Issue No: 41

Friday, October 23, 2015 | Vol. No. 3 | Issue 41 | Price Rs. 10 | www.goastreets.com | G-2/RNP/Weekly/Goa-05/2013-15

02

Vijai Sardesai

04

Education And The Future

09

Amazing Goan Adventures

A Goa Streets interview with the man who might become the new power centre of Margao.

MOPA

Why are we educating our children for the Industrial Age and not the Technological Age?

Unusual, slightly whacky, entirely stimulating things to do in Goa during the high season.

Inside:

• Derek Julien's Music • KIKKS Lounge • Zuperb's Superb Food • Orphans Theatre • The Art Yatra • FC Goa Roller Coaster

Who Is Winning The Battle Over Goa's Would-Be New Airport?

PAGE 10

ALSO INSIDE: COMPLETE FOOD/EVENT/NIGHTLIFE GUIDE

02 politics

In Conversation With Vijai Sardesai Could He Emerge As The New Power Centre In Margao?

By Goa Streets In an interview with Streets, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai talks about his campaign for the upcoming Margao Municipal elections and his activities in the Fatorda constituency.

Goa Streets: You have fielded a panel in the Margao Municipal elections. How confident are you of victory?

Vijai Sardesai: I am quite confident.

I have taken up the challenge of the Hon. Chief Minister, that this be treated as a semifinal. I welcome the statement that he has made. I only say that once the BJP loses the elections, they shouldn’t say it was a quarter final. I am quite prepared to take on all the manipulations, all the cheating practices that they are involved in. I am quite sure that the Goan socially and politically conscious electorate will see through the game of the BJP, to divide the votes of Goans and to win the elections by default.

GS: Have the power centres shifted in Margao with the recent episode of Digambar Kamat?

VS: My involvement is as far as Fatorda is concerned. I am very clear that the power centres have to be renewed time and again. We have seen the last Municipality being converted into a den of corruption, into an inefficient body which could not deliver on promises made. This body had defected to the BJP en masse after the BJP government came to power, on … promises of giving a 50 crore package for development, which they have been subsequently fooled. So all these games of the BJP, the musical chair politics model of the Margao Municipal Council, came in because of the active support by the BJP. Some of the people involved in this musical chair politics and corruption in the council, who I call political garbage, have been fielded by the BJP on their official panel, which shows the direct involvement of the BJP in the musical chair politics and the instability as well as the corruption that plagues the Council.

Therefore the alternate model that I have put up to the people of Fatorda only, is a model of young new faces. Out of twelve, eleven are new faces ... If good

people don’t come into politics we will not be able to clean up the system.

Whether power centres will shift I am not aware, as I have not contested the whole council, I have only contested my constituency … But I have only come into an alliance with the Congressbacked panel in Margao because we are natural allies fighting a common enemy, the BJP, which centrally as well as in the State have belied the expectations of the people, who have fooled the people by promising them ‘acche din’ and have given them nothing but price rise, corruption and growing intolerance in society, which is one of the biggest problems.

GS: Panjim is to become a Smart City. Will Margao remain a messy city?

VS: The Chief Minister, and the Defence Minister, come to Fatorda and Margao often these days, I have put 10 questions to him. One of them is a pointed question on this, why Margao was neglected and given a raw deal when the decision was taken to appoint consultants for the Smart City project, and Panjim was notified as a smart city and not Margao. So it clearly shows the step-motherly treatment towards Salcete and Margao in particular by the same BJP leadership who are now coming to Margao to ask for votes. So they have first cheated us and now they are coming asking for votes.

GS: Keeping the Smart City aside, why are bypasses getting stuck because of a few houses?

Why is the chapel still protruding on the Kadamba Bus-stand road?

VS: I will be removing the chapel within the next six months.

I will be shifting it from that side to this side. I have the Chapel Committee with me, I have got the land, and also the work order and tender. In Fatorda constituency all such bottlenecks will be addressed. And they are all being done with the concept of development by consent. We are not forcing anyone through land acquisition or giving them threats of police action. We are doing it by taking them into confidence.

GS: What would you consider are three of your greatest achievements in the last one year?

VS: I have built one road that actually symbolises Fatorda Circle. It is the road from the Collectorate Office to Agalli. It was a road of 4-metre width, with fisherwomen sitting by the side. I

have made it into a 15 metre road with a dedicated two-wheeler lane, with the fisherwomen shifted to an open space and building them a traditional Goan tintto, with a complete protection of the Goan ethos. Now this has been development by consent. I have broken several compound walls of people, which I have reconstructed. This is one development that has solved a bottleneck and traffic congestion in Fatorda for years to come. I have got 17 crore rupees worth of work orders already with me, when the rains have complete gone I will start working on them. Totally there are five roads in Fatorda, and I am quite sure that at least three roads will be widened to international standards.

Number two achievement is providing subsidized sewerage connections for hundreds of people.

Earlier to get a sewerage connection you would have to pay forty to fifty thousand rupees. Now you have got a subsidized sewerage connection scheme from the government, which costs five thousand rupees … Connectivity to the sewerage pipeline has been more or less achieved. There are still people yet to be connected, but I think by the end of my term everybody will be connected.

The third thing is that I have created an awareness towards an organic Fatorda. We are a rural-urban constituency.

So there are a lot of Goan farmers who used to cultivate their fields.

For the last five to seven years I have been giving the farmers free seeds, free manure, free harvesting. So every agricultural activity has been fully subsidized by me in my constituency, without the government coming into the picture.

That way I have encouraged a clean and green Fatorda.

I have myself given dustbins to most of the houses, so as to have a door-to-door garbage collection

at one source. Clean and green Fatorda, sewerage and good roads – this is development.

GS: In the past there has been talk by the council about elevated walkways, etc in Margao. Will that not aesthetically clash with the heritage character of Margao city?

VS: I am completely for heritage preservation. Just like in Fontainhas, I have proposed a heritage festival here.

I have also proposed that the entire Old Market area up to Borda should be given special grants under heritage preservation. We have the Camara Municipal de Salcete building which is collapsing. The government is wasting hundreds of crores on development that is not necessary. Ten crores could be spent to preserve this heritage … I am completely in favour of preservation of heritage, of development not eclipsing the ethos of the place. Whatever development happens, it can still go hand in hand with preserving the architectural as well as other aspects. 

education

Education, Longevity And Our Uncertain Future Today’s Kids May Live To 120 And Hold Down 40 Jobs But Who’s Preparing Them For It?

Let’s Educate Children For The Technological Age, Not The Industrial One!

By Shilpa Mehta

A

new study out this month predicts our children will probably work till they are 100, and live till 120.

That means a child born today will retire in 2115, from a world we can barely imagine.

Rohit Talwar, Chief Executive at the consultancy firm Fast Future, presented his findings to a conference of Head Teachers from the world’s leading independent schools in the UK last week.

He concluded children should prepare to have about 40 jobs over a lifetime, spanning at least 10 different careers.

The idea that a job is for life has clearly gone out the window. Now we need to prepare children for a future we cannot even envisage.

The truth is - the future is a tricky thing. We are in an intense relationship with an unknown entity. It does not perform in ways we expect.

It has its own intelligence and volition which is both a mystery and a danger to us. Most of us when we think about the future experience a wave of fear…for all these reasons.

Even people at the top of their game are unable to gauge future growth.

In 1945, just 70 years ago, the then Head of IBM Thomas Watson declared “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers” (and they would be as large as a house). And Darryl Zanuck, executive at 20th Century Fox, was adamant there was no market in television because “people will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night.”

The corporate buzzword for this incalculable state of affairs is a ‘VUCA’ world, which stands for ‘volatile, unpredictable, complex and ambiguous’ - a term coined by the US Military at

the end of the Cold War to describe a political landscape that was no longer bilateral, but multilateral. In other words, a world on the verge of exploding global change.

If government and business ideologies are acknowledging this new paradigm, is education doing the same?

Because let’s face it, we’re just in the shallows right now. It’s our children who are going to be fully hit with the VUCA

wave. So are we really preparing them for it?

An honest answer is no, we are not.

We are using outdated models of the past to deal with unknowable outcomes of the future. Most education systems are archaic and were built to meet the demands of the Industrial Revolution, 200 years ago. They are designed to create good ‘workers’, who are obedient, pliable, non-questioning and willing to be led. Memorising dry rivers of facts and meaningless data that will never be actually used outside of the abstraction of the educational system is the methodology to keep minds chained to such a system. Being graded on how well you do at it creates the fear that you must succeed. There is no room for individuality, flair, creativity, passion, discovery. It is the suppression of the self, not the celebration of it.

And yet passion, creativity and flexible thinking are exactly what’s called for in today’s changing society.

The promise of old-style education - get a good degree and you’ll get a good job is a failing myth.

In the next 30 years, according to UNESCO, more people worldwide will be graduating through high levels of education than since the beginning of recorded history. Yet graduate unemployment has never been higher, especially in Asia. One in three graduates is unemployed in India according to the Labour Ministry’s recent figures. Of the jobs that do exist here, more than 60 percent of employers say graduates simply don’t have the talent base or relevant skills to fulfill their positions.

In short, this manufactureline of academia is churning out highly-schooled, ultra-educated, unemployable people.

How can we create more relevance here? It’s quite straightforward. Educate children for the Technological Age, not the Industrial one. This will fully activate all VUCA skills necessary, to not just survive chains of disruption, but actually thrive within them.

Kids today are born digital - it’s in their DNA. They know how to swipe an iPhone before they can walk. We should be harnessing their innate abilities in this area - but instead, we curtail them in schools where computers, tablets, smart phones are banned or strictly controlled. There is an inherent distrust of the web. The internet is only allowed in dribbles. Computer Science is taught from textbooks - not computers. My daughter has to know who invented the floppy disk (and all other components of computers) before she’s allowed near the on-button. Yet put a device in her hand and she’ll invent an app in no time.

Ask any cutting-edge business leader what makes a meta-winner in a VUCA

society and they will all say they have to be natural technophiles, able to innovate new worlds using digital means and react to change with lightning speed.

That describes most 10 year olds in my book.

However, the Technological Age is not just about computers. It is also an approach to learning. The online platform is an open, collaborative, engaging arena where people can discover their interests, other people, all the world's information. The military describes it as the fifth domain after air, land, sea, space. It possesses the dimensions of the real. It allows for great self-motivated journeying where curiosity is your most important teacher.

And this perhaps is the most powerful gift of technology itself. Not what it does.

But who we have to be, to use it best.

This is the major shift the world is in today. The move away from mass-production, one-size-fits-all employment (which even governments and economies are unable to generate) to highly individualised, diverse and passionate career paths that express people’s unique truths and capabilities.

That, more than anything, is the fuel that’s going to sustain this VUCA generation for the next 120 years of their existence.

I believe a digital education is the means to get them there.  Shilpa Mehta, with her daughter India-Fire

Shilpa Mehta is the founder of Paradise School Goa, began in the South but due North in 2016. She is a former television broadcaster for Discovery, BBC and Channel 4. Her aim is to modernise education in India and the world.

Publisher Marisha Dutt • Chief Mentor Steven Gutkin

Correspondents/Writers: Ethel Da Costa, Sheela Jaywant, Charlane Pereira e Rebello, Bina Datwani, Karan Bhagat, Perin Ilavia, Dielle D’Souza,

Anzil Fernandes, Crespo D’Souza, Sanket Sharma, Richa Narvekar, Vivian Maverick Martins, Claron Mazarello, Aliya Abreu, Kanchi Mehta, Sapna Shahani • Contributing Editor José Lourenço • Photographer Brendon Sapeco • Marketing Co-ordinator Radhika Naik • Marketing & Event Co-ordinator Rahul Rivonkar • Marketing Executive Alvira Rodrigues • Graphic Designer Amol Kamat • Circulation & Accounts Co-ordinator Nilesh Shetgaonkar • Circulation Vijay Gadekar & Valentino D'Cruz

Friday, October 23, 2015

One of India’s Finest Guitarists Spends Much Of His Time In Goa

I

By Claron Fidelis Mazarello

n 1973, Waterfront became the first Indian band to tour Europe, and that too, playing their own English originals.

History lessons in the Indian music scene from the 60s reveal that Bombay was considered quite the musical hub, “like how Goa is today,” explains the legendary guitar player from Waterfront, Derek Julien, now in Goa. “There may have easily been about 200 bands in Bombay at that time,” says Derek, mentioning places like Manori Beach, Priyadarshani Park, Kalaghoda, and Apollo Bunder, where live music was patronised from the seventies and eighties.

“Auditoriums would be inevitably booked every Saturday and Sunday where about five to seven bands came to perform every night. Bands would actually travel to Bombay to play given the vibrant music scene then.” He said musicians

06 music & nightlife Oct 23

Every Fridays

Friday Beach Party Featuring Jewlung -Amol Reon- Leon Ritesh Gonsalves - Funksun At Cafe Lilliput, Anjuna 6 pm onwards +91 9822137767

Wet and Tech Gear up for an amazing session of electronic music acts playing Deep house, Tech, and tech house music At Waters Beach Lounge and Grill, Ozran beach, Vagator 8:00 pm till late +919767200012 & 9702025555 & 9850561111

Wet & Tech Nello Electric Zoo Goa, Herman Saiz At Waters Beach Lounge & Grill, Vagator 8 pm till late +91 9702025555 Sufi Night Featuring Manuj Sufi Fusion Band & W Tec At Marbela Beach, Morjim 7 pm onwards +91 9158881180

Oct 24 Sold Out Saturday Get grooving this Saturday at Sol as DJ Zeeqar spins some tunes in sync with live percussionist Lenon.

At Sol de Goa, Nerul 8 pm to 12 am +91 832 6714141 Rock is Alive Featuring Elvis Rumion, Lenon Pires, Noel D' Gama At Soul Souffle, Verna 8 pm onwards +91 9323590051

Oct 25 Sunday Night Jazz Mac Dourado - Guitar, Colin D'cruz bass, Denis Coelho -drums At Bar Code Lounge & Grill, Porvorim 7 pm onwards +91 7050961335 Hifi Tour Featuring Shash Chaz, Technomads n more Lunch, pool and Sundowner party At Water's Lounge, Vagator 1 pm onwards +91 8806404434

Oct 28 Ladies Night With DJ Ryan Nogar At Cafe Mojo Pub & Bistro, Panaji @ 7 pm onwards +91 7774054353

Oct 24 to Dec 26 Sunset Serenade at Park Hyatt Latin Connection with guest artists from all over the world will fill the air with magic while Peruvian chefs cook up some amazing seafood against a breath taking sea view.

7 pm to 10 pm At Palms restaurant, Park Hyatt Goa, Cavalossim +91 0832 272 1234

Every Wednesday Free bird nights at Cotinga Free bird nights at Cotinga presents, Elvis and Anirban, with a classic rock and blues session, this Wednesday 8:00 pm onwards.

At Cotinga at the Tamarind Hotel, Anjuna 8:00 pm onwards +919822851155, (0832)6519999

Friday Night Live with Alcatrazz For the first time in Dona Paula : Retro, Pop and Dance music by the amazing Alcatrazz only at Bay 15.

At Bay 15, Odxel beach, Dona Paula 8:00 pm onwards 095610 06715

Music Spots in Goa Cavala Every Wednesday: Cavala Acoustic Latin Retro Every Friday: Tidal Wave’s live act Every Saturday: Piano played by Bosco Cavala, Calangute - Baga Road, Baga 8:30 pm onwards. +91 832 2276090 sales@cavala.com | www.cavala.com The Park, Calangute Every Monday: Retro Night By Jus Leo Every Thursday: Retro Night Every Friday: Karaoke Night with KDJ Tony The Park, Calangute 8 pm onwards +91 8805028194, +91 832 2267600 resv.goa@theparkhotels.com www.theparkhotels.com

Casinos in Goa Deltin Royale Casino Get lucky on a big boat.

D.Bandodkar Road, Panjim +91 9820 616515 or email: groups@ deltin.com (If you’re based in Mumbai) +91 7875 024455 or email: groupbookings@deltin.com (If you’re based in Goa) Crown Casino Crown Casino located on the first floor of The Crown Hotel, Celebrate and have fun in crown casino that offers the latest in Gaming technology. Enjoy an international experience right here in the heart of Goa! Hotel guests can avail of special casino packages as well.

Contact hotel reception on check in.

Bairo Alto Dos Pilotos, Jose Falcao Road, Behind Old Secretariat, Panjim For Group Booking Contact: Mr. Rakshit Talwar: +91 9049084848 or +91 832 2222833 reception@crowncasinogoa.com Casino Carnival Casino Carnival Goa, offers premium entertainment in Goa, anchored in the Mandovi River overlooking the charming city of Panjim. Offers High Quality Entertainment and Live Gaming experience in Goa comparable with the best practices of international casinos.

At Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Panjim +91 8888885314

like Braz Gonsalves and Louis Banks were part of the great jazz music scene in Bombay, along with bands like the Mystics, Atomic Forest, Combustibles and many others who, like Waterfront, could be classified as progressive rock.

“Our songs were longer than the standard four and five minutes. Just like any other band that begins with standards, we also began playing covers of King Crimson, Dylan, Jethro Tull and other classic rock, but they were heavily improvised. We later had more than 100 original songs," says Derek, painting a picture of Waterfront’s heyday. While these originals were not recorded, Derek has managed to put up three of their songs on Youtube after an old recording made by a fan was discovered. With Derek Julien as the guitar player, original songs of Waterfront were written by Soli Dastur, who joined later, and Roger Dragonnette.

Derek first took up the guitar at age 14.

“The day I did that, I was spell bound forever,” he says, adding that he was so into it that he would practice for hours on end and love every second. In 1967, he first became part of a band called ‘Mystiks’, and when he was 17 years old he took off to Africa with this band for a contract that lasted a year. “It was a contract in Somalia.

And although it was a simple contract where we played weekly, when the revolution began there, we were given 24 hours to leave,” he recalls.

"I had already played with Trilok Gurtu before he joined Waterfront in 1971. In fact, although just the keyboard player of Waterfront was an out and out jazz musician, the rest were rockers at heart,” he said. Trilok, he said, served as Waterfront’s “Indian connect.”

“It was at a disco called Hell at Worli where I first heard members of Waterfront - Roger Dragonnette (bass), Lloyd Pedro (drums), Jimmy Dorabjee (guitar) and Adil Battliwalla (keyboards) - play.

This was the first time I actually asked to join a band. And I chose to play with Waterfront in 1972 instead of taking up a huge money making contract of playing commercial music in Kuwait. This decision led me to the highlight of my musical life.”

Known as one of the most export worthy bands India has ever produced, Waterfront toured Europe for a whole year. “But we somehow were never a commercially strong

band. We had no shows lined up or anything in Europe. Luckily we had a Volkswagen bus that later turned into our house when things got tougher. But we managed to play in Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland and in discos and in night clubs all over,” he says, giving a taste of what an unofficial, unorganized tour felt like from those heady times.

Julien was born and brought up in Bombay behind Leopold, Fort-Colaba Causeway but later moved to Pune. He married classical pianist Maria Samson in 1979 and is blessed with a daughter named Danielle. His wife saw that he loved jamming with his fellow musicians in Goa and coaxed him to shuffle between Pune and Goa to get the best of both worlds – music and family.

“Goa is such a wonderful hub for musicians and it is always such a pleasure to play here in Goa. Gigs are usually of two types – the corporate or big paying ones which come once in a while in a year, but otherwise smaller gigs that pay lesser. However, the money could be better with a higher number of smaller shows anyway,” Derek feels.

“There seems to be much more opportunities for a musician to play in Goa today as compared to few years ago. Goa, however, is the only place in India where jam sessions are promoted.”

He says Goa is not a place where particular original bands grow themselves over time, but rather one where musicians of all stripes come together to jam.

“I don’t think me, nor any other musician, will really complain about this anyway. I for one simply love this concept,” Derek says.

Who said a vibrant music scene comes in only one shape and size? 

07

Friday, October 23, 2015

Oct 24 Story Works – An Introductory Talk by Marian Paintal Behavioural trainer, counsellor and life coach Organised

by Marian Paintal Open to all above 18 years of age At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula 10.30 am 1.00 pm 9422443933 / 9405921094 Preschool Morning: A Fun Early Literacy Program. A two and half hours of pure fun filled with songs, games, reading, colours, food and film for preschoolers. This week's story is 'George, The Dragon and the Princess'. At Bookworm, Taleigao 10.00-12.30 pm +91 9823222665/+91 832 2451233.

Oct 25 Exclusive Photography Workshop for Kids

By Darshan Lolienkar, renowned photography professional Organised by Sushant Forever...

Free & Open to children from 14 - 16 years At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula 10.00 am - 1.00 pm 9422443933 / 9405921094

Canopy Eco – Tours Offers a wide variety of experiences including nature-treks, butterfly tours, dragonfly & damselfly tours, and boat safaris on the Zuari River as well as their original bird watching tour.

At Housing Board Colony, Margao +91 9764261711, +91 9764052225 Canopygoa.com Goa Butterfly Park & Conservatory A small park on a hill that’s a great place to spot stunningly beautiful butterflies.

Near Tropical Spice Plantation, Ponda +91 832 2985174, +91 9822125474 Bcogoa.org The Bushmasters Owner Rahul Alvares is one of our state’s most experienced snake rescuers. Snake Watch programmes costs Rs. 1600 per person inclusive of transport and breakfast.

At Almeida Vaddo, Parra 6.30 am to 9.30 am +91 9881961071 Rahulalvares.com Off the Grid Offers a unique home stay experience in a secluded village in the Western Ghats At Western Ghats John +91 9623451758 Sylvia +91 9049081097

Every Wednesday & Friday Go Karting David Furtado Dance Classes Salsa & Waltz for beginners At Casino Motel, Porvorim 6.40 to 7.40 +91 9975914195

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Yoga With Nikhila Trikha at Carpe Diem At Carpe Diem, Gomes Waddo, Majorda 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm +91 832 2881 035/+91 8888862462 Great Goan Experiences

Experience in Goa Froggy Land Froggyland is a venue for all the water lovers. Some of our activities would include the wave pool, lazy river, slides, rain dance, children’s pool etc.

At Pateipur, Nuvem +91 9823480057 Wildernest Crocodile Safaris Offers boat safaris starting from Britona Jetty (Near Panjim) through the backwaters and mangrove-lined canals, which are home to fresh water crocodile locally called ‘Muggers’.

At Kamat Centre, D.B Marg, Panjim +91 9595553799/ +91 9341112721 Seaeaglecruises.com

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

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

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

Outdoors Tropical Spice Plantation The Tropical Spice Plantation guided tour is certain to refresh your senses and make you feel at one with Mother Nature. At Arle Bazar Keri, Ponda +91 832 2340329 Abyss Spice Farm Located on high hills amidst stunning surroundings near Ponda. Many tourists visit it for the medicinal herbs grown here on a large scale.

The Plantation also offers ayurvedic massage.

At Sai Farm, Savoi Verem, Ponda Pascoal Spice Village A wide variety of spice plants and cash crops is grown here. For visitors there is a restaurant with an open-air party facility along with boating At Khandepar, Ponda +91 832 2344268/ +91 832 2344536 -39

Atreya Vedic Farms Set amidst nature’s abundance at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Molem is Atreya Vedic Farm, a unique ecotourism venture.

At Bondu Mol, Mollem 9 am to 5 pm +91 832 6570877 Sahakari Spice Farm Relax under a dense forest cover and take in the aroma of a variety of spices grown in the farm. Also, enjoy a traditional Goan lunch served in earthen pots & banana leaves.

At Ponda­Belgaum Highway, Curti, Ponda +91 832 2312394 Email: info@sahakarifarms.com

Dance Classes Jason & Sylvia Dance Academy At Las Viegas Dance Studio, Taleigao +91 9822161652/ +91 9822151614 David Furtado Dance & Aerobics Dance styles such as Waltz, Jive Salsa, Cha Cha, and Merengue & Salsa for adults. And Hip Hop, Contemporary & Bollywood for children.

At Rosary Chapel, Miramar, Dona Paula Road, Caranzalem +91 9975914195 Snaden Shawn Dance Academy Dance Style: Hip hop, Bollyfunk, jazz, contemporary At All Over Goa +91 7798609859/ +91 9890163433

Notable Forts Reis Magos Fort This Fort, surrounded by sturdy laterite walls studded with typically Portuguese turrets, was erected in 1551 to protect the narrowest point at the mouth of the Mandovi estuary. The fort stands on the north bank of the Mandovi River at Reis Magos, and is visible from the Panjim side of the Mandovi River.

At Verem 10.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2410711/ +91 832 2410715

Aguada Fort Fort Aguada and its lighthouse is a well-preserved seventeenth-century Portuguese fort Daily 10 am to 5.30 pm At Candolim Tiracol Fort The fort was originally built

by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi, in the 17th century. Now, in a state of ruins, Fort Tiracol has been converted into a luxury hotel, the Fort Tiracol Heritage.

At Tiracol, Keri Cabo de Rama Fort Interesting fort named after Lord Rama. Inside the fort, check out the church of Santo Antonio, still used by devotees. At Cola Beach Chapora Fort One of the most loved forts of Goa; it was built in place of an older fort on the same location after the MarathaPortuguese war. At Vagator

MUSEUMS Museum of Goa Art Museum At Pilerne Industrial Estate, Pilerne 10 am to 6 pm +91 7722089666

Naval Aviation Museum Displaying a number of vintage aircraft and armaments used at different stages by Naval Aviation dating back to the 1950`s and a vast number of memorabilia related to Naval Aviation history.

Near Bogmalo Beach 10 am to 5 pm +91 832 2538668 Wax World Museum A brainchild of Mr. Shreeji Bhaskaran, the man behind India’s first wax museum at Ooty, here’s Goa’s very own Madame Tussuad’s. With over 30 lifelike wax statues of the who’s who of India, including the most eminent personalities from culture, religion, politics, heritage and more, it’s a huge attraction.

At Gandhi Circle, Old Goa 9.30 am to 7.30 pm +91 9970126202 Museum Of Christian Art Open all days of the week Located at the Convent of Santa Monica, you may pray if you wish to, else just soak in the ambience of peace.

At Old Goa From 9:30 am – 5 pm +91 832 2285299 Goa Science Centre The Centre has a science park with interactive exhibits, 3D shows, galleries on oceanic science, explaining mysteries of the underwater world.

At Miramar 10 am to 6 pm +91 832 2463426

No Mother, we’re not naming the baby Hardik

08 the corner

Cake Mixing at Goa Marriott!

G

oa Marriott Resort & Spa hosted a tremendously delightful traditionalChristmas Cake Mixing Ceremony on Saturday, 17th October, at 1 pm, at the poolside patio. The invitees gamely donned aprons, gloves and caps, and armed themselves with bottles of liquor, ready to tackle the colourful mounds of dry fruits, nuts and spices. The special invitees this year were none other than the FC Goa golden boys, including Lucio, Gregory Arnolin and JofreMateu!

Executive Chef Anupam Gulati briefly addressed the invitees and announced the commencement of the ceremony. Being a long-awaited celebration of an age-old tradition, the spirited Marriott chefs,led by Executive Chef Anupam Gulati and Asst. Pastry Chef Samantha, were gleefully joined by the FC Goa team members, guests, friends and media representatives in generously mixing the rich and vibrant ingredients, resulting in nothing short of a spectacular cake mixing event. The Marriott Associates were excited to be hosting this fun-filled holiday activity, heralding the onset of the new season.

The cake mixture included ten varieties of nuts & dry fruits and a variety of aromatic Indian spices soaked in liquor. A five hundred kilogram mix was made with cashew nuts, almonds, black currents, ginger peel, orange peel, figs, dates, glazed cherries, raisins & sultanas.

Some of the aromatic Indian spices used were cinnamon powder, cloves powder, cardamom powder, dry ginger powder, nutmeg powder, star anise, etc. and the liquors included rum, brandy, port wine, cointreau, sherry, red wine & white wine.

Both the young and the old enthusiastically participated in the traditional cake mixing, in eager anticipation of the coming festive season.

Get Your Daily Kicks at Kikks Lounge!

L

By Rahul Rivonkar

ooking out for that perfect venue with a spectacular décor, amazing vibe to hang out with your friends, or perhaps celebrate a Birthday or Staggette party in the heart of Goa’s coastal buzz? Then it is time for you to check out Kikks.

The Acacia Hotel & Spa has kick started a new lounge called Kikks – The Cocktail Lounge, which is located just 500 meters from the sea in Candolim – smack in the centre of Goa’s best nightlife and chill-out scene. This cocktail lounge is serving up a delightful Bistro Menu with an exotic line of Cocktails & Mocktails. With a seating capacity of 50 people, Kikks will be open from 2:00 pm to 1:00 am every day.

Yes, this is about drinks and hanging out in an extremely inviting lounge. But it’s also about food.

Kikks’ signature

dishes include ‘Tzatziki’, the tangy Mediterranean cucumber dip flavored with garlic & fresh mint & served to you with pita bread, and the Kikks Burger, which is 100% ground steak, sesame bun, crispy bun, cheese & French fries. Plus a lot more in the menu for the foodie within!

In the Boozy department, signature cocktails include the ‘Hit Wicket’, consisting of Goan Cashew Feni, smoked ginger & papaya, and the ‘Sixer’, which is Dark rum, white rum, grape fruit juice, cinnamon, clove syrup, Campari, bitters & fresh lime mix. The interesting thing is that Kikks uses fresh fruit purees for their drinks and not the commonly used syrups.

In the smoky department, Kikks has various flavors of Hookahs for you

Events to look out for at Kikks:  Happy Hours- Everyday (5pm8pm)  Industry Nights – Monday (7pm onwards)  Fusion Thursday – Thursdays (7pm onwards)  Gone Girl Ladies Night – Friday (8 pm onwards)  Super Saturday Night – Saturday (8pm onwards) Meal for 2: Rs. 1200/-

to relax with. Flavors like kiwi, coffee, cranberry, double apple, peach, strawberry, watermelon, bubble gum, Brainstorm, American blue mist, Rock on, Green forest and the list goes on.

Hookah bases here are made of soft drinks, Red Bull, milk, beer, vodka, wine, whiskey or any special bases as & when requested by the guests. They have special Hookahs made from fresh watermelon & pineapple as well.

Come by for a smokyboozy-foodie night!

Address: The Acacia Hotel & Spa Goa, Fort Aguada Road, Candolim Email: fnb@theacaciahotels.com Web: www.theacaciahotels.com Tel. No: 0832-6714777

explore 09

Friday, October 23, 2015

10 Unusual, Slightly Whacky, Entirely Stimulating Things To Do In Goa During The High Season!

By Goa Streets

Y

ou read the headline and subheadlines (excuse the journojargon) to this story, right? ‘Nuff said. Let’s get started.

1. Get Wild

In a wildlife sanctuary, that is. It’s hard to know what’s more exciting – Goa’s nightlife or its wildlife parks. Of course it depends on what sort of “wild” you’re into, but for all those who prefer their thrills to come from critters rather than cocktails, check out the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats.

Among the critters here are the mouse deer, the sloth bear, the panther and the barking deer (and you thought only dogs could do that!). The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, about 10 kilometres southeast of Palolem, has snakes, monkeys, birds and frogs, though some of its more exotic denizens, such as leopards, sambars and gaurs, are more difficult to spot. The forest department offers some cottages for those wishing to stay the night.

2.Let History Be Your Guide

a o G ets A re e St uid G

5. Heritage Tour

3. Snorkel, Lounge and Barbecue

Private Portuguese heritage tours are available, guiding you through such sights as the Se Cathedral, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Dona Paula Beach and Fontainhas.

Lest we forget, the Portuguese ruled this land for all of 451 years that only ended in 1961, which, in historical terms, was practically just yesterday. Goa has two World Heritage sights, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the churches and convents of Old Goa. A half-day tour will take you back in time and help you relive Portuguese rule – this time, fortunately, without an Inquisition.

Goa is certainly no backwater, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have fantastic backwaters for you to go kayaking on!

The Sal Backwaters, the Nerul River, the Zuari River and the Mandovi River are particularly well suited to this increasingly popular sport. It’s not just the fun of rowing on the river. It’s also the breathtaking array of flora, fauna and scenery you see along the way that will, yes, take your breath away.

One of the best ways to see Goa is to rent a motorbike. In a single day, you can drive from Palolem in the South to Arambol in the north, stopping along the way to soak in the sights and sounds. Be sure to wear a helmet. You’ll need to present a valid driver’s license to rent your bike.

Billy Joel said he would rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints. Now you can, too, at a Goan casino! If you don’t overdo it and lose all your money, then it’s all in good fun (notwithstanding opposition from a good number of Goans who despise their presence). There are casinos all over Goa, but the most popular and probably the best ones are floating on the Mandovi River.

9. Gamble

6. Be A Biker

Listen up, dear reader. If Monkey Island was good enough for the producers of the movie The Bourne Supremacy, it should be good enough for you. It’s a South Goan adventure featuring snorkeling, swimming, lounging and barbecuing on the beach. Cruises take you from the Panjim jetty or Coco Beach to Monkey Island, where the day’s delights take place.

4. Yoga Mania

7. Cooking Classes

At a museum! Look, if you think museums are boring, don’t go to one. But if you’re an intellectually curious person who believes in cultural preservation and personal edification, Goa has some nice offerings in this regard. The Archaeological Museum of Old Goa, the Institute Menezes Braganza and the Naval Aviation Museum are particularly worthwhile. Come on, you can have your Kingfisher on the beach later!

8. Kayak

Goa is known for many things – beach, parties, heritage, shacks, churches, to name a few. In recent years, it’s also come into its own as a global centre for the practice of Yoga. The Oceanic Yoga School in Anjuna is one of the most popular and professional institutions of this kind in the state, and is definitely worth checking out. Oooohhhhhmmmm! Visit www. oceanicyoga.com.

It’s hard not to love Goan food. It’s spicy, tangy, not too heavy and usually made with loads of love. In the northern village of Siolim, there’s a wonderful cooking school called the Siolim Cooking School (please take our word for it, the creativity of the food and instruction exceeds the creativity of the school’s name).

Located in a posh heritage hotel called the Siolim House, the school boasts very good teachers who reveal Goa’s culinary treasures. Check them out at www. cookingclassesgoa.com.

10. Sunset Cruise On The Mandovi

These cruises, run by Goa tourism authorities, take off every night around (you guessed it) sunset, and last about an hour. You can have drinks and snacks, listen to live music and enjoy Goan and Portuguese performances while watching the sun go down over the Mandovi River and Arabian Sea. Catch the boat at the Santa Monica Pier in Panjim, and float your worries away! 

10 COVER STORY

The Mopa Fight

Who Is Winning the Battle Over Goa’s Would-Be New Airport?

N

By Crespo D’Souza

ow that the Mopa airport has overcome its biggest hurdle – obtaining an environmental clearance from a key central government committee – the question is, will it actually see the light of day?

One might say it depends on who you listen to. After all, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar says his Cabinet is about to approve the tender, the union government clearly is in favour of the project, tourism officials are fed up with having to compete with the Navy for use of the current Dabolim airport, and some of our state’s most powerful actors, both in government and in business, have a vested interest in seeing it come to fruition.

And yet opponents, led by the NGO Federation of Rainbow Warriors, are mounting a fierce campaign to stop the project. They’re preparing for a prolonged legal battle, saying the government has failed to properly consider environmental impact and abide by procedural requirements.

Their arguments have been bolstered by those who say Goa simply doesn’t need a second airport, not to mention a third one currently under construction in

Maharashtra at Chipi-Parule, just over an hour’s drive from the Goa border.

If one looks at the forest through the trees (provided there are any trees left at Mopa), it’s not difficult to conclude who’s winning the battle. Both the state and central governments clearly want to see this happen, as do powerful business interests in Goa and beyond. For now, at least, they are winning this epic fight.

Bottom line: if you’re a betting person, bet on Mopa happening.

“Once the tender is floated, we should be able to finalise the successful bidder within three months and work should positively start after the monsoons next year,” Chief Minister Parsekar told reporters who called on him after the clearance was granted by the Union Government’s Ministry of Environment and Forest’s Expert Appraisal Committee on Oct. 20.

Parsekar said the Goa cabinet will approve the tender document later this month or early next month after which the tender, called the Request for Proposals, will take place.

This controversy that has ignited the passions of so many Goans pits the government against activists, environmentalists against developers, farmers against politicians. With the prodevelopment forces of the BJP in power both at the state and national levels, and with powerful politicians (including, according to news accounts, the current chief minister) possessing personal interests in the Mopa project, the Mopa International Airport increasingly seems like a done deal. Still, one must remember that we’re talking about India, not China, and ordinary citizens have ways of making their voices heard. That why the prediction that the airport will go forward is only that, a prediction.

Why shouldn’t Goa have a second airport, say proponents, considering

that the first one is run by the Indian Navy and is not available to commercial flights during peak morning hours? The project will bring thousands of jobs, much needed commerce and a robust boost to not just the proposed site at Pernem but also the Goan economy as a whole, proponents argue. So many things that can’t happen now at the Navycontrolled airport at Dabolim – from installing hangars to increasing cargo transport to raising the number of flights – would now be possible, they add. And compared to other sites in Goa, this one’s ecosystem is not particularly diverse or sensitive, the proponents insist.

"This year itself the airport is being subjected to restrictions for the second time ... We have to constantly take up the matter with the Union Defence Minister, which is something we can do without," said travel operator Nilesh Shah, expressing exasperation with a series of constraints due to runway repair and other issues.

Opponents of the project smell a rat, with politicians supporting the airport to promote their own land investments and other interests. They say a second airport makes no financial sense in a state of Goa’s size, and that Mopa’s location at the far northern tip of the state rather than in the centre, as Dabolim is now, makes it more likely to serve Maharashtra than Goa. Farmers and other land owners were not compensated fairly when the site was acquired, they say, and now they point to new evidence of rich aluminium bauxite reserves at the site constituting a rich public resource that could never be exploited if a runway and terminals were

built atop it. All that’s in addition to rich water resources discovered beneath the proposed site.

The Rainbow Warriors raised two main concerns in their most recent submissions - that an environmental study report had missed out on hydrogeological features of the plateau at Mopa, without a single spring from the area being recorded in the study, and secondly that the terms of reference for the study had expired on May 31 this year.

The state government overrode their concerns in replies to the centre, which resulted in the granting of the environmental clearance.

Aviation experts offer an entirely different argument for scrapping Mopa.

Vito Gomes, a resident of Taleigao and Founder and Managing Director of Aviation Services Management argues that Mopa is simply unnecessary. He points out that in 2014 Goa received a total of 40,58,226 tourists (tourism department figures), of which 35,44,634 tourists were domestic and 5,13,592 were international. This is an average of 3,38,185 tourists a month by different means of transport - air, rail, road.

12 give back

Theatre Project For Orphans

It Can Make A Dramatic Difference, Literally!

Save The Date – Nov. 16 at Menezes Breganza Hall, Panjim – For Another Fabulous Play Performed By The Orphans Of Goa!

By Nalini Elvino de Sousa Communicare Trust is an NGO dedicated to children and their education.

"Communicare" means communication in Latin, and our mission is to educate the underprivileged kids of our state in various means of communication. Among our most notable projects are the plays we put on to teach languages.

I

n keeping with the pursuit of our mission, in 2013 we started a theatre project to to teach languages, public speaking and drama to children in orphanages across Goa. These orphans often speak only local dialects, with little familiarity with English, Hindi and other languages.

Our theatre project gives them a chance to learn languages from across our country as well as from around the world.

The first orphanage to participate in this project was the Care and Compassion home in Altinho, Panjim, Goa. It is run by Prince Aaron Golden and his wife Sujata. We put up a play with the kids from Care and Compassion who served as both actors and stagehands. The play, called “The Mysterious Scholar”, was written by Mitalee Bhattacharya and directed by Aftab Khan Farooqui.

The play was performed at the Black Box at Kala Academy in Panjim on the 5th of November 2013. We had Prince Jacob, the director of the Tiatr Academy of Goa, as Chief Guest. The play was very well received by the audience and we received extremely positive feedback about the project and how much good it was doing for these underprivileged kids. The kids themselves were also very excited, saying they really enjoyed themselves and would like to do it again!

The second orphanage to take part in the project was the Bethesda

Editor’s note: This story is the latest installment of the Goa Streets “Give Back” initiative inviting all those involved in efforts to make Goa and the world a better place to share their vision and accomplishments on our pages. If you are working at an NGO, an orphanage, an animal shelter, a suicide-prevention hotline, a mental health centre, a nonprofit school or hospital, or any other institution whose mission is to help ease lives, protect the environment, eradicate poverty and disease, or build a more peaceful world, then our pages are open to you. If you have a worthwhile cause and something to say about it, email us at streets@goastreets.com, or call +917774009156/+917773927153.

Life Centre in Santa Cruz. The kids performed in a play called “For a Smile to Share”, written and directed by Mitalee Bhattacharya, on Children’s Day November 14th, 2014. The children all enjoyed themselves through the rehearsals every weekend and had a lot of fun helping out in making props as

well as assisting on stage and behind the curtain.

We had the Governor of Goa, Mrs. Mridula Sinha as the Chief Guest and Consul General of Portugal in Goa Mr. Rui Carvalho Baceira as the Special Guest for the evening. Once again we received very positive feedback from the audience about the passion and enthusiasm the kids brought to the play, as well as the effect of the project on the education of the kids.

This year, since Communicare Trust is completing 10 years, we are planning to put on a play that encompasses various means of communication, not just the spoken word. Our Trust's mission, as mentioned, is the propagation of communication in all its forms, and we felt this was a fitting way to commemorate 10 years of pursing this mission.

To this end, a group of children are currently working with our very talented Director, Mr. Diniz Sanchez, a reputed Choreographer and Stage Director from Portugal who has generously offered his time to the project, with another compelling script

by Mitalee Bhattacharya. The play will be performed at Menezes Braganza Hall in Panjim on the 16th of November of this year. We hope this edition will be an even bigger success than the last two!  Nalini Elvino de Sousa is Manager of Communicare Trust.

13 Friday, October 23, 2015

Zuperb Roast & Grills

I

By Rahul Rivonkar

f your name is Zubin Vazifdar and you have a restaurant named Zuperb, the first question that comes to the mind of a visitor is, surprise surprise, “Is Zuperb superb?”

Let me give you the short answer. Yes. And mind you, here I’m not really talking about the soft lighting or the cozy atmosphere or the close proximity to the beach or even the funky live music gracing the venue every weekend. I’m talking, dear reader, about the food. Whether you go for the multi-cuisine selection of Chinese, Continental, Goan and Indian, or the passionate Parsi offerings of the restaurant’s Parsi owners, this is one place that stands apart for its culinary prowess.

The reason is simple. It’s because Zubin, his wife Mani and their partners pour their hearts into Zuperb, ensuring excellence.

A walk down Holiday Street in Calangute, away from the noisy main road, you will find the Greek pillars that grab your attention at Zuperb’s entrance. The place is compact, with glass topped tables and cane chairs. In the corner there’s a music wall with equipment for jam ups. Live music takes place between 7-10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and on more nights once the season kicks in more fully. They

have blue lighting, setting a definitive, pleasant mood, while on the wall there are comments from diners about their experience.

You’d have to be a polyglot to understand them all, to be sure, as they are written in so many languages. It’s easy to see and get a whiff of what the people around you have ordered, which only ups the anticipation before your own food arrives.

Upon arrival, Zubin and Mani welcome you warmly with a hefty dose of Persian love.

They take personal care of every guest.

Do bear in mind that some of the offerings, in particular some of the Parsi ones, take time to prepare.

Chalk that up to Zuperb’s dedication to perfection and freshness, however.

You will appreciate the hard work in the kitchen when you taste the food.

When I was there, Zubin insisted that I eat with my hands.

Perhaps he knew that I have zero objection to this practice and, truth be told, neither should you. Let’s face it. You haven’t really eaten if you haven’t eaten with your hands (are you

listening all you Europeans and Anglicized Indians?)

It’s true that the “multi” part of “multicuisine” can put one in a bind when deciding what to order. Try this. Tell Zubin what you love to eat, and he’ll conjure up something you weren’t expecting! For Goans, we love our seafood, don’t we?

My friend and I got the ‘Grilled Prawns’, which were king-sized prawns with a butterfly cut, seasoned with butter and garlic. They were expertly grilled, with flavors spot on and served

with steamed vegetables and French fries. Next up was the ‘Patra Ni Machi’, which is a Parsi dish made from steamed fish topped with green chutney and wrapped in a banana leaf. And WOW! The fish just melts in your mouth.

Moving forward into the evening, we had the main course, which was ‘Sali Boti’ and ‘Parsi Chicken Palav’. ‘Sali Boti’ is red hot mutton cooked to perfection in rich spices, crowned with beautiful golden potato shreds. The ‘Parsi Chicken Palav’ was made with caramelized rice with (I think) a bit of saffron. It is a fragrant and slightly tangy preparation with succulent meat and browned onions strewn over the top to add another layer of flavor.

14 food & drink Every Saturday Cheese and Wine @ Grand Hyatt Enjoy Grand Hyatt Goa's finest selection of wines and cheeses every Saturday at The Verandah. Treat yourself to an exclusive wine tasting and exotic cheese table, carefully crafted by our very talented Executive Chef Mark Long At The Verandah, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim 7 pm to 11:30 pm +91 832 301 1234

Brunches Every Sunday Sunday Brunch Family Quiz at Cotinga This Sunday, it's all about fun, facts and food! Test your knowledge of the world with our brunch-time quiz hosted by quiz master Rajiv Dsilva, and you’ll be in for a chance to a tantalizingly delicious cake!12:00 pm onwards At Café Cotinga, Near St. Michaels Church, Anjuna +91 9822851155 Super Brunch The Super Brunch at Vivanta Panaji is a decadent affair with an astonishingly wide selection of Live grills. Serving up the finest cuisine from around the world.

At Vivanta by Taj, Panaji, Off D B Bandodkar road, Panaji +91 832 6633636 Brunch at Cantina Bodega This is one of the more interesting spots in town to have a meal. Under the supervision of Vandana Naik, a former top chef in New York City and easily one of Goa’s most notable culinary experts, there’s a wide variety of delights on offer, including pizzas, soups, salads, hummus and meat balls, plus an eclectic mix of Indian, Mediterranean and other world cuisines.

That’s not to mention the desserts, another top draw here. Noon to 4 pm At Cantina Bodega, Sunaparanta, Panjim. +91 832 2421315 info@sgcfa.org www.sgcfa.org Sunday Family Brunch Live Music by The Actacy At Gawin's Restaurant, Verna 12 pm to 3 pm +91 9822177179 Bikini Brunch Sunday BBQ Brunch @ Rs. 950 ++ with unlimited drinks Enjoy Live Karaoke with Emmanuel At The Park, Calangute 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm. +91 8805028194/ +91 832 2267600 resv.goa@theparkhotels.com www.theparkhotels.com Sunday Brunch Highlights: Free Use of Swimming Pool, Rain Dance with DJ, Lavish Buffet with live counters, unlimited house brands alcohol & cocktails & games & Activities Cost: Rs. 1500/- inclusive of all Taxes (with alcohol); Rs. 1100/- inclusive of all Taxes (without alcohol) At Resort Rio, Tambudki, Arpora 12 noon to 3 pm +91 8322267300 / +91 8322267302

South Goa Restaurant Canacona Coffee shop.

There’s Indian, Goan, European and some Chinese on offer with a contemporary, fusion touch to the items. Buffet Breakfast At Intercontinental The LaLiT Goa Resort, Rajbaga, Canacona +91 832 2667777

Da Luigi Experience flavours from the streets of Rome, Venice or Milan at this surprisingly authentic Italian fine-dining restaurant.

At Park Hyatt Goa Resot and Spa, Cansaulim +91 832 2721234 Zeebop By the Sea Seafood At Opp. Kenilworth Beach Resort, Utorda Beach +91 832 2755333/ +91 9822154541 zeebopbythesea@gmail.com Portofino Coffee Shop Multi-Cuisine This all day dining restaurant is an ideal place to head for a midnight snack or after party munchies.

At Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Utorda Open 24x7 +91 832 6698888 Alcoves Goan, Indian, Chinese Some excellent choices to be tried here would be Chinese Crispy Chicken, Cafreal, Veg Kolhapuri, Veg Crispy, and Chicken Vindaloo.

Near Cine Vishant, Aquem, Margao 8.30 am to 11 pm +91 83 22735062, +91 832 2730536 Allegria Goan, Portuguese This fine-dining restaurant at the Taj Exotica serves mouth watering food.

On offer are all the classic Goan dishes like Chicken Cafreal, Pork Sorpotel, and Kullanche Mass Kottnim, which is crab meat in a shell, and of course, the all time favourite, Fish Curry Rice.

At Taj Exotica, Calwaddo, Benaulim, Salcete 7.30 pm to 10.45 pm +91 832 6683333 Peppers Gourmet Cuisine Seafood, Tandoor Indulge in innovative desserts and local flavours at this exciting food joint.

Near Child Care School, Margao +91 832 2711125 +91 9822133506 A Tartaruga Multi – Cuisine This eating space is a great venue for weddings and parties with sprawling beach front lawns that can accommodate up to 1000 pax.

At Colva Beach, Salcete 7 am to 11 pm +91 832 2788068/69 Casa Sarita For truly outstanding authentic Goan Food.

Open only for dinner, this classy fine dining restaurant is a delightful place to explore Goan and Portuguese cuisine.

At Park Hyatt Goa, Cansaulim +91 832 2721234 Tato’s Fine Dining Goan, Indian, Chinese Tato’s fine dining makes its presence felt in the culinary circles in Margao.

Opp. New Collectorate, Margao 12 pm to 3 pm and 6.30 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2758590 Fisherman’s Wharf Authentic Goan It’s a fantastic restaurant to celebrate a special occasion.

At the riverside, near Holiday Inn, Cavelossim – Salcete +91 832 2871317

North Goa Restaurant Barrels & Bones BBQ - Steakhouse - Pizzeria Meal For Two: Rs.1000 At Fontainhas, close to the Maruti/ Hanuman Temple, Panjim 9673994064/7774078276 promobnb@gmail.com Goenchin Chinese, Pan Asian Yes the Chinese food here is Indian-ized.

But is that necessarily a bad thing? It depends on your taste.

At Mandovi Apartment, Dr Dada Vaidya Road, Panjim Noon to 3 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm +91 8322227614 reservations@hotelmandovigoa.com www.hotelmandovigoa.com Chicken Man The trademark dish here is their rotisserie Chicken.

With healthy, delicious, rotisserie chicken in quarter, half and whole cluck sizes.

Chicken Man is a Top choice for every meal. At Off 18th June Road, Panjim +91 832 2423333

Hotel Sanskruti Chinese, Goan, Indian, Oriental It’s a pure vegetarian restaurant which is packed during lunch time. It’s really good for South Indian food, Thali, and chaat.

At Near HDFC Bank, Porvorim 8 am to 11 pm +91 832 2414400/ +91 94233323822 Casa Bhonsle Indian & Goan All meals here are prepared in the authentic Hindu Goan Style.

Above Café Bhonsle, Near Cine National, Panjim Noon to 3.30 pm & 7 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2222260/ +91 9822100684 O’Asia Pan Asian This is the ultimate destination for your pan Asian culinary fix.

At The O Hotel, Dando, Candolim Noon to 3 pm, 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918323047000

A Lua Chinese, European, Goan, North Indian, Seafood 11 am to 11 pm At, Bella vista, Sangolda +91 832 2416671/ 73 At Porie Bhatt, Verna Contact: +91 832 2782760/ +91 9881272080 At Bhueem Bhatt, St Cruz, Merces +91 832 2448172/ +91 2448757 A Pastelaria Bakery An ideal place for pastries, cakes, cookies and other baked offerings.

9 am to 9 pm At Hotel Mandovi, Panjim +91 832 2426270/ 73 Bar Code Lounge and Grill Offers Slow-Smoked Regional BBQ and Grilled Seafood items along with the most exotic beverages Goa has to offer.

At National Highway, Porvorim +91-832-2410027 +91-7030961333 www.barcodeloungeandgrill.co.in info@ barcodeloungeandgrill.co.in

Casabela Continental, European A cozy place to hang around with your folks, it has been around since the 70’s and has mouth watering hand tossed pizzas. Off Chogm Rd, Porvorim 7 am to 11 pm. +91832241558 mail@casabelagoa.com www.casabelagoa.com Mum’s Kitchen Goan Among the best upscale Goan kitchens in Panjim, this restaurant draws foodies from all religions and walks of life.

At Panjim-Miramar Rd 11 am to 11pm. +91 9822175556 Marbela Beach Italian, Seafood One of the finest beach resorts in the state, Marbela Beach is the ultimate destination to party or to unwind during the sunset with refreshing cocktails and decent food to hog on to.

At Morjim –Ashvem Road, Morjim 7 am to midnight +91 832 8450599 Goa Marriott Resort & Spa Open for dinner 7 pm onwards every day, Wan Hao is also open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Re-orient your taste-buds with the choicest of Oriental cuisine all this season only.

At Wan Hao, the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa! +91 832-246 3333.

Avanti Bar & Restaurant Indian, Goan & Seafood Serves Goan specialties like Rawa fried prawns, stuffed squid, and gratinated stuffed crab masala among other Goan delights.

Near Patto Bridge, Panjim 11 am to 3 .30 pm, 7 pm to 11.30 pm +91 832 2435884/ +91 832 2427179 hotelavanti@yahoo.com Peep Kitchen Indian, Continental, Goan, Chinese A family restaurant with a bar run by a Goan family serves food with an authentic Goan and homely touch.

At Caranzalem, Near Petrol Pump, Panjim Noon to 2.30 pm and 7 pm to 10.30 pm +91 832 6454474

To end the evening, we got the Caramel Custard, a very popular desert.

It’s creamy and scrumptious and made with caramelized sugar and flavorful molded custard.

Parsi food is very rare in Goa. And authentic Parsi food is even rarer. The basic feature of a Parsi lunch is rice, eaten with lentils or a curry. Dinner would be a meat dish, often accompanied by potatoes or another vegetable curry. Also popular among Parsis are the typical Parsi eeda (egg) dishes.

As Zubin explains, everything is cooked is fresh, right from the onions being cut just for your dish. If you want to give the Parsi lunch a try, Zubin asks you to call 45 minutes in advance, as it takes that long just to prepare the curry. I will be back soon for the lunch and to try the ‘Dhansak’, which is lamb, mutton, goat, chicken or vegetables in lentil or toor daal gravy, a very famous piece of the Parsi cuisine. When you come here, leave formality at the door, as this is a laidback, chilled out joint to be savored and enjoyed with friends and family. I loved it. I hope you will, too.  • Food: Made with heart • Ambience: Cozy, homey • Service: Some dishes arrive quickly, but come when you’re not in a rush.

• Prices: Dinner for two would set you back Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500.

• Something Special: The Parsi Dishes, The Live Music, Zubin & Mani • Address: Gaura Vaddo, Holiday Street, Calangute • Contact: Zubin - 8806219810

15

Friday, October 23, 2015

Miniature Painting An Illustration of Reality

By Perin Ilavia

M

iniature painting is not as popular in India as it was in earlier times.

The Emperors and rulers of India who patronized miniatures are long gone, but the legacy of their taste continues to capture artists and art connoisseurs in India and beyond.

The images were painted with watercolour, oils, enamels, and sometimes drawn with ‘plumbago’ graphite. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York owns several graphite pieces by Thomas Forster, dated 1700, and the Chatrapati Shivaji Museum in Mumbai and the National Gallery of Art in New Delhi have spectacular works.

The origins of Indian miniature paintings date back to the 6th century AD, when Eastern India consisted of various Buddhist and Rajasthani kingdoms. The Mughal School of Painting – from the 16th to 19th centuries - is considered to be a very important milestone in the history of miniature art in India.

During the 15th century, works with rich ultramarine blue and gold were attributed to the Persian style. Artists accompanied the Mughal kings to record hunting scenes, with backdrops of flowers and hilly landscapes. There were garments and postures with angular segmentation, almond shaped eyes, and figures extended beyond facial contours,

intermingling Indian, Persian and Islamic styles. Artisans used wooden tablets, paper, leather, marble, ivory, and painted on walls and cloth.

A deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit created a legacy of some of the most prolific miniatures, and Rajasthani miniature art flourished under the patronage of the local kings, leading to the creation of distinct schools of painting.

The main schools were Malwa, Mewar, Kishangarhand, Amber, and Jaipur. Bundi-Kota school excelled in illustrations of erotic miniatures.

Zananna and harem scenes were favourite themes, painted on ivory. The art was made by people who accepted the human body with its senses, emotions and intellect. It dealt with the erotic life of women and couples, but did not represent sex and was not meant for casual stimulation.

Under the British Raj (18th& 19th Century), miniature art took on a distinctly colonial touch and was called the “Company School Art”. During this time, artists were expected to document images of native rulers, costumes, court scenes, the local way of life, ceremonies, occupations, dance, music, flora and fauna, with portraits of women with Western

features. This sway makes the ‘Company School Art’ unique.

The Kishangarh school developed under the patronage of Raja Savant Singh, who reigned from 1748 to 1757 A.D. Though artists did not sign their work, most of the paintings are believed to have been done by the master painter Nihal Chand.

They were sensual and lyrical, with orange, yellow, red and green as prominent colours.

Miniature art is best studied with a magnifying glass. Amazing rudiments emerge in textures and expressions - the fine hair on the skin of a man, the veins of each leaf, the details that pop up never failing to surprise you.

Each magnificent feature differs.

Scenes are captured vividly from the pages of history, photographic details tell stories within stories, documenting tales of eras gone by.

The vibrant colours, the beauty and fluidity of forms and Mama, why the intricacy lull you do Americans into a tiny world. want Donald Methods and Duck to materials developed be their centuries ago president? continue to be used.

Several fine sheets of special paper are bonded together with a binder, and burnished with a smooth stone surface to create sheen.

Sometimes a thin coating of egg white was used as the base coat to make the work less porous for a perfect finish. Using organic pigments and mineral bases like semi-precious stones, gold and silver dust sheets created an enamellike effect. Tools used to paint miniatures include fine brushes

made of squirrel tail fibre to achieve the fine hair-like detailing.

Venetian artist Rosalba Carriera introduced the idea of miniatures on ivory early in the18th century, simulating translucence with her pastel portraits, and other miniaturists followed her. Miniatures on ivory are done with watercolour as the medium.

There are a few Indian contemporary miniature artists. Ramu Ramdev from Jaipur, a National Award winner in traditional paintings, learnt the art from his brother, and creates paintings on antique paper.

It’s a painstaking process. The uniqueness of style, accuracy of the subject, and age of the painting adds value to the art, and helps explain why it is so highly prized. 

No dear, that’s Donald Trump.

16 cover story From PAGE 10

Dabolim airport recently underwent an upgrade where a new terminal building was built at a cost of Rs 345 crore, with the ability to handle 2,750 passengers in peak hours. Which means it can easily handle 27,500 passengers in 10 hours or 825,000 passengers in a month.

“If we compare that with current tourist arrivals, even assuming that all of them flew in by air, we are nowhere near what the new terminal capacity can handle in a 10-hour period. Yet, we are constantly told that the current Dabolim airport is saturated and cannot cater to the needs of the growing tourists arriving by air,” Gomes said.

The land area is sufficient to expand the facilities and strengthen the existing airport infrastructure to accommodate parking bays, taxi tracks, cargo facilities, and other needs, he added.

Seeking to dismiss the argument that

the proposed new airport will boost cargo handling, Gomes points out that Dabolim airport currently handles about 4000 tonnes of cargo every year. This is peanuts compared to other airports in India.

“Yet, the Chief Minister of Goa announced that Mopa is going to be a cargo airport. I was shocked. I looked at the statistics and looked again. I checked and found that neither Delhi nor Mumbai have a separate airport for cargo! In fact, there is no dedicated airport for cargo in all of India. So why does Goa need one?

And that too so far away from the port of Mormugao,” he asked.

“Am I missing something?” he added.

On the other hand charter operators complain about the severe restrictions on timings at the Goa airport, even without the Navy-imposed limits. Currently, for instance, the airport is closed between

10pm and 4am for runway repairs.

Ali Abbas Kirtali, the Aviation Contract Director of Pegas Touristik, Russia’s biggest Charter operator, has said that a full time civil airport for Goa is a must if it wants to advertise itself as a tourism destination.

“Because this airport is also a military base, we cannot operate flights 24-hours, there are timing restrictions. It would also be better that there are two runways.

The Goa airport gets very congested during peak hours,” he said, noting also that in the absence of airline parking facilities, charter planes must fly to Bangalore just to park.

One government official speaking on the condition of anonymity, as his comments did not reflect his superiors’ positions, said Mopa opponents need more weapons in their arsenal if they are

arts & entertainment

The Art Yatra – Inspiring Future Generations of Goan Artists Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort Helps Elevate The Culture of Goa

Kudos For A Delightful Event!

G

to succeed.

“Environmental concerns never cut ice with regulators unless they are really serious. The opponents of the airport should insist on viability studies,” the official said.

In the background to all this is the airport currently being constructed at Chipi, Maharashtra, not far from Goa. The project has been going on for years, but is approaching a relatively advanced state.

Tellingly, however, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, which is building that airport, has been asked to revisit its plans, especially in view of the fact that Mopa has been named as a bigger priority of the central government.

"The MIDC has been asked scale down operations and submit a fresh report on its viability," an official with the State Director of Civil Aviation said, adding that Goa needn't worry about any threat posed by Chipi.

One more reason to bet on Mopa.

By Goa Streets

rand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort, an upscale resort by AccorHotels, has launched the first season of Art Yatra, in Goa. The Art Yatra was held from the 12th to 16th October, part of Grand Mercure’s determination to create unique events that embody the creative and artistic impulses within us. Renowned artists from all over India participated as Grand Mercure’s guests during the week. The artists painted creations in Tulip, one of the hotel’s most inviting venues. Paintings by the artists were also on display at a special exhibition on 15th October at La Brise, the hotel’s beachfront restaurant on the Candolim Beach.

Turn to PAGE 17

arts & entertainment 17

Friday, October 23, 2015

Oct 24

Galleries of Note

An Evening with Animation Film Maker Isabel Herguera (Spain).

At The Cube Gallery, Moira 7 pm onwards +91 832 2470415/ +91 9422806748 thecubegallerygoa@gmail.com

The Cube Gallery Every architect, since the beginning of time, has secretly tried to create a vision of paradise in the buildings they design.

Discover one such paradise and much more.

At The Cube Gallery, Calizor Vaddo, Moira.

11 am to 7 pm +91 832 2470415/ +91 9422806748 thecubegallerygoa@gmail.com

Oct 27 Roger Ballen In Conversation with Siddhartha Dhanvant Shanghvi – Edition Three of the Shanghvi Salon At Sunaparanta Goa centre for the arts, Altinho, Panjim 7 pm onwards +91 832 2421311

Oct 10 to Oct 31

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

At Bandawal Wada, Pernem 10 am to 6 pm +91 9404149764/ +91 9422064754

Exhibition Priya Sundaravali will be holding her exhibition “SYNAPSE “of ceramic works and art installations At Gallery Gitanjali, Panjim 10 am to 6 pm +91 9823572035

Galleria Esperance Retrospective Art in oils, watercolours, crayons, still life photographs etc. on display Near Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces 4 pm to 7 pm +91 9922509704

Oct 23 to Oct 25 Photo Flare 2015 There will be a talk and workshops by professionals on various aspects of Photography The last dates for submission of entries is Oct 15, 2015 At Photography club of college of engineering, Ponda 096377 10778

Oct 24 to Oct 25 Navratri Utsav 2015 Free Entry on First Serve Basis (Limited Seats Only) At Ravindra Bhavan, Sinkhole 6 pm onwards +91 9673348978

Until Oct 25 Fables of Design At The Cube Gallery, Moira 11 am to 7pm +91 9422806748

Till Oct 28 Julian Opie’s Exhibition Julian Opie has pushed the boundaries of portraiture, painting and sculpture, seeking to break down what he believes to be illogical barriers between the disciplines.

At Sunaparanta centre for the arts, Panjim 10 am to 7 pm +91 832 2421311

Oct 30 Fontainhas Fridays Between The Lines - The Reader's Club The Arrival By Shaun Tan a Geaphic Novel.

6 pm At Gallery Gitanjali, Panaji +91 832 242 3331

Every Saturday Expressions

By Artist Vaishali Lall, with a focus on exploring the skills of embroidery and mix media in painting.

At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula +91 9420820890

Kerkar Art Gallery Exhibition of recent works of Subodh Kerkar “The Pepper Cross” & “Indigo”.

Besides a new series of Laterite Stone Sculptures on display.

At Gaura Vaddo, Calangute 10 am to 7 pm +91 9326119324 Monsoon Heritage Studio Treat yourself to some amazing collection of mirrored mosaic art and handpicked artefacts at this upscale studio by Yahel Chirinian.

At Mainath Batti, Arpora 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM +91 9822122771 Off The Wall Discover a collection of deeply astounding works of art displayed on a daily basis at this thoughtful art cafe.

Fort Aguada Road, Sinquerim, Candolim 10:30 am to 11:30 pm +91 9820083497, +91 9823289123 Gallery Gitanjali An elegant art gallery in Panjim’s Latin Quarter is worth hopping into when you’re in the area.

Fontainhas, Panjim 9:00 am to 9:00 pm +91 9823572035 gallerygitanjali@gmail.com www.gallerygitanjali.com Art Chamber: Galleria de Belas Artes One of the more interesting and pleasant art centers in the state featuring confident acrylic strokes that are somewhat three dimensional, put across the canvas by Yolanda De Souza and others. The musical acts here are worth looking out for too.

Gaura Vaddo, Calangute 10:00 am to 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm +91 832 2277144 artchamber@gmail.com www.goa-art.com Moksa Art Gallery Here you will find some immensely conceptual paintings by Salvadoran Fernandez and others.

Naik Waddo, Calangute 9:30 am to 8:30 pm +91 832 2281121 mokshart@gmail.com www.mokshartgallery.com

Nestled amidst the serene countryside of lush paddy plantations, the resort served as an ideal location for artists to unwind and absorb themselves in creative pursuits. This delightful property in North Goa is designed as a kind of magical hideaway where time stands still and the soul is rejuvenated. Artists like Dileep Sharma, MFA in printmaking from Sir J.J. School of Arts, winner of the “ASIA BELT” in the Seoul International print art fair 2008, Laxman Aelay, a highly reputed artist for his contemporary depictions of the rural Telangana participated through the week. In addition, Subodh Kerkar, well known for his experimentation with different media, especially in the field of land art and conceptual art, and others created art works LIVE during their stay at the resort.

Says Mr. Rohan Sable, General Manager,

Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort “It is our privilege to host the first season of Art Yatra at the Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort. We have always believed in promoting culture, and events like this resonate with our brand pillars. It would be a pleasure to view such talented artists from all over the country on a single platform, painting live”.

Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort is dedicated to bringing Goa’s rich heritage and creative past to the forefront. With the Art Yatra, that goal was furthered beautifully, and future local artists have been inspired. 

SPORTS 19

Friday, October 23, 2015

Gaurs Were ‘Tamed’ But Now Run Wild Again Kudos To FC Goa!

By Vivian Maverick Martins

W

atching FC Goa this season ride high has induced an emotional roller coaster of jubilant ups and anxious downs. After an impressive start to the season with a win and a draw in the opening two matches, the ‘Gaurs’ were tamed in their own backyard by the wounded Chennaiyin FC with a 4-0 trashing in the third match. FC Goa however bounced back in style with two back-to-back victories.

Lady luck was with FC Goa at PJN stadium Fatorda on Dussehra day (Oct 22) as they defeated the Kerala Blasters 2-1. FC Goa looked lackluster through much of the match, however, and missed their creative midfielder Joffre, who was out due to an injury. FC Goa went behind through a Rafi goal in the 24th minute, and they were lucky to regain their footing through a deflected goal by Leo Moura to make it 1-1 at half time.

Gregory Arnolin, the French defender, scored the unlikely winner for Goa in the 83rd minute. FC Goa somehow managed to find a way to win but the performance did not look very convincing. Coach Zico will have to rectify the problems in defence real quick if Goa is to win against Mumbai FC in the next match. Much of the blame for the defensive frailties resides in lack of pace at the back for the ‘Gaurs’ as the centre backs Gregory Arnolin, Luciano Sabrosa and Lucio do not have the legs to catch up with pacey players.

The post-mortem into FC Goa’s defensive system is just beginning and will likely continue throughout the campaign if their start to the season is anything to go by. They have already conceded 7 goals this season.

Against Chennaiyin FC on Oct. 11, FC Goa’s ordeal was confirmed from the moment Stiven Mendoza opened the scoring after 10 minutes when he latched on to Elano's pass before coolly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Andrade. After that, Mendoza got two more to complete his hat trick and Elano got one to make it a chastening experience for the Gaurs. Brazilian maestro Elano Blumer and Colombian sensation Stiven Mendoza toyed with the FC Goa defence throughout the match and exposed FC Goa’s defensive frailties. The defeat came as a shock because FC Goa looked in great form while Chennaiyan FC came into the match after

back-to-back defeats. But like all great teams do, FC Goa too bounced back in style, decimating North East United with a 3-1 win in their first away match of the season earlier this week.

FC Goa’s humiliating defeat against Chennaiyin FC can also be attributed to the hectic schedule of the ISL season and Zico’s reluctance to rotate players. The truth is FC Goa looked lethargic on the field, giving Coach Zico the worst defeat of his coaching career.

“In my coaching career of 16 years, I've never lost a match 4-0. We are very sad about the loss”, said Zico.

“We hope to recover from our loss against Chennai and hopefully win the game,” Zico had said before his match against NEUFC on Oct. 15 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.

The mission was accomplished with 3-1 win, with goals from Jonathan Lucca, Reinaldo and Mandar Rao Dessai.

It's improbable that FC Goa will suffer such humiliation again this season. That was clearly evident in the way the team bounced back in the next two matches against North East United FC (NEUFC) and Kerala Blasters. Zico has also realized that his players are becoming lethargic, and therefore is rotating the squad by giving rest to some key players.

Commenting on the performance of FC Goa this season, Elton De Souza, Administrator of Get Pro Sports Management, the agency that has brought Brazilian Jogadors to India, says, “There is no real cause of concern. The Gaurs are playing some good football and I’m sure as the season goes on the performance of our team will only get better.”

If the team’s performance has been shaky at times, you wouldn’t know it

from the reactions of the FC Goa fan base in Goa. Football fever has gripped Goa and the entire state is buzzing with excitement. To understand just how big football has become in Goa, check out the cars and bikes painted in FC Goa colors, the shops donning FC Goa flags and Goans roaming in jerseys everywhere expressing their love and support for FC Goa. FC Goa’s style of play, with Brazilian elements coupled with some impressive performances and, more importantly, points in the table, have increased the appetite amongst fans in Goa. Panjim resident Allwyn Fernandes, who has participated in rallies organized by various FC Goa fan clubs, said, “The trend of painting vehicles or having FC Goa stickers has really caught on. I decided to get my car stickered in FC Goa colors to express my support and love for the team.”

The owners are absolutely thrilled with the support FC Goa has received this year but feel that there is still more work to be done.

“We are thrilled with the kind of response the team has got from the people. Goans have really taken this as their club, but the fan buildp should continue and

there is still a lot more that can be done to make more people join this one big FC Goa family” said Shrinivas Dempo, coowner FC Goa. Lloyd Gonsalves, an interior designer from Margao, feels that because the teams are becoming more competitive, there is more hype around the Indian Super League, now in its second season.

“The general perception about the ISL last season was it’s a league where players come out of retirement but all that has changed this season with players like Tuncay, Malouda, Mutu, Postiga, John Arne Riise, Lucio, Jonathan Lucca, Simao etc making the league more exciting, fast paced, competitive and entertaining” said Lloyd.

It may well be the last paycheck for many of these marquee players, their last dance before they hang their boots but the arrival of top stars is generating plenty of excitement for the ISL season 2.The love, passion and knowledge of football is what makes Goan fans stand out from others. Teams like Pune, Mumbai and Delhi are still struggling to get the fans to the stadium even though they have signed some of the biggest names in football, whereas in Goa it’s a sellout for all matches with very little promotional activities.

The atmosphere inside the stadium is electrifying with fans reacting to almost every move as they know their team as well as the opposition. With this kind of passion, it seems Goa might be on its way to becoming India’s Mecca of Football.

It’s a football fiesta going on in Goa and everyone is invited, so “Dii Tekha Dii Tekha Dii Tekha re, Get Down the FC Goa Way!” 