ItsGoa - Being Goan - May 2022 Edition

GoanBeing

Dale Dias

Dale Dias is a teacher by profession and the founder of ‘The Goan Pao’

MARIVON MARTINS

Marivon Martins is a corporate lawyer cum super influencer.

NIGEL QUADROS Ayush Agrawal

Nigel Quadros is a well-known name in the field of digital marketing in Goa and abroad

Ayush Agrawal, popularly known as DJ Ayush is a music curator at W Goa

RIYA GAUNS

Riya Gauns is a 19-year-old upcoming freelance model from Assagao.

ASHLEY DELANEY

He is a computer wizard, entrepreneur, competitive cycler, marathon runner and social activist.

OnlyEmilina

With 35.8K subscribers and counting, Emilina Rebello, is the founder of the popular YouTube channel “Onlyemilina”

Editorial

Hello Readers, It’s been a wonderful beginning to one of Goa’s hottest months, May, with the Ambeachem Fest being held on the very same day as Mother’s Day, i.e. the 8th of May. Couldn't have had it any better. Both are equally important. While Mother’s Day celebrates Mothers, the Ambeachem Fest celebrated the Goan mangoes some of which are fast disappearing. The Fest was full of surprises. Para athletes were felicitated by the DGP of Goa, Jaspal Singh. The Pink Force (the mobile ladies police force), a much-needed service especially for ladies in Goa was also in attendance with their stall to help women. There were stalls run by the differently-abled with art and craft items made by them on sale. Thanks to Prakash Kamat, retired Senior Journalist and now disability activist for the hard work that went into including people with disabilities in mainstream society. Some Goan para-athletes even excelled in the sports arena at the National level recently. It was heartening to see women at the forefront of everything especially since it was Mothers Day. The whole Fest was women driven from singing to performing arts and dance. Even Goa’s state musical instrument the Ghumot was handed over

to the girl child by Marius Fernandes, Goa’s very own Festakar. Usually in Goa, the Ghumot is played only by men. It was fun to see around 27 women play the ghumot in what could be considered a world record for the most women in one place playing a Ghumot. It was really nice to hear Dr. Maryann Lobo. An ayurvedic doctor by profession and nature enthusiast, who had many useful tips to share with us about the mango leaf and how it is used in Hindu homes because it has medicinal properties. What's worth a mention here are the three Goan single mothers who accompanied their differently-abled children to the Fest. One of them, Shital Gaonkar whose son Vithoba, 13, has Downs Syndrome and is studying at Xaviers Academy, Old Goa, the other is Swarnali Ghosh, whose son Sneham Sarkar,17, is Autistic and studying at Xavier's as well. The third is Sunanda Salgaonkar whose daughter Swati Shenai Salgaocar, 31, has a slight speech impairment and studied at NIOS Delhi after initial studies at Sanjay School Goa. As the saying goes “When life throws stones at you, pick them up and learn to use them to build the strongest, firmest foundation that no one could ever destroy. This is exactly what the women involved in the Fest did. Balancing home, and career, educating and attending to their differently-abled children with patience and love, and building a firm foundation that no one could destroy.

Wishing all our lovely mommies a Happy Mothers Day. Let's strive to preserve and propagate our Goan heritage of mangoes by planting and caring for the trees we have,

Jessyl Fernandez

Get in touch:

Nordic Intent HQ, Lane 4, PDA Colony, Near Le Magnifique, Bardez Goa – 403521 +91-9765419976 mail@itsgoa.com

01 Ashley Delaney

02 Riya Gauns

03 Emilina Rebello

04 Dale Dias

05 Nigel Quadros

06 Marivon Martins

07 Ayush Agrawal

Index Introduction

Goa, the tiniest state on the western coast of India, boasts golden pristine beaches, palmfringed avenues, flavourful food, delicious Portuguese-influenced sweets, and warm, hospitable people. Also known as the Ibiza of India for its partying. A tropical paradise of flora and fauna, from the very famous 'almi' (mushrooms) endemic to its forests, that grow only on the red mud anthills, to the solar prawns that are fished immediately after the monsoons, Goa is unique. Tourists are also attracted to Goa for its cultural heritage - from the famous old Portuguese churches like Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the 16th Century Safa Masjid in Ponda and Shree Mangesha Temple in Mardol, the legendary Arvalem or Pandava Caves where the Pandavas of the Mahabharat fame lived, to its two unique festivals - Carnival and Shigmo. Goa plays host to many festivals - the International Film Festival of India that promotes cinema, the Serendipity Art Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, The Grape Escapade to name a few. To showcase this varied heritage of culture, art, tradition, food, and people, in 2015 ItsGoa was born. The main aim was to make it the premier portal for all things Goa. We were able to showcase Goa like never before. Soon our blog-based website transcended

the virtual space, with the ItsGoa magazine – a sought-after resource for visitors to Goa from countries like Norway, Germany, UK, USA, UAE, etc. The Covid Pandemic in 2020 brought everything to a standstill and printing of the magazine was put on hold. Now that life is almost back to normal in Goa, and to maintain the covid norms, we have decided to launch our very own ItsGoa magazine online.

A little about our Magazine

Think of Goa! Think ItsGoa! Our magazine is known for its business listings of basically anything and everything found in Goa. We also produce uniquely written articles in regard to Goa. Some of these folk tales you quite literally will not find anywhere else on the net. These rich in content stories are passed down from generation to generation in the villages of golden Goa. We also provide up-to-date news and information on travel, food, and events that are taking place in this beautiful State of Goa. The content on ItsGoa is written by people who are passionate about calling this tiny state their home. The ItsGoa magazine is a single point of reference for news, lifestyle, and culture in Goa.

ASHLEY DELANEY

In a brief chat with Its Goa, Ashley gave us a few insights into his life, his career as an e-waste warrior, his accomplishments in the field of social service, and much more…

Ashley Delaney is a man who dons many hats. He is a computer wizard who runs a computer sales and service firm in Saligao. He is also the founder of Group TenPlus, Goa’s first e-waste management company. Apart from this, he is also a marathon runner, a competitive cyclist, and an active social worker. He played a major role in blowing the whistle on the acute shortage of oxygen supply at GMC during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2021.

In a brief chat with Its Goa, Ashley gave us a few insights into his life, his career as an e-waste warrior, his accomplishments in the field of social service, and much more…

Tell us something about yourself. I am a gaunkar from Saligao. I was born and brought up in Goa. I did my schooling at St Britto’s High School in Mapusa and then pursued my higher secondary education in science at Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College and Research Center, Assagao. In the year 1998, when I was in my 12th standard, I got involved in a project called the Goa Schools Computer Project. The project was started by a Goan NGO based in the USA called Goa Sudharop. The project entailed shipping used computers from the USA to Goa, repairing them, and putting them to use in schools across Goa. The initiative being the first of its kind in the country, also became the first of its kind in the world when the school computers were run on the free Linux operating system instead of Windows to save costs. The project ran for two years from 1998 to 2000 and brought in over 1000 computers for Goan schools. The project which I did with Goa Sudharop was recognized as the first of its kind in the world by the UN. The same project had been tried out in Mexico but it did not succeed. The UN then sent me to Bangalore to speak about the project and also funded a tour to Bangladesh in the year 2000 to emulate the same project over there. We brought in used computers, trained a lot of people as well as students, and helped to get computers in many schools in Bangladesh. We did quite well and achieved a decent amount of success. As I was so engrossed in this project, I missed out on my studies and failed my Class 12 board exams. I had to repeat the entire year and after clearing my Class 12 board exams on my second attempt, I decided that I no longer wanted to study further. I wasn’t very interested in my studies. I wanted to become an entrepreneur, and since I was so

much into computers, I decided to start my firm at the age of just 18. The firm, which is called Devine Computers, deals with sales and repairs of IT products and peripherals.

During this project, who were the people who supported you?

The then Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Parrikar helped us a lot during this project to get all the necessary permissions to ship the used computers from the USA to Goa and to let them pass through customs very easily without any hassles. The USA liaison, a Goan named Daryl Martyris remains a close friend to date. While the project wound up in 2000, it demonstrated to the CM and his government how much the project has benefited students in Goa. When we showed them how our project helped in introducing computers to students in Goa and the impact computers made in transforming schools, it inspired them to start the cyber-age scheme for school and college students in Goa.

Did you face any opposition from your parents and other members of your family with your decision to not study further?

I did face a lot of opposition from my parents as well as other members of my family with my decision. Even 5 years after I started my firm, people used to tell me to study something simultaneously. They used to say that you are setting yourself up for failure by venturing into entrepreneurship with no educational qualifications and no prior experience. Almost all the members of my family are very highly educated. My father was a graduate of IIT Powai and the principal of a Higher Secondary School as well. He also authored a book related to physics. A couple of my aunts were gold medalists from Bhopal University and also Sr. Secondary School principals. So, you see, education was given a very high priority in my family. Hence, my decision to discontinue studies after passing my 12th standard and jumping into entrepreneurship straight away was not received very well.

Tell us a little bit about the work done by your ewaste firm Group TenPlus?

Group TenPlus was born in January 2010. The reason behind the name is due to our founding principle: ‘When you rate something as good, you give it a ten. We go beyond.’ In 2009, almost 10 years after I had completed the Goa Schools Computers Project, many of the schools to whom we had supplied computers Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

under the Goa Schools Computers Project, started to contact me saying that the computers have broken down and are now beyond repair. So what is to be done with so many computers? That’s when I felt the need for a proper facility to handle e-waste in Goa. All this led to the birth of Group TenPlus, which was Goa’s first and only company that dealt with the collection and disposal of electronic waste at that time. We do ewaste collection drives and also conduct awareness campaigns across Goa regarding e-waste management. Our company collects e-waste both electronic and electrical, from companies as well as certain localities across Goa and disassembles them into smaller components. These are then sent for further processing to other states where they are processed into new raw materials which are used to manufacture new products.

What were the major challenges that you faced while pursuing this career in computer maintenance as well as e-waste management?

As far as my computer repair firm is concerned, the major challenge which I faced was starting to get people to believe in me. As I was just 19 years old when I started my firm and had no educational qualifications in the field of computers, many people were initially very doubtful about my credibility as a qualified person to maintain computers. The dress code mattered a lot during that time to get people to trust me. Also, when I started Group TenPlus, the major problem I faced was a lack of awareness regarding the importance of recycling e-waste. In Goa as well as across India, there is a public perception that we need to get paid for recycling all our waste. However, in almost all foreign countries in Europe, Australia, and North America, the case is just the opposite. Abroad, people pay to get their e-waste disposed of and recycled properly. They understand the importance of proper disposal and recycling of ewaste and consider it to be a part of their social responsibility as citizens towards the planet. So, to make people in Goa realize the importance of getting their e-waste recycled properly while considering the damage to the environment over getting a few hundred rupees was one of my biggest challenges when I started Group TenPlus.

That’s quite interesting! Could you tell us about your other interests and achievements? Well, I am a very outdoorsy person. I do a lot of running, cycling, and trekking very often. I have taken

part in many duathlons and Marathons, both physically as well as virtually. In a virtual marathon, your movements are tracked with an app. With the help of GPS, the distance that you have covered, the time that you take to complete the run, and your pace are all measured by a smart band / watch connected to your phone. Physically, I have participated in events like the Goa River Marathon, and the Navy Duathlon while virtually I have participated in the New York virtual marathon, the Airtel Delhi Marathon, the Athens Marathon, and the Berlin Marathon.

Could you brief us on what happened during the pandemic at GMC when you helped expose the lack of oxygen to many patients who suffered from Covid 19?

I am a member of various social welfare organizations including the Rotary Club of Mapusa. I am by nature, a socially active person, and have done a lot of work in my village of Saligao, North Goa and surrounding areas as well. I had worked previously with GMC, providing them with wheelchairs, as well as participating in and organizing blood donation camps. Health-related social welfare projects have always been very close to my heart. In May 2021, during the second wave of the pandemic, I happened to be at GMC as my father-in-law had contracted the Covid virus. During this period, nearly 200 Covid-affected people were coming daily to the hospital to get admitted. People were helpless and there used to be a lot of chaos in the hospital as the admission process was not computerized. Being there 24/7, I used to help people with their registration and admission formalities, even pushing stretchers for patients who were on their own. Then due to a shortage of oxygen supply, I would see many patients gasping for air and then just passing away. I vividly remember scenes, where monitors were beeping and nurses and doctors frantically making phone calls to arrange for oxygen cylinders. But many of them were afraid to speak out publicly and acknowledge that there was a shortage of oxygen at the hospital due to a fear of facing a backlash from the government. In a week nearly 20-25 people expired right in front of my eyes. Other attendants had been reluctant to speak about the shortage as they feared a fallout on their relatives admitted to the hospital. Then one day, an entire ward ran out of oxygen. The ward, which had a maximum capacity of 28 people, was filled with more than 180 people (patients as well as their relatives). That’s when I said to myself that enough is enough. I decided that I Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

have to do something. So I took to social media and put out a post mentioning the huge shortage of oxygen that the hospital was facing. I also put out an appeal for the supply of oxygen cylinders. The post went viral and I managed to arrange oxygen cylinders for many patients.

Tell us about your role models. The people who have been a huge source of inspiration for you.

‘There are two individuals whom I look up to as my role models. One is Mr. Bill Gates. I can connect with him in many ways because he was also a school dropout, a computer wizard, and a self-made entrepreneur just like me.

The other person whom I look up to with a lot of admiration is Mr. Warren Buffett. I like his way of thinking, his ideas regarding how one must lead their life, how things should be done, how various industries can be disrupted, etc.

Do you have any message for all our Goan youth out there?

My message would be, “be the change that you want to see”. If you just sit back and complain about the system and all the flaws that exist in our society, nothing will happen. but if you go out there, see what problems are plaguing our society, and do something about it, only then will we see things changing. I have come across many people in Goa who think that to bring about a change in society, you need or have to be a very powerful and influential person like an MLA or an MP. But this is not always the case. You can bring about a change in society by being of help to someone in need. You never know how much of a difference your one small act can make in someone’s life. By doing such small acts of charity, you can gradually bring about a significant change in society and the world at large.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook:

PEOPLE

RIYA GAUNS

She was the winner of Miss Goa Quintessential 2021 conducted by GTown Society Magazine and was a finalist in the ninth season of India’s Miss TGPC beauty pageant conducted by ‘The Great Pageant Community (TGPC) in 2020

Photograph: mdclicks

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Riya Gauns is a 19-year-old upcoming freelance model from Assagao. She is currently pursuing her B.Com degree at DMC College in Assagao. She was the winner of Miss Goa Quintessential 2021 conducted by G-Town Society Magazine and was a finalist in the ninth season of India’s Miss TGPC beauty pageant conducted by ‘The Great Pageant Community (TGPC) in 2020. She also won the award for “Best Ramp Walk” at the third edition of the Fashion Model Goa beauty pageant held in 2019. Apart from modelling, she is also into dancing, singing, and acting.

In a brief chat with ItsGoa, Riya gave us an insight into her life, the struggles that she faced as an aspiring model, her future aspirations, and much more.

To start off Riya, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

“I’m a girl that doesn’t happen twice.” Everyone knows me because of these beautiful curls which I have. As a child, I used to hate my hair. Every morning, while going to school, I used to straighten it up. It took me time to realise that my curly hair is something that makes me look more unique.

Which part of Goa are you rooted in? I was born and brought up in Assagao.

What was that moment that changed everything? I remember during a career guidance program held at my school, all students were asked one question. “What do you want to become when you grow up?”

Most of the students gave typical answers like a doctor, engineer, lawyer, etc. When I said I want to become a ‘model’, everyone gave me a good laugh including my own friends, saying ‘that’s not a career and you want to be a model?’ But I remember my father sitting next to me saying “you can do it!” From that day onwards, I realized that I have to do it for myself and for the people who believed in me.

Could you tell us a bit about your role models?

My role model is my mom. She is the one person who has always supported me, no matter what. She believed in me when everyone else didn’t. She does a lot of hard work, not for herself but for me, so that I can be someone in life.

One piece of advice you would like to give to yourself is…

Riya Gauns: “Life is not easy. You have to start chasing every single opportunity that comes your way and should also bravely deal with any problems that come during the course of your journey. You should not give up at any cost. If you give up, somebody else will grab that opportunity that is meant for you.”

Anyone who you would want to meet someday? I would love to meet Dipakk Shahi (@dipakkshahi), an amazing person with all the knowledge related to beauty pageants and a person behind many successful pageant models. Can’t wait to meet you sir, and take all the baskets of knowledge that you have!

Any challenges that you faced when you started your career as a model?

When I just entered the fashion industry, I did not have anyone to guide me regarding things like how to do it, how to dress up, how to walk, how to go further, how to communicate, etc. So, for me, it was difficult to find the right people to assist me in going further in my career. I am glad that now, after nearly 3 years in the industry, I have managed to foster good connections with some amazing people who always have my back.

One thing that you would advise all your followers. Riya Gauns: No one believed in me just because I was 5’3″. So if you want to do something in your life, believe in yourself and leave back all the insecurities which you have within yourself. Website: www.itsgoa.com

PEOPLE

Emilina Rebello

She made Goa proud by representing her home state in the “Creators for Change” campaign organised by YouTube India

With 35.8K subscribers and counting, Emilina Rebello, the founder of the popular YouTube channel “Onlyemilina”, is one of the many Goan youngsters who have tasted success as a digital content creator. Recently, she made Goa proud by representing her home state in the “Creators for Change” campaign organised by YouTube India. In a brief chat with Its Goa, Emilina gave us an insight into her life, her journey as a YouTube influencer, her future plans and lots more.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born and brought up in Navelim. I was raised by a single mother. Growing up, I realized that I would have to work a little harder than the rest if I want to make it in life and make my mother proud. I did my schooling at Perpetual Succour Convent High School in Navelim itself (navelkars make some noise!). After completing my SSC, I decided to shift to Mumbai to complete my higher education. In 2020, I graduated from St. Andrews College, Bandra with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media. At the same time, I had my full-time job since I was 17. Thanks to that job, I was able to pay my college fees on my own. I used to be this overthinker with no confidence. I have faced the traditional skinny shaming by society. But now things have changed and my success as a YouTuber has contributed in a big way to that change of mindset!

You are currently based at: I am currently based in Zalor in South Goa.

What was your childhood ambition?

As funny as it sounds, I first wanted to become an astronaut. Later, I was inspired to become a commercial air pilot. But as you can clearly see, life had other plans for me. But whatever would be my career choice, one of my major goals in life has been to buy my own house and I am still working towards it!

What inspired you to start “Only Emilina”? Give us a detailed insight into your journey as a YouTube influencer.

I always wanted to create videos since the first video I ever came across in my life. But I never thought I was suited for such a thing. As I mentioned earlier, I wasn't confident enough. Two individuals who are the source of inspiration for me to start my own YouTube channel are Lily Singh and GaryVee.

In April 2020, during the first lockdown, I put out my first video on YouTube. The video was pathetic, especially the technical aspects, but it gave me a sense of fulfilment. The video got around 245 views, so I decided to continue making more videos. In just 2 months, I hit 10K subscribers after a couple of my videos including that Goan aunty, North Goan vs South Goan, and the Catholic wedding series went viral. All of this helped me to understand my audience. Currently, I have garnered around 35k subscribers with over 2 million views on my channel. Then came along the brand collaborations, newspaper articles and features and my favourite part, my fans and viewers. So far, I am overwhelmed with the love, appreciation and support shown by my audience and I have a long way ahead. I recently got an opportunity to represent Goa in the "Creators for Change" campaign organised by YouTube India. I had taken a break for around 6 months due to personal reasons and I'm still not consistent enough, but I'm slowly getting back.

Were your parents and friends supportive of you when you started your YouTube channel?

The elder generation wasn't that keen and I cannot blame them as it is something that they were not familiar with. Hence I received comments like, “You should sing Konkani songs instead of making comedy videos because being a girl, singing would suit you better!”. On the other hand, my cousins are my biggest cheerleaders and my close circle of friends are very supportive of me and continue to motivate me to make better content.

What's the biggest challenge you face when pursuing this full time?

Inconsistency in views and income as well as the pressure of putting out content all the time are two of the biggest challenges that I face as a YouTuber.The pressure of deciding what topic to make a video on sometimes affects my mental peace. You think something would work but it doesn't and then you put out something that wasn't even made with so much of a thought and is suddenly a hit. Honestly, I don't do YouTube full time anymore. Currently, I have a job as a digital marketing manager because I have to support myself as I have moved out on my own.

Give us the names of a few people whom you consider to be your role models and why? My cousins, Tina and Tracy are my role models.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Do you intend to venture into the world of films someday?

Not really. I might try acting here and there someday, but I definitely don't see myself as a full-time film actress.

Finally, what advice would you give to all our Goan youngsters out there?

My advice for all Goan youngsters like me is to work hard, to be independent, to follow your passion with a plan and to always be unconditionally kind.

Well, it was really a pleasure talking to you Emilina. We hope and pray that your YouTube channel continues to grow in the years to come and we wish you all the very best in all your future endeavours. Thank you so much. Thank you also once again for reaching out to me! I really enjoyed doing this interview. I hope that Its Goa reaches greater heights and amplifies more voices and stories of inspiring Goans in the years to come.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook:

DALE DIAS

Dale Dias is a teacher by profession and the founder of ‘The Goan Pao’, one of the most popular meme pages in Goa with over 33.7k followers.

Dale Dias is a teacher by profession and the founder of ‘The Goan Pao’, one of the most popular meme pages in Goa with over 33.7k followers. Besides memes, the page also aims at creating awareness and sharing announcements pertaining to Goa. The page regularly puts up adoption posts to help dogs and cats find homes and creates awareness about fundraising campaigns to help people who need financial help in medical treatments.

Through financial help from his followers, Dale managed to collaborate with an NGO (Sparsh) and distributed sanitary pads to girls in Goa and Assam during the COVID-19 lockdown.

People of Goa is our original and official series that shares inspirational stories from the lives of incredible Goans. We speak to talented and contributing individuals from this wonderful tiny state. For more inspiring stories on incredible people in Goa, follow ‘ItsGoa’ on Facebook and Instagram.

In a brief chat with ItsGoa, Dale gave us an insight into his life, the work that he does, the various challenges that he faces while creating memes, and lots more…

Tell us about yourself.

Hey, I’m Dale Dias. I am an artist and a guitarist. I have done my master’s in Physics from Goa University. I am a teacher by profession and the founder of The Goan Pao, a popular page on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The page has 30,000+ followers on all platforms. The page aims at creating memes and other creatives to raise awareness about various issues in and around Goa. Through this medium, I put up adoption posts for stray dogs and cats to find homes. I have also teamed up with animal welfare organisations to take care of ill and injured stray animals. I regularly share fundraising campaigns for people that may need financial aid in their medical treatments. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I collaborated with an NGO called Sparsh to provide sanitary pads to girls from Goa and Assam (who were stuck in the floods). I’ve been featured on The Times of India, The Navhind Times, Lokmat, and Radio Indigo 91.9. I was recently included in the list of “Goa’s 50 Most Influential People” by Goan Insider. I was also felicitated as the Youth Icon 2022 by JCI Mormugao Port Town on the National Youth Day on 9th January 2022.

What was that one moment that changed everything?

I think the moment I decided that I should start a platform for making social media content revolving around Goa, social issues, and the environment.

Any funny/inspiring childhood story or memory you want to share that shaped your life.

This one time at the Old Goa fair, my parents kept telling me to hold their hand so I don’t get lost in the crowd. I was so fascinated by the fair, I forcibly let go. And guess what? I got lost!

Luckily I remembered my father’s phone number and I asked a stranger to let me make a call. He helped me out and I eventually reunited with them but since then I’ve always made sure I listen to them so I don’t get lost in the crowd again.

Who are your role models? The ones you seek inspiration from?

I think Don Bosco and his work with the youth has always been a source of inspiration for me.

What role did family and friends play? Any stories of support you recall?

My parents never really doubted my ability in anything that I would do. They were quite supportive when I told them about “The Goan Pao”. My friends have also been instrumental in making this page a success. Right from creating content to helping me organize clean-up drives, they’ve always been there to show their support.

What advice would you give yourself if you went back in time?

I guess I’d want to tell myself “There’s no better time than now to do something you really want to do. You’ll figure it out.”

Anyone from the past or present you’d want to meet and why?

I’d really like to meet my teachers from all my school years. I think they played a vital role in my all-around development and in shaping me into what I am today.

What’s the biggest challenge when pursuing this full-time?

Definitely creating the content. Sometimes it’s not just the content but also the fact that I have to keep in mind people’s sentiments and beliefs before I post

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

anything. This page has always been welcoming to audiences of all ages and sometimes it can be difficult to create content that everyone can relate to. Goa is a small state and the content can be limited too. So that is one barrier which I face.

What is the legacy you want to leave behind? Any advice for your followers…

I want to use this page to do as much good as I can. I know it can be difficult sometimes, but I think it’s my duty to give back to my audience all the love they’ve given me.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Nigel Quadros

With a strong inclination towards technology and a voracious appetite for content, he realised at a very young age that working a conventional 9-5 job would never be his cup of tea.

Nigel Quadros is a well-known name in the field of digital marketing, both in Goa as well as around the globe. He is an entrepreneur and digital marketing expert who has worked as a consultant for some of the world's most prestigious companies in India, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

He was born in Goa and raised in the UAE. During his childhood and teenage years, while most of his peers chilled with a few drinks in hand or slogged with their noses buried in textbooks, Nigel spent his time exploring the exciting world of technology. He used to keep reading and learning about anything and everything related to technology ever since he got his hands on his first mobile phone when he was nine years old.

With a strong inclination towards technology and a voracious appetite for content, Nigel realised at a very young age that working a conventional 9-5 job would never be his cup of tea. Consequently, as a teenager when everyone worked hard to change (or shape) their lives, he decided to change the world through his favourite area of interest, technology. He was always into technology and that led him into web development, design and programming.

He used to design websites for many corporate clients and even before he turned 18, he had earned a strong reputation as a reliable web designer among many corporate firms around the world.

Using the money he earned by designing websites, he started his first online business at the age of just 19. The business which he started was AndroGuru.com, an online web portal containing news, reviews and everything else related to android technology. He used to keep himself abreast with all the latest news and other developments in the world of Android technology and used to share all his knowledge and ideas on the portal during weekends.

His parents were very worried and felt that he was too young to venture into entrepreneurship. They felt that he was devoting too much time to his venture and that he should focus on completing his higher education first. However, all their worries and concerns diminished when Nigel, as the editor in chief of AndroidGuru.com, made Goa proud by being on the

dais as a panellist at the AnDevCon (Android Developers Conference), one of the largest international Android conferences, held in Boston in July 2015.

While handling AndroGuru.com, Nigel side by side pursued his higher education. He attended Bangalore University where he graduated with a BA in Computer Applications.

Today, AndroGuru continues to grow and he continues to learn, and share his knowledge on digital marketing to help bloggers and businesses build real brands and increase their revenues.

It’s human nature to find equilibrium, settle down, and resist change. Most people fall into the trap of convention owing to this human nature. He is known to be wired a bit differently as his ideas are very unique and always aimed at changing the world. and this mindset of his has taken him a long way in life.

From enabling India’s largest Android community to creating popular tech-related YouTube videos to creating ace digital marketing strategies for top companies such as Navin Studio, Route 66, Thirsty Bear, Chunky Chicken, BNB Custom Homes, Akar Realty across the globe, Nigel's persistence, dedication and hard work has enabled him to taste success at a very young age.

With your will, some luck and lots of hard work, he helps businesses as well as influencers and content creators to build their multi-million dollar brands through content that will share his experience over the years, insights that he has learnt by working closely with established brands and struggling startups and lessons that he has learnt from mistakes that he made along the way, and those of others.

In a brief chat with us, Nigel shared a few interesting aspects of his life, a few interesting anecdotes from his life and a few tips for success that he has learned through experience.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram:

Tell us about yourself:

I'm just the cute kid around the block who has always been into technology, or better anything that has a battery and a screen.

What was that one moment that changed everything?

To be brutally honest, the fact that I got a chance to work with one of the best CEO's in my early years really changed my life - and since then there has been no looking or even turning back. I would also say that I have many mentors (some are very close and dear to me) who have guided me and shared their experiences with me in order to work on myself and become the best version of myself.

Any funny/inspiring childhood story or memory you want to share that shaped your life. There are so many to be really honest. Having lived most of my early years in the U.A.E, and later moved to India - I take pride in the meaningful relationships I have fostered with family, and real friends and the memories will always be cherished till my last breath.

One funny moment was when I didn't even touch the accountancy books throughout the semester and attended the exam. I was shocked to get 03/100 and that too, only for the fill in the blanks which I managed to ask a couple of classmates during the exam.

I am sure that if my accounts teacher is reading this post, she would be laughing out loud, as I was the only one in the class who managed to duplicate the whole question paper as another question paper of the answer sheets.

Well, the rest is history. Education is not important, it's just a thing to be checked off on the list - so just get done with it. Always take the risk, follow your passion, and keep inspiring.

Who are your role models? The ones you seek inspiration from?

The ultimate role models who I have been seeing all my life in front of my eyes are my parents who have taught me humility, passion, and empathy among many other invaluable lessons. When it comes to career and business (whom I seek inspiration from), there are many such as Elon Musk, Ratan Tata, Bill Gates, Jack Dorsey, and Jeff Bezos.

What role did family and friends play? Any stories of support you recall?

My dad, mom, and sister are my biggest support as they have always supported me throughout my life to date.

What advice would you give yourself if you went back in time?

1. There is no need to have a formal education.

2. Always remember that 99% of the people show that they support you, but in reality are jealous if you are doing something right, or great.

3. Trust no one, except your family.

4. Business is not money, it's people.

5. It's okay to say NO. There's always an option!

6. Money is not everything but it is important. Money can solve problems, as well as create problems.

7. Cherish and spend time with family more than anything else in this world.

Anyone from the past or present you'd want to meet? Why?

Well, I would like to meet my grandparents, as I miss them a lot.

What's the biggest challenge when pursuing this full-time?

Running multiple businesses, across different industry verticals is not an easy thing at all. The key challenge is getting the right people on board as a team who take on full responsibility to make sure that everything is not only under control but also ensures personal and business growth.

What is the legacy you want to leave behind? Any advice for your followers...

I believe that there is no such thing as followers. I live and breathe to leave a long and lasting impression on every person who I meet, work with, and associate with. It is a key fundamental of life to share one's knowledge for the greater good, and I always like to push people up (only the deserving ones). In simple words, I believe in living a simple life and having a very high level of thinking, which is achievable. There are so many who will pull you down, even those who you call your friends (there are always two faces to every friend out there). Remember, in life if you give goodyou will get good. If I deserve to be a legacy, I will be. Good things happen with time. One does not have to and does not run after it.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Marivon Martins is a corporate lawyer cum super influencer. When we contacted her to feature on People of Goa, she was elated. “Firstly I would like to Thank You, ItsGoa, for giving me this opportunity and appreciating the content that I create on my page”

We wanted to feature Marivon on People of Goa for quite some time now. People of Goa is our original and official series that shares inspirational stories from the lives of Goans. We speak to talented and contributing individuals from this wonderful tiny state.

We asked her to start by introducing herself and giving us a sneak peek into what she loves doing. “I am Marivon Martins. A lawyer by profession, working for a corporate law firm based in Bangalore. I was born and raised a true Goan in a beautiful village named Chinchinim, situated in South Goa. I completed my LLB (HONS) from G.R. Kare College of Law, Margao.”

With Goa Through My Eyes, she captures Goa in its purest essence. But how did the advocacy and influencing really start?

“Speaking of one moment that changed everything for me was when I realized how some selfish people portrayed my beautiful Goa. These people saw Goa from the surface and they believed this is what Goa is all about.”

However, Goa is so much beyond party life. It is a place I call my home and only a true Goan is able to portray the beautiful stories of Goa. That’s when I took my phone and ventured out to show the world Goa through my eyes.”

“Goa and Goans are definitely not what is depicted in films. We are warm, nature lovers and most importantly we take pride in what we own.”

Being able to juggle two professions or should we say, one profession and one hobby needs support from the family. We asked her about the role her family played.

“Everything is different when you’re a child. It’s a bubble of fantasies, dreams, and stories. I did not have the opportunity to meet my grandparents since I was the youngest grandchild of the family. To my advantage, I grew up in the house where my

grandparents spent their entire life. During this time, my parents shared every memory of my grandparents through stories, family photographs, and everything related to our home. Sitting on my grandparent’s chair, using their old bed, and listening to family stories always reminded me of them and their presence was felt in the ancestral home I lived in.”

“I have two elder sisters whose looks might be deceiving but trust me they are equally naughty. They are my constant support and always motivate me to give in more. My cousins and friends show their support as they share my reels. Without all of these people in my life, I surely would not be able to deliver such healthy content and beautiful pictures. My family, friends, relatives are and will always be my support and inspiration.”

“My Mom and Dad have been my role models. My mom never fails to follow the Goan traditions. She is a typical Goan mother who would tell me “Bunu aiz Patoleo korta tuka video kadpak zai zalear yo”. They would involve me in all the activities to ensure the traditions stay alive through future generations. Making reels on traditional days always excites me as I am able to express my emotions through these reels.”

Marivon is super humble when speaking about Instagram and the world of influencers.

“The influencer that I feel inspired by is our very own Flexcia DSouza as she inspires numerous young talents through her beautifully crafted content. She has built her success from scratch with her hard work, dedication, and skills. Also, my talented cousin Madonna Soares, helps me put my thoughts into words. They are the women who I am proud of and will always show my gratitude for their work and ideas.”

“The reason is not to be an influencer but to give everyone a glimpse of Goa and its deep-rooted traditions, especially to my fellow Goans working in different states and countries. The feeling of missing home during Sao Joao, Christmas, Carnival, Zatra, and Shigmo is natural but through my videos and photos I ensure Goans away from home feel connected to their roots. Besides, not everyone will see Bebinca and Doce in films revolving around Goa and its traditions.”

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

followers through #GoaThroughMyEyes. Trends will come and go but traditions will never die. As for me, I want to be remembered for what I created and not for what was trending. “ “Don’t compare yourself to people who started the race 10 years before you, rather focus on your own journey”.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook:

PEOPLE

Ayush Agrawal

Ayush Agrawal, popularly known as DJ Ayush is a music curator at W Goa, a five-star luxury hotel in Vagator. He started his career as a DJ in 2013 when he moved to Goa, where he was introduced to the genre of psychedelic trance music and experimentalism.

In a brief chat with Its Goa, he gave us an insight into his journey as a DJ, the work that he does as a music curator at W Goa, his upcoming projects, and lots more.

Take us through your journey as a DJ. How did you get into the world of DJing?

Growing up, the role of a DJ was never considered a quintessential career option. I was pursuing a degree in Hotel Management when I suddenly realized that music was my true calling. I was experimenting with a lot of electronic music at the time and was hugely inspired by artists like Carl Cox, Rhichie Hawtin, and Avicii. I decided to take my interest seriously and enrolled in a DJing course, after which there was no turning back!

I’ve always had a deep connection with music, regardless of genre or era. Music has not only helped me find my calling but also served as my refuge and escape. I genuinely believe that there is no living person on this planet who doesn’t enjoy listening to music; all that is required is for everyone to find their groove.

When I first arrived in Goa, I was introduced to psychedelic music, which had been around for a decade. In 2015, I was offered my first residency at a club in Goa. I began honing my talents on DAWs and mixers in order to take it to the next level, which led to a position as the resident DJ at W Goa. Today, five years down the line, I am the music curator of India’s number one and only Patty spot W Hotel.

Give us a brief insight into the work that you do as a music curator at W Goa Hotel. It’s not every day that you run into a music curator at a hotel, but at W Hotels, where music is ingrained in the brand’s DNA, it’s one of the most essential and certainly the coolest of all positions.

I prefer to think of myself as a dot connector. Through my knowledge of music and my network, I link people to music and music to W Goa. My relationship with W Goa has run parallel to my professional career as an artist. As a resident DJ, I’m never afraid to attempt new music styles. As the music curator, I also specialize in event planning at W Goa, which includes PR, branding, line-up curating, sound design, and other things required for a successful event. I curate the music for each venue at the hotel with a unique tale to tell, keeping in mind Goa’s rich culture and history with music.

I love music in general so it doesn’t matter what genre or style it is. It must have a nerve, an expression, and a genuine emotion. Music is a universal language for me, and there’s no better place to express myself than W Goa.

How is W Goa boosting the local music scene in Goa?

W Goa is a party haven in a city that is already regarded as India’s party capital. The hotel offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea, along with the most beautiful sunsets. At the hotel, one can enjoy the best view from the ROCKPOOL restaurant, which is one of the country’s most award-winning venues and Goa’s number one destination for a sundowner.

Furthermore, every party at W Goa is an unmissable event thanks to our global music festivals, unique lineups, and different music IPs. Sunburn, India’s largest music festival, has partnered with us to present their underground music festival Solaris at ROCKPOOL, followed by a series of Sunburn After Parties featuring artists like Vini Vici, Stella Bossi, Arjun Vagale, and Nucleya, to name a few.

W Goa is regarded for not just bringing top foreign artists to India, but also for providing a platform for the growth of indigenous artists with unique skills. The great Petercat Recording Co, a world-renowned band from Delhi, performed for us, and it was personally one of my favourite shows of the year.

W Goa’s goal with every music event is to surprise attendees with something they’ve never seen before. Last month, we hosted the inaugural edition of a Cercle Record live event at W Goa. It was truly an amazing experience performing alongside Colyn,

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

a renowned DJ and producer, Teho, a French musician, and Cercle duo Phil & Derek.

What’s fresh in your music these days? What are your upcoming projects?

My new alias AVO was recently launched. AVO is a playground without borders and genres, featuring influences from Disco, Funk, Folklore, Breakbeat, ’80s rap, Techno, House, and Indian Classical music. The music is hip-shaking electronica ranging from Disco to House, from Acid to Techno. There are no rules or orders; it’s pure magic that transports you to a world of rare funky rhythms, ’80s Wave, and strictly Jackin House.

Currently, I am working on my EP, which I hope to complete before the end of the year. It will be my first release as a music producer, and I’m both anxious as well as excited to see how it turns out. The inspiration for this project has come from some of my favourite artists like Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler, and Peggy Gou.

Website: www.itsgoa.com