Issue No: 6 by Goa Streets

Glory Of The Gaurs 02

Liberation Day

Damodar Mauzo reminisces about what he saw on the eve of 19 December 1961.

Youth Festival In Panjim

Thousands of youngsters celebrate Konkani culture with song, dance, theatre and other tributes to Goa.

ALSO Inside:

Corruption

Bribery, fraud and graft are serious road blocks to Goa's progress.

Clean Margao

A hands-on beautification drive in Goa's commercial capital by by its citizens shows results.

• Prem Joshua's Teso Waterfront concert - page 5 • Filter Theatre brings Shakespeare to Goa - page 13 • GALF Interviews - page 14 • Ismenia Vas: Woman of Valour - page 17 • TATVA: An artistic soul-fix - page 19

02 LIBERATION DAY SPECIAL

The Truck That Got Away Memories of the Eve of Liberation Day

Damodar Mauzo, Goa’s much loved Konkani writer recounts the exciting days of December 1961 By Damodar Mauzo

he tension building up in Goa was showing, right after the last page of the 1961 calendar appeared. Just before the fifteenth of the month, my newly married elder sister who had been visiting Mumbai returned with her husband. My brother-in-law, who liked to report stories at length, recounted their scary experience, as they crossed the border from Mazali to Polem—that half kilometer distance took them hours to cross over. The Indian military was just across the borders ready to march into Portuguese Goa, he said. I could not believe him when he narrated how frightened the paklés looked. My understanding of the 'paklés' was quite conflicted. As a young adult I had known many a white Portuguese—most of them soldiers, and a few officers. As a nationalist, I hated those who would imprison and torture the Jai-Hind-ists, as the freedom fighters were called. But though I had politically negative opinions about the colonizers, I liked most of them. Except for a few whom I had seen at Dilkhush Café in Margao, flirting with women, mostly prostitutes, the rest seemed like good chaps. I often

helped my uncle at our shop-cum-bar where they came for a shot of conhaque and liked to chat about almost anything and everything, albeit in Portuguese. That is how I would brush up my knowledge of the white man’s lingua, that I had first learned at the aula, the primary school. They looked tough and brave, besides being decent and well mannered. So when my brother-inlaw told us of how the whites looked a fearful and confused lot, I couldn’t believe my ears. Within a couple of days, I got a taste of the anxiety the Portuguese police and soldiers were going through. We had a Chevrolet truck that was running for a mining company. It was brought home for some repairs. At about eight in the morning my uncle asked me to accompany the truck to the garage. As we reached Margao town, two policemen stopped our truck and ordered me to get down. The two

climbed in and went off with the truck. I was scared. The truck was a major asset of our family. I knew the vehicle would be taken to the police station in Margao, so I walked to the station. But I soon realized that no one there was in a mood to listen to me. Suddenly it struck me that Mr. Sripad Virgincar, popularly known as Pa, was a close friend of the top Portuguese officers. Lady luck was on my side that day as I managed to meet Pa in his office. On listening to my plight, he took me straight to the head of the police station, and the next moment the truck was out. I was driving jubilantly to the garage when I was again stopped by the police, but when I told them of the earlier episode they believed me and let our truck go. That coveted vehicle remained in the garage for a good many weeks after that, until things cooled down. I learned later that the Portuguese military was taking over as many trucks as possible, to deploy their soldiers and material. Some of those trucks were then filled with dynamite and used to blow up the

bridges at Borim and other sites to block the advancing Indian army. On the morning of the 17th I jumped up with a start. Somebody had rapped on my door. I opened the door to find a nervous cat that seemed ready to run away at my slightest movement. I cursed the cat for jumping on the door and turned back, when there was yet another shudder, louder this time. Dabolim airport is just ten miles away from my village Majorda, and I could see aircraft hovering in the sky. I could imagine what was happening. We switched on Voz de Liberdade, the radio station of the freedom movement, to listen to the inimitable exuberant voice of Libia Lobo Sardesai informing of the advancements of the army. The news that the Indian army had crossed the border was such a thrill that I could not resist the temptation of going to Margao to see the events unfolding. My mother hesitantly allowed me to go, not without many words of caution. To my surprise, not only the paklés, but the locals who worked for the Administraçao or Obras Publica (Public Works) were running helter skelter with long drawn faces. I still recollect how, on my way back, I greeted my writer friend Felicio Cardozo who was cycling to Margao in high spirits. “They have to go now!” he crowed excitedly. By the morning of 18th December the Quartela stood empty. I once again cycled to Margao that afternoon to watch the Indian forces entering the town. The tanks rolled onto the streets of Margao, and probably to the surprise of the army men, people flocked by the roadsides to greet them. Goa was freed that day, though officially it was declared liberated on the 19th. Today, when I tell of these memorable days to my grandchildren they listen in such awe, and I feel proud. 

events

KBM’s Yuva Mahotsav brings together thousands of Goan youth By Edeana Fernandes

he banks of the Mandovi river reverberated to the sound of drums, cymbals and youthful cries on Saturday, Dec. 12. Passersby at Kala Academy paused to watch boys and girls decked out in festive saris and kurtas, carrying colourful flags and dancing frenziedly as they moved towards the Bandodkar Ground at Campal where a huge covered stage had been erected. This spectacular event was the 21st Yuva Mahotsav, a youth festival organised by Konkani Bhasha Mandal, a leading Konkani institution in the state, in collaboration with Goa University and the Corporation of the City of Panjim . The Yuva Mahotsav is a much awaited event for young Konkani people every year. The enthusiastic response from the participating teams as well as from the organisers makes this a high voltage event. The theme set for this year was the saving of the Mhadei River, which has its source in Karnataka and flows through Goa, as the Mandovi river. Karnataka state has been building dams and structures that threaten to reduce the Mhadei’s flow in Goa drastically. The fest aimed at creating awareness among Goans, to get the youth to rally and protect Goa’s precious natural water resource. This year too, the president of KBM, Chetan Acharya, spoke on the Medium of Instruction controversy, saying that the Christian community alone should not be blamed for studying in English medium at primary level. The head of this year’s organising committee Anwesha Singbal is a veteran

KBM volunteer. “The discipline within the participants was remarkable this year. For the last many years we have been telling the youth that this is their festival and that decorum and good behaviour is their responsibility. Imagine 3000 students in 51 groups with numerous drums and cymbals. But this year they conducted themselves very well,” she says. The two-day festival hosted 13 varied competitions, including sessions like Lokmand (folk dance), Geet Gayana (solo singing), Khel (street

plays), Nach Nach Nachum-ia (dance), “Prasanmachi (quizzes), Naman (folk troupe depiction), Kavan Kallajantale (enacted poems), Ayalle Tashe Gayele (trio singing), Rangmachi (theatre) and Mustaiki (costume). This mega cultural fest saw a whooping 51 teams take part, from every nook and corner of Goa. The festival that saw over 3000 young people take part, concluded on December 13th, with the costume competition Mustaiki, which proved to be quite a crowd puller. “I love this session because I get to watch a wide depiction of culture from across Goa and even India. The way the participants introduce their partners was worth

watching,” says Richa Naik, a student of Goa University. Niket Naik, another GU student said “the best part, is how the Judges cross question the participating teams. I really enjoyed this part because the teams had to be well aware of the background of the characters they portray.” While the event saw much enthusiasm and joy, there were a few critical comments too. One student said that Yuva Mahotsav, being an event that focuses on the youth, should not approach the casinos for advertising as it is a bad influence on the youth of Goa. Another said, “I have been attending the Yuva Mahotsav for three years, a participant till last year and now as a part of the organising team, what was noticeable was the fall in the number of participants, probably because December is a busy month for the engineering students , who were unable to make it.” Teams like ‘Yuva de Goa, Margao’, ‘Government College, Quepem’, ‘Parvatibai Chowgule College, Margao’, ‘Rising Youth of Mollem’ and ‘Yuva Rang, Fatorda’ were seen showcasing exceptional talent and active participation. The young organisers did an excellent job of coordinating the competitive events and made sure everything went smooth. The much awaited moment was the valedictory function where the top spots were announced. This year, the team Rising Youth of Mollem won the Best Disciplined Group prize. Antruz Ghudyo of Nageshi, Ponda were runners-up. Government College of Quepem emerged victorious for the second time in a row as well deserved winners of the 21st Yuva Mahotsav 2015. This youth festival that started in 1994 in Margao has certainly come of age and promises to be a significant rallying point for Goan youth and the Konkani language in the future.

Who We Are?

Publisher Marisha Dutt • Chief Mentor Steven Gutkin • 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 • 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, Vaishnavi Pilankar

Thursday, December 17, 2015

PREM JOSHUA & BAND LIVE

@ TESÒ WATERFRONT

ome 23rd of December, Tesò Waterfront will host another magical evening with multi-instrumentalist and composer Prem Joshua and his Band, live in concert. Tesò has been hosting successful concerts with this fusion ensemble since December 2012,with an average of at least two concerts per season. Prem Joshua and his international band are pioneers in the field of World Fusion Music, and have continued to refine their awesome sound, creating a unique blend beyond the borders of east and west. Indian Classical, Jazz, Funk & Ethno are so playfully intermingled that it now has a truly global appeal. The concert on 23rd of December will also feature a guest artiste, the talented vocalist Mahesh Vinayakram. Born in Germany, Joshua picked up the flute at the age of five and went on to play the flute and the saxophone for various local bands. Travelling to India via the land route when he turned 18, he observed the folk music of countries along the way. In India, Joshua learned to play the sitar under the tutelage

of Ustad Usman Khan and Osho, aka Bhagwan Rajneesh. Joshua eventually dropped his family name and adopted the name Prem, meaning love in Hindi. Fusing the sounds of the East and West has been central to Prem Joshua’s musical career. Collaborations with other producers have yielded remixes that are infused with traditional Hindustani acoustic instruments, and yet based on lounge and trance beats. In 1991, Joshua launched his first project ‘Terra Incognita’ with British sarod player, Chinmaya Dunster and kora player Ravi, which yielded two albums. Four solo albums later he formed the band ‘Hamsafar’, with which he released one album. The next phase saw Joshua experimenting with genres like drum and bass, lounge, and trance, while still remaining based in traditional Hindustani music. The combination of Joshua’s mesmerising music and the beautiful ambience at Tesò is bound to be a magical gateway to a transcendental state, where listeners can lose

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06 music & nightlife Dec 17 Party for a Cause By Soma Project Sashanti b2b Stefano Richetta At Teso Waterfront, Siolim +91 832 2270091 Live band Saaz...ish, Performing Indian Retro Classics & Contemporary Superhits! At banana republic at Baga 8pm onwards +91 9552518633 Beach Party Featuring: Gai, Maia, Govinda, Martos, PTB, Sashi & Hoff At Curlies, Anjuna 6 pm onwards +91 9552 47 1720

Dec 18 Reggae on the rocks Featuring: Reloveution Sound, Reggae Rajahs, Rudy Roots At Guru Bar, Anjuna 8:00 pm onwards +91 9823 38 3257 Kirtan on candle lights Hosted by Bhakti Brothers. A heart opening Style of Music with a combination of groove and rhythm to still the mind and to influence meditation and devotion. At The Space Goa, Palolem, Agonda road- Canacona 6:00 pm +91 8806 32 8333

Every Fridays & Saturdays Every Saturday Wild Bar Session Drink All You Can Special Performances At Nyex Beach Club, Anjuna 8 pm onwards +91 7387410421/ +91 9545550571

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 Live music at Mustard  Krishna Vamsee is live on Wednesday, only at Mustard playing the best in blues, mo-town rock, and country tracks, 8pm onwards.  Come savour the flavour that binds cuisines together at the newest culinary destination in Goa.  8:00 pm onwards  At Mustard, Sangolda +91 98234 36120 KARAOKE at GURU BAR Karaoke Night Kony Hindi, English & Russian Free entry At GURU BAR, Anjuna 8 pm onwards +91 98233 83257

Every Thursday

Mad December MAD Entertainment Event Company is hosting its EDM event ‘Mad December’ on the eve of liberation day. Ukrainian Duo Hard Candies will be headlining the event. Tickets are available at the venue. At GIGI’s Beach Shack +91 9823 78 8747/ +91 8390 70 0711

Karaoke Nite Come & be with Mojo Rockstar Kdj Seby At Cafe Mojo Pub & Bistro, Panjim 7 pm onwards +91 7774054353

Dec 20

Friday Night Live By Saazish - A Musical Company At Bay 15, Dona Paula 7 pm onwards +91 7350146000

Ambient & chill beats Featuring: Progressive Patriot, Guest DJ At Waters, Ozran Vagator 6:00 pm onwards +91 9767 20 0012

Dec 21 Drum & Bass Express Drum & Bass Express - a musical celebration of broken beat and bass and excellent mood, just the right vibration and high-quality good music. At Café Lilliput, Anjuna Beach 8:00 pm  +91 7264 01 5073  Website: www.cafelilliput.com

Dec 23 Prem Joshua & Band At Teso Waterfront, Vaddi Siolim 7 pm onwards +91 832 2270091/ +91 7507003585

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, Cavelossim +91832 272 1234

Every Fridays

Wicked Fridays  Wicked Fridays launches again this Friday! Gear up for an amazing season, and join us to welcome the 3rd season of Wicked Fridays in Goa!  At Waters Beach Lounge and Grill, Ozran beach, Vagator 8:00 pm till late +919767200012 & 9702025555 & 9850561111 Friday Nights @ A Reverie With Anika Noronha Live At A Reverie, Calangute  7 pm onwards +91 98231 74927 Live Music  Jukebox - Andre & Tania At The Fisherman's Wharf, Cavelossim  @ 7 pm onwards +91 832 287 1317 Fusion Live Music  Shanti Fusion A Fusion Of Indian Classical Music & Western Music. The Lead Instrument Is A Sitar Accompanied By Tabala, Drum Set, Saxophone, Keyboard & Double Base Guitar At Deltin Royale, Mandovi River (Offshore)   8 pm onwards +91 86985 99999

Saturday Live Music Saby Fernandes At MUSTARD, Sangolda 8 pm onwards +91 98234 36120

Music Spots in Goa Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim Piano Evenings- Every Evening A sip of coffee or a selection of the finest wines and digestifs; enjoy late evenings at Confeitaria while Melanie enchants you with the melodious keys of her Grand Piano. At Confeitaria, Grand Hyatt Goa 10 pm – 1 am Fire Place - Every Thursday Gather around the fire place at the Capiz Bar for an evening of sundowners, performances by DJ Thelma and the acrobatic Safari Cats. Sunset - 00:00 midnight Alfresco Night – Every Friday Walk over to the Pool Bar and Grill and enjoy comfort food accompanied with live music by DJ Thelma 7 pm – 10:30 pm For reservations call +91 832 3011510 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

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themselves to the hypnotic sounds of Prem Joshua and his band. Tanya Singh Kumar, the proud owner of Tesò Waterfront is also celebrating her birthday on this concert day, giving her a special thrill to experience one of her favourite artists playing live, in the company of her loved ones and Tesò regulars. ‘Prem Joshua & Band’ featuring Satgyan Fukuda, Dondieu Divin, Raul Sengupta. Special guest performances by Hina Sarojini and Mahesh Vinayakram. Date & Time: 7 pm onwards on 23rd December Place: Tesò Waterfront, Vaddy Siolim, Bardez, Goa. For bookings & Inquiries: T: 0832-2270091/92; M: 075070 03585 Email: info@tesogoa.com, FB:www.facebook.com/ tesowaterfrontgoa Website: www.tesogoa.com

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Dec 16 to Dec 22

Dec 21st

Rajasthan Grameen Mela Season 3 An Exclusive Exhibition cum Sale of Handloom, Handicraft, Jewellery & Paintings. Special Attractions 7 Days: Kachhi Ghodi, Dhol Manjira & Puppet Show. All major credit/debit cards accepted At Ravindra Bhavan, Fatorda Daily 10 am to 9 pm +91 9602620310

The Christmas Party Hey Kids, come… Eat, Drink and be Merry. Whether you have been naughty or nice. Don’t think twice. Dress code- Red and White. At Varanda- Do – Mar 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm +91 9764 00 3074/ +91 7387 09 6407/ +91 9420 70 3667

Dec 18th

Oratorio Salesiano Nite Charity event for Don Bosco Oratory renovation Band in attendance: True Blue DJ: RJ Alroy & Firdous At Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim 7:45 pm Onwards

Christmas tree Party Entertainment with loads of Prizes and X’Mas Hamper for every child. Santa Claus, Games, DJ Music, Tattoo Painting, Fancy Dress (X’Mas), Fireworks, Mascots, BuffetSnacks & Soft Drinks At Hotel Goan Heritage, Holiday Street, Gaura Vaddo, Calangute +91 832 227 6761 Festive Fun for Kids Bay 15 is all set to organize its kid’s Christmas Bash. The event will have a number of fun activities including DJ music, kid’s games, a magic show, etc. Contact the front desk for further queries and pricing details. At Bay 15, Odxel Beach, Dona Paula 3:30 pm +91 832 2456231

Dec 19th

BEBO’S KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY The Palace Lawns will ring with laughter and fun as your little ones tumble down the bouncy castle, chase the clown and get enchanted by the magician. And as their painted faces gleam with joy, Santa will bring gifts for all naughty and nice. Unlimited food and non-alcoholic drinks to party on. 850 INR + taxes per person At Palace Lawns, Grand Hyatt Goa +91 832 3011510 Christmas Kids Party So get your kids in holiday spirit with variety of games, attractive return gifts, magic show, balloon molding, grand arrival of Santa Claus with mascots, tattoo artists and lot more activities. Buffet with live counters & snacks At Hotel Fidalgo 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm +91 9158 05 5222/ +91 9545 55 4244/ +91 832 2421339 Longuinhos Kids Christmas Party Longuinhos Beach Resort is having kids Christmas Party to celebrate the magic of the season. The event will entail loads of fun, games, food stalls, Drinks, face painters, balloon sculptors, prizes and much more At Longuinhos Beach Resort, Colva 3:00 pm onwards +91 8322 78 8069 Michael Learns to Rock Seagram's 100 pipers play for a cause, a legendary concert dedicated towards sponsoring meals for the underprivileged powered by Deltin Royal At S.P. Mukherjee Stadium, Bambolim +91 9604 29 2505/ +91 9665 59 4774

Dec 20th

Raju Raja Ram Aur Main A Blockbuster Play in Hindi Presents Special Charity Play Starring Sharman Joshi At Kala Academy Panaji 7:30 pm Onwards +91 9850 14 4350/ +91 9823 18 8888

Dec 23

Dec 8th to Dec 18th

Impression from Germany Photographer Bernhard Bero Bluhmor will be presenting his photographing Exhibition ‘Impressions from Germany’. The event is organized by Indo-German Friendship society, Goa. At Ray’s Atelier, 2nd Ward (Gandaulim), Colva 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Dec 16 to Dec 18

Intensive workshop on Performance Poetry The cost of the workshop is Rs. 600 and Rs. 400 for students. At Bookworm, Panjim From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m +919823222665.

Dec 18 to Dec 21

We - More Punk by Sabrina -are having a pop up shop for an exhibition and sale of a Resort Wear Collection for Spring 2016 of Women's dresses, tops, skirts, pants and jackets in the colors of the season and Men's trendy casual shirts designed by Sabrina. At Cafe De Goa, Calangute 9:30 AM to 9 PM +91 9810 73 1366/ +91 9811 07 0568

Dec 18 to Dec 19

Combat Cage Fight Combat S2 Cage Fight 24 fighters 12 Bouts, 2 Nights At Destination One, Calangute 6:00 pm onwards +91 7264 01 3998

Every Tuesday

Rejuvenate & Detox At Shamana Spa Designed to restore balance to your body system, cleanse it of toxins, and rejuvenate the mind. The program at Shamana Spa, Grand Hyatt Goa will include a combination of yoga, aqua exercise, lymphatic drainage treatment and royal wellness bath along with healthy drinks and herbal teas. Shamana Spa, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim 8:00AM – 1:00PM +91 832 3011510

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Salsa Workshop A Series of Salsa Classes will be conducted. At Carpe Diem, Majorda 6 pm to 7 pm +91 88888 62462 DANCE CLASSES David Furtado Dance Classes Salsa & Waltz for beginners At Casino Motel, Porvorim 6.40 to 7.40 +91 9975914195

Jason & Sylvia Dance Academy  At Las Viegas Dance Studio, Taleigao  +91 9822161652/ +91 9822151614 Snaden Shawn Dance Academy Dance Style: Hip hop, Bollyfunk, jazz, contemporary. At All Over Goa +91 7798609859/ +91 9890163433

Great Goan Experience

Tiger Balloon Safaris Explore Goa-Get carried away on our hot air balloon rides an unforgettable sky high experience. At Chandor, South Goa +91 9999 74 2000 Website: hotairballooningingoa.com 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 Birds & Breakfast Have your morning breakfast watching birds The Best time of bird watching is October to Mid April. At Gauro Waddo, Calangute +91 832 2276711/ +91 9822149002 Horse Riding Majorda Beach Horse Riding It offers riding on Goa’s longest beach At Majorda 5 pm to 7 pm +91 9822586502 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 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

Go Karting

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

Book Centres

Literati It’s a Bookshop and Café At Gauro Vaddo, Calangute 10 am to 6.30 pm +91 832 2277740 Broadway Book Centre Broadway Book Store offers great books at amazing prizes to passionate readers of all ages At Aguada Fort Road, Candolim 10 am to 9 pm +91 9860030339

Notable Forts

Aguada Fort Fort Aguada and its lighthouse is a wellpreserved seventeenth-century Portuguese fort. Daily 10 am to 5.30 pm At Candolim 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 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 Maratha-Portuguese war. At Vagator 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 Maratha-Portuguese war. At Vagator

Museums

Museum of Goa Art Museum At Pilerne Industrial Estate, Pilerne 10 am to 6 pm +91 7722089666 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 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 Goa State Museum Have some 8,000 artifacts on display including carvings, paintings, manuscripts, rare coins and stone sculptures. A museum shop is planned soon with the aim of popularizing Goan culture through museum objects. At EDC Complex, Patto, Panjim 9.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2438006 / +91 832 2437306 Xavier Centre of Historical Research See exhibitions of paintings, browse through rare books and attend symposiums with particular emphasis on contemporary cultural & social issues affecting Goa. At BB Borkar Road, Porvorim +91 832 2417772

corruption 9

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Money for Everything

Corruption in Goa Is Not A Laughing Matter Because Our Future Is At Stake

By Vivian Maverick Martins

hould we be used to it by now? The ubiquitous reminders of our state’s breathtaking failure to curb the scourge of corruption. Our vast iron ore reserves going to enrich an oligarchy rather than lift up our people. Two former chief ministers being named in a multi-crore fraud of global proportions. A South Goa politician engaging in physical assault. The dead body of a major anti-corruption crusader discovered floating in the Mandovi River. A top government official opposed to environmental degradation divested of her forestry portfolio. And now, after our chief minister’s brother-in-law was arrested on bribery charges, we learn of the systematic dismissal of all those who have dared press the case. “Corruption is rampant in Goa,” said activist Ramesh Gauns, in one of the more obvious statements uttered in recent Goan memory. This is not an academic discussion, a phenomenon to be regretted but in the end accommodated. It is no accident that the poorest societies on earth also tend to be the most corrupt. Business is hampered by a lack of transparency. Ordinary citizens have no hope of obtaining justice when institutions charged with enforcing the laws violate them instead. Cops on the take lack the legitimacy needed to establish law and order. Resources meant for the good of the many instead line the pockets of the few. Elected officials focus on personal enrichment rather than tend to the needs of a society badly in need of help. It is particularly galling that we find ourselves in this situation, considering that the current BJP government rose to power on promises to root out the bribery and graft that became synonymous with the previous Congress government. On the contrary, the BJP government now stands accused of shielding and protecting the corrupt. The details of the latest case have yet to be thoroughly understood. But we do know that top cops in Goa – people who should be praised and encouraged, the cream of the crop of Goa’s law enforcement – were transferred out of their positions after pursuing a case against Dilip Malvankar, the brother-inlaw of Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar. Malvankar was accused of accepting a Rs

1 lakh bribe to facilitate the allotment of a plot at an industrial estate. The anti-corruption Superintendent of Police Bosco George was transferred out of his position, as was another member of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Nolasco Raposo. Both men helped press the case against Malvankar. Let’s be clear. There is nothing special about Malvankar’s situation. These kinds of bribes are commonplace in Goa, where greasing palms to get things done happens every day. What was unusual about Dilip Malvankar is not that he accepted a Rs 1 lakh bribe, but that he got caught. What is extraordinary, however, is our chief minister’s decision to defend his kin by attempting to destroy the careers of some of Goa’s bravest functionaries. It takes courage to pursue a corruption case against a relative of Goa’s most powerful politician. And when that politician responds by silencing the whistle blowers, the biggest loser is the people of Goa. By feeding the culture of corruption, by crushing the cream of the crop, by declaring that power trumps conscience, Parsekar is cancelling out all other efforts to develop Goa.

Development is not just about building roads and bridges. It’s also about bolstering civil society, promoting transparency, creating a level playing field and making sure that those who work for a better world are not put down. Punishing those who fight for a corruption-fee society goes against all of these goals. “The law will take its own course,” was Parsekar’s only response when asked about his brother-in-law’s case. He declined to answer further questions on the matter. The subject of corruption did come up at this past weekend’s 60th birthday party for former Goa Chief Minister and current Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. “I’ve never been involved in any corruption,” Parrikar told his audience of Goan supporters. “I’m a man of integrity.” Few who remember his reign as Goa Chief Minister would reject his claim, but many also remember a certain reluctance to confront the obvious corruption of those surrounding him. This is nothing new in Goa. Corruption is so pervasive that even those who don’t engage in it often turn a blind eye to those who do. Unfortunately, this often translates into outright aggression toward whistle blowers.

BJP legislators are now demanding a probe into the funding of NGOs and other anti-corruption campaigners. Most political parties in Goa have too many skeletons in their closet to initiate any genuine process to end corruption. Goans for Goa, or GFG, however, has unveiled plans to do just that, following the mysterious death of Father Bismarque Dias, one of our state’s most outspoken activists whose lifeless body was found floating in the Mandovi. Explained GFG president Kennedy Afonso, “Considering the loss of faith in the government's political will to fight the evil plaguing Goa, GFG decided to form a political party to provide a strong regional force that will carry out the aspirations of the people of Goa.” The Aam Aadmi Party is another player taking a serious view of corruption in Goa. Valmiki Naik, Goa State Secretary of AAP, said “The BJP Government claimed to be better than Congress, which had crossed all limits of corruption, and promised zero tolerance to corruption. But the problem has only worsened during the BJP regime”. Citing AAP’s success in fighting corruption in New Delhi, Naik said the same can be done in Goa “if Goa gives us a clear mandate in the 2017 elections.” A number of activists contacted for this article said the root of the problem lies in the widespread perception that corruption is somehow normal, that it’s simply the way the world works. And yet it must be noted that there are many places around the globe were corruption is not normal at all. Not by coincidence, these places are among the most prosperous on earth (Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Singapore, etc). Clearly, we need a new normal. Enormous resources were lost to decades of rapacious, unregulated mining, lawmaker Mickky Pacheco walked out of jail early after being convicted of assaulting a government employee, former Chief Ministers Digambar Kamat and Churchill Alemao were named as significant players in the global Louis Berger scandal, and Cabinet Minister Alina Saldanha was divested of her Forests and Environment portfolios after opposing high-profile development projects. These are among the cases that have made news in recent months, but the list of outrages is much longer. The significance of each of these incidents can be debated. But the high toll corruption takes on our society is not in doubt. 

10 cover story

‘When the Gaurs Go Charging In’ Will Tiny Goa Actually Become the Football Champion of Giant India?

Our Very Own FC Goa Blasts Its Way Into the Finals of the Indian Super League Season 2 By Vivian Maverick Martins

imes like these don’t come around often, when an entire state - men, women and children alike - swell up with shared pride at the same moment for the same thrilling event. Since FC Goa triumphed over the Delhi Dynamos on Dec. 15 in the second leg of the semifinals at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Fatorda, securing a spot in the finals of ISL Season 2, it’s been pure FC Goa fever, All-FC-Goa-All-The-Time. And for good reason. Our tiny Goa now has a very real chance of becoming the football champions of giant India, depending on how we do in the final faceoff against Chennaiyin FC on Sunday, Dec. 20, also in Fatorda. "I told the boys they need to fight for every ball, give the opponents no breathing space and make fewer mistakes. And I'm proud the boys showed that attitude and made the game easy for us," said Zico after the match that crushed Delhi’s dreams.

FC Goa progressed to the ISL final with a 3-1 aggregate win over Delhi, despite losing 0-1at Delhi earlier in the week. The tickets for that match were sold out in no time, leaving many fans disappointed, but those who did get in created an electrifying atmosphere, seemingly intimidating the opposition and giving a boost to our charging ‘Gaurs’. With their 1-0 win in the preceding match, Delhi Dynamos came to Goa only needing a draw to qualify for the finals. When the ‘Gaurs’ 11 stepped onto the field, they displayed new-found aggression, their sights firmly set on ISL glory. Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Dessai were deployed on the wings, Rafael and Dudu in attack. Raju Gaikwad, Narayan Das, Reinaldo and CS Sabeeth made way for them while Bikramjit Singh replaced Jonatan Lucca in the midfield. Delhi coach Roberto Carlos named an unchanged starting lineup from the semifinal first leg, which his team won by a solitary goal scored by Robin Singh. FC Goa treinador Zico made his intentions very clear to his players, ‘Kill or get killed, play hard and do not get bullied!’ and the players did just that. Jofre Mateu González (11’), Rafael Coelho Luiz (27’) and Dudu Omagbemi (84’) were the goal scoring heroes on the night. Spanish maestro Jofre, who

graduated from the famous Barcelona’s La Masia academy, opened the floodgates in the 11th minute, showing his dribbling skills to go past Delhi’s best defender John Arne Riise with ease and put the ball past Delhi keeper Antonio Doblas. Then it was time for some samba magic as the Brazilian Jogador Rafael (who was battered and bruised during the night)made Riise dance to his tunes before scoring the all important second goal of the match in the 27th minute to

give his team the lead on aggregate. Riise, suffering from minor concussions, had an abysmal match and was replaced with Hans Mulder in the 30th minute. Dudu, who worked his socks off, was rewarded when Jofre adroitly crossed the ball at the far post to Romeo, who served the ball on the platter for Dudu to score in the 84th minute, sending the 18,000-plus home crowd and a million and half other Goans watching elsewhere into a rapturous frenzy. Roberto Carlos, despite his disappointment, took the result in stride. "We had our chances … I feared this could happen. The 1-0 advantage we came here with was not good enough. When you play FC Goa at home, it is a different ball game. FC Goa was superior today and they won," said Carlos. The defensive duo of Lúcio and Grégory Arnolinwas rock solid at the back and impassable on the night, and neutralised Gustavo Dos Santos’ threat down the flanks (he had terrorised Goan defenders in the first leg). “Our defence did well to keep Dos Santos and the others at bay, neutralize it and show our game,” said Zico. The stage is now set for the grand finale on December 20. The entire state will be painted blue as the Gaurs go charging for the title. “We are confident enough to take on any team in the finals and I believe I have the squad to win the title this season. Thank you very much for all the support from all the fans and you can be sure on Sunday we will give our best and play with the same intensity as we did against Delhi,” said Zico. Judging from the ecstatic reaction after the semi-final victory, it’s hard to imagine what Goa will look like if, by the grace of

God, we actually take the title. The commercial capital of Goa came alive, with cars taking to the packed streets, waving FC Goa flags and scarves. Reagan Fernandes, leaving the stadium said “It’s time to celebrate FC Goa style. We will be back again on Sunday and hopefully party all night long as champions.” An exuberant fan named Mathew watched the semi-final victory at a screening in Margao and then joined revellers chanting Força Goa Dii Tekha! (Give It To Them!). "I feel proud and happy, FC Goa has lit up this Christmas season," he said. Players, too, were in a party mood. The midfield maestro Jofre said, “I feel very happy we fought hard and deserved to win. It feels great for us as well as for the fans. It is party time!” Pacey winger Mandar Rao Dessai, who has had an exceptional season, was also jubilant. “The feeling is amazing and we will give it our best to win in the finals,” he said. The Goa Football Association hascongratulated FC Goa on making it to the finals and expressed hope that the team will win the title.As Goans of all stripes are strongly behind their team. Massive screenings are planned across the state. FC Goa’s co-owner Shrinivas Dempo, speaking earlier to Streets said, “The success of the team is measured by how much it is loved and supported by the fans. On that front, FC Goa has already succeeded. If they win on Sunday, it will be icing on cake.” Now it’s all about what happens on Dec. 20. Dii Tekha! Give It To Them! 

12 FOOD & DRINK 7th Dec to 7th Jan CHRISTMAS TREATS Our Pastry chefs are whipping up sweet little indulgences for you and your family in all shapes and sizes of love. Pre-order your favourites from traditional Christmas pudding to custom-made cakes, from classic Stollen to the timeless gingerbread house and cookies. At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim 8:00AM to 1:00AM To place an order contact +91 832 3011127

Dec 13th to Dec 31st Oriental Food Festival At Chaska Relish Forever multi cuisine restaurant, Porvorim +91 832 2417536

Every Monday Hops & Nibbles Walk into the Capiz Bar to experience new flavours in beer and food pairing. Try something new every Monday as the pairing changes every week; Tapas, Yakitori and more to enjoy At Capiz Bar, Grand Hyatt Goa 4:00PM – 00:00 midnight INR 990 + taxes For reservations call +91 832 3011510

Every Wednesday Pizza Night @ Ciao Bella Dive into a selection of authentic Italian wood fired pizzas At CIAO BELLA, Assagao 7 pm onwards +91 97675 57673 Seafood Night Market A weekly seafood night market with a wide selection of seafood delicacies. If you can’t seem to get enough of seafood through the week, walk over to The Dining Room and enjoy an amazing selection of your seafood favourites and live entertainment. Every Wednesday INR 2500 per person At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim +91 832 3011510

Every Thursday Pasta Thursdays Treat yourself to a selection of pastas At Bar Code Lounge & Grill, Porvorim +91 832 241 0027

EVERY Saturday  Spanish Nights Head over to the Grand Hyatt Goa Palace Lawns; where they give you an evening of live entertainment and food inspired from the Mediterranean coast of Spain. 7:00PM – 11:30PM INR 2200 + taxes At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim +91 832 3011510

Brunches Every Sunday Sunday Brunch Happy Hours Buy one Get one free Lunch Buffet Starting 899/Pool Usage At Bay 15, Dona Paula 12 noon onwards +91 7350146000

Sunday-Champagne Brunch Relish a sumptuous meal over five interactive food counters along with free flowing cocktails, champagne and live music by Thelma. Every Sunday, the Dining Room, Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim 1:00PM – 4:00PM INR 2500 + taxes +91 832 3011510 Sunday Barbeque Brunch Poolside Sunday grills with live music 12 pm to 5 pm At Banana Republic Bar - Cavala, Baga +91 832 227 7587 Sunday Brunch at Barrels & Bones 12 noon onwards At BARRELS & BONES, Fontainhas +91 77740 78276 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 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 Palms Restaurant The Beachside Restaurant Palms with the Peruvian delicacy for the first time in Goa. Enjoy Ceviche delicacies and Peruvian drinks all night long! At Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, Cavelossim +91 832 2721235 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 Cherry Tomato Burger Cafe and Italian Restaurant At Vanelim, Colva +91 9561379963

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 Soul Soufflé Goan, North Indian, Continental, Chinese, Seafood Casual Dinning At Off The Old Verna Highway, Near UDddear Water Fall, Ambulour Village, Verna, Margao +918322782100 Gawin's Restaurant & Pub Seafood, Goan, Continental, Chinese Enjoy Sunday Brunch every week At Cansaulim Road, Verna +91 9822177179 Dropadi Restaurant Casual Dining North Indian, Chinese, Continental, Seafood, Goan At Palolem Beach, Palolem, Goa +91 832 264 4555 Vasco Square Casual Dining North Indian, Goan, Continental, Seafood At 211, Joseph Vaz Road, Vasco, Goa +91 832 250 0644 Coconut Creek Serves Non veg, Alcohol, Outdoor Seating Goan, Continental, Chinese, North Indian, Seafood At Bogmalo, Bimut Ward, Bogmalo +91 832 2538100/+91 9823117647 Konkani Restaurant Casual Dining North Indian, Konkan, Goan, Seafood At Jigisha Building, Varde Valaulikar Road, Margao +91 97638 22983

Pentagon Restaurant & Garden Pub Eclectic Asian, Indian and European menu. Sizzle your taste buds with awesome food at pentagon from starters to main course we have it all for you At Majorda Beach Road, Opp. Majorda Beach Resort, Salcete 12 pm to 12 am +91 832 2881402/ +91 9822091402

North Goa Restaurant Om Made Cafe @ Teso Waterfront A mélange of international and local cuisine is specially conjured to seduce and tease the epicure’s palate. Enjoy the taste of our food while being seated by an immaculate view of the river and coastal foliage, surrounded by the glimmering of the distant villages. Open 8 am - Midnight Breakfast: 8 am – 11am At Teso Waterfront, Siolim +91832 227 0091 Palms n Sands Beach Restro bar With a view so mesmerising that the only thing that will complete for your attention is the food. Located bang on the shores of Arabian Sea, Palms n Sands has been catering a stupendous blend of Goan, North Indian and Continental Cuisine along with refreshing cocktails since 1989. At Dando, Candolim Beach 9 am to Midnight +91 832 2479171/+91 9822149629 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

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 Anandashram Hotel Chinese, Goan and Seafood This is one of the oldest eateries in Goa and is something of an institution for its affordable and delicious Goan Fare. At 31st January Road, Panjim 1 pm to 10.30 pm +91 9823195245 Edu’s Restaurant Indian, Chinese, International and Goan Pizzas are one of their specialties. There’s nothing fancy about it but it has the vibe of a street café. Next to Magsons on the main DB Road in Panjim, Miramar. +91 832 2463777, +91 832 2463888  Sol de Goa  Relax over the weekend with lazy Sundays by the poolside. Sol de Goa presents Mexicana-Spanish Brunch with Sangrias, unlimited food and LIVE acoustic entertainment. At Sol De Goa, Nerul  11.30 Onwards  +91 9552134385

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 & 7 pm to 10.30 pm +91 832 6454474

Go With the Flow  Brazillian, Mediterranean, Fusion  In an enchanting location on the Baga river bank, offering stunning views of the river, and sea beyond. Oh did we mention? The food’s really good, too. Chef Guto from Brazil really knows what he’s doing. We mean it. At Calangute, Baga  +91 7507771556  contact@ gowiththeflowgoa.com www. gowiththeflowgoa.com Koi  True Asian, very tasty At Taj Road, Gauravaddo, Calangute  12 pm to 1 am  +91 98733 42567 koigoa.com

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

Mustard A Flavour to Savour Serving Bengali and European food, using mustard as a key ingredient. The only Bengali restaurant in Goa! At House No 78, Mae de dues Vaddo, Chogm Road, Sangolda +91 9823436120

Thursday, December 17, 2015

s m r fo t r A e s r e iv d ts n e s Sensorium pre

By Perin Ilavia

ensorium - Edition {love}, an annual festival at Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, once again brings path-breaking theatre, music and art to Goa. Founded by Dattaraj Salgaocar and curated by Siddharth Shanghvi, this festival features novel artistic events spaced over a month, starting from 14th December. The evening at the Centre’s premises at Altinho in Panjim began with performance art, rendered by Atish Saha, a Bangladeshi artist. Saha’s work reflects the limits of the body and the position it puts itself in order to survive. He performed ‘Open Wound’, playing out a melancholy alien clown in search of love. Wearing a bulbous contraption covering his head and face, he sat on the lawn breaking eggs on a sheet of glass. He then lit candles and sat on a swing suspended from the branch of the tree, swinging for many minutes. He then clambered up a ladder and settled on a branch, where he sat immobile for 20 minutes. But for the wine that kept spirits high, people appeared bored to tears. “It’s about how you engage continuously in daily events,” Saha told me later. The next show was by Jana Prepeluh, who lives and works between Slovenia and India. Her work has consistently looked at ‘love’, its presence, its absence, its loss and its immortality, and the relationship between the instinct to live and the drive for death. Draped

in a flowing white gown, with red rose petals strewn around, she sat in the courtyard with the sound of a heartbeat in the background, breaking the bangles on her wrist, unfolding white pieces of cloth with the words ‘love’, ‘passion’, ‘lust’, etc. inscribed in red. “For me love is eternal. This performance emerged when my fiancé died,” was her cryptic comment. Himanshu Suri, a New York based rap and hip hop artist of Indian origin, talks about his identity as an artist living on the edge in a mega-city. Draped in a sari and then a long black gown, his ‘Momma's Boy’ explored the toll addiction takes on familial love. “Many mothers accompany their adult children, to purchase drugs rather than see them experience withdrawal,” Suri explained. The performance art show was followed by a preview of Sensorium’s exhibition of paintings. The icing

on the cake for the evening was the performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night by Filter Theatre, a British theatre company, directed by Sean Holmes. Filter’s theatrical style uses sound very imaginatively, and no play of Shakespeare’s yearns for music and song, as much as Twelfth Night. With no sets or costumes, it’s reminiscent of a rock n roll remix, replete with cross gender antics. On this first tour to India, the play looks back on the farcical mix-ups caused by twins, a show that trembles perpetually on the brink of music. The actors play multiple roles, and often press microphones to their brows, these devices seeming to pick up the music of their mind. Sir Toby Belch (Dan Poole), a drunken reveller, is an anomaly in more ways than one. The only character in a period dress, he is decked out in a huge ruff doublet and

pink hose. Orsino (Harry Jardine) the count, is as much in love with love, as he is with Olivia, and calls for it in the famous opening speech, “If music be the food of love, play on…’ Malvolio ( Fergus O’Donnell) the steward is a frustrated rock star with pathetic private dreams. Maria (Sandy Foster) briefs Olivia ( Ronke Adekoluejo) about her new surroundings in the impersonal tones of a BBC shipping forecast seeping through a transistor radio! They flit among the audience, pointing the microphone at the musicians, Alan Pagan and Fred Thomas to illustrate motivations. This first experience of Filter Theater’s art in Goa evoked a thunderous applause. Martin Shippen, Filter’s marketing producer said, “Filter is an experimental theatre. Twelfth Night is ambiguous, and not just sexually. Using Shakespearian words in a modern way, it’s not traditional, but in the spirit of Shakespeare. It appeals to young people who fall in love and get excited. At my age, it’s ‘Ah! What was that about!’ No audience is alike. The way the character changes from one city or country to the other amazes us. Some respond to text, others to music. What’s great is that you see things in the mind’s eye. I get the impression that in India, we may be more of a novelty in the context of classical theatre.’ The play is touring eight cities in India, doing twenty performances, over a four week itinerary. 

Twelfth Night by Filter Theatre

14 arts & entertainment

Photos live beyond language: Abeer Hoque

By Perin Ilavia

beer Hoque is a Nigerian-born Bangladeshi American writer and photographer. Her first book of fiction, The Lovers and the Leavers, 2011, is a collection of linked stories, photographs, and poems. Her memoir Olive Witch, about growing up in Nigeria, the US and Bangladesh, will be published in 2016. She’s also working on a novel ‘Memory Alone’, and a collection of travel themed erotic short stories ‘F Is for Fire’. Streets met up with her at the Goa Arts & Literature Festival last weekend.

Discover a handle in the ‘mess of ideas: Githa Hariharan

P- How do you look at photographs and poetry? A-My photographs became more structured and arty after 2001. They live beyond language, they are connective. They can be shared with street children. A photograph might just freeze the surface of something. You can’t always do that with poetry. The chapter ‘Repeat After Me’ in my book of poems and photos ‘The Long Way Home’ focuses on pattern and detail, which I find to be as evocative of transformation and belonging as the traditional portrait setting. The chapter ‘This Is a Window’ traces lifestyle through the lens of architectural elements. P-How did your journey as a writer begin? A-It’s been a long road. I wrote for 15 years before I got published. In the summer of 2005, armed with a one way ticket to Bangkok, I left San Francisco to go travelling for a year, which turned into seven. I spent two years on and off, in Bangladesh and India, funded in part by a Fulbright Scholarship. I researched and wrote my novel The Lovers and the Leavers, published by Bengal Lights Books in 2014 and Harper Collins India in 2015. The rest of the five nomad years, my pitch perfect if penniless gypsy life took me to over 30 countries on five continents.

P- Was the Lovers and Leavers book preplanned? A-I love cities as much as the wild and empty places. They display elements of decay and anachronism, that rot that can sometimes lead to re-growth, sometimes to ruin. I knew halfway through my gypsying that I was going to make a book, though it took a while to figure out what it would look like. P-Do photographs inspire the compositions of poems, or is it vice versa? A- I am interested in unfamiliar and intimate angles of the known by zooming in or shooting in low light. I don’t want so much to remove place from the equation, but re-imagine it. I look up my photo collection, which inspire poems. But, I would like to do it the other way round. P- Do you use Photoshop? A- No. I believe a good photographer is one whose first click captures the image. P- Who is your favorite poet? A- Rumi the 13th century Persian Sufi poet. He wrote erotic poetry, he was the first to write about joy in a joyful way. P- What are your views on women writers in Bangladesh? A-There aren’t many women writers. As a woman writing in Bangladesh, I have to worry about concerns about writing erotic stories. I’m still struggling about how the people and my parents will deal with it. 

By Ambika Kamat

iction writer, essayist and social activist Githa Hariharan is a regular participant at the Goa Arts & Literature Festival. Her book The Thousand Faces of Night won the Commonwealth Writers Prize for the Best First Book in 1993. The Art of Dying; The Ghosts of Vasu Master; When Dreams Travel; In Times of Siege and Fugitive Histories and Almost Home: Cities and Other Places are some of her other works. This year, she was International Writer in Residence in Singapore. She is also a Visiting Professor in Goa University. Ambika Kamat - Could you tell us of the ‘creative process’ that occurs while you write a book? Githa Hariharan - Well, I believe that there is no self-conscious formula that could be labeled as the ‘creative process’ when it comes to writing. I would rather say that it is a common ‘imaginative leap’ that occurs when an author enters the ‘mess of ideas’ and discovers the ‘handle’ in that creative moment. Hard work and to write as often as you can is the key towards a sustained effort in creative writing.

AK - Do you set or chart out any general themes before starting with a piece of writing? GH - I think that at the very outset, the theme is actually ‘unknowable’. It is an invisible thread that runs through the initial write-up which a writer senses even before understanding whether a particular piece would be a short story or a novel. To explain with an analogy, the theme is not an embryo but a toddler! Home, freedom are some of the broad themes that run through my latest writing. AK - According to you what is the relationship between reading and writing? Which authors shaped you during your formative years?

GH - If writing is a fancy meal in a luxury restaurant then reading is staple food to the existence of a writer. What kinds of writing you read might vary with your maturity. For instance one might start with novels as a teenager and gradually move on to non-fiction as an adult. Poetry of course is read by individuals of all age groups alike. As an undergraduate student, Russian and Japanese literature helped me develop a literary sensibility. Reading these literatures gave me the confidence to discover my voice and to do away with the inhibitions created by the predominantly Western White syllabus of my literature course. I love reading Yasunari Kawabata, particularly his ‘palm stories’ the most. AK - As a writer, do you go through a phase called the ‘mental block’? GH - Well, no author writes every day. Writing is rather a secretive process. For me, though writing is a difficult and a slow process. It is very addictive. The addiction makes me overcome all the obstacles and continue my literary journey. AK - What advice would you give to budding writers? GH - I love interacting with young minds. I would say, Read a lot and continue writing. Do not be in a hurry to get published. The initial unpublished pieces help one find a voice and a direction, in that sense they are essential. Most importantly do not think that the senior writers are the ultimate authorities in the field. Question everything. That’s how you will find your voice.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

arts & entertainment 15

Poetry is a magical dark art: Arundhathi Subramaniam

By Perin Ilavia

lated as ‘one of the finest poets writing in India’, Arundhathi Subramaniam, is an award-winning author of ten books of poetry and prose including ‘When God is a Traveller’ and the bestselling biography ‘Sadhguru: More Than A Life’. Few poets capture contradictory impulses so convincingly, and this unexpected range is what makes her work a pleasure to read. P - Why did you choose to write poetry? A - The real choice was words – to spend a life around words as a way of exploring the mystery of being alive and human. I’ve always loved the sound, rhythm, velocity, and joy of language motion. P - You attended a Poetry Circle as a young poet. How was that experience? A - It was a forum in Mumbai in the 90s, early 2000s, where several young verseinfatuated people gravitated. One space in the city, where an otherwise marginal preoccupation was taken seriously. A place where you could read work and get crucial rigorous feedback. P - How are poets promoted and given exposure in the Indian poetry website that you edit? A - In the India Domain, I feature two to three poets per edition, in some depth. Poets are so often treated as inconsequential. Paying them the courtesy of serious attention is one way of trying to honour their contribution. P - Tell us about your journey as a performing arts curator, and Head of Indian Dance and Chauraha at the NCPA, Mumbai? A - I joined the National Centre for the Performing Arts in 1994 when the Marathi Artistic and stage director, Vijaya Mehta, invited me to spearhead 'Chauraha', a

discussion-based inter-arts forum, which I led for fifteen years. It became an important cultural hub in the city, went on to spawn many other similar flora in its wake. In 2009, I also took on the mantle of Head of Indian Dance. Writing on classical dance for several years, this seemed like the ideal chance to revive a moribund dance department. I instituted two annual dance festivals, inviting leading dancers of classical and contemporary orientations. I left NCPA in 2010 to focus on writing, though I continued in their Dance Committee. In 2013, I returned again to curate a festival of dance and Bhakti poetry, called ‘Stark Raving Mad’. A mix of film screenings, poetry readings and dance performances, it was a tremendous success, drawing new audiences and generating much critical attention. P - What are the salient features of composing in verse, rather than prose? A - Both have their own challenges. But poetry is a magical dark art, the oldest form of literary enchantment on the planet. It has a compressed and distilled utterance with its own incredible charge, a form of enchanted archaeology, leading you deeper into realms you hadn’t quite imagined. P - How would you rate yourself in your profession? A - There’s a long way to go. But I was ecstatic when my poems, 'When God is a Traveller' was shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize –the top poetry award internationally. When I started out, I never quite imagined that would ever happen. P - Which books are you presenting at this litfest? A - I’ve edited, 'Eating God', an anthology of Bhakti poetry and sacred medieval poetry, featuring a wonderful assortment of mystic poets – each more radical than the other. It’s wild, provocative and unpredictable, adopting tones ranging from rage to lust, addressing the gods of their understanding. In such a relationship of scorching intimacy, nothing is taboo. The assumption is that god and devotee, beloved and lover, cannot be separated very long however hard they try. I’m also reading from 'When God is a Traveller', which won the inaugural Khushwant Singh Prize for Poetry, the International Piero Bigongiari Award, and was shortlisted for the TS Eliot Poetry Prize. 

Dec 12 to Dec 22 Art Exhibition Girish Gujar will present his watercolour exhibition ‘Captured in Color’. At Carpe Diem, Majorda +91 8888 86 2462

Nov 5 to Jan 25 ‘GOPAKAPATTANAM – Exploring Goa’s histories through the lens of contemporary art’ Curated by Dr. Subodh Kerkar & Mr. Peter Mueller 10 am to 6 pm everyday At Museum of Goa, Plot No. 79, Pilerne Industrial Estate, Pilerne Email: subodh@museumofgoa.com / mail@museumofgoa.com Web: www.museumofgoa.com www.facebook.com/museumofgoa

Dec 15 to Jan 15 International Art and Craft Festival Goa will play host to the Spandan International Art and Craft Festival, A unique art and craft festival that will be held over 45 days in popular Locations of Goa like Panjim, Margao and Mapusa. At All over Goa

Dec 15 to Feb 15 Sensorium – Sunaparanta, Goa Theatre, Music, Arts 18 DEC: 7 pm: The Cenere Project, screening of the Italian silent movie ‘Cenere’ featuring Eleanor Duse with live jazz soundtrack performed by Marcello Allulli, Matteo Fraboni & Giovanni Ceccarelli in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Centre, India 4 JAN: 7 pm: Sunaparanta Annual Lecture by Prof. Vidya Dehejia, Columbia University 14 JAN: 7 pm: Performance by Bisaji Gadekar and Sajan Mani curated by Nikhil Chopra & Madhavi Gore, Heritage Hotel 17 JAN: 7 pm: The Shanghvi Salon with Bharti Kher 1 FEB: 7 pm: Performance and Talk by Nikhil Chopra 11 FEB: 7 pm: The Shanghvi Salon with Anju and Atul Dodiya 12 - 14 FEB: 7 pm: A Crossover Love Club, a participatory performance by Sanchayan Ghosh 15 FEB: 7 pm: Jeet Thayil curates a spoken word performance with Akhil Katyal, Mithu Sen, Aditi Nagrath, and Zachary Bushnell 8 pm Sensorium Closing Ceremony with the Musical Narrative on Amir Khusrau At Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim  +91 832 2421311 | info@sgcfa.org

Galleries of Note 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 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

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 Panjim Art Gallery Get a dose of the local culture with figurative works of Goan artists. Near Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim 9:00 am to 8:00 pm +91 9822168703 Mario Art Gallery Discover the original paintings and other memorabilia of the great Goan artist/ cartoonist Mario Miranda. Here you can buy “The Life of Mario”, as well as prints, mounted prints, frames, tiles, mugs, card sets and other books. At ‘Houses of Goa’, Salvador-do-Mundo, Porvorim area 9:00 am to 5:30 pm +91 832 2410711 archauto@gmail.com www.mariodemiranda.com 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 centres 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 Sunaparanta- Goa Centre for the Arts The centre houses several exhibition galleries, a large multi-functional space for workshops and lectures, an inhouse film club, sketch club, open air amphitheatre, pottery studio and an open courtyard that houses the al fresco café, Bodega. The red velvet cupcakes at Bodega are a must try! At Altinho, Panjim 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. +91 832 2421311 info@sgcfa.org | www.sgcfa.org

16 keep goa beautiful

Editor’s Note: This is the latest instalment of Goa Streets’ Keep Goa Beautiful initiative, inviting contributions from all those working toward a cleaner and greener Goa.

Clean Margao

Green Margao

By José Lourenço

argao, the commercial capital of Goa, was once called Lusa Atenas for its culture and beauty. Though cultural activity still thrives in this prime city of Salcete, the streets and suburbs here look rather shabby and uncared for. So it comes as a pleasant surprise to walk through Comba, the old Hindu quarter of Margao, and see a long avenue of heritage houses sporting brand new coats of paint in pleasing hues. This and other improvements in Borda and the SGPDAmarket area are the work of Clean Margao, Green Margao, a citizens initiative started by builder-filmmaker Rajendra Talak in 2014. “I was waiting for someone to do this, but as no one was coming forward, in 2014 I took the initiative,” Talak told Streets. “I have handed over Kalangann, my dance school, to someone else for managing, and I’ve taken a break from making films till the end of 2016, so I have some free time.” The group comprises about ten citizens of Margao, from various vocations. Ranjita Kare is a pharmacist, Girish Kare is an electrical engineer and Adish Kane is a

Film-maker Rajendra Talak and his fellow Margao citizens step up to clean and beautify Margao civil contractor. Prominent citizens like John Fernandes, Narayn Fondekar, Raj Panadikar, Nilesh Newalkar and others are also working hard. Advocate Rajiv Shinkre and his friends from Borda have also done improvements around their houses there. “We have taken up Comba to start with,” says Talak, sitting in his office in the heart of Comba. “I was born and brought up here, and I love this place. I know everyone, and I can approach any one to request to improve their house and vicinity. After we have improved ten wards of Comba we will take on ten wards at Fatorda. One cannot take on everything at one time.” The plaster restoration and painting of each façade costs from ten to fifty thousand, which is shared by the house owners and the activists and well-

wishers of Clean Margao Green Margao. Talak designs the colour scheme for the house façade, in consultation with the house owners. A group of artists has also painted a mural at a Comba road junction. “The painting has been spoiled a bit in the rains, but we are going to put some protection over it and repaint the mural,” says Talak, who is quite the lover of the arts, having promoted and run a dance academy for over a decade, and having produced award winning films like Aleesha, O Maria and Antarnad. “We have built planters, and grown flowers in many places. This also deters people from throwing garbage at those places.” So far ten to fifteen lakhs have been spent by the house owners and the Clean Margao group. The group has no bank account, the house owners pay the contractor directly at cost price. If there is a shortfall for the community project then Talak or other group volunteers contribute. By March they plan to complete the Comba project. On being queried about government support, Talak said “We have not approached the government authorities or Municipality for funds or other support yet. We want to demonstrate what

can be done, and only then put forth proposals.” “The people of Margao must get involved,” he insists. “It is not just about garbage, but the practice of waste segregation. We are working with Fomento Green to facilitate segregation and collection of dry waste. MMC will collect the wet garbage. We plan to educate the workers and the citizens on the right practices.” Work is also on at the SGPDA (South Goa Planning & Development Authority) market near the Margao bus stand. Indoco Pharmaceuticals has sponsored the greening of the area. Trees and shrubs have been planted, parking signage and ground marking installed, and CCTV surveillance cameras have been erected to deter those who dump waste illegally. “We are also providing infrastructure for a small waste treatment plant near the market, so that the MMC will not have to collect any waste from there henceforth. The SGPDA Chairman, Mauvin Godinho, is supporting us in these activities. We have employed five security guards for two months to prevent wrong parking and garbage dumping. After that the system will be handed to the police, so that they can monitor the cameras and send fines to the offenders, just as traffic fines are imposed,” says Talak, clearly bringing his builder-mode efficiency to this worthy project.  Contact the group with your ideas and assistance at their Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/CleanMargao-Green-Margao

profile 17

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A Lion of A Woman Ismenia Vas An ex-teacher, a businesswoman, President of Lion’s Club of Navelim, mother of two lovely daughters, a family person and ardent fan of gardening. Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello catches up with this indefatigable and dynamic lady. Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello

s I made my way to Ismenia Vas’ apartment, a lady clad in trendy jeans greeted me with a chirpy hello. Her pet Llasa Apso ‘Spike’ followed me as I made myself comfortable on the sofa, and then promptly lay at my feet. I whipped out my notebook and shot my 22 questions at Ismenia. An ex-teacher by profession, now turned businesswoman, 49 year old Ismenia helps her husband Edwin to run their shop ‘Star Electricals’. She is also President of the Lion’s Club of Navelim, holding that chair with bubbly enthusiasm and dignity. A firm believer of hard work, Ismenia puts her best efforts in whatever project she takes up. She holds a graduate degree from Sophia College in Mumbai and a B.Ed degree. After a teaching stint of 10 years at St. Joseph’s High School (Mumbai) from 1985 to 1990 and Our Own English High School from 1992 to 1997, she gave up teaching to care for her children. Edwin and Ismenia have been running their business for the past 17 years. Dealing in electrical hardware and paints, they do sometimes get whining customers who complain that “prices are up” or who don’t have change for buying minor purchases like nails. “Running a business is hard work and at times tough,” says Ismenia. “The inventories need to be done. My daughters, Charlene and Charmaine help out in the business when they are around.” 20-year old Charlene is pursuing her computer engineering at Amity University in Dubai while 18 year old Charmaine is doing her Fine Arts at JJ College of Arts in Mumbai. Being the President of Lion’s Club of Navelim has given her a platform to initiate a number of productive activities with her fellow members. These include tree plantation, lunch for inmates of

Nazareth Home, spending time with children at the Jan Ugahi home and a medical camp for slum dwellers at Azadnagar. They have also facilitated the maintenance of toilets in Perpetual Convent every month, donated steel beds to an old age home ‘Our Home’ in Bogmalo, conducted health camps, served food for street dwellers, hosted a peace poster contest and felicitated students from Rosary College and Damodar College. Their latest activity was the White Elephant Charity Sale. Ismenia says, “I am proud to be the President of this Club. I am excited and there is lot more that I would like to do. The recently held jumbo sale of old items brought in about Rs. 54,000 cash to the treasury of Lion’s Club. Although it was tiring to man the stall from 18th to 22nd November, it was a wonderful and funfilled experience for me. The funds will be used for needy students of Navelim. The next sale will be held on 6th January 2016.” Now that her both daughters are away, Ismenia juggles her duties at her shop and service to humanity quite smoothly. She says, “I run to the shop when Edwin needs me. I go and stay with Charlene when she needs my moral support especially during her exams.” Ismenia quips, “I wake up at 7 am and prepare breakfast after which I get down to doing my household chores for the day. I don’t have a maid. I go to the shop as and when the need arises. I love to potter in my garden, watering the plants.” Looking up to Mother Theresa as her role model, Ismenia believes in serving people. Her advice to youngsters, “Think twice before you do anything. Save the environment. Don’t litter.” With her parting words, she takes me for a tour around her beautiful garden as she points out to the various cacti and yellow and pink orchids. Then she generously hands me a packet of tendlams from her vegetable garden as I take her leave. 

mind, body & soul 19

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Healing yourself via Travel, Nature and the Arts

By Goa Streets

he poet W.H.Auden’s father once told him, “Healing is not a science, but the intuitive art of wooing nature.” TATVA, Goa’s latest wellness centre, goes a step beyond this. Here, mental healing is achieved through an integrated approach of therapy, nature and the arts. TATVA is a unique emotional wellness project that has recently established its base in Goa. The project’s aim is to simply spread a better understanding of the importance of our thoughts, feelings and how we relate to the world around us. They offer services including residencies, day programs, home-based therapy and online counselling. Kripi Malviya is the co-founder and creator of TATVA. She is an Indian psychologist, counsellor, international trainer and poet; who has worked in India and other South and South East Asian countries with local and international mental health professionals. She is supported by David Stanton, who is TATVA's co-founder and consultant. He is a

UK national and has worked in mental health and emotional wellness for over thirty years; helping establish projects in Europe, Africa and Asia. “We feel that mental health effects us all,” says Kripi. “How we think and feel and view our world directly affects how we live our lives. We want to decrease the stigma and shame associated with mental health. It is not just for those experiencing problems; it is necessary for a healthy and productive life for us all. Emotional literacy is often hard for many, as we're just expected to just get on with life; so we wanted to create a forum for those that wish to be heard, coupled with professional support.”

TATVA also facilitates mental health workshops and training. They promote art events by local and international artists and groups to promote selfreflection and to stimulate discourse. TATVA's center is situated in a picturesque and tranquil area of North Goa. Kripi and David’s concept is unique as they also mix travel with therapy; so they welcome guests from India and any country worldwide, to not only explore themselves but also the beauty and vibrancy of Goa and all that it has to offer. They stress the importance of collaborating with other health care and wellness service providers and artists in Goa. TATVA was born out of the appreciation of self awareness. They aim to cultivate a sense of curiosity about ourselves and the world, in the age of distractions and ‘quick fixes’. Their therapy poses questions like: ‘How do we bring a sense of calm into our living spaces and inner spaces?' 'How can we be more present and engaged in our relationships?' 'How can we find meaning, direction and purpose to enable a fulfilling existence?’

It is an open and inclusive practice and they work with the entire spectrum of human experiences by exploring different avenues of self development and healing. Whilst some of their clients have specific struggles with anxiety, personal relationships, stress management, depression, loneliness and isolation, dependencies, life transitions and crises, they also welcome those without a ‘diagnosis’ who are simply interested in furthering their self understanding. Co-founder Kripi says “TATVA emphasises the autonomy and choice of its clients in its therapeutic services. Although we do have structured programmes, we are very aware that allowing clients to have a voice in expressing their needs is an integral and important component of healing and change.” David stresses the importance of the therapeutic relationship. “It is central to our work at TATVA. Building on the ideology of nature and wilderness therapies, we create individually and group tailored programs for our clients to go into natural spaces like waterfalls, rivers, nature trails and seasides with us: in the process we talk, work together

and trouble shoot for an enriching experience.” Literature, poetry, theatre and music are blended with psychotherapy; this offers a unique opportunity for dialogue, increased understanding and charged discussions about how clients relate to themselves, other people and the world. “These experiences can then be processed with professional supervision by qualified therapists,” says David. “It is important to note that TATVA is not a medically based practice,” he adds, “so we are not prescriptive. However, we adhere to confidentiality and protect the privacy of our clients. We encourage the discussion and exploration of ideas, opinions and beliefs without judgment; with the aim of all of us having a better understanding of ourselves and our existence.” The art of healing through art and nature is indeed an intuitive facet of mankind. TATVA takes this to a higher plane in idyllic Goa.  For more information, visit www.tatvacenter.com