Issue No: 12

Friday, February 5, 2016 | Vol. No. 4 | Issue 12 | Price Rs. 10 | www.goastreets.com | G-2/RNP/Weekly/Goa-05/2013-15

02

All Indian Konkani Conference

How can we save our beloved mother tongue?

05

Ketevan Music Festival 2016

09

Difficult Dialogues

12

6 Strange Customs of Goa

International artistes perform spiritual music at the sacred halls of Old Goa.

India's brightest minds tackle burning social issues at Dona Paula.

The whacky, the wild and the naughty!

Inside:

• Goa Forward - pg 4 • Portuguese Guitar & Trumpet - pg 5 • Crème Luscious - pg 14 • Jaipur Lit Fest - pg 17 • Bharti Kher's Sculptures - pg 19

02 events

Brainstorming for Konkani How Can We Keep Our Beloved Language Alive?

30th Session of All India Konkani Conference Held In Goa, With Participants From 5 States

By José Lourenço

H

undreds of Konkani delegates converged on Panjim to attend the 30th session of the All India Konkani Conference (Parishad) held from 22nd to 24th January. These Konkani speakers came from the states of Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat. In his keynote speech at the inaugural held at Kala Academy, Panjim, Dr Chandrashekar Shenoy, a prominent surgeon and Konkani playwright quoted Noam Chomsky’s linguistic theory which proposes that every child is born with a predisposition to learn its native language. Six panel discussions over the next two days saw the delegates brainstorming various issues. Two poetry sessions and colourful folk dance performances showcased the diversity of Konkani culture. Gokuldas Prabhu, the president of the AIKP, Shantaram Valaulikar the reception committee chairman and others were present, with the Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar inaugurating the session.

The discussion on Creativity and Social Awareness was moderated by the noted writer Damodar Mauzo.

The Konkani Conference was meant for the progress of the Konkani Man, not just the language, said Mauzo.

Sharatkumar Prabhu opined that visual communication was more effective than print. Anant Ambeval of Mumbai added that there were many Konkani people among the top tech professionals in India, and they would be ready to help with Konkani films. Folklorist Pandurang Phaldesai cited a folk tale of a Brahmin

fearing a rabbit, to show that a suppressed man expresses his angst through creative and entertaining ways.

Suchita Narvekar spoke of her plays, where she has depicted issues like reversal of gender roles and of how parents suppress their children’s talents.

Konkani scholar Prakash Vazrikar said that a sense of ethics

prevailed even in primitive man, that increased with the rise of agrarian society. “Social obligation would always impose limits to creativity, but the artist must rise above the lay consciousness,” he said.

Prof. Madhav Kamat chaired the session on education, ad spoke of the growth of Konkani in schools, with over 23000 students at the secondary level and over 10,000 students studying Konkani at higher secondary schools.

Prof Prakash Pariekar of Goa University opined that Konkani should become a language of knowledge like English. He suggested that a few chapters in the study text books should be in the various regional dialects of Konkani, to dispel the discomfort of students coming from those dialect-speaking areas.

Another panelist Manoj Kamat noted that during colonial rule, Portuguese was taught by native Portuguese speakers.

But post 1961, English was taught by Goan teachers, and hence students now

spoke a sort of ‘Konklish’. But we now have the advantage of native Konkani speakers teaching the mother tongue, he asserted. Balchandra Gaonkar observed that low scoring students tend to take up Konkani as this language study is considered a high scoring subject. These students study Konkani half heartedly.

But the mother tongue is required when it comes to dealing with customers, clients and patients in various professions in Goa. He said there was even a time when school children were fined for speaking Konkani in English schools.

Using technology to develop Konkani was explored in a session chaired by Ramrao Wagh. The first panelist Ramdas Karmali pointed out that 55 percent of Internet browsing took place via English, followed by Chinese, Russian and other languages. He said there were no Indian language within the list of the first 35 languages being used on the Net. This meant that the viewpoints on the Net were largely European, thus causing

a cultural monopoly. Of the 7000 languages in the world, 95 percent would not be used on the Internet. Hence translation into the dominant languages is important.

The second speaker Gurudatta Bantawalkar spoke of the ‘Konkanverter’ software that transliterates between the various scripts of Konkani. He bemoaned the fact that despite being such a populous country, India had not produced a working OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software to convert printed texts in Devnagri to digital files.

Dr Jyoti Pawar outlined the work being done in academic circles on Indian Word Net for 18 Indian languages.

In the first phase, 25000 sentences were translated from Hindi to other languages and each word was tagged, whether noun, verb, adjective, etc. The second phase involved chunking these words into phrases.

Work on speech recognition is also being done, she informed.

The discussion on dialects favoured the preservation and use of all the varied dialects of Konkani, alongside efforts at standardisation and unifying of the language groups. Writer Nagesh Karmali opined that the early migrations of Goans to Kerala and Mangalore had taken with them the Salcette (Shashtti) and Bardezi dialects respectively. Dialects may change words and accents, but the meanings don’t change, he said. Shashikant Punaji, who speaks the Pernem dialect, felt that the dialects must be preserved through the performing arts. Prof Bhushan Bhave proposed the widening of dictionaries to include words from every dialect.

This annual gathering of Konkani people still needs to bring in groups that are at the fringes. But this year’s session opened up many ideas and directions, which will hopefully bear fruit by the time the next one rolls around. 

Publisher Marisha Dutt • Chief Mentor Steven Gutkin • Contributing Editor José Lourenço Photographer Brendon Sapeco • Marketing Co-ordinator Radhika Naik • 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

PinkyTripathi – World-Class Educator Recognised For Excellence In A Ceremony in Goa, Her Private Tutorial Venture Receives International Quality Award From Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen Pinky Tripathi’s Workshops And Private Tutorials Bring A New Kind of Education To India

F

or the past 15 years, Pinky Tripathi has been helping to revolutionise education in Mumbai, with three centres in the city catering to over 1,000 students and a philosophy that focuses not just on imparting knowledge but also on developing the entire personality of children.

Recently, she shared her expertise in Goa through a 7-day educational workshop called Pinky Tripathi’s English Club at the Green Meadow School in Nagoa.

And this past Jan. 17 at the Cidade de Goa resort in Dona Paula, former Miss Universe and current Bollywood star Ms. Sushmita Sen awarded Pinky Tripathi an International Quality Award by Brand Impact for her “excellent contribution in the education sector in Maharashtra.”

“The innovative ideas and methods of teaching adopted by Pinky Tripathi ma'am are indeed remarkable,” said Jane Misquita, principal of Green Meadows. “My heartiest congratulations to you Pinky, for receiving such an award and I am glad that your work has been acknowledged.”

Pinky Tripathi is the proprietor of Pinky Tripathi’s Private Tutorials, operating in the Mumbai areas of Malad, Kandivali and Borivali. For the past seven years, she and her mother Kanchan Shukla have also run a charitable school named "Mother Teresa English High School" for underprivileged kids in Mumbai.

When it comes to quality education, Pinky’s is one of the most recognised faces in Mumbai. She was named as one of the Top 10 Mom Entrepreneurs (field of education) by the Times of India.

“For me, teaching is not just a profession, but also a passion,” says Pinky. Among her mentors and role models is Rohan Bhat, Principal and Trustee of the esteemed Children’s Academy Group of Schools in Mumbai.

“I have seen her growing as a teacher,” he said. “She didn’t want to restrict herself to a few students so she started her own venture …

She is always ready to adopt new things or technology in the field of education. Her achievements and dedication towards her work make her an ideal teacher today.”

Her recent award was granted based on a number of criteria, including student performance (many of her students have stood first in Maharashtra Board Exams), annual growth, placements, personal and professional achievements, societal impact and, perhaps most importantly, feedback from students and alumni.

Her recent foray into Goa through Pinky Tripathi’s English Club at Green Meadows was widely praised.

"The students learnt a lot and enjoyed the session immensely,” said Green Meadows’ Manager Robbie Panesar. “They found her very approachable and friendly and wish to have her back for many more such sessions.”

For more than a decade, Pinky served as English Head of Department at Mumbai’s Thakur Vidya Mandir High School. When asked about her success, she immediately gives credit to the school’s Trustee In Charge, Rajkumar Singh, whom she calls “a father figure throughout.”

For his part, Mr. Singh said it was Pinky’s “dedication and perseverance towards her work that has made this journey with us very memorable. She has always been a person who would learn to extract more knowledge. We are very proud to have her associated with us.”

Asked further about her award, Pinky said she is dedicating it to her husband Narendra Tripathi, “who has been a constant support throughout,” and her parents Advocate Om Prakash Shukla and Kanchan Shukla.

Kudos Pinky! Keep it up, please, because our kids are counting on it.

politics

‘Goa Forward’ Vows To Walk the Talk

New Political Movement Promises A Different Path Could These Guys Actually Be Different?

By Vivian Maverick Martins

I

f one were to ask why the launch of the new political party Goa Forward is making so many waves in the state, considering the plethora of such launches in the past that ended up changing little, the answer would come down to three names: Vijai Sardesai, Rohan Khaunte and Naresh Sawal.

No, these three independent MLA’s who have joined Goa Forward are not revolutionaries or firebrands of any sort. And it can even be argued that each of them gives off a certain politicsas-usual aura.

Still, they represent a younger, more vibrant strain of the Goan political class. And given their popularity and can-do reputation, their new party has at least the potential to accomplish a goal shared by a growing portion of the state’s people: To unseat the ruling BJP. “BJP is worse than the Congress and has threatened the DNA of Goa, which is a mosaic of liberalism, pluralism, multilingualism, openness and bountiful nature of a Niz Goenkar.

Anybody and everybody are welcome to join our political outfit,” said Goa Forward President Prabhakar Timble.

Launched recently in Panjim, the new party hopes to contest the next election for the State Legislative Assembly, which now looks likely to take place this coming December.

Timble, a noted educationist and former State Election Commissioner,

said Brand Goa is under attack with bad finances, U-turns on promises made in the last election in 2012, a trust deficit, an authoritarian working style and untoward lobbies controlling the government.

Other political parties in Goa have echoed similar sentiments. But the standing of Goa Forward’s players seems to give the movement a leg up. In particular, the success of Vijay Sardesai’s “Fatorda Forward” initiative, which got a thumping 11-0 mandate in the Margao Municipal Council elections three months ago,augurs well for the South Goa politician’s dream of extending his Forward movement to all of Goa. “Goa Forward will succeed in its mission to oust the BJP as people want a change. This government has failed to deliver its promises and lost the trust of the people,” said Sardesai.

Still, it must be said that beyond its throw-the-bums-out stance and vague pronouncements in favour of more responsive governance, sustainable development and the retention of ‘Goenkarponn’ (Goan-ness), it’s still far from clear what the party actually stands for. It has yet to make its position known on issues like medium of instruction (Konkani or English?), the regional plan, casinos and mining.

Timble said talks are under way with two other prominent legislators and other political leaders who might join the party. He said that if Goa Forward comes to power, coconut

will become the state tree (for all those unfamiliar with the controversy, the beloved Goan coconut palm was recently demoted to the status of ‘nontree’.)

Mohandas Lolienkar, Goa Forward’s General Secretary, said the party’s priority will the preservation of Goa’s unique identity. He also promised freebies including 20,000 litres of water to each household, free power for agriculture and free Wifi. He said the party would offer affordable housing toall, day-care centres for senior citizens and children, as well as fish, coconuts and bread at affordable price. Lolienkar also promised austerity among officials, with a ban on junkets and the curtailing of VIP privileges.

Regional parties like Goa Forward seem likely to take on added prominence in the next assembly elections, given the widespread feeling of betrayal by the two national parties.

However, it’s an open question whether Goa Forward would be willing to break the pervasive mould of personal-gain politics.

Floriano Lobo, General Secretary Goa Suraj Party, agreed that regional parties are needed to protect Goa, and said they should join together to defeat the BJP. “Goa Suraj is open to the idea of forming an alliance with other regional forces in the interest of Goa as we feel a split in votes will eventually benefit the BJP,” said Floriano.

Congress, which suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Manohar Parrikar-led BJP in 2012, doesn’t see Goa Forward or other regional parties as a threat. All India Congress Committee Secretary Girish Chodankar said, “Many regional parties have come and gone … Congress doesn’t get affected by such minor things.”

However, when asked if Congress would consider a pre-poll alliance with Goa Forward, he said, “Anything is possible.”

Goa Vikas Party chief Mickky Pacheco also said he’s unfazed by the new party.

“I am confident the new party will not affect me or the GVP,” said Pacheco, preparing to re-enter the political spotlight following his well-publicized run-ins with the law.

Churchill Alemao, another heavyweight from South Goa, said Goans must unite to defeat the BJP. “It will be difficult for Goa Forward to get a clear majority hence there will be a need for a grand alliance of likeminded people,” said Alemao.

For its part, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also seems to be quietly gaining momentum in Goa. Valmiki Naik, AAP’s Goa Secretary, said, “We are hoping for a Delhi-like result in Goa in the coming elections.”

If you’re looking for a true political revolution in the state, Valmiki and his ilk might be your best bet – despite the promises of others to bring “Goa forward.” 

Friday, February 05, 2016

N

oted Indian classical flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, Indian classical slide-guitarist, Debashish Bhattacharya, western classical pianist, Marilena Fernandes and western classical violinist, Leo Rossi are some of the artistes who will regale audiences at the 1st Ketevan World Sacred Music Festival to be held at the heritage sites of St Augustine Ruins and the St Monica Church at Old Goa between February 12-21, 2016.

Audiences are also in for an additional treat, as they will get access to bonus concerts on the strength of their daily tickets. Guests who buy daily tickets for concerts at St Augustine Ruins will be given complimentary admission to concerts held at St. Monica Church. The event, which will be held over two weekends between Feb 12-21, will witness

Of Trumpets, Portuguese Guitars, and Everything in Between Talented Goans Play A Wide Variety Of Musical Instruments

Orlando de Noronha

By Aliya Abreu

W

hen you’re a child coming of musical age in Goa, and are asked to pick a Western instrument to learn, it’s quite simple, really. The most common choice is between the guitar, organ or piano. Then you have the violin or the drums.

But there’s a whole range of instruments out there, that a six-year-old has probably never heard of! And so it is that the popular instruments mentioned above are taught and re-taught through the generations. There comes a time however, in the life of a person, when an instrument chooses him, and calls him by name. Follow that calling he must, for his heart will never find the same joy in the arms of another instrument.

Orlando de Noronha from Panjim was chosen by the Portuguese guitar, when he was just a boy who loved listening to Portuguese music. Back then the radio brought the tunes of the fado, and other Iberian melodies into his home, and into his heart. Orlando dreamed of learning the Portuguese Guitar since then. He already knew how to play the violin, which he learned at the Kala Academy, the mandolin, which he picked up on his own, and the mouth organ that he took to when he was three and a half years old.

“Hang on,” I said to Orlando, “You know so many instruments, could you back up a little and tell me where and how you learnt each of them?” I asked, intrigued.

“Um, you know, my cousins used to play and I just started playing different TURN TO PAGE 7

several music programs, courses and conferences with Carnatic, Christian, Sufi, Hindustani, Jewish, Orthodox musicians and artistes. Besides, the festival in collaboration with the University of Goa and the University of Seville will hold a combination of master classes, workshops and lectures conducted by noted musicians.

The festival also has a strong social commitment, where the musicians will perform small shows for local villages, orphanages and hospices in order to spread the love of music and education to every strata of society. The festival is supported by the Entertainment Society of Goa, Goa University, Archdiocese of Goa & Daman, Archaeological Survey of India and others.

06 music & nightlife Feb 12 to Feb 21

Every Fridays & Saturdays

Ketevan A musical Experience of coexistence World sacred music festival Feb 12: Musical Odisseys Cappella Della Luce (Spain): Opening cocktail & opening speeches museum for Christian Art. Opening concert: At St. Monica Church: 7 pm Feb 13: 2nd Concert: Bach’s World I Seville Chamber Choir & Ensemble (Spain): Leo Rossi- Soloist / Mtro. Santiago Lusardi – Conductor: At St. Monica Church: 6:30 pm 3rd Concert: Parvathy Baul- Indian Music: At St. Augustine Ruins: 7:30 pm 4th Concert: Indian & Flamenco Music: Ustad Chote (India) and Ignacio L. Monteverde (UK): At St. Augustine Ruins: 8:30 pm Goa Streets is proud to be a media partner At Old Goa Church +91 9923342990

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

Feb 5 Suspicious Brown Every Friday Laguna Alive Featuring: Ranjit & the Ambassadors At Laguna, Anjuna 8:30 pm Onwards + 91 832 22274131

Feb 6 Big Fat Fatorda Carnival Blast Save the coconut grind 2016 Featuring: DJ Navin, Nikhil Chinapa and DJ Rossd Sumptuous food court with variety of cuisines, loads of prizes and surprises & special attraction for kids including bouncing castles and lots more. SGPDA pick up parking lot.

At Fatorda, Goa 4 pm Onwards + 91 8888 41 1111

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.

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

Feb 7

Every Fridays

Bob Marley Birthday Bash Concert A night of Reggae Music celebration featuring King Jassim and Goa Collective with Joe Ferrao on bass, Bosco Dsouza on drums, Shayne Ballantyne on guitar, Xavier Peres on keyboard and surprise artists.

At Guru Bar, Anjuna 8 pm Onwards +91 98233 83257

'Rock and Roll Fridays Entertainment – Live with ‘The Aviv Projekt’ At Hard Rock Hotel Goa, 370/14 Porba Vaddo, Calangute, Bardez, Goa 8:00 pm onwards +91 8554984841

Carnaval Khell Villagers of Velsao Razvoir will be organizing their XII annual Carnival khell Partio by Xavier de Maina, ‘He Roste Mogache’, ‘Rinnkari’ and ‘Naughty Rajaram’.

At Velsao Razvoir, Cansaulim 3 pm + 91 9822151419

Feb 7 to Feb 9 Carnival Blast St. Sebastian Youth are organizing traditional three day cultural and musical programme called “Carnival Blast 2016”.

At Musson ground, Majored 6 pm to 10 pm

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

Every Saturday 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) 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

Some of the key musicians taking part in the festival include, Rakesh Chaurasia/basuri (India), Santiago Lusardi Girelli/ Orchestra and Choir Conductor (Argentina-Italy), Leo Rossi/ Baroque Violin (Argentina), Ustav Lal / Piano Raga (India), Ignacio Monteverde/ Flamenco Guitar (UK), Marilena Fernandes/Classical Western Music pianist (India-Austria) among many others. Santiago Lusardi Girelli is the Art Director and Rudolf Ludwig is the Executive Director of the Ketevan Music festival.

Visit www.facebook.com/ketevanmusicfestival and http://www.ketevanmusicfestival.com Ketevan Music Festival 2016 – Programme Schedule @ St. Augustine Ruins & St. Monica Church in Old Goa Friday 12, February 2016 *St. Monica's Church - 7:00pm Capella Della Luce (Spain) Saturday 13, February 2016 St. Augustine Ruins - 7:00pm Ketevan Confluences Oratorio- Goa University Choir and Ensemble (Europe – India – America) - 7:45pm Rocio de Frutos and Mediterranean Artistes - Jewish and Sephardic Music (Spain and Mediterranean) - 8:30pm Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya - Indian Classical Music (Kolkata, India) Sunday 14, February 2016 *St. Monica's Church - 6:30pm Seville Chamber Choir and Baroque Soloists- Lent Programme I Bach's World (Spain-Germany-Italy) Friday 19, February 2016 *St. Monica's Church - 7:00pm Paola Pacciola and Luisa Spagna - Ethnic Music and Experimental Sounds (Italy) - 7:45pm Marialena Fernandes - Piano solo / Western Classical (Austria) Saturday 20, February 2016 *St. Monica's Church - 6:30 pm Ketevan Vocal Ensemble & Seville Chamber Choir Contemporary Vocal Music (World wide) Ruins of St. Augustine - 7:30pm Ignacio L. Monteverde – Ustad Chote Khan and Ketevan Artists - Flamenco and Sitar Coexistence Programme (United Kingdom - Argentina- India) - 8:15 pm Rakesh Chaurasia - Flute (Indian) Sunday 21, February 2016 St. Augustine Ruins - 7:00pm Ustav Lal - Piano Raga (India) - 8:00pm Bombay Chamber Orchestra and Goa University Choir - Programme: I offer you peace Conductor: Santiago Lusardi Girelli (World Wide) * Programmes held at St. Monica Church are free of charge with the purchase of a pass for a concert at St. Augustine Ruins. Seating is limited. Check availability online.

Daily pass for St. Augustine Ruins: Rs 250/- for Regular and Rs 500/- for VIPs Tickets will be available at : Furtado Music shop, Panjim & Margao | Champs at Panjim & Mapusa | www.insider.in and at the concert venue on the day of the show

7

Friday, February 05, 2016

Feb 6 to Feb 9

Goa Carnival 2016 Music, Face- Painting, Kids Carnival, Food Stall, Bouncy Castle & Much More. Join in the fun at the Samba Square.

Feb 6 - Panjim - Opening ceremony and in Evening Red & Black ball in Panjim.

Feb 7 - Margao Feb 8 - Vasco Feb 9 - Mapusa Feb 6 to Feb 7 6 pm to 9 pm

Feb 5

D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas The 9th edition of the D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas will host Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh and Dr Richard Schechner.

At Kala Academy + 91 832 2420450 Research based reading Instructions Bookworm in association with Goa Dyslexia Association announces ‘Teaching Reading: Research-Based reading instruction’ by Susan Lowell At Bookworm, Taleigao 9.30 am to 1 pm +91 9823 22 2665

Feb 7

A festival of one act plays Kala Academy Goa in collaboration with Utkarsh Seva Mandal, Mumbai is organizing a festival of prize winning one act plays to be selected in the competition have been invited to present their performances in this festival.

At Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, Panjim 10 am Onwards + 91 832 242 0450

Feb 5 to April 30

Vagator Night Bazaar Every Friday Retail, Food, live music, shows, games At Vagator Hill near thalassa, Ozran, Vagator 6 pm to 12 am +91 9172479697/ +91 7875233985

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: h​ otairballooningingoa.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

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 well-preserved 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

instruments on my own. Like, when I was nine, I started playing the guitar.” Oh wow, one of those musical prodigy types that most Goan parents wished their children were!

“So did the Portuguese guitar teach itself to you on its own, as well?”

“I learned the Portuguese guitar in Portugal, actually. I got a Fundaçao Oriente scholarship to Portugal in 1997. And though the scholarship was not to learn music, I used all the free time I had to learn the Portuguese guitar with Miguel Drago... and I’m still learning!”

Orlando has formed three bands in Goa over the years – ‘Trio Orlando’, ‘Tuna Goesa’, and most recently ‘Versatyle...More Than Just a Band’ that serenades guests acoustically from table to table especially once the loud music curfew kicks in at late night events.

Orlando’s Portuguese guitar has taken him to many countries, where he has played for the rich, famous, and not-so-famous. *** Antonio Coutinho from Margao, or Tony as everyone calls him, was not merely chosen by, but actively pursued by the trumpet.

As a boy of eleven studying at a Don Bosco institution in Bombay, the trumpet introduced itself to Tony via Fr Bonnie D’Souza. Tony, however, decided he wanted nothing to do with the instrument, as it ate into his football time. “I loved football,” grinned Tony, “But one of the priests at my school insisted that I continue with my trumpet playing, so I eventually did.”

Tony was in his school band, and for a long time played just the trumpet. In his twenties when he decided to teach music, he slowly started learning other instruments as well—violin, keyboards, guitar, drums, sliding trumpet and saxophone.

“Is there anything else you play?” I ask cheekily.

“The mouth organ.”

And for those who want to answer exams, Tony trains students till the fourth grade for the London and the Trinity Colleges of Music. He conducts training in Benaulim and Fatorda, but goes all the way to Tilamol in Quepem to train children in music.

“Many good musicians hail from there,” says Tony. “But if a child there wants to learn to play, there’s hardly anyone who teaches, so I go there.”

Tony trains his students to perform at a concert at least once a year, which gives them the confidence to play in front of an audience. Not to mention brightens up the faces of their proud parents.

As I was about to leave, one of his students came up to me.

“Hey, are you going to write about Tony? I just wanted to tell you, I used to learn the keyboards with him when I was younger. I left after a while due to other commitments, but I’m back to learn the guitar this time around. I have four kids of my own now, but Tony is very encouraging.” *** Like they say, sometimes there’s more than just meets the eye.

And as far as the music scene in Goa goes, there’s more than just meets the ear as well. Stay tuned to this space for more artistes who were picked up by instruments that are not-so-commonly played in our tiny land that has contributed hugely to the world of music. 

events 09

Friday, February 05, 2016

India’s Finest Intellectuals Bite Into Burning Issues

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By Goa Streets

oa has been setting quite a trend as a hub for intellectual discourse in recent years. The D. D. Kosambi Festival of Ideas held in the first week of this month is currently in its ninth year. A new series of talks under the LSE South Asia Centre’s India Summit 2016 was held in Panjim from the 28th to 30th of January, at two venues – the International Centre Goa and Cidade de Goa. The talks included four panel discussions titled Difficult Dialogues and another series of eight discussions called Dialogue Derivatives.

The three day event also included an exhibition of rare documents from the archives of the Reserve Bank of India, and talks by the Serbian political thinker Srdja Popovic and novelist Amitav Ghosh.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is one of the foremost social science universities in the world.

LSE established the South Asia Centre in 2015 and now has over 70 subject experts whose research interests concern South Asia.

The very fruitful panel discussion on ‘Civil Society’, moderated by the LSE director Craig Calhoun, included Shubhranshu Choudhary - creator of CGNet Swara, Vidhya Das - journalist and

director of a civil society group in Orissa, Meera Devi Jatav and Priyanka Kotamraju of the rural weekly Khabar Lahariya, Pratap Bhanu Mehta from the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi and Yogendra Yadav - Professor at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi and a founder-member of the Swaraj Abhiyan and Jai Kisan Andolan.

Choudhary, who has pioneered the use of mobile phones as a media platform in remote villages, commented that ‘Social media is antisocial in India’, as only about 10 percent of the people have access to the Internet and 90 percent are not part of the dialogues. He lamented that communication in India was dominated by the upper classes, and was not truly democratic. “When scriptures are in Sanskrit and laws are in English, we restrict people’s access to them.” He spoke of the use of Bluetooth for exchange of content between smartphones in remote villages not covered by the Net, colloquially called Bultoo Radio.

“These villagers have to walk 8 to 10 km to recharge their phones or to get signal, yet the phone has become their tape recorder, their cinema and more. The cellphone needs to reinvent itself, to get charged by solar power, to receive shortwave radio, and to have larger speakers to serve community needs,” said Choudhary. He went on to speak about “a creamy layer of Adivasis who speak English and have become sarpanches, teachers and MLAs. We have no direct contact with the rest of the adivasis, many of whom have turned to the Naxalites.”

“For 70 years we have not opened up radio,” Choudhary argued. “We have only one news radio station in the country.

We need to start something like ABC ‘Adivasi Broadcasting Cooperatives’. We cannot leave communication in the hands of a few.”

Meera Jatav spoke of a Bharat (as compared to an India), where there was a ‘PC Constitution’, of ‘percentage’ of kickbacks to corrupt officials, without which nothing gets done in rural India.

The vast 90 percent of the population in the unorganised sector work for dismal wages. It is these women and children who work at below minimum or zero wages that subsidise the growth of the Indian economy, she said. She estimated this exploitative ‘subsidy’ to be more than a lakh crore rupees per year. It is these exploited people who pay for the flashy infrastructure of our cities, she asserted.

Her colleague Priyanka spoke of the problems they face at their local newspaper Khabar Lhahariya Akbar, through which they tackle issues like patriarchy,

violence on Dalits, early marriages and more. She lamented that smartphone apps were being distributed in villages that have no electricity!

Yogendra Yadav proposed that political parties be reinvigorated by adopting four features: Contestation – raising larger issues, rather than outsourcing them to outside groups and ‘movements’; Constructive Work – to bring about social reform, rather than outsourcing them to NGOs; Creation and Dissemination of Ideas, instead of farming this out to universities that are busy in only giving degrees; and Connecting to the Inner Self – a spiritual quest that we have now outsourced to ‘babas’ and godmen. Yadav felt that a hundred years ago the national movement in India had all these qualities, which have been gradually eroded.

Pratap Mehta opined that though in Europe civil society arose to counter state authoritarianism, in India civil society emerges against the backdrop of state failure. He criticized the outsourcing of law and order, health, education and other rights to the private sector. The public-private roles should have been quickly sorted post-1991 (when liberal reforms were introduced in India), but they have gotten all tangled up.

Civil society must remain in the realm of voluntary persuasion, he said, else the integrity of every organisation is threatened. “Politics can dance lightly on the surface only if there is a deep solid base beneath,” he concluded.

The other panel discussions covered global finance, infrastructure, social exclusion, youth, agriculture, tourism, smart cities and other issues. Quite an intellectual feast of dialogues, clearly aimed at definitive action. 

12 explore

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By José Lourenço

oa has seen many faiths come and go. Some like Hinduism and Christianity stayed on, but even these belief systems have not replaced some really old traditions. Let’s look at six rather odd traditions and rituals still followed in rural (and sometimes urban) Goa in the 21st century.

A fireplace made of human heads The Shir randonn or Shisharani ritual at a temple in Canaco na is exactly that, a fireplace of heads.

Three men lie with their heads together.

A fire is then lit between their head s and an earthen pot is placed on this bizarre fireplace.

Fortunately the wet towels and banana trunk layers wrappe d ar heads prevent any fur ound their th the brains of these po er damage to or chaps.

hrines red at s saints, e f f o s t dy par g to the Wax bo to is an offerin led. Body il o lf v An ex- s asked or fu e often r e a h , is x a for w in w f oulded for a healing o ch m s t r a u p g S . in y y d bo , pra offered cted part of the n at the e li that aff ings can be se Basilica u er wax off of the Bom Jes ines in ls r e c h s n a r r r symbo ent othe oa and dolls and othe their wares G ld O t o a t, , look int nds, fee Goa. Ha popular. If you can be spotted e who e s y t r u o e ll v v a e h d e p e ar , even a , or icles! Th properly with wax test king for a child . y e s t it a le il r p ir e is v com eith is up is rovement in h h t s k ic p p for an im simply

Rubbing chillies an d salt on the body The traditional Goan rit involves taking some ual of ‘dishtt’ chillies and salt and lightly rubbing them along the body and limbs of the afflic ted person. The chillies and salt that have absorbed the bad voodoo are then flung into the fire, where they expe ctedly cause much magical crackling. In a really bad case, the possessed chilli es are disposed off at a crossroad, where the naughty spirits will probably jump someone else.

d k poure nut mil head o c o c d ’s Eggs an an or woman st have u over a m ony of ‘ros’ m ation m ic e if r t e u c a The a be ut iginally rmeric, cocon nd r o n e e u a b t s , il id o u liq ith ritual, w other soothing he skin and t d milk an ing applied on t it often u e b B . s e e b t s o a t where p bride e g event to h t in f k o a m y hair p r s a mer s gang u become es and friend s bride. So s iv t le ,a the rela ks on the hap g pastes yolk in n t a a r n p e v g ju g e play e r ith the ay pour along w ous relative m ay even sneak v d ie , an m tting misch vintage e mix, thus le s u io b h u of d r in t sh wate some fi oly stink. nh off an u

Adults frolicking in Visit the Chikal ka wet mud la festival at Mar cel in Ponda taluka an d you will see adult men, te enagers and children all happily frolicking in wet mud, covered from he ad to toe in the brown mucky stuff. After the temple ritua ls on that auspicious day, th e smear oil on thei devotees r bodies and the fun begi ns. rain shower or a A good wat makes the ground er tanker nice and muddy, and ever ybody becomes childlike again. Th is symbolizes the ga ritual mes that were believed to have been played by Lord Krishna in his childhood.

, d a tree s aroun s d a e r h Tying t appals to tree al of India, u tying ch ta Purnima rit est and n a fi V e ir h e t th In dress in nd the women threads arou pal tree. n e tie cotto banyan or pe o, all the a g f y o e k h t n u d tr roun d n a praying , d g n Arou d youn ngevity of n a ld o , women rosperity and lo tradition r p for the bands. Anothe s indicates s e u e h r t ir off the ls to chappa trying to ward g in y t f o r is o r e s r n u ow bo that the ye of his neigh lieve this e e b il v s r e e e ee th Oth arren tr sersby. the pas is to shame a b practice g fruit. in into giv

the corner

I

Goa’s Nelson Paes shines on MMA world stage

ndia scripted its first ever win at an international mixed martial arts (MMA) event as Nelson Paes fought his way to victory at the Desert Force Championship in Dubai on January 25.The agile fighter from a small village in the Indian state of Goa took on Khadoum Al Kaabi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the featherweight category at Skydive Dubai.

With the Emirati city in the background, pulsating music and the most elite audience from the Arab world in full presence, Paes won favour with all and stole victory in three full rounds on a unanimous decision by the judges.

Al Kaabi’s popularity on his home turf ensured a full house, but Paes bettered the local favourite with skill and agility.

“This was new territory for me as I am used to fighting in India with my fans supporting me.

But I took his cheers as my own and ensured that it did not affect me. I was so proud to carry the Indian flag and represent my country. I knew from the moment of my selection that nothing would stop me from winning this for my country, state, my family and the Indian residents of Dubai,” Paes said.

Each round lasted five minutes and Al Kaabi did not let Paes steal the show easily. He was determined to win in front of his fans, and fought back valiantly in the second round even when he was floored. But Paes shot back with punch after punch and the judges’ decisions was clearly in his favour. His current MMA record now stands at 3-2-0 (win-loss-draw) with a current streak of three victories.

Still reeling with excitement over the win, Paes is looking forward to recovery for a month

or two, and strategising his future moves. “Now I can see all the opportunities come my way and be ready for the next big moment in my life. My MMA career has kicked off in earnest now and I could not be happier. Right now, I would like to enjoy this moment,” he added. Paes earlier won major events organised in India by the country’s most popular martial arts entertainment company Combat Cage Fight (CCF).

The Desert Force 20 saw 17 bouts – including four main card fights – in an exhilarating show of mixed martial arts skills at Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina. Desert Force Championship is the largest mixed martial arts promotion company in the UAE, and hosts most of the top-ranked Arab MMA fighters in the region. Through its televised programmes, it offers an excellent opportunity for upcoming fighters like Paes to showcase their skills on an international stage.

For more information, contact Sinead McManus on +91 98 608 73300

Forest Essentials is now open at Panjim

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elcome to a world where ancient wisdom is infused with a modern aesthetic. The luxurious experience of Forest Essentials arrives in Goa with its first store in the city at Panjim.

The Brand established in the year 2000 continues to stay true to its philosophy advocated by Ayurveda that a holistic approach is necessary for beauty care. Built on the foundations of the past and utilizing the evolving research and technology of the present, Forest Essentials creates the future traditions of beauty.

The Forest Essentials store is exactly what you need for a relaxed day out of shopping alone or with your friends & family. Spread over 800 sq. ft this store allows you to select from an array of luxurious skin care products, while you sip on some organic Ginger Jaggery tea served

only in store.

The luxurious store is adorned with beautiful Raja Ravi Verma inspired paintings, sparkling chandeliers and intricate jaalis, giving you an unforgettable experience and ambience just like every other Forest Essentials store you walk into.

"We present our vision for transforming the shopping experience for consumers in the city.

At Forest Essentials we believe every product must be as enjoyable, as it is effective. We are delighted to open in Goa, a city that values indulging oneself.”- Samrath Bedi, Executive Director, Forest Essentials.

Take out some time to indulge yourself with demonstrations, consultations and suggestions on products and skin care regimes that you will find invaluable for your beauty routine, by our experienced and qualified store staff.

14

Crème Luscious

Friday, February 05, 2016

Goan Lad Comes Home To Set Up Classy Café

By Goa Streets

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hile there is widespread alarm about Goan men and women leaving our sunny state for the cold climes of Europe on a Portuguese passport, there are also happier stories of young Goans returning to their villages. Josil Desa is just 28 years old, but this enterprising lad has returned to Agasaim after a fifteen-years long stay in the UK, and set up ‘Crème Luscious – Your Village Bakery & Cafeteria’ in his home village.

Josil studied up to high school in Goa, and then moved to the UK where he gained his degree in hospitality in Swindon.

He has trained at the Hilton Hotel and worked in Central London at the Newbury Manor Hotel as a senior sous chef. “I have expertise not only in baking, but also in Indian, Chinese, Italian cuisine, a bit of everything,” says Josil. “I was well known in the Goan community in Swindon for my wedding and birthday cakes. I would also put up bakery stalls at Goan events like Goa Day, etc.”

Crème Luscious is located to the right of the road on the stretch from the highway junction to the Agasaim village market area.

This café is just nine months old. But Josil is already gearing up to open his next outlet at Margao, near the Osia Complex in the KTC Bus stand area.

His display racks are filled with goodies ranging from banana bread, chocolate &

beetroot cake (a good combo of sinful and healthy, methinks), rum balls, Black Forest cake and mud pies, besides the standard savouries like chicken puffs, beef patties, croissants and egg samosas. There’s another rack for salty biscuits, traditionally known in Goa as ‘khari-biskit’, and cheese & chilli sticks and five types of cookies, including honey and oatmeal cookies for health conscious patrons.

The walls of Crème Luscious are tastefully adorned with murals of European edifices like the Big Ben, London Bridge, Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Closer to home, there’s also drawings of the Augustine Tower of Old Goa and Agasaim’s parish church. The paintings have been done by Abdul, an artist from Vasco.

Josil also bakes traditional bread, the Goan pao. “We were supplying bread locally via two delivery boys with breadbaskets, but we are presently facing some manpower shortage. I hope to resume this

soon. We supply wedding cakes to hotels and even morning bread to the priests at Pilar.”

‘Believe in yourself’ is Josil’s creed. He clearly has strong attachments to Goa. “I gained confidence through my studies and training in the UK and then thought of coming back home. At that time many friends protested – Why are you going back to Goa! But there’s a lot one can do here. It is obviously profitable, which is why I can now open my next outlet.”

His father Jacinto Desa has been listening quietly. He too has spent many working years in the UK, almost his entire lifetime. Josil’s family has stood by his decision to return home to start business here, and by the smiles all around as the customers walk into Crème Luscious, it has been a very good decision. Josil can be contacted at cremeluscious@hotmail.com

21 food & drink 15

Friday, February 05, 2016

Feb 4 to Feb 7

The Grape Escapade Food & Lifestyle Festival 2016 Let’s get those taste buds grooving!

Festival Highlights: Tasting sessions, Grape stomping, fashion show, grape escapade queen contest, kids play area, live music & entertainment, fringe artistes.

At D.B. Bandodkar grounds, Campal, Panaji 6 pm Onwards + 91 832 2437132 / + 91 832 2437728

Feb 6

‘High Bar Brunch’ Make a splash at the longest pool in town, enjoy electro acoustic vibes, sip on bubblies and select premium beverages, while our Executive Chef enthralls you with an unlimited global cuisine spread. All at INR 1200 all-inclusive per person.

At Hard Rock Hotel Goa, Candolim 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm +91 8380093463

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

Southi Restaurant Indian/Pakistani, Soul Food and Vegetarian Pan South Indian restaurant and bar, serving veg and non veg food At Zense Resort 1088, Escrea-Walddo, Opp. Novotel Shrem Hotel, Candolim, Goa Always Open +91 832 2489230/32

Sunday Barbeque Brunch Poolside Sunday grills with live music 12 pm to 5 pm At Banana Republic Bar - Cavala, Baga +91 832 227 7587

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

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 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 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

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 Cherry Tomato Burger Cafe and Italian Restaurant At Vanelim, Colva +91 9561379963 Dropadi Restaurant Casual Dining North Indian, Chinese, Continental, Seafood, Goan At Palolem Beach, Palolem, Goa +91 832 264 4555

Gawin's Restaurant & Pub Seafood, Goan, Continental, Chinese Enjoy Sunday Brunch every week At Cansaulim Road, Verna +91 9822177179 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 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 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 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 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 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 Facebook: /mustardgoa

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Friday, February 05, 2016

Zee Jaipur Literature Festival

A

By Shilpa Mehta

Books are the new Rock-n-Roll

t first glance, a Literature Festival sounds as scintillating as a public library hosting a few outof-town speakers, talking about books you’ve never heard of, to an audience of unfashionable introverts. Like going to school without doing your homework.

Yes, that much fun.

And the thought of doing that for a few days ! Where does one find the mental strength !

Shockingly, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

My experience of the Zee Jaipur Literature Festival last week was pure (and I mean pure) rock’n’roll. It was (let me find the words) - exciting, revolutionary, honest, gutsy, raw, mindbendingly inspiring and powerfully lifechanging. All those things packed into a programme of events capable of spinning your head on an hourly basis. It’s modern-day entertainment redefined.

Where the performers do nothing on stage, the audience sits perfectly still and there’s no bar. But everyone is buzzed off their faces. On ideas.

Jaipur is the perfect majestic backdrop for this five-day literary feast. It’s your typical overstretched Indian city, but contains within it a beautiful and royal past. I am fortunate enough to stay at one of its crown jewels, Mandawa Haveli, a lovely 4 star heritage property, where the staff are so respectful yet attentive I feel like a Queen. My bed is framed in with ornate marble arches and my bathtub fit for Cleopatra. There is no harsh lighting.

When dusk falls the courtyards are lit with candles, creating a gentle ambience for the dark night ahead. Time stops racing.

This refusal to give up the past, both in manners and style, can be viewed as a city ‘fading in glory’. But books also fade. As do empires, beauty and youth. I inwardly rebel against this cruel phrase for all of us and vow to come up with a better one. I am at a ‘Celebration of Words’ after all. This will be my donation.

Stepping out of Mandawa Haveli, I dive straight into Diggi Palace where the Festival is held, dipping my toe into

modernity for a brief traffic-jammed moment. The grounds, terraces and halls of the Palace have been fabulously transformed into a pop-up literary town. Intimate byways and alleys are strewn with a hanging puppets, stalls and chai-wallahs beckoning you over for a steaming brew in the cold morning sunshine. Pretty Rajasthani tents create cavernous emporiums for stellar word performances. It is, as @ohsmit tweets, “tea and music and colour and books”. Or as India Today describes “an increasingly riotous carnival - with a brain”.

the rafters with a thrilled and energised audience.

Suddenly, high up past the stage, I notice an electric-blue peacock tiptoeing his way carefully over a thin white ledge, to kiss his peahen lover waiting on the other side. Behind them, a translucent full moon climbs the sky.

This is the magic of JLF. Ancient and Modern India sharing performance space. Palace peacocks making love whilst powerful media-women storm the bastions. It is poetry in motion. Art imitating life. We are here to observe not

Durbhar Hall is so exquisite, it’s like languishing inside an antique jewellery box. Once a grand meeting room, now it’s co-opted to stage cutting-edge intellectual debate. I listen to Meera Syal, British Asian writer and actor, talk about issues of surrogacy in connection with her new novel “The House of Hidden Mothers”. My mind flip flops between the beautiful ornate artwork of this place designed to dazzle Kings and Heads of State, to the utterly modern notion that another woman can carry your baby, your genes and your pregnancy for you.

Later, I attend a talk between journalist Barkha Dutt and columnist Shobhaa Dhe, about Dutt’s new book, a portrait of India, entitled “This Unquiet Land”. Which perfectly sums up their conversation. It’s an extremely feisty dialogue between two strongly outspoken women, veering from nonequal pay, to violence in relationships, to outing political hypocrisies, to maintaining your values even when you reach the top. These ladies give as good as they get, and field all sorts of dangerous topics from each other and the crowd, without flinching and without fear (Shobhaa Dhe declaring “I ate beef - so kill me !”) . The place is packed to

control. Words are the wings on which we fly. Minds meet, clash, collide, argue.

But books also unite and make us whole.

When I ask William Dalrymple, author and founder of the Festival, about its evolution he simply says “I would say it’s a miracle actually, an utter miracle.

I look at the crowds and think ‘how did this happen ?’ There were no literary festivals in India nine years ago, there was no precedent to this. And we have never spent a penny on advertising. It’s all happened by word of mouth.”

The power of the word to spread the word, for a festival devoted to the word.

This year William tells me they have crossed a third of a million visitors. That’s 40 percent up from last year of people coming to listen to over 360 national and international speakers on a diverse array of subjects.

My pathway through the Festival takes me on an eclectic tangent where I encounter a female astronaut, a media mogul, amazing journalists, travellers and activists, enough feminist fire to liberate the world, all washed down with how the Karma Sutra was kept alive by two Victorian gentlemen and whether or not Selfies are a good thing. Stephen Fry warned us sagely he would not partake in

this ritual if we asked, because it simply horrifies him. Then took a picture of the crowd as it was huge. Someone pipes up “That’s a Crowdie, Stevie !” Everybody laughs.

I have tea with Meera Syal and ask her what she loves most about JLF. She tells me “the fact that it’s free - I find that really moving. You see all kinds of people walking in off the streets, with their kids, who just want to be around books and stories. Stories matter. This is how we learn about humanity and each other.

This is how we break down barriers.

So it’s really important it’s open to everyone.”

I think about our conversation and marvel at the tenacity and power of culture to continually reinvent itself.

Havelis and Palaces converted into havens and festivals.

The solitude of literature transformed into a joyful and democratic experience. Authors lauded as rock stars, with audiences to boot.

Jaipur, fading in glory ? The book market, fading in relevance ? I don’t think so. More like “finding itself anew”. And with it, finding ourselves.

All the Zee JLF talks are uploaded to their YOUTUBE channel so can be watched for free. Mandawa Haveli offers special Festival packages. The line up for next year’s JLF is already announced - book your tickets now ! 

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.

21 arts & entertainment 19

Friday, February 05, 2016

Jan 27 to Feb 5 Photography Exhibition Fund raising photography exhibition for Kripa Foundation by photography Ozturkkan will be held.

At ESG’s Art Gallery, Panaji +91 832 2428111/ +91 832 2428115

Dec 15 to Feb 15 Sensorium – Sunaparanta, Goa Theatre, Music, Arts 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

Jan 21 to Feb 21 Ceramic Spectrum 2016 15 of India's finest Ceramists in One Show.

At The Cube Gallery, Moira 10 am to 6 pm +91 832 2470415/ +91 9422806748

Jan 23 to February 23 Art Exhibition THEME: Life CURATED BY: Mohan Naik & Swetlana Cardoso at Achies Art Gallery, Chandor 10am – 6pm +91 9822814957/+91 9552475233

Galleries of Note 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 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 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 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

ArtConnectsUsToOurBody Bharti Kher’s Astonishing Sculptures

By Perin Ilavia

B

harti Kher is among the leading protagonists of the new generation of high end Indian contemporary artists.

She was in conversation with Siddharth Sanghvi at Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts for their ongoing Sensorium Fest.

Born and educated in London, Bharti gained her arts degree in Art & Design. She came to India in 1992, where she met her husband, artist Subodh Gupta. Slated as the number one ‘Power Art Couple’, they now live in Delhi. The evening at Sunaparanta started with her talking about her work, followed by a slideshow presentation of her sculptures. Her eloquent commentary and flowery idiom enraptured the guests.

She spoke of her art teacher, who believed that art connects us to our body.

‘I walk into art, then walk away, switch axis, create magic with my hands, playing with material and meaning that counts in images of the body and structure,’ says Bharti, who has been exhibiting her work around the world since 1999.

In 1995, she was inspired by the ‘bindi’ worn

by Indian women. Though the bindi is a traditional sign of a married woman, for her, it represents the ‘third eye’ forging links between the real and spiritual world. The bindi became her signature, not so much as a central motif, but a language the artist invented to articulate and animate her themes.

In 2006, her sculpture of a slumped life-size elephant in fiberglass, the surface covered with white sperm shaped bindis which look like a cryptic second skin, fetched 1.5 million dollars at the Sotheby’s auction in London, with which she became the country’s top-selling artist.

Being an upward mobile artist never connected to the Raj and colonialism, she describes her-self as a protagonist, influencing and effecting a new generation of artists, who have to compete with television and Bollywood for attention of the masses.

The presentation showed a series of her sculptures. ‘Arione’ (2004), a mythical goddess juxtaposes the human and the animal. She is bare breasted with bindis writhing all over her body, on animal legs with hoofs.

“I describe my work as a genesis that rests inside a woman. The work resonates with simple ideas of our smell, bodies. I tease things out of bodies, drawing them into things I know and don’t know.”

The sculpture ‘Arione’s Sister’ (2006) maintains the body and skin, but takes another identity, a compelling futuristic vision of hybrid figures holding shopping bags and cupcakes. Her mirror series (2010) refer to specific sagas, crafting ancient symbols as physical forms, engaging rituals, giving new life and lending magical realism.

A work showing nudes of five street walkers, sitting in a row, is a multitude of narratives of facial expressions and body structure, going beyond symbolism and sentiment. They were initially shy to shed their clothes, recalls Bharti, as she challenges the cultural and social taboos that are intrinsic to the Indian sub-continent.

Her mirror series (2010) refer to specific sagas, crafting ancient symbols as physical forms, engaging rituals, giving new life lending magical realism.

“Every artist I meet, I tell them, go out of your house, go to your studio to find your centre and space, and transport yourself into your space,” says Bharti. “I don’t see the difference between failure and success. A lot of my work has failed. I say, your work has to allow material to fail itself. I push myself to fail, because then something great comes out of it ... I watch people without opinion or judgment, and connect levels.”

Bharti Kher’s work has indeed carved its own iconic space through the amassing of reality and aesthetics, moving beyond symbolism and sentiments, and by manifesting her personal style through dramatic narratives. 