas for amateur artists. Selected art works will be exhibited at the organization’s annual exhibition At Canopy Azure, art and design community, Margao. +91 9326135577

July 7

Monsoon Trek to Maan

Youth Hostels association of India is organising a monsoon trek to Maan, a village in Karnataka, situated 2km from Surla.

The bus will leave from the Old Secretariat, Panaji, at 8:00am.

At Maan, Karnataka + 91 9822125868

July 1 to July 6

Cardiac Screening Camp

Goa America Heart Foundation Trust has organised this camp due to increase incidence of diabetes, hypertension and cardiac cases.

At Goa America Heart Foundation Trust, Panjim +91 832 2422893/+91 9527608558

July 22

Workshop on Growing Fruit Trees

At the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 3 pm to 6 pm +91 832 2452805/ +91 832 2452808/ +91 832 2452807

July 12 to July 13 Literary Workshop

Mennen Academy is offering 3 months Bar Tending Course At Mennen Academy At Hotel La Mansion, Guirim, Mapusa +91 832 2262050/ +91 9764999102

Vocal Classes

At Swami Vivekananda Society, Panjim @ 10 am to 12 pm +918322224098

Every Tuesday, Thursday Harmonium Classes

At Swami Vivekananda society, Panjim @ 2 pm to 8 pm +918322224098

Every Friday

Free Swimming Guidance

Organized by Walter Macarena At International Center Goa, Dona Paula from 5 pm to 7 pm +919822911161

Every Sunday

Tailoring Classes

Near Holy Family School, Porvorim From 3 pm to 6 pm +919765731003

Everyday

Yoga for the Body, Mind & Soul

By Ms. Hoor Girglani Monday to Friday At International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 8 am to 9.30 am & 5 pm to 6.30 pm +919765404391/ +918322452805-10

Want to be Fit & Healthy

Presented by Calburn Fitness Solutions in association with the ICG At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. +919823578880

Tuk Tuk

Institute Menezes Braganza is organising - Literary Workshop in there categories: Story, Essay and Poetry for the youth writers between the age group from 16 to 35 years.

At Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim +91 832 2224243

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

At A104, Pereira Plaza, Opp.Hospicio, Margao @ 10.30 am 1 pm & 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm +919049017182

August 11 to August 18

Monday & Friday

A Yoga Immersion Monsoon Retreat’ Sonja Appel invites you for a 7 day Yoga immersion in the Goan forest in the middle of the monsoon to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Monsoon is a truly magical and extraordinary season, the time of the year when nature is at its best. There will be an ayurvedic doctor and therapists on site to meet your ayurvedic needs too.

The course will include group yoga (beginners are welcome), comfortable accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner (vegetarian, organic and locally grown ingredients).

At Morjim-Ashvem Rd, Pernem +919923219230

Martial Arts, Fitness, Health & Self-defence Trainer: Vincent Rosario, Introductory Fee: Rs. 400 per month At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 5.15 pm to 6.15 pm +919823696138

Yoga, Rejuvenation, Meditation

July 6 to July 7 Bar Tending Course

Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Free Workshop

The Alchemy of Spiritual Transformation At The Rejuvenation Center, Anavaddo, Candolim @ 9.30 am & 5.30 pm +91 9821758877

Taekwondo Sessions

Spice Farms

Tropical spice plantation

Elephant rides, authentic Goan cuisine, mini bird sanctuary and a boat to row or paddle.

At Arla Bazar Keri, Ponda For reservation call: +918322340329 or Email: tropicalspice@rediffmail.com

Sahakari Spice Farm

Guests are entertained by folk dances, elephant rides, art of climbing the tall betel nut palms and swinging from one stalk to the other. Lunch served in earthen pots and banana leaves.

At Ponda Belgaum highway, Curti.

Call: +918322312394 Or Email: info@sahakarifarms.com

Savoi Plantation

Offers traditional Goan Saraswat cuisine served in mud pots and banana leaf plates along with seasonal fruits grown in the plantation. At Ponda For reservation call: +918322340272/ +919423888899 or Email: savaiplantation@rediffmail.com

Museums

Museum of Christian Art

All days of the Week At Convent of Santa Monica, Old Goa @ 9.30 am to 5 pm +918322285299

Goa Chitra

Ethnographic museum that preserves its universality in its collections of artifacts representing the culture of ancient Goa. At Goa Chitra, Mondo-Waddo, Benaulim @ 9 am to 5 pm +91 9850466165/ +918326570877, Email: goachitra@gmail.com

Big Foot Cross Museum

Houses 80 classifications of crosses of around the world.

At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 10 am to 5 pm. +918322777034

Ancestral Goa

A center for Preservation & Promotion of Art, Culture & Environment started by Maendra J. A. Alvares.

At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 9.30 am to 6 pm +918322777034, info@ancestralgoa.com

Casa Araujo Alvares

Goa`s first automated sound and light museum. A 250-year-old mansion showcasing traditional inheritance.

At Loutolim @ 9.30 am to 5.30 pm +918322777034

Courses July 4 to September 30 Bar Tending

Mennen Academy is offering 3 months course in Bar Tending At Mennen Academy At Hotel La Mansion, Guirim, Mapusa +91 832 2262050/ +91 9764999102

LANGUAGES

Alliance Francaise

Learn French courses, Panjim 2420049/ +91 9922813950

St. Britto

Learn French, Mapusa 2293812/ +91 9049018214

COOKING

Cooking Classes for foreigners Detroit Institute +91 9822131835.

Taengs Cookery Classes Margao. +91 9822585944

Bertha Pereira Cooking Classes +918322734589. Margao

Vandana’s Bakery Classes Caranzalem. +918322462163

Meena’s Cooking Classes Caranzalem. +918322462163

18 Explore

The Hunt on #TweetStreet Who is Goa’s favourite Tweeter?

And the winner is… hashtag trend, users all over the country sat up and listened while Goenkars across the country told them what it was really like to be a Goan.

“I’m always proud to be Goan. Those are the first two words on my Twitter bio,” said Nigel.

Contest nominator @chocolate_weed, tweeted that Nigel “is one of coolest Goans I know.”

By Goa Streets

G

oans have always had a voice and don’t shy away from using it for the right causes, or even to support their favourites in a match. So it comes as no surprise that when Streets went looking for some of Goa’s favourite users on Twitter, we found that some of the big names out there nationally were actually from our sunny state.

A few weeks back, Streets Tweeted a simple question: Who is your favourite Goan on Twitter? We invited nominations for this “Favourite Goan Tweeter” title, and said the winners and runners up would be featured on these pages.

After the numerous votes were in and counted, we had a clear winner. Our heartiest congratulations go to Nicole Figueiredo, who has been voted Goa’s Favourite Tweeter! Warm felicitations also go to our two runners up, Nigel Britto and the popular Tweeter Gaurav, better known as BwoyBlunder.

To conclude the contest, we’ve decided to hold a Tweet-Up in the coming days in Panjim. A Tweet-Up is when a group of Twitter users come together and meet in person. We invite all those who participated in our contest, and anyone else, to attend. For details, follow @ goastreets on Twitter, log onto the Goa Streets Facebook page or visit our website at www.goastreets.com.

The nomination for Nicole Figueiredo @NicoleFigi, came in towards the end.

She swept away the competition and surprised us all. Her win has a David beats Goliath feel, as Nicole has just over 250 followers as compared to her competitors’ thousands.

This PR executive is originally from Orlim but has called Mumbai home till now. She hasn’t let her Goan spirit dim and makes it a point to come down at least once, if not twice a year.

Nicole makes many connections at MSL India, and she’s also part of a singersong writer duo called Open that puts their own acoustic spin on classic rock.

For Nicole, Twitter has been a great way to connect to other people.

“I bumped into someone at my convocation at XIC and couldn’t for the life of me remember his name. I could only remember his Twitter handle, @ MimicTheGimmick. It was nice meeting someone I only knew online,” she shares.

There are times when this could be a downside though. Nicole once had a stalker on Twitter who called her and

Nicole Figueiredo

even found out where she worked, and tried to meet her there. Her only “frightful” experience with Twitter so far.

Tweeter @shayne_dsouz nominated Nicole thusly: “I vote for @ NicoleFigi#TweetStreets she’s quite a star on twitter!”

Nigel Britto @NigelBritto, the first runner up, is a big name on Twitter, with over 2,000 followers. He has been known to cause a stir with 140 characters and has even trended a few times.

Originally from a small village in Cuncolim, this well known Goan journalist is also a post graduate student of law. He spent a lot of time learning the classical guitar and cello growing up, which explains why, given the chance he’d like to moonlight as a composer.

One of his proudest moments on Twitter was when #BeingGoan was trending nationally. Goans on Twitter followed a Mumbai friends’ lead and tweeted what it was like to be Goan.

It helped dispel myths of what India thought of Goa and Goans. By making the

Gaurav @bwoyblunder, is our second runner up. He turned to Twitter to escape what he calls the clutter and mess on Facebook.

This Panjim resident surprised us when he told us that he is a financial ninja (read CA) at his day job. Gaurav is also actually quite the introvert and feels comfortable opening up only to a select few. That would be a shocker coming

Nigel Britto

Gaurav from anyone with over 5,000 followers, especially when he got active on the site only last year.

He’s happy that Twitter, unlike Facbook, has no game invites, apps or tagging in irrelevant pictures. It’s just 140 characters, no more, no less. Even if you do attach something it isn’t in anyone’s face. The anonymity was also a plus, and no local aunties and uncles to watch your every move.

Tweeter @sanilshirvaiker called BwoyBlunder “funny as hell” – a sentiment echoed by many of his nominators. 

Feature 19

Thursday, July 4, 2013

By Samir Umarye

G

oa has often received awards for being the best state in India in terms of development indices and quality of living. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to enjoy its beauty and rich culture. So it comes as a shock to know that there are some families deep in the hinterland who are often cut off from civilization for days and weeks, during which they have to survive like modern day Robinson Crusoes.

Manohar Vaze, 60, and his wife live in the tiny village of Ambeli, 18 km from Valpoi, Sattari in north Goa. When the monsoons are in full spate, a rivulet flanking the Vaze’s house gets flooded, washing out a timber bridge and effectively cutting off the Vazes from their own village and the rest of Goa. “Since the last four generations we are forced to live in a condition where we are separated from the rest of the world for some days and if the rains are very heavy we are cut off for over a week. We are without electric power for days at a stretch,” says Manohar. His family loses contact with other village houses and they have no choice but to wait for the flooding torrents to recede, to allow them to contact fellow villagers again.

If you are a stranger, there’s a good chance you will not find the road leading to Ambeli village, as there is no signboard directing you to this place. If you are lucky you might just find a person on this deserted Valpoi-Mollem road to act as a guide.

This picturesque Ambeli village lies below a hillock and gets heavy rainfall during the monsoon. Along with the green pastures it also provides rare sights of wildlife including bison, deer, wild boar and even a rare tiger. The nearest provision store and bus stop are about 5 to 8 km from Vaze’s house. The nearest village, Khetode, is 6 km from Ambeli and the nearest primary health centre is at Valpoi, 18 km away.

There are about 15 families in the area but the worst affected is the Vaze family.

“We have to stock up on supplies needed for the family during the monsoon as we don’t know when there

Cut off in Sattari

might be heavy rainfall in the area,” says Vaze.

The family keeps a stock of food that will keep them going for at least eight days. Every year they erect a small temporary bridge over the rivulet that passes about 200 metres from their house. If there is very heavy rainfall, their

house too runs the risk of being flooded.

“We cut down some betel nut trees and make a temporary structure so that we can cross the rivulet, but during heavy rainfall it gets washed away and all our effort goes to waste,” explains Vaze.

His only son, 21-year-old Mahendra, who is studying in Pune, is home on

vacation. He narrates the tales of his childhood when he had to walk to the nearest bus stop and take a bus to the Hanuman Vidyalaya school at Valpoi. At the peak of the monsoon he would often get a forced holiday.

“When I was in school I used to miss not only the classes but I also remember missing my exams as there was no way to cross this rivulet,” recalls Mahendra, adding that among the dangers if one tried to cross are hidden snakes and even crocodiles.

“What we need is a permanent bridge,” says his father. “Most of the formalities including the inspection of the area have been already done by the government officials but we don’t know what is hindering its progress.”

“We just hope that the next generations don’t have to face the same hardship that we are facing just because of the unavailability of a bridge,” says Mahendra, not sounding too optimistic.

The Vazes have had a phone connection only for the past year, and there is no mobile phone connectivity here.

According to local sources, the government has approved the road and a small bridge up to the Vazes’ house. This tiny family is still waiting for the work to begin and hoping that the long awaited bridge stands tall by the next monsoon.

It is said that a state is only as strong as its weakest citizen. Hopefully the authorities get their act together quickly to reassure the hardworking Manohar Vaze and his family that they will always be close to the rest of Goa. 

20 Hot Streets

Can’t keep up with the Sutra Dear Acaricia May

Dear Acaricia May

M

M

y wife keeps cuddling our 22year old son in public, much to his and my despair. She still looks at him as her baby and carries on with these public displays of affection which get very embarrassing. If I had to cuddle our 20 year old daughter like that in public, I would be called a pervert and even run the risk of being arrested. How do we get her to stop all this honey-bunny business? Our son doesn’t seem to mind it too much, even though sometimes he pushes her away. I think she has to respect his privacy and dignity and treat him like an adult. I don’t want to hurt her feelings, but how do I get her to stop this?

y husband (we are a couple in our forties) has recently purchased a copy of Richard Burton’s translation of the Kamasutra and is studying it in great detail. Of late he keeps experimenting with complicated positions in bed, which he describes as high congress, low congress, crab position, lotus position, congress of a deer, of a cat, of a goat and what not. I know he is a loyal supporter of the Congress party and all kinds of congress, but sometimes I think he is taking this too far.

My joints ache after some of his acrobatic experiments and I get severe cramps. I long for simple, intimate love, instead of all these exercises.

How do I tell him to quit all this bedtime circus? I don’t want to do any ‘splitting of the bamboo’ or ‘united congress’ or ‘united BJP’ or anything.

I just want to have tender, simple love and then go to sleep. What do I do?

Carlos - Panjim Dear Carlos,

Get over it! Let her hug him if she wants to. A mother’s love is a powerful thing, Carlos. Don’t try to stop it.

Shanti- Mumbai Dear Shanti,

You know something, dear Shanti.

Lots of ladies would kill to have this kind of dynamo for a husband! Now, I understand it’s too much for you so let’s talk about that. First, the fact that you’ve gone along so far is a testament to something very good about you – perhaps an adventurous spirit, an open mindedness or, at the very least, a commendable willingness to humour your hubby. Here’s what you’re going to do. Make Mr. Contortion earn his congressional acrobatic love by giving you the simple tender love you desire.

Explain to him that, like all good things, this kind of rambunctious love is best performed in moderation, so as not to ruin the thrill by overdoing it and

Love,

Acaricia May If you have questions about sex, relationships or any other matter relating to the heart, please write to Acaricia May at acaricia@goastreets.com.

destroying all sense of anticipation. Alternate. One night your way, one night his way. Tell him Acaricia May said so.

Love,

Acaricia May

We only have to take care of those poor 27 fellows!

Feature 21

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Laugh your way to fitness It’s known as Hasya Yoga

By Charlane Pereira

I

t does wonders for your heart and every part of your body. You don’t need costly equipment or Nike shoes or trips to the gym. It just takes 15 minutes every day. You can do it almost anywhere. And it costs absolutely nothing. All you have to do is throw your head back and have a hearty laugh!

Recognition of laughter’s therapeutic potential is growing. The benefits are so powerful that people have formed clubs where the only agenda is to laugh. There are now almost 8,000 laughter clubs worldwide, including several well-known ones in Mumbai.

And here in Goa, a group of folks get together regularly in Siolim to laugh their hearts out – even if you can’t exactly call it an ‘official’ laughing club.

Perhaps it shouldn’t surprise anyone that there are laughter clubs in India given that ‘laughter yoga’ was invented by an Indian: Dr. MadanKataria. His exercise routines involving laughter sparked this worldwide phenomenon.

And here is what he told Streets: “Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine, which combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing (Pranayama).”

Surprisingly, laughter yoga does not

involve comedy or humor.

“Laughter is initially simulated as a physical exercise while maintaining eye contact with others in the group and promoting childlike playfulness,” Dr. Katariaexplains. “In most cases, this soon leads to real and contagious laughter.

Science has proved that the body cannot differentiate between simulated and real laughter.”

To be sure, much of the international scientific community believes that more testing is required before that or other claims involving laughter yoga can be verified.

“The definitive research into the potential health benefits of laughter just hasn’t been done yet,” Robert R. Provine, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and author of Laughter: A Scientific Investigation, told the website webmd.com.

In terms of hard science, it isn’t known for sure whether it’s the laughter that’s helping so much or other factors such as a positive attitude, a good sense of humor or the support of family and friends.

However, evidence does point to real benefits of laughter.

Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai popularly known as the ‘Guru of Giggling’ (London Times), is the founder

of the Laughter Yoga Clubs movement started in 1995.

His sessions start with gentle warmup techniques which include stretching, chanting, clapping and body movement which break down inhibitions and develop feelings of childlike playfulness.

“Breathing exercises are used to prepare the lungs for laughter, followed by a series of ‘laughter exercises’.

These exercises, when combined with the strong social dynamics of group behavior, lead to prolonged and hearty unconditional laughter,”saysDr. Kataria.

Alexyz is a well known Goan cartoonist who makes people laugh and does a fair bit of laughing himself. “Goa had a few laughter clubs―the Laughter Club of Porvorim in 1999 and Laughter Club of Miramar in 1998,” he says.

“We have a small group in Siolim that bursts into laughter everyday with our yoga. We meet at 6 am to do yoga and we wind up with laughter …. It’s not an official laughter club. But we are just some bodies who love to have a good laugh. Why not? It puts us in the mood to have a lovely happy day,” says Alexyz.

The ‘Laughing Gas Company’, an offshoot of yoga enthusiasts led by Siolim-based yoga teacher Uddesh Pangam,together with Alexyz, organised a laughter programme for students of St.

Francis Xavier’s High School, Siolim in January this year on World Laughter Day. “I am keen on forming a laughter club,” says Alexyz. “In 2008, I had a solo show of 50 exhibits titled ‘Laughter’ at Yolanda’s Gallery in Calangute which also included laughter competitions. Come home and you will see a little toon of mine with the quote of Nicholas Chamfort―‘Of all days, the day on which one has not laughed is surely the most wasted.’”

Laughter yoga proponents say a good ha-ha helps build the immune system and increase blood circulation. They say it is a good stress buster, alleviates depression, reduces blood pressure, and helps relieve allergies, asthma andarthritis.

The American College of Cardiology has found that the positive effects of laughing last for upto 45 minutes, while the effects of stress decrease the blood flow by 35 percent.

In another study, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore have shown that laughter is linked to healthy functioning of blood vessels. Laughter appears to cause the tissue that forms the inner lining of blood vessels to dilate (expand), thus improving blood flow.

Professor Andrea Nelson from the University of Leeds School of Healthcare in the UK says that “having a really hearty chuckle can help…This is because laughing gets the diaphragm moving and this plays a vital part in moving blood around the body.”

The Gesundheit Institute in West Virginia uses laughter as an integral aspect of effective medical care. The Hollywood movie ‘Patch Adams’ starring Robin Williams is an example of this therapeutic laughter in medical settings.

To avail of the potential benefits, all you need is a clear mind and a will to laugh away your blues. And considering that you might save lakhs of rupees on medical treatment, you could well be laughing all the way to the bank! 

22 Give Back

S

By Jonathan Rodrigues pecial children have special needs. Recognising this, some have started special schools.

This is a story about precious girls and boys and women and men who love and feel emotions just like everybody else, even if they are different when it comes to their minds. They may not learn as fast, or speak as fluently, or comprehend every instruction. Yet as every family member of one of these special individuals can tell you, the joy and love they bring into the world is as powerful as that of any other person.

There is a debate in the world about whether it’s best to allow ‘special’ children to be educated alongside kids without special needs. But it seems undeniable that many of these folks do benefit from special care – loving and committed people who guide them and help them achieve their full potential.

And this brings us to the surprising part – that “potential” is often a lot higher than many of us imagine.

Take the case of Savio da Gama, a 30-year-old student at the Atmavishwas school for mentally challenged people in Verna. He grew up in a nurturing family who showered him with acceptance and love. His mischievous and animated expressions are as genuine as his smile and energetic personality.

He plays the guitar and is learning to play the drums.

“I love music. Some day I want to perform,” he says.

No, these are not “Children of a Lesser God,” as in the famous Hollywood title. Take one look at them at Daddy’s Home – a well-run facility in South Goa for mentally disabled children – and you know their God is not lesser at all.

Located on a hilltop at Gogol in Margao, Daddy’s Home was initiated as a response to a growing need for a school for mentally challenged people in Goa. Apart from academics, the children are trained in stitching, embroidery, cooking, painting and other skills.

“We can learn a lot from them. In the mornings the energetic kids wake the lazy ones. They may quarrel at times but they hold no grudge,” says Father Valmiki Dias, who was instrumental in setting up the school 24 years ago. He keeps watch through CCTV cameras fitted in every corner of the abode and constantly communicates with the kids through a loud speaker.

Sympathy is not what they cry out for, but they appreciate being treated as regular people. With more and more special kids entering the work force as adults, there is growing support for skill-based vocational education and

Special schools for special kids

social integration that can bolster pure academics.

Unlike mainstream classrooms where a teacher has to deal with bullies and chatter-boxes, schools for special children demand a lot from teachers who have to deal with kids with Down syndrome, autism and other mental disorders. Being an educator in such an environment is a unique calling. “It is important to accept them in their own world. The main aim is to make them independent,” says Father Valmiki, who hails from Arossim.

Jaccqueline Dias, who once worked for a multi-national company, was busy teaching a group of kids to make paper bags. “I always wanted to do something like this. If you have compassion and understanding, teaching these kids is tremendous fun,” she says.

Roselynn Gomes from Verna, a Home Science College graduate who works

Savio da Gama, a student at Atmavishwas School at the institution, says, “These children may be slow learners but they are extremely talented, and with a little care and love, they can be groomed for the future.”

Sharmila Vaz from Varca used to work at a ‘normal’ school (if any school can really be called that!).

Working with the children at Daddy’s Home is a whole new world for her.

“You need to have patience with them. They are a disciplined lot compared to other mischievous school kids,” Sharmila says. She moved in as a substitute for her sister at Daddy’s Home and eventually decided that this job gave her more satisfaction. “When you finally succeed in teaching them something, you really feel like a teacher,” she says.

Having grown up with a younger sibling with Down syndrome, Liane da Gama decided to start Atmavishwas in Verna. The 32-year old believes that social integration is more important than mere education. “More than pity the world needs to empathize with special children,” she says.

She credits her family for creating an unbiased environment for the brothersister duo to grow up together. “There was never any differentiation at home.

My brother is my wingman for all the fun and mischief.”

After graduating from Sophia College, Mumbai and completing her B.Ed in special education, Liane worked in a residential facility for adults with special needs in New York. These years of study and work – along with her own unique childhood - have given her a deep understanding of the human side of educating these children. She knows that at the core of her extraordinary mission is a simple quality: dignity.

The Caranzalem resident does not favour placing mentally disabled kids in regular schools. Rather, she believes in education that “focuses more on the abilities of the child and with no pressure to compete he/she is assured a secure environment to grow up.”

“Special schools also provide the kids with the scope for economic independence in the future,” she says.

Family members often note progress after their mentally challenged loved ones return home from their time at one of these facilities. Interacting with people they identify and connect with helps them develop a sense of selfbelief when they mix into the mainstream.

The centers welcome volunteers who come to teach the special folks music, art, dance or whatever else might inspire and excite.  If you have something to contribute or happen to love a special person who could use a helping hand, contact: Daddy’s Home at daddyshome_goa@ hotmail.com or phone 9823121666 Atmavishwas at atmavishwas@ hotmail.com