Issue 37

Thursday, July 18, 2013 | Vol. No. I | Issue 37 | Price Rs. 10 | Pages 24 | www.goastreets.com

IPL’s Drummer • pg 3

Dads Fight for Custody • pg 11

Goa Streets Tweetup • pg 18

White Water Action Goa and the joy of rafting

Our Dirty Air 19 • All About Diamonds 21 • Premium Booze 22

2

what’s hot this

July 20

July 21

Wet ‘n’ Wild 2013

One you won’t want to miss! Fill your Saturday with groovy house music, the pool, and (hopefully) some sunshine!

Entry @ 300 At Palmarinha Resort, Calangute @ 3 pm +91 832 2275058/ +91 9922966030/32

week

July 20 Piano Recital By Julian Clef

Enjoy an evening of western classical symphonies with young pianist prodigy from Kerala Julian Clef.

At DinanathMangueshkar Indoor Auditorium, Kala Academy, Panjim @ 6:30 pm +91 832 2420450/ +91 832 2420451

Sunday Pool Party

Get set for Goa’s most happening monsoon pool party with F Cube Showers; DJs include Melroy, Milind, Xavier, Jack & Jay At F Cube, Arpora, Near Baga Bridge @ 11 am to 10 pm +91 9822176572/ 9860187220

July 21

July 21

Sketch Club

Coconut Breaking Contest

The 13th All Goa Coconut Breaking Contest will take place on the feast of St Alex. Winner, runner-up and second runner-up will be awarded cash prizes. Spot entries will be accepted.

At Calangute Association Ground, Calangute @ 2:30 pm +91 9881208207 Photographs by Ananda Krishna

Get an introduction to sketching in pencil and charcoal. The training, conducted by artist Ramdas Gadekar, will feature free-hand drawing, shading, perspectives, still life and an introduction to the human figure.

At Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, Panjim @ 10:30 am +91 832 2421311

Posedown of the two finalist teams with Michael Lobo at the start of the 7-A-Side Interwaddo tournament at Calangute.

3

Thursday, July 18, 2013

streetspicks The newest party hotspot in Baga, Ianos is a particularly noteworthy addition to the northern beach belt’s after-dark scene. The club has various theme nights on different days of the week. Mondays and Tuesdays are for commercial club and house music. Wednesdays are Bollywood nights with Hindi music. Thursdays are dedicated to the ladies, while Fridays and the weekend are for the hottest hip-hop and EDM tracks. Apart from its music, Ianos also serves some tempting global cuisine. Great mix of DJs and chefs, we say!

Calangute-Baga Road, Cobravaddo, Calangute + 91 832 6528283

Goa’s Drummer Boy Breaks Through

Malts N Wines Attention oenophiles! Winemaker Four Seasonsis organising a wine-tasting session at Malts N Wines on July 18, 7 pm onwards. Clive Castelino, who has years of experience handling wines from around the world, will provide his expertise on discovering the finer nuances of appreciating wine. What’s on the menu? Using your senses to identify the colours of different wines, understanding their individual flavours, and assessing their dryness, body structure, length, acidity and tannins. So, go ahead and pleasure your senses this Thursday evening. Malts N Wines, Near Baga Bridge, Baga Mamata: +91 9763711180

Art Escape Goa & Baywatch Resort Art Escape Goa’s Live Music Project features new bands and musicians from Goa& around the world very Saturday night. This week, Goa’s very own Electric Pulse, an upcoming rock band, will take to the stage at Baywatch Resort’s TAWA Resto-Bar. The band’s sound is a heady amalgam of powerful drumming, soaring twin lead guitar attacks and steady basslines. If you enjoy classic rock music, this one’s for you. Drop in to watch the guys play their 150th gig 7:30 pm onwards. Entry is free and the menu ‘pocket-friendly’.

Baywatch Resort, Sernabatim Beach Road, Colva +91 832 6697777

Sunday Night Jam With Smoking Chutney Like jazz, funk, soul, or the blues?

Goa’s hottest band Smoking Chutney is inviting musicians for a massive jam session at Leslies Molly Malone’s in Calangute. The event will take place every Sunday at 8 pm from July 21 to August 4.

Madda Vaddo, Calangute, Bardez, Calangute Jayant: +91 9850390331

July 18 Thursday Night Live @ TheSofala

Shane Ballentine jamming live with Smoking Chutney Featuring Shane Ballentine (guitar), Chrystal Farrell (vocals), BenoyRai (guitar), Sancho Menezes (keyboards), Colin D’Cruz (bass) &Bosco D’Souza (drums) At The Sofala, Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm +917774008822

July 21 Electronic sundays At SinQ, candolim @ 5 pm to 10 pm +91 8308000080

Night By Night

Every Monday Hindi music

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

Every Tuesday Evening of Melodies

Covering jazz retro and golden oldies brougt to you

by Nelly Pereira At Zuperb, Holiday Street Calangute +91 9869076107, 9820134503, 9833156510

Every Wednesday Ladies Night

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

STORY ON PAGE 5

Photographs by Ananda Krishna

Ianos

music & nightlife | 03 Carlos Gonsalves: Goa’s drummer

lowdown | 06 food | 07 Momos and mutton

Russian Ecstasy Nights

At Radisson Blu sort, Cavelossim beach @ 9 pm +918326726666/ +918888061199

Cosmopolitan Ladies Nite

feature | 11

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

Dad’s rights

Jam Session

cover story | 12 The joy of rafting

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

Retro, Rock n Roll & Old

School

arts & entertainment | 15 Dr. Seuss and A Midsummer Night’s Dream

event | 18 Goa Streets Tweetup

With DJ SabyFernandes spinning Retro, Rock n Roll.

At Resort Rio, Tambudki, Arpora.

From 8 pm to 10.30 pm +919552538203/ +919011015959

Wednesday Nights

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

feature | 19

Every Thursday

Our dirty air

Sex

Fort Aguada Beach Resort

Mon: Estella Pinto. Tue: Mac Dorado.

Wed: Estella Pinto. Thur: Savio. Fri: Darryll. Sat: Natasha.

At Sinquerim, Candolim @ 7.30 pm +918326645858

Souza Lobo

Oldest restaurant on Calangute beach with live music in the evening sand 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

Ladies Night and Hoteliers Special

Freedom Forever 2013

feature | 21 Diamonds

Blu Nights

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

Luxury booze

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

Every Friday

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

At Radisson Blu Resort Cavelossim @ 9 pm +918326726666/ +918888061199

explore | 22

Pickled Mango

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

Thursday Grill and Games

hot streets | 20

On-going

Every Sunday Retro Metro

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

August 11

@ 12:00 If You Wanna Fly, You Got To Give Up The Shit That Weighs You Down. Let’s Celebrate The Feeling Of Being Free..

Let’s Celebrate Freedom Forever.

India’s Biggest Independence Day Celebration. FREEDOM FOREVER, Concept by Mandovi Entertainment Group, Event Managed by JACK EVENTS & PROMOTION In Association with Goa party lovers. Stay Connected For Artists, Venue And Tickets Announcement. Spread The Words.

This Is Not Just Another Party.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Goa’s Drummer Boy Breaks Through

By Jonathan Rodrigues

I

t would be reasonable to say that every drummer boy feels his first drum beat in his mother’s womb.

The rhythm flows in his blood and the beat resounds in his soul until he finds an outlet to channel it – be it through utensils, bins, tins or, sometimes, a professional drum kit.

Mapusa-based Carlos Gonsalves is one of those people who from the earliest age found music in all things.

At 36, today he is a master of varied percussion instruments and has performed with many national and international artists – and cheerdrummed for the Royal Challengers Bangalore on the big stage.

The genesis of Carlos’ musical talent can be traced to his childhood when he would listen to his father play gramophone records. For Carlos, music has always been a passion, but it takes mischief and a fair amount of scolding to pursue a career as a drummer.

He confesses, “My uncle used to take me to theatres/dramas and I would come home and imitate the drummer in the kitchen. I remember

getting yelled at by Mum for spoiling the cutlery which I used as my handmade drums.”

From ladles and spoons he’s graduated to master instruments like congas, duff, timbales, darbuka, and the djembe.

You see, explains Carlos, there can’t be music without a drum beat. “A drum beat unites all other instruments together, holds them in a beat and tempo; it is not mere noise, it is artistic sounds.”

Like all aspiring musicians, he did face a few hurdles when he started out, but not once did he think of giving up music. “There was an embarrassing situation when a sound engineer was not cooperating with the band and swearing at us profusely. This infuriated me and I couldn’t perform, but I remembered my guru’s words: ‘we are not fighters, we are performers’”, he reflects, highlighting that perseverance helped him succeed. “I just play good

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music and good music is as good as a spiritual healing.”

Carlos freelances with different musicians, performing in and around Goa. In the past, he has shared the stage with artists like Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Remo, Ravi Chary and Taufiq Qureshi. He has also been popular on the jazz fusion scene, both nationally and internationally. “I am currently recording my drum-based album called ‘Talking Drums’, which will feature performances by various artists.”

If you’re one of those crazy IPL fans and (more importantly) if you were supporting the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), then here is the man you have to be grateful to for keeping the monstrous Jamaican, Chris Gayle in the mood! “I like to believe that Kohli and Gayle could feel the rhythm of my beats, but playing in front of such a massive audience was a great honour,” says the cheer-drummer of the Vijay Mallya-owned IPL franchise while slipping into a fantasy of the Bangalore crowd going nuts, responding faithfully to his beats.

He was also invited to cheer-drum for the Indian cricket team for the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka last year. When not at the stadium, he got himself involved with a group called ‘Beat for a Change’ where he conducted drumming workshops for street children, school kids and simple country folk. “It was great fun.

The people there have rhythms built within them.”

6 The Lowdown The Lowdown From Tweetups to fancy booze to Dr. Seuss to diamonds, we have prepared a particularly exhilarating edition of Goa Streets. Speaking of that, you’d be hard pressed to find an activity in Goa as exhilarating as white water rafting. When you read our cover story this week, you will feel like you’re actually on the raft. Enjoy!

Of course like every edition, we’re not all about fun, but we’re always about the truth. That’s why in this edition we give you the real story on the state of Goa’s air. Yes, it’s not Mumbai or Bangalore, but you may find yourself surprised by the very serious levels of air pollution in the state. The culprit is not complicated – it’s the ubiquitous burning of plastic waste. Here’s hoping that efforts will be redoubled to eradicate this menace.

We’d also like to draw your attention to a very new and largely uncovered phenomenon in Goa – that of dads getting together to fight for their parental rights. Writer Jonathan Rodrigues met up with these fellows and came across some rather stunning details in his report.

From page 5 Taking a cue from the legacy of Bob Marley, he plans to employ music as a weapon to unite the people of Goa and fortify Goans’ sense of identity. “Goa has music written all over and this culture is of historic value, which we need to safeguard and what better way than music! My album will feature songs about the history of Goa and the sounds of ethnic percussion and rhythm.”

He hopes to perform all over the world to take Goan music to the world.

The musician in him believes that Goans possess the talent, but the realist in him admits that the real genuine art is dying. “Talented musicians are only doing commercial stuff; no one wants to have a

unique sound of their own,” he says.

With a well-defined goal and high expectations, Carlos is eager to take on the future. In an era where synthesised music is used as a replacement for natural beats, he still believes a genuine drummer stands a good chance. “The commercial music scene is happening in Goa, but synthesised music will come and go. Real live music will always live as a pure form of music – not adulterated, but natural.”

He has this to say to amateur musicians who are dangling in doubt whether they have a future in a musical career. “Everyone can’t be a musician; it is a gift you must acknowledge. Stay dedicated honest and faithful to your dreams and things will fall into place.” Website: www.carlosdrums.com

We hope you enjoy our story on a highly unusual production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, teaming up William Shakespeare with Dr. Seuss. Or our piece on the most expensive bottles of booze found in Goa. Or our primer on diamonds. Or our story on drummer Carlos Gonsalves and how he’s making Goa proud. That’s in addition to our stories on food and relationships and many other topics, plus our comprehensive events/party/nightlife/food listings – including our now weekly Streets Picks, highlighting the best and the brightest in Goa. We’d also like to welcome aboard our new Content Head Puja Roy. Puja has worked as an editor and producer at CNBC-TV18 and Bloomberg UTV. She holds degrees in English literature and journalism, and received a prestigious award at CNBC-TV18 for her coverage of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

She’s also a lovely person to have around!

Marisha Dutt and Steven Gutkin

7

Thursday, July 18, 2013

streetspicks Ruta’s World Café

How far do you have to travel for a spicy Thai Beef Salad, a juicy Pulled Pork Sandwich, or a soulful bowl of Italian Wedding Soup? Try Margao, where Ruta’s World Café is now open. Chef/owner Ruta Kahate was part of San Francisco’s incredible food scene for 20 years and you can taste it: her food is lighter, with an emphasis on fresh, wholesome, local ingredients. Everything is made in-house, even the Focaccia and Pita bread. The menu is fresh, with options like Jambalaya and Salade Nicoise. And if you just want a nibble, there are savoury pies, quiche and a range of delicious desserts, including their popular Sticky Buns. For more information, visit www.rutas.in.

House #85, Dr Miranda Road, Behind Nanutel, Margao Phone: +91 832-2710757

Alila Diwa Goa Hosts Saraswat Food Festival Spice Studio, the signature Indian restaurant at Alila Diwa Goa, is hosting a Saraswat Food festival from July 19 to July 28. In an endeavour to provide authentic flavours, the resort has enlisted the culinary services of Sonal Kakodkar, a Saraswat herself, who mastered the art from her grandmother and her mother at a very young age. Together with Executive Chef Ashish Deva, Sonal has worked out a menu including much-loved favourites like Bangda Uddamethi, Sungta Dangar, Crab Masala and Tisreo Sukhem in the non-vegetarian fare. Vegetarian highlights include Mooga Gathi, Khatkate, Ambade Raita and Alsande Tondak. Round up your meal on a sweet note with desserts like Sukur Unde, Madgane and Sakhar Bhaat.

48/10, Village Majorda, Adao Waddo, Salcette +91 832 2746800

Tibetan Momos A Secret Culinary Delight Revealed

A Tartaruga Fancy looking at the sea from the comfort of your garden sofa while digging into yummy Goan and Portuguese fare? A Tartaruga (Portuguese for ‘A Turtle’) at Longuinho’s Beach Resort should be your destination then. Popular for its Chicken Xacuti, Pork Sorpotel and Pork Vindaloo, A Tartaruga also has an Indian and Chinese menu. For dessert, try the Caramel Custard and Bebinca. You can listen to live bands playing every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Longuinho’s Beach Resort, Colva Beach, Salcette Phone: +91 832 27880660, 27880670, 27880680

Firefly Goan Bistro Bar

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

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

True to its name, this place offers you a nice bistro experience, Goanstyle. The menu is simple and the portions generous. Top picks include Chicken Liver Pate, Fish Ambotik, Fish/Prawn Curry Rice (served with kishmur and tambdi bhaji), and BBQ Pork Ribs. For those with a weakness for beef, the bistro also serves some succulent juicy steaks. That it’s just steps away from the crashing monsoon waves of Benaulim Beach is an added plus.

Near L’Amour Beach Resort, Benaulim Phone: +91 98221 23535

By Goa Streets

I

t’s easy to miss despite its location on the main beach road in Calangute. It doesn’t have much of a name, just the simple “Tibet.” Not very many people know about it, just a tiny group of Goans and a slightly larger group of foreigners. It’s not fancy or air conditioned or particularly well appointed. And get this, we Googled it and came up empty. Yes, that’s right.

We could not find any mention of Tibet on the Internet.

That makes what we’re about to say all the more astounding. This non-descript hole-inthe-wall joint a flight up from some exceedingly ordinary tourist shops has what can only be described as one of the tastiest delicacies we have encountered on the Goan culinary scene: glorious Tibetan momos (pork, chicken, mutton, beef and veg). We’re not kidding, this is the real deal. Succulent, juicy and breathtakingly delicious, these Tibetan dumplings are best eaten with the equally appealing Tibetan red chilli paste that you must ask for to get. Not to be confused with the more famous Tibetan Kitchen just down the road, Tibet gets our vote for Goa’s momo king (this is not to disparage Tibetan Kitchen in anyway, but we’ll save them for a different review).

True, this is not just a momo place. You can order Chinese fried rice or prawn chilli fry or even chicken sizzlers, in addition to an assortment of other Tibetan dishes. But at the end of the day, this is a momo place and we recommend you have them – with pork, chicken, mutton beef or veg. Both the momos and their other offerings reflect a certain dedication to excellence that’s not easily found on the North Goa beach belt.

In the interest of full disclosure, we do admit to an ulterior motive in writing this review. Since Tibet is one of our favourites haunts, and since they don’t generally draw a very large crowd, we thought we’d give them a little publicity to help ensure their survival. It’s not so much that we’re concerned about their financial wellbeing – though of course we do wish them long life and prosperity. It’s because we want them to stick around so that we can keep eating their momos. The Ambience: Basic, with twirling fans, green paint and lots of wonderful posters with quotes from the Dalai Lama The Food: Good all around. Breathtaking momos The Prices: Fairly moderate. A plate of 10 succulent momos will set you back Rs 115 Contact: Main Beach Road, Calangute.

Phone 9921620922

8 Food Photograph by Ananda Krishna

Featured this Week June 29 to July 21 Da Chang Festival

Master Chef Samir Pradhan specially presents a unique, exclusive and exotic oriental grill menu.

At Goenchin, the Mandovi, Panjim +91 832 2227614/+91 832 2434877

July 18 to August 31 Mango Fiesta

Yes, the mango season is still not over, but rushes, it will be gone soon. Enjoy mouth-watering 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 21

Lounge & Lunch @ The Sofala

Featuring live music, dance performances and Goa’s most authentic Italian food at our new restaurant Mia Cucina Delicious homemade dishes and unlimited beer, wine, Sangria and selected cocktails for INR 1,000 plus tax per person Mia Cucina Restaurant at the Sofala, Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 12 pm to 4 pm +917774008822

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 live stations 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 12:30 pm 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

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

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

Aquamarine Bistro & Bar

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

Cavala

Specializes in Goan seafood and live music.

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

At SauntaWaddo, Baga, Calangute. @ 7.30 am to 1 am +91 9552551422/ +918322277587

Eat Street

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

At Hotel Calangute Towers @ 24 hrs a day +918326636000

Coba

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

Anjuna& around 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 MonteiroWaddo, Anjuna @ 9 am to 6 pm +918322274794

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

Alcove Restaurant and Bar

Specialised in Chinese, Goan, Italian, North Indian, seafood.

At Ozrant beach, Anjuna @ 8 am onwards +918322274491/+918322273349

Curlies

The restaurant serves you everything from charcoal-fired oven pizzas/bakes to the best of India, China and continental dishes, plus fresh seafood, Anjuna style, with wine and beer. At Anjuna beach +91 9822168628

Candolim

Banyan Tree

The garden restaurant at the Taj village which specializes in Thai food. You can sit right under a he banyan tree.

At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim @ 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm 10.30 pm +918326645858

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, oppCandolim health centre, Candolim main road, Candolim.

Addah

It’s a sea view deck on the beach. They specialize in Indian, Barbeque At O Hotel, Candolim From 7 pm to 10.30 pm +919890800073

Beach House

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

Zuperb

They have unlimited breakfast offer between 8.00 am and 11.00 am, for Rs 180 only. All days of the week.

At Zuperb, Multicuisine, GaurroVaddo, 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 Chilli ‘n’ spice

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

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

Coros Velvet

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

Food 9

Thursday, July 18, 2013

The Verandah

Is the signature grill restaurant at the Grand Hyatt serving fresh market produce of seafood, meat and vegetables.

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

Confeitaria

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

Serves fresh bakeries, Pastries, Chocolates, and speciality Coffees and teas At Grand Hyatt, Goa @ 8 am to 8 pm +918323011200

Alfama

Doçaria

Peep Kitchen

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

Edu’s Restaurant

It’s multi-cuisine with decent Indian, Chinese, International and Goan food available. Pizzas are one of their specialties.

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

Tea Cafe

Cakes, Coffee and other goodies. A newcomer to the Panjim cafe scene, it’s part of the Dempo Group.

At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 11 am to 7 pm +918322223050

Giardini

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

Chulha

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

Cantina Bodega

Pizzeria, bakery and 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

Forrest Veg Food Court

Specializing in Chinese, Indian, Italian At BhagwanMahavirBalVihar, Panjim @ 11 am to 11 pm +918326454353

A Pastelaria

Bakery & Confectionery Gateaux, Pastries and Cookies.

At Hotel Mandovi, Panaji From 9 am to 9 pm +918322426270/+918322426273

Global Shore Restaurant

Global Shore Restaurant is a multi-cuisine restaurant which specializes in Goan, Seafood, Chinese, Thai, Indian and Tandoor.

At Hotel Chandrageet, Porvorim +91832 2414125/+9193731113205

Barista Lavazza Outlet

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

A’tona Bar and Restaurant

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

Kosha Mangsho

Lahsooni Jhinga

From My Kolkatta Granny

Well known for fado evenings At Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918322454545 Authentic Goan and Multi Cuisine Rest and Bar. Near Caranzalem Petrol Pump, Panaji Goa 0832 6454474

Habour Café

At The Crown, Panjim +918322400000

Café Azul

All day dining restaurant with buffet combo options.

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

Cafe Mojo

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

At Salida Del Sol Hotel, Panjim All day +91 9850980091

Margao and Around Spice Studio

Goan dinner.Elegant outdoor restaurant at the well-appointed resort in Salcete.

At AlilaDiwa, Majorda @ 7 pm to 10.30 pm +918322746800

Ruta’s World Cafe

For breakfast, lunch, coffee Located on a quiet side street right by the city’s Latin Quarter, a world away from the madding crowd.

At Dr Miranda Rd, Margao @ 9 am to 6 pm 0832 2710757

Mog Cake Studio

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

Shandong

Asian-cuisine restaurant with fine dining ambiance.

At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ 11 am to 11 pm 6726666

Boat Quay Grill

Specializing in World Cuisine, European, Grills At Royal Orchid Beach Resort, Utorda @ 7 pm to midnight +918805013553

Re c i p e

By Marisha Dutt

I

love food and I love cooking it just as much. Some of my favourite recipes came from my grandma’s kitchen in Kolkatta. And of all of her wonderful creations, perhaps none is more glorious than her Kosha Mangsho. Here, dear reader, I share it with you! It’s worth the effort, and I really hope you enjoy it.

Gavin’s Restaurant & Pub

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

Upper Deck

Coffee shop offering traditional coffee along with light snacks and drinks all day.

At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach +918326726666

Fig & Olive

Peppers

Flavours of the Mediterranean, Arabian & Italian.

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

Cafe Mardi Gras

Nostalgia

Known for steaks and other meat dishes At Pajifond, Margao @ 11.30 pm to 11 pm +91 9822133506 24 hrs cafe serving seafood, Goan, North Indian, Coffee & snacks At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ All day +918322871303

Specializing in Goan, Portuguese, Seafood At 608, Margarida’s Haunt, No BairroOzro, Raia @ 11 am to 3 pm , 7 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2777054, +91 832 2777098

Ingredients: 750 grams mutton 3-4 medium sized onions 1 tsp garam masala 12 cloves garlic 1 ½ inch thick ginger 2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 ½ teaspoon red chillie powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon salt 4 heaped tablespoons of yogurt 10 - 12 black peppers (uncrushed) 3 bay leaves 4 whole cardamoms 5 cloves 1 ½ inch long cinnamon stick 1 teaspoon of sugar 1 cup mustard oil or any other vegetable oil, though Bengalis have a preference for mustard oil, strongly believing it makes the dish.

Five sprigs chopped coriander

Method 1. Make a paste of 3 onions, ginger and garlic separately.

2. Slice one onion.

3. Wash and clean the mutton.

4. Heat the mustard oil in a heavy bottom pot/pan on medium flame. When the oil is hot, add the sliced onions with a tiny bit of sugar.

The sugar will give a really nice colour and just a hint of sweetness to the gravy. Add the cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, cardamon and black pepper and saute till the onions get a nice golden brown colour.

5. Now make the fire high and add the mutton. Stir. Add turmeric and chilli powder. Fry on high fire till the mutton gets a nice golden brown colour.

6. Add the onion, ginger, garlic paste. Salt. Fry on medium heat for a few minutes, then turn fire on low. In about 5 minutes put in the yogurt, stir and let the dish cook for around 30 minutes while covered, till the oil separates (it could take a little longer or a little shorter than half an hour).

7. Now, add 2 cups water, increase the fire for about 2 minutes, then lower and cook over low flame for about an hour or till mutton becomes soft and succulent.

8. Last, add the garam masala and cumin powder and give it good stir.

Let it cool for some time and then sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Dig in with puris or luchis and a nice cold beer on a Sunday afternoon.

Feature 11

Men Fight For Their Rights

By Jonathan Rodrigues

T

he men readily admit that their mission is not meant to diminish the legitimate fight for the rights of women and girls. And in some ways, they, too, are fighting for girls – in this case, the right of their own daughters to see their dads. And their little boys’ right to do the same.

With legal cards often stacked against fathers in custody and other marital battles, these guys are making a simple point: human rights must apply to all humans, female and male. Here’s what one young father has to say on the matter: “The laws against domestic violence that were legislated to empower women have backfired on us. There is no law to protect innocent men from false allegations.”

One night he was there at his children’s bedside tucking them in to sleep, kissing them goodnight and the next morning their mother drags him to jail, telling the kids to stay away from him because he is an evil man. He decides to fight back in court, but then the look in his children’s eyes overrules his decision.

With a broken heart, he chooses to plead guilty and be the villain - in the hope that someday his kids will grow up to see the hero in him.

Of course each side has their own narrative to tell, including the mother of these kids. And yet there’s been enough of a backlash against certain laws that some Goan men are starting to get together to fight for their rights.

Recently, a group in Margao called Dadleancho Ekvott was formed to defend

Photograph by Ananda Krishna

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Some Goan dads are getting a raw deal men against false accusations. And three other men are currently forming a group to help men win custodial rights to their children.

Both groups are in nascent stages, struggling to organize and find members.

And most of the fellows involved in the groups didn’t even want their names used in this story out of fear that public statements could jeopardize their court fights to see their children.

And yet the fact the groups exist at all in Goa speaks volumes about the helplessness felt by husbands and fathers who see themselves as getting a very raw deal.

At the centre of the battle in Goa is a phenomenon known as parental alienation syndrome, or PAS, a term coined by forensic psychologist Richard A Gardner in the early 1980s. It’s the belittlement of one parent without justification due to a combination of factors, including indoctrination by the other parent.

Parental alienation is no joke and is considered a form of child abuse by many psychiatrists worldwide. One of the men involved in forming the men’s custody rights group, Lionel Menezes

(I’ve changed his name upon his request), hasn’t seen his children since last Christmas because he says his wife has brainwashed the kids. “My son will miss a father figure. My daughter won’t have a male role model to look up to and it hurts me that I can’t contribute to enrich their lives.”

Some courts in the United States have awarded sole custody to fathers because of parental alienation by mothers.

Brazil recognized parental alienation syndrome as a phenomenon with legal weight in 2010. Courts in the United Kingdom, however, have rejected PAS’s admissibility in certain custody battles.

Dr. Tara J. Palmatier, who has researched the subject extensively, says, “If your ex is actively or passively alienating your child’s normal affection toward you, he or she was probably emotionally abusive while you were together. Parental alienation is her or his way of continuing to abuse and hurt you via remote access.”

Perhaps it should come as little surprise that most bullies don’t see themselves as such. Arnold Gonsalves (name also changed), a Panjim resident involved in the custody group, has this

to say, “Whenever I confronted my ex about this behavior, she blatantly denied it and blamed me for deteriorating the relationship with my children, even as I made every effort to be a present and involved parent.”

Arnold says there’s an urgent need to ensure that pro-women measures do not become anti-men.

“Man is always considered to be the aggressor, there is no sympathy, no reprise in court – laws have been misused,” he says, lamenting the time he was arrested and jailed for what he said were false accusations.

The group fighting for men’s custody rights now has three core members, but they’re now reaching out to others.

These include businessmen, artists and entrepreneurs who are fighting for fair treatment in marital battles. The battle here is as much emotional as legal, as a single dad is sandwiched between his lost dignity and his love for his kids. “I wouldn’t want to damage the kids more than the relationship, taking her to court and proving her to be emotionally unsound would be reducing her value in the eyes of the children,” Arnold said.

Fathers are not an apathetic lot and they, too, can suffer in solitude. “No money, no compensation can replace their childhood that I am denied to be a part of,” says Lionel, who admits that he has even contemplated suicide a couple of times. “I thought I should hang myself that I couldn’t see my five-month old son walk and talk.

Michael Ferns, the chairman of Dadleancho Ekvott, the men’s rights group in Margao, said in a recent statement that while it is important to protect the rights of women it’s also necessary to protect men against false accusations.

“Some anti-social elements are misusing the protection given to women by filing false complaints of abuse torture and harassment of innocent people,” he said.

“As I have first-hand experience of such harassment, we are setting up a cell to protect men from false cases,” Ferns said, as quoted in the Times of India. “We will help any innocent man whose name has been tarnished with false charges”.

Arnold believes men and women should come together to solve these problems, not as adversaries but as partners. “Women’s groups should have male representation and viceversa. These groups shouldn’t consist of disgruntled members who give you only one perspective of the problem at hand.”

Many fathers have given up on fighting for custody and prefer to plead guilty to false accusations rather than get children involved in court. Says Arnold: “I can’t imagine seeing my children facing an inquisition in court rooms. My children have been mentally tortured, brainwashed to think that their father is a very bad man. The only hope is when they grow up they realize it was false and judge me by the good work I have done and be proud of me one day, someday.”

12 Cover Story Courtesy: Goa Rafting

Braving

theWhiteWater

By Pedro Menezez

I

t is true that white water rafting is about as thrilling as anything on Earth. And yet when I decided to actually do it in Goa, it began with the mundane: a web search to find out who puts it on, some phone calls and a bit of confusion over where to meet. But once I got through to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation and the man designated to operate the rafts, John Pollard, I soon found myself at the Earthen Pot restaurant in the central Goan town of Valpoi, ready to hit the rapids.

But wait. Not so fast. The Earthen Pot is just the meeting point. From there we are taken in a jeep to the starting point at Ustem, on the banks of the gorgeous Mhadei River. The fun starts with the jeep ride as it

goes up and down lush green hills and valleys in the Mhadei Valley, passing small hamlets, before we finally arrive at Ustem. From there we have to walk up the side of a small hillock and then go down to the fastmoving river.

Meanwhile, the rafting boats also arrive at the site on top of a jeep. Before we start there is a briefing.

There will be five of us on each boat, the guide Sanjeev explains. After we have been introduced to each other, we don the safety helmets and life jackets which will keep us afloat in case we tumble into the river.

Then it’s action time. Our group of five starts by lifting the inflatable raft and carrying it down from the jeep into the water. We are told how to grip the rowing paddles – yes, each one of us has to row the raft through the river. Then we are given instructions on how to sit on the sides of the raft, two on each side, one ahead and one – the guide – at the back. We have to all memorise a few commands. These are for the rowing – front, back or stop. And “down” meant all of us have to fall down into the raft and stay put, until the guide tells us to get back up.

A few minutes of practice in the shallow waters and then we’re off rafting down the fast-flowing Mhadei River. To describe the place as pristine would be an understatement. We’re deep in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary now with beautiful mountains all around us, some of the tops covered in mist and clouds, the sun shining in places, the rains coming and going.

During the nine-odd kilometers that we would be going downriver, we would only see one person on the river bank.

turn to page 14

14 Cover Story Photographs by Ananda Krishna

From page 12 River rafting is only possible on rivers which flow downwards. Where we were in the Mhadei valley, the river descends from up in the Western Ghat mountains and flows down to finally meet the Mandovi river, all the time being fed by numerous other small rivulets and streams. At various points in the valley, where the river suddenly descends sharply, are the rapids. White water rafting around the world is categorized into grades of difficulty, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 6. Grade 1 is the easiest, with just a small amount of rough water.

Grade 6 involves drops, rocks and waves so huge that the rapids become unnavigable; trying to traverse them can be akin to suicide. So on this scale of one to six, guess where Goa stands? Grade 3, which means there’s white water and some waves, but no considerable danger.

So as we approached the rapids of the mildly mighty Mhadei, we hardly did any paddling. At the most we would have to paddle a few times before we were asked to stop, most of the rowing done to change directions or to avoid a huge rock or tree in the river.

There we were, floating down the river and soon we were at our first rapid! Anticipation immediately shot up amongst all of us as we plunged straight into the white water. Imagine all that water from the Ghats gushing down with full force and charging through gaps in the boulders! The waves are as big as any in Calangute. “Down, down!” the guide screamed and down we went to avoid getting tossed into the river. “Up, up! Front, front!” he shouted, and quick as commandos we were back furiously rowing to avoid crashing into a huge rock.

Far behind us we could see the second

boat approaching the rapid and realized why it’s called a rapid – the raft is carried fast by the surging waters and we had covered a couple of hundred meters within a few seconds.

Wow! Thrilled to the sky, we could hardly wait to reach the next rapid.

Rowing intermittently we were now thoroughly enjoying our ride on the river and the sight of the looming mountains all around us. Yes, there it was, the second rapid. Getting there we almost careened into a tree in the middle of the river, but some desperate paddling – by now we were a perfectly synchronized team – managed to avoid that and we plunged right into the rapid, got tossed around a bit, went “down” for a few seconds and then we could hardly wait to get to the third rapid. The rush of adrenaline is addictive.

The biggest of the seven rapids on the

nine-kilometer stretch came somewhere in the middle, with the river descending in a series of steps made by rocks, boulders and trees. By now all of us on the boat were confident of ourselves, sure that we could handle any rapid, and having been thoroughly drenched by both the river and the rains, we didn’t give a damn about getting more wet.

We loved it when we plunged into the big one, crashing through huge waves which drenched the raft – water which was drained back into the river through holes in the bottom. Having reached this far safely, we all relaxed as the river entered a calmer stretch. We were free to jump into the river for a swim here, the guide Sanjeev said, so we all took the plunge while the guide kept watch for any crocodiles who might decide to join in the frolicking with a lunch of wellgeared humans.

Then it was back into the raft and the last rapid as we neared the end of the trip at a village called Sonal. We wanted more rapids! Maybe next Sunday. The river rafting trips are on every day, with two trips, one in the morning at 10.30 am and the next at 2.30 pm. The cost during weekdays is Rs 1,400 and Rs 1,700 during weekends. Having started on June 21, they’re on till October 15 when the river water slows down.

The roughly 10-kilometer distance is covered in about 90 minutes.

John Pollard,

managing director of Southern River Adventures, who started the river rafting in the Mhadei last year, said they sold around 1,000 tickets in two months last season. This year they’re doing it for three months. Pollard, who is based in Dandeli in Karnataka where he operates river rafting trips in the Kali river, said water movements in the Mhadei river are more unpredictable and therefore it’s more fun. “Rafting in the Mhadei in the monsoon amidst the green surroundings is an experience in itself,” he said, adding, “We have started a bit earlier than last season and that should give us more time to conduct rafting.”

Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar, talking to Streets, said river rafting has been started in Goa during the monsoon as a unique attraction for tourists. River rafting, otherwise, can only be done in Himachal Pradesh or in Karnataka. You can book a ticket online through GTDC or at one of the GTDC residencies or directly at the meeting point in Valpoi.

Drenched completely as we got off the rafts, we helped our guides put the rafts back on the jeeps at Sonal. We were happy to get back into the jeep to come back to Valpoi, a few kilometers away, and to some piping hot food at the Earthern Pot. We were famished with all that excitement!  Contact GTDC at www.goa-tourism.com or call (832)-2424001/ 02/ 03 Goa Rafting at www.goarafting.com or Call: +91 7387238866 or +91 8805727230

15

Thursday, July 18, 2013

streetspicks Spanish 75, Photo Exhibition At Big Foot: Is the weather giving you monsoon blues? Catch Spanish 75, an exhibition of photographs from sunny Spain, by Adriel Alvares at the Big Foot Tiatr Hall of Fame.

The pictures on display include those of Spanish landscapes, nature, architecture, culture and street musicians/artistes. The exhibition is on till July 28 from 9 am to 6 pm.

Ancestral Goa, Big Foot - Loutolim +91 832 2777034. www.ancestralgoa.com

Gallery Gitanjali Located in the quaint historic quarter of Fontainhas, Gallery Gitanjali displays local contemporary art along with antique furniture and memorabilia. Browse through art catalogues, paintings, graphic novels and Warli art books as you sip your espresso at the in-house cafe. Painters on exhibit include Mohan Naik, Praveen Naik, Jayashree Patankar, Rajesh Chodankar, Richard Augustine and Dietrich Kerky. You can also catch traditional tribal art done by Madhya Pradesh’s Gond community and vintage Scandinavian lithographs.

E-212, 31st January Road, Fontainhas, Panjim +91 832 2221122

Theatre Workshop With Sunil Shanbag Well-known theatre director and producer Sunil Shanbag will conduct an intensive 3-day workshop for adults from August 2 to 4. The workshop will focus on sensory awareness, rediscovering physicality and posture, exploring imaginary spaces with the body, speech and text, and the basics of creating moods and scenes. Want in?

Hurry up! Registrations close on July 20.

Sunaparanta Goa Centre for Arts, Altinho, Panjim +91 832 2421311, +91 9767864206

Sunaparanta – Goa Centre For The Arts Perched on the green and leafy Altinho Hill in Panjim, Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts is exactly what our name states: a hub for creativity, a place where both contemporary and traditional art is made accessible to the Goan public. The Centre’s creative programmes include gallery exhibitions, education and activity classes, interactive workshops and book readings.

Every Wednesday evening, the Centre hosts a ‘film for thought’ movie screening session with Sachin Chatte. Check out their website for more: http://www.sgcfa. org/index.php. 63/C-8, Near Lar de Estudantes, Altinho, Panjim +91 832 2421311

William Shakespeare Meets Dr.Seuss The Seussfication Of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

O

ne of Shakespeare’s most widelyperformed comedies – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – is all set to enthrall Goans this week. The only twist? It’s not called A Midsummer Night’s Dream. And it wasn’t actually written by the Bard. Confused? Let me explain.

Peter Bloedel, a ‘guitar-picking, chainsaw juggling’ professor of theatre at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, came up with a delightful adaptation of the play where he imagined how Shakespeare’s magical tale might have been told if Dr Seuss (remember him from your childhood?) had gotten his hands on it. And thus was born The Seussification of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; which you will get to see at 8 pm on Sunday, July 21, at the Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir in Panjim.

Produced by Bengaluru-based The Tortilla Entertainment Company, The Seussification of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is being brought to Goa by Big Ticket Entertainment. Two madcap narrators chronicle the tale of two

Turn to page 16

16 Arts&Entertainent July 19

July 18 to September 30

ApunnApleakDevSamestank At Kala Academy, Panjim @ 3.30 pm +91 832 2420453

Every Saturday At Gallery Gitanjali, Panjim @ 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm +917350530445/+918322423331

Konkani Play

A workshop - Chitrangan

July 19

August 2 to August 4

Konkani Play: Kumsar

Introduction to Theater for Adults with theatre personality Sunil

At Kala Academy, Panjim @ 7.45 pm +91 832 2420453

ShanbagAtSunaparanta, Altinho, Panjim @ 10 am to 1.15 pm +91 832 2421311

July 22

Gurupournima Mahotsav

Organized by SanatanSanstha, Ponda and other spiritual organisation At the Sanatan Ashram, Ramnathi, Ponda At ShriMahalaxmiDevastan, Panjim @ 4.30 + 91 9822583164

July 26

Photo Contest

The Good Shepherd Social Organization is organizing a open Photo Contest on the caption,Our Grandparents-Our Rainbow of Life.Prizes and Certificates will be awarded for the best photos.open for all At Fatorda +91 9850047533

July 26

Goa Arts & Literary

Festival-2013

Sonia Golani’s book ‘My Life, My Rules Stories of 18 unconventional Careers (2013) Will be released at the hands of Chief Minister Manoharparrikar @ 6 pm +91 832 2452805-10

August 1

No Time like the Present

By Nadine Gordimer At Literati, Calangute @ 8.15 pm +91 832 2277740

August 8

Goan Godhadis through the Ages An exhibition displaying traditional old Goan Quilts as Well as quilts of Participants of the Goa Design Quilt Contest 2013.

At Goa State Museum, Patto, Panjim +91 832 2437306/ 2438006

August 10

All Goa dance competition

Performance categories will be Hip-hop/ Fusion. Maximum eight members in each group will be allowed.Best group will be rewarded. At Dugrem ground, Agassaim +91 7507437370/+91 7507891052 ysd.society@gmail.com

July 18 to September 30

Goan Short stories competition 2013

Stories should be of a minimum 1000 words. Winner will be announced before December 1 and the prize winning stories will be published in a newspaper.

At FundaçãoOriente, Fountainhas, Panjim +91 832 2230728/ +91 832 2436108

Galleries of note Casa Popular

At Municipal Market, Panaji +918322262135

Kerkar Art Gallery

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

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

Xavier Centre of Historical Research

Exhibitions of paintings, rare books and symposiums etc, with particular emphasis on contemporary cultural and social issues affecting Goa. At B BBorkar 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 and international print arts.

It also showcases works by contemporary artists from India and 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

From page 15 pairs of mixed-up lovers as they wander through a forest filled with ‘whoosh bush tush beasts and fairies dueling with bumballoon swords.’ The entire play is performed in rhyming couplets and has some nonsensical verses in trademark Dr Seuss style. It has 17 characters onstage that zip in and out with crazy props and colourful costumes and even shake a leg together! (Sources tell me there might be some Bollywood element involved here.)

Featuring well-known theatre names from Bangalore, this is Tortilla’s 13th production.

Judith Roby Bidapa, a legend onstage (and off it), brings her magnetic persona as director to this laugh riot. She describes how it was difficult for her and the actors to not break out into side-splitting laughter during rehearsals. It’s interesting to note that many of the play’s performers are not professional actors but people belonging to the I-T industry. “I know of at least 3 performers who have given up their jobs to pursue theatre full-time now. Tortilla is providing a great platform to young people to hone and nurture their acting talents.”

In a country where regional/vernacular theatre is more popular than traditional English theatre, the team of The Seussification of A Midsummer Night’s Dream deserves a pat on

didyouknow?

British astronomer William Herschel named the two moons of Uranus he discovered in 1787 after A Midsummer Night’s Dream characters Oberon and Titania. its back for selling out in almost all cities it has had performances so far. Here’s hoping Goa’s theatre aficionados enjoy this 80-minute play and are enchanted by its mad rhymes and rhythm, music, fantastical costumes and the folk who wander through the magical woods!

‘Zippity-dingle-doo-choochoo-pa-tan’ Go find the play as fast as you can!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

streetspicks Butterfly Workshop In Baga The first among a tri-series of workshops this year, join Bosco D’Souza as he takes you on a short and sweet journey learning about butterflies. The session begins at 9 am at Jay Jay’s in Baga. Learn about different types of butterflies, the difference between a butterfly and a moth, and the common varieties of butterflies found in our cities. The A/V presentation is followed by a 2-km nature walk to Baga Hill to spot butterflies. The workshop ends with a traditional Goan lunch at Jay Jay’s.

On July 21 At Jay Jay’s, Next to La Calypso, Baga @ 9 am to 12 pm +91 9822123458

Calligraphy Workshop The Directorate of Art and Culture is organising a lecture, demonstration and workshop on calligraphy by Achyut Palav, a world-renowned calligrapher and master of modern calligraphy.

At Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panjim On July 21 @ 9:30 am to 2 pm+91 832 2404661/2404687

Trek to Mollem Union of Wildlife Activists Goa is organising a trek to Nandran (Mollem) on July 21. The trip will involve a 3-km walk through the dense canopy of Bhagwan Mahavir National Park. Walk through lush evergreen forests and take in the chilled monsoon air as you encounter butterflies and birds of all kinds. Be sure to pack lunch from home and get plenty of drinking water. Oh, and don’t forget your raincoat!

On July 21 For more details, call: +91 9545474645/+91 9422437952

July 18 to October 15

August 11 to August 18

Advanced arts Program

Yoga, Rejuvenation, Meditation

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

Oil and acrylic painting classes

They ‘restarting 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 18 to September 30 Bar Tending Course

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

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 28 Creative Writing

The first workshop By Ms.Viegas At The International Center Goa, Dona Paula @ 10 am to 6 pm +91 832 2452805-10

A Yoga Immersion Monsoon Retreat’ At Morjim-Ashvem Rd, Pernem +919923219230

Everyday Yoga for the Body, Mind & Soul

By Ms.HoorGirglani 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

TukTuk

From apparel to jewellery, bags to accessories, everything at TukTuk is hand-picked from across India. At A104, Pereira Plaza, Opp.Hospicio, Margao @ 10.30 am 1 pm & 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm +919049017182

Monday & Friday Taekwondo Sessions

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

Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday Vocal Classes

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

Every Tuesday, Thursday

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 AraujoAlvares

Harmonium Classes

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

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

Every Friday

LANGUAGES

Free Swimming Guidance

Alliance Francaise

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

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

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

At Fort Aguada Rd, Candolim +918888886084

Sephora Salon & Spa

Papiillon The Beauty Lounge

Caranzalem. +918322462163

Caranzalem. +918322462163

Virginkar Bhavan, Opposite Saraswat Bank, Margao, Goa - 403601 9822488355, 9822488366, (0832) 6483110, 6483111, 6480107, 6480106

GESTO Culinary & Hospitality Academy

Papiillon Salon and Wellness

Meena’s Cooking Classes

Margao, +918322730873

Branca’s Cooking Classes Panjim +919822131835

David Furtado Dance & Aerobics @ Panjim, Mapusa, Porvorim, Candolim, Aldona and Saligao. Learn Salsa, Jive Waltz for Adults & Bollywood, Hip Hop & Contemporary dance for kids +919975914195

Dance

Dr. Martin & Dance Illusions Team

Houses 80 classifications of crosses of around the world. At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 10 am to 5 pm. +918322777034

Spa Sitara

Vandana’s Bakery Classes

+918322734589. Margao

Goa Chitra

Big Foot Cross Museum

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

Bertha Pereira Cooking Classes

Cyrus Da Costa Dance Classes

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

Snip Salon Spas

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

Margao. +91 9822585944

Museum of Christian Art

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

North Goa

Monday to Saturday Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha ChaCha, Jive, Margao. +918322715906/ +919921039537

@ Panjim, Vasco, Margao Waltz, Jive, Cha ChaCha, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Salsa. +91 9823014397

Dance for Life Academy Mapusa. +919823765523

Jason and Sylvia Dance Academy Hip/Hop, Bollywood, Latin American, Jazz Ballet for Kids Panjim/Mapusa +919822161652/+919822151614

opposite Domino’s Pizza, Naika Vaddo, Calangute, Goa -403516 0832 6518355/6515363

The Orient Spa at the Cambay Beach Resort,

Holiday Street,Kerkar Art Gallery Lane, Calangute, Bardez, Goa - 403 516 Phone: +91 832 2276151, 2277397, 2277399 Spa Manager: +91 91580 07110

South Goa Park Hyatt Goa Resort

and Spa

At Arossim Beach, Cansaulim +918322721234/+919923207075

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

18 Event

The Goa Streets Tweetup

R

ecently we asked the Twitter world to nominate their favourite Goan on Twitter. After many votes, we had three winners: Nicole Figueiredo(@NicoleFigi), Nigel Britto (@NigelBritto) and Gaurav (@bwoyblunder). Soon after we announced the winners, we decided to hold a Tweetup at the Goa Streets office on Chogm Road in Sangolda. What is a Tweetup? It’s just an informal gathering of Twitter users.

You see, lots of people hook up on Twitter without ever seeing each other in person. Tweetups remedy that.

The Goa Streets Tweetup was especially informal, with cakes and tea and sandwiches and ping pong. Streets is located in a 100-year-old Indo-Portuguese house – and in what used to be the living room is now a TT table. This often means that more table tennis than work happens at Goa Streets. But it helps liven up things like Tweetups!

We started out talking about Twitter and the contest and ended up musing about everything and anything under the sun. The Goa Streets Tweetup was supposed to last from 6 to 7, but by our estimation the last Tweeter to exit our offices departed at 9:30 pm. There were folks from all over Goa, as well as Germany, America and other faraway lands, including Vasco (wink wink Ginza). We like Twitter and we like Tweeters and Tweetups. Let’s have another one soon!

Feature 19

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Photograph by Ananda Krishna

By Puja Roy

P

erhaps the worst part of asthma is not the wheezing or coughing or even your lips that turn blue during an attack. Maybe the worst thing is the panic.

Clara Fernandes has suffered from asthma for the past 20 years. It all started one monsoon when she exposed herself to burning garbage and dirty sewage water.

“I have difficulty breathing,” says the 47-year-old grandmother, as she takes a break from looking after her daughter’s twins. Headaches, incessant sneezing, and inhalers have now become a regular part of Clara’s life. No less regular than her husband’s daily ritual of burning the day’s trash in their backyard.

One of the first things that struck me after I arrived at my new neighbourhood in the scenic village of Saligao in North Goa was this faint, almost incense-like, fragrance constantly hanging in the air.

I learnt that most people living in the neighbourhood, and for that matter the state, dispose of their garbage by burning it. These days, smoke billows out of my backyard, too.

Our backyards aren’t equipped to destroy dangerous waste like urban incinerators are. Burning plastic produces a highly toxic chemical called dioxin. Dioxins are carcinogenic, can interfere with hormones and the immune system, and cause reproductive and development problems. Then there is the problem of soot pollution. When emissions are left untreated, smoke stays low in the atmosphere in the form of fine suspended particulates. These tiny particles, measured less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10), can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and cause breathing and heart problems, and possibly lung cancer.

According to the Goa State Pollution Control Board, about 170 tonnes of waste is generated on a daily basis across all municipal areas. Along with the 189 village panchayats, that number comes close to a whopping 400 tonnes, 50 per cent of which is non-biodegradable plastic. Yes, Goa burns about 200 tonnes of plastic daily. Combine that with exhaust fumes generated from vehicles and harmful emissions from industries (Goa’s average PM10 level in 2010 was 68 micrograms/cubic metre; 8 notches above what’s considered safe) and you’ll get a fairly good idea of the quality of air you’re breathing.

Doctors across the state agree that the health concerns arising from improper garbage disposal practices are very real.

Mapusa-based Dr Ashish Thakarkar, who specialises in intensive respiratory diseases, says he treats at least four to five confirmed cases of respiratory illnesses every week. “My patients (aged between 40-50) typically suffer from asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD).” He cites smoking, rise in air pollution levels and dust as the main culprits.

Dr Praveen Bhatt, a Margao-based chest physician, has treated several

people from areas surrounding the garbage treatment plant at Sonsoddo.

He says improper garbage disposal techniques employed by authorities at the plant are adding to air pollution.

“Parents of children studying in nearby schools are worried. Even the well water there is slowly getting contaminated. It is affecting people’s health. Acute attacks of asthma, recurring pharyngitis, rhinitis and bronchitis are on the rise.”

Twenty-five-year-old Yohan Fernandes, a resident of Fatorda, echoes Dr Bhatt’s views. He has seen the pile of rubbish at Sonsoddo getting bigger over the past 20 years. “I doubt you’ll find anyone who gives a damn. All kinds of garbage accumulate there – wet, dry, hazardous. During school hours, chemicals are sprayed to dilute the smell, during monsoon the pile is covered up, but never disposed of.” When contacted for his comments, Sridhar Kamat, CEO of Fomento Green (responsible for running the operations of the Sansoddo plant), responded angrily: “These allegations are totally false. Sonsoddo is not responsible for any kind of air pollution.”

The Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rule, notified by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2000, clearly states that municipal authorities have to ‘develop an

effective infrastructure for the collection, storage, segregation, transportation, processing and disposing of Municipal Solid Wastes.’ It adds that citizens are responsible for segregation of wastes at source and should avoid littering the streets.

Environmentalists point out that the state government’s failure to implement existing laws is largely to blame for the sorry state of affairs surrounding air pollution. Raison Almeida, Chairman of Green Goa Foundation, says “There has been no initiative from the government to ban plastic bags or develop the necessary infrastructure for garbage disposal. It is not the public’s fault; they have no option but to burn their trash in their own homes. We need a proper system where garbage is collected, segregated and disposed of according to law. We need schemes that discourage people from polluting their homes, their communities and their state.”

Yes, it is true that many people come to Goa from places like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore to escape stifling pollution – and yes, when they come here they do find air that is far cleaner than home. It’s also true that the 10-monthold ban on iron-ore mining has helped clear the air in Goa’s mining areas. And yet Goa, India’s richest state in terms of

per capita GDP, has pollution levels that easily puncture its prevailing image as a pristine beach paradise.

Vivek Chattopadhyay, Programme Manager (Air Pollution Control Unit) at New Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment explains the irony of this. “When there is economic development and high per capita income, you have more resources to tackle air pollution. The state government and pollution control authorities need to identify ways to burn garbage scientifically to harness energy and recycle plastic and other toxic wastes.

They also need to collect special data and identify pollution hotspots as soon as is possible. The methods are available; you only need the will to implement them.”

The absence of a proper garbage disposal system in Goa and its consequent impact on the environment has been a burning issue for a long time.

A recent World Health Organisation study estimates that 620,000 lives are lost prematurely every year in India due to outdoor air pollution. Before Goa becomes a major stakeholder in that figure, serious action needs to be taken. Like Raison Almeida says, “If we can change governments in six months, why is it taking us forever to change the garbage problem in Goa?” 

20 Hot Streets

I hate my husband Dear Acaricia May,

M

y problem is simple. I hate my husband. I don’t like the way he looks, talks, eats, sleeps, behaves or anything else about him. I suppose there was a time a million years ago when I loved him.

But that might as well have been a different life time. It’s not that he’s a terrible person. He’s not. It’s just that I can’t stand him. Our children are now grown and now I wonder if I should just leave. On the other hand, that’s easier said than done. What do you think I should do?

Margarida, Panjim Dear Margarida,

Wow Margarida. I guess you really don’t like the guy. If you truly mean what you say, your choices are to leave or find ways to make your life with him good – maybe a change of scenery or an outdoor activity or a new arrangement wherein you spend 11 months of the year in a different city. Whatever you decide, dear Margarida, it is my belief that because our time on this earth is so finite, it does not make sense to spend it unhappily. It’s not that I’m insisting that the Westernoriented value of personal satisfaction should take precedence over the Eastern emphasis on familial obligation. What I’m saying is that a life well lived is important, and I think you should be sure to live yours well.

Love, Acaricia May

Dear Acaricia May,

I

’m very embarrassed to admit this but I have a thing for lady’s undergarments. I mean I like them not just when ladies wear them but I like to put them on myself. I’m straight and I have a girlfriend I’m very serious about. It’s just that when I put on this stuff I get turned on for some reason. I’m wondering if there’s something wrong with me or if I should be worried. I haven’t told my girlfriend or anyone else about it.

William (not my real name), Ponda (not my real city)

Dear William,

There could be many reasons why you like to wear these garments. Some men, even straight ones, have a feminine side – an inner woman, if you will – that leads them to cross dress. Others wear lady’s undergarments because they have a fetish. You see William, we humans are complex creatures and there are a multitude of factors that go into what turns us on, from early childhood exposures (no pun intended) to genes to our particular mood at any given moment. You don’t need to feel ashamed or bad. One thing I will say, though. Keeping secrets in a committed relationship can be tricky. So you’ll have to decide whether you think you can share this with your girlfriend. If you do, be prepared for her not to accept it. And if she doesn’t, it could be a blessing in disguise, freeing you to find someone who is able to accept every part of you. Good luck!

Love, Acaricia May

Feature 21

Thursday, July 18, 2013

By Perin Ilavia

F

rances Gerety, a copywriter working for Philadelphia-based advertising agency NW Ayer & Son, is credited with coining the phrase ‘A Diamond Is Forever’. That was 1943.

Seventy years later, diamonds are still here, still rare and precious…still forever.

Here’s a little primer for all of you who haven’t been initiated into diamonds and all the shiny (and sometimes dark) secrets associated with them.

Derived from ancient Greek – adámas – meaning unbreakable, the diamond surpasses most other precious stones on hardness and heat conductivity.

Provoking joy, passion, and cherished as an eternal gift of love, this eclectic stone has some superlative physical qualities.

In mineralogical terms, diamonds are highly stable allotropes of carbon.

They’re found at meteorite impact craters, along shorelines of rivers where the carbon eroded from kimberlite and lamproite (names of rocks) accumulates due to wind and water. Sufficient concentration (non-gem quality) is also found in glacier deposits and used industrially as abrasives, drilling tips, electrical insulators, for grinding and polishing. Unlike metals and other precious stones, gem-quality diamonds are not very easy to find.

Not all diamonds originate in the Earth, and though there is no scientific consensus, carbonado diamonds found in Latin America and Africa are believed to have been deposited via asteroid impacts about 3 billion years ago.

It’s not just the Earth; our majestic Universe is filled with diamonds too!

The largest diamond in the knowable universe is located some 50 light years away. Astrophysicists believe the 2,500mile wide diamond was once the heart

Diamonds Are Forever A Primer of a star, weighing trillions of carats!

Wow. It’s named Lucy, after The Beatles’ popular track Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

Historical records suggest that around the 9th century BC, India was the largest producer of diamonds. Today, South Africa is the global leader in diamond production. The main international centres for cutting and polishing are Antwerp, Amsterdam, Johannesburg, New York, Tel Aviv and Surat in Gujarat.

The tests of a diamond are the 4 Cs – clarity, colour, cut and carat. Diamonds come naturally in every colour of the rainbow. But, the best colour for a diamond is no colour at all! A totally colourless diamond allows light to pass through it easily, resulting in the light being dispersed as the colour of a rainbow. Gem-quality stones are sold at diamond exchanges all over the world, the main being at Antwerp in Belgium, where wholesalers and retailers buy cut stones to make jewellery.

The story of diamonds is not all about the shines and sparkles, though. Some diamonds have helped fund devastating civil wars in Africa. These ‘conflict

diamonds’ or ‘blood diamonds’ were sold to fund armed conflict and civil war in Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo. These wars are believed to have cost an estimated 3.7 million lives so far.

In 2003, a major milestone occurred when the United Nations introduced the Kimberley Process (named after a diamond-producing region in South Africa) to stem the flow of conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) imposes requirements on participants to certify that shipments of rough diamonds are

conflict-free. While the KPCS has helped to bring down trading in blood diamonds, it is still a very basic document; almost as easy to fake as an old driver’s licence.

That allows many of the world’s dictators and warlords to continue digging and keeping conflicts alive.

Despite the darkness surrounding conflict diamonds, people are still buying and adorning themselves with the precious stone. The United States is currently the world’s largest diamond consumer. Although it accounts for less than one per cent of total global gemstone production, the US buys more than half of the world’s total gem-quality diamonds. China comes a close second; consumption has been witnessing a compound growth of 32% per year since 2005. Annual diamond sales in China touch a total of USD 9 billion. India ranks third in sales and consumption. Estimates suggest that the Indian middle-class spends an average of twice the amount on diamonds as its Chinese counterpart, despite having less disposable income.

That has resulted in a compound annual growth of 22% per year since 2005.

On an average, India annually accounts for diamond jewellery sales of USD 8.5 billion – surpassing Japan, the European Union and the Persian Gulf region. 

Did you know?

• To produce a single one-carat diamond, 250 tonnes of earth will be mined.

• Diamond is the birthstone for people born in April. (Lucky buggers, eh?)

• Diamonds were first discovered in India, followed by Brazil.

• Most diamonds found in nature are between one to three billion years old. (Mother Nature rocks, no? Pun intended, please.)

• The largest diamond ever found was the Cullinan at 3,106 carats.

• 80 per cent of the world’s diamonds are not suitable for jewellery.

• Ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars that fell on the Earth.

• A law in 13th century France decreed that only the King could wear diamonds. (#unfair)

Website: www.cazulofeni.com

I

s there anything more Goan than feni? This ‘postcard in a bottle’ has been a Goan specialty for centuries.

And now, a combination of skill, honesty and ingenuity is putting the state and its favourite spirit on the map as a serious player in the spirits segment.

It’s been two months since Cazulo Premium Feni made a splash into the competitive beverage market. Hansel Vaz, a geologist by profession and the owner of the family-run Cazulo Premium Feni brand, says: “We aren’t here to compete with feni that is readily available. We want to boast about the world’s most exotic feni.”

Many locals maintain that fenis available commercially under established labels have been polished to the point that they’ve rubbed off a bit of the spirit’s soul. This is what motivated the makers of Cazulo Premium Feni to craft a spirit that was unafraid to push the envelope and create its own niche.

What’s special is that the Vaz family hand-picks its distillers, aware that it takes that extra something to make a truly special feni. The family not only provides support and assistance to distillers and distilling techniques, but ensures that the feni produced and selected is carefully aged in glass carboys for at least a year before it is bottled as Cazulo Premium Feni.

The Cazulo, just like its English namesake, the firefly, has a logo that radiates a warm glow - much like the feeling when feni is consumed.

Elegant and tasteful, it brings heritage to the fore. Cazulo’s makers pay attention to subtle details, from the Konkani name to the kunbi (red-magenta) and velip (green) tribe colours to the logo’s delicate henna patterns to the iconic bottle silhouette. But like Hansel says, “We aren’t selling fancy packaging; what matters most is if it is the feni inside the bottles that keeps consumers coming back for more.”

Well then, keep an eye out for the Vaz family and their Cazulo Premium Feni – seems like they’ve both got soul!