My Goa July 2021

MONUMENTS

HERITAGE

JULY 2021 VOL 7 ISSUE 6 PANAJI - GOA 60 PAGES

BOOKWORM

WAH! GOA

INSTAGRAM PEOPLE SOCIETY

ANTONIO SEQUEIRA BOOK WORLD

TITO’S SOLD?

CO-OWNER OF GOA’S ICONIC NIGHTCLUB CLAIMS TO HAVE SOLD OUT

GOA’S FINEST SOCIETY MAGAZINE RNI No.: GOAENG/2015/60455

ONLINE LEARNING

FOCUS / EDUCATION

BLACK FUNGUS HEALTH

MONSOON MUNCHIES CUISINE

SERVICE ABOVE SELF GAURISH DHOND

A profile of the new Governor of Rotary International District 3170 and a dossier of his long stint in the service of people

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Contents

38

34 12 Cover Story

Gaurish Dhond juggles myriad social roles with aplomb

12

18 Cover Story/Interview

Gaurish Dhond as Governor of Rotary Int’l District 3170

22 Politics

Will 2022 be a game-changer for Goa?

26 Society

36

Fun, Work and Earn with Instagram

28 Focus

Online schooling in the face of a pandemic

30 Wah! Goa

Get empowered with the written word at Bookworm

30

32 Heritage

Questioning the plight of our monumental buildings

32

34 Book World

Dr Sushila Fonseca pens her father’s biography

36 Art

Celebrating Goa’s rare artist, Vamona Navelcar

38 Music

DJ Aneesh talks about the challenges of being an artist

40 Cuisine

Celebrate the monsoon with delicious munchies

42 Green Goa

40

Joys of growing fruit trees and flowering plants in a pot

46 Health

Mucormycosis: Screening, Diagnosis and more

48 Sports

Keenan Almeida’s love for football

44 04 | My Goa | July 2021

06 Editorial 08 Goa Scan 44 Nature 50 In Camera 52 My Goa 54 Law & Justice 56 Tribute 58 People / Places

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EDITORIAL

Harsh Reality Pic: Aliston Dias

JULY 2021 Publisher-Editor HARSHVARDHAN BHATKULY Group Head URVIJA BHATKULY Business Head ANNALISE GOUVEIA Chief Reporter SYBIL RODRIGUES Reporter SAACHI PAI KANE Photography ALISTON DIAS Graphic Designer GOVIT MORAJKAR Distribution MAYUR SANTINESKAR Contributors SANDESH PRABHUDESAI HETA PANDIT NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI SAYULI PAI RAIKAR MIGUEL BRAGANZA Dr SAURABH KAMAT AMEYA A NAYAK SEBASTIAN NORONHA Editorial, Advertising & Administrative Office

Business Goa

409, Citicentre, EDC Patto Plaza, Panaji, 403001 Goa India Tel.: 0832-2437822 Email: mygoa.mag@gmail.com Unsolicited material may not be returned. The opinions in columns and other stories expressed in Business Goa Industry Dossier are not necessarily that of the publishers and the Publisher/Editor shall not be held liable for any inaccuracy or otherwise. While great care is being taken to ensure accuracy of information, the publishers are not responsible for omissions or incorrect information. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers.

06 | My Goa | July 2021

Let the Youth Take Over Goa And by that I do not mean politicians pushing in their late 40s or worse, early 50s who can’t shrug off the Y word from their profile. Yes, the big changes in Goa will be brought in by our youngsters, and we have experienced this phenomenon recently – when the second wave of the pandemic took over Goa. There was a steady supply of young minds, who with their tech savvy second nature created apps, took the government to task by invoking the attention of the judiciary, assembled into groups almost overnight – to help all those who tested corona positive and had to be hospitalized. They later helped with providing food, oxymeters, oxygen concentrators and kept the powers that be on their toes.

This young generation of Goa is just like the youngsters in any woke geography across the world. They know their rights and duties, and they have no patience to seek permissions from anyone. This is what sets them apart. Their single-minded focus on what needs to get done. Social niceties be damned.

A generation or two prior to them got so enveloped in making a living and studying for grades that social duty was not on their to-do list. It is every generation’s challenge whether or not to take the cause of society.

In all fairness, it could be the comforts provided at home by the preceding generations that may have been the wind beneath the wings of the youngsters who are at the forefront of Goa’s public discourse today.

In fact, Goa’s modern history has had students being part of every movement, shaping every public narrative – be it for language assertion, Statehood, student ticket fare, rights of traditional fishermen, taking on errant politicians and sometimes teachers – Goa’s youth has never shied away to seize the moment.

The last decade has seen Goa’s politics reach a low of unwitnessed proportions. It is almost a given that if you adhere to the lofty ideals of our nation’s founding fathers, your politics would be headed for ruin.

The political success stories that we see today are of people who have flouted the rule book with impunity.

That, along with an apathetic young generation focussed on material goals, has been one of the reasons that Goa’s public consciousness went into a tailspin.

However, there seems to be hope with the new crop of young Goans.

And what better time than the next year’s Assembly Elections, when Goa will need her youngsters to determine the future course of the State

Printed, published and owned by Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly and printed at Elegant Offset Printers, D2-31, Tivim Industrial Estate, Karaswada, Mapusa, Goa 403526 and published at 409, Citicentre, EDC Patto Plaza, Panaji - Goa 403001. Editor: Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly

Goa Scan GCZMA to hold public hearing for draft CZMP on July 8

MONSOON SESSION OF STATE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY TO BEGIN ON JULY 28

The State Government has announced that the public hearings on the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) for Goa, based on the directives of the National Green Tribunal, will be conducted from July 8 onwards.

The NGT passed an order to provide a large enough venue for the public hearing to accommodate bigger participation.

The State government has announced that the Campal parade grounds in Panaji and the SGPDA grounds in Margao will be the venues for the hearings.

The hearings will begin at 10 am at both venues on July 8.

The monsoon session of the State Legislative Assembly will be held from July 28. Sharing this information, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the exact number of days of the session will be announced later, following deliberation with Speaker Rajesh Patnekar.

Sawant further said that a full-fledged budget for the financial year 202122 will be passed during the monsoon session of the Assembly, as the government is presently managing with a vote on

account, which has its limitations.

In March, earlier this year, the Budget Session of the State Legislative Assembly was cut short by over two weeks and adjourned till July 19, after the State Election Commission declared the schedule for the second phase of the municipal elections.

All pending business of the House was decided to be taken up for discussion and consideration in July, during the Monsoon Session of the House

that no entries would be entertained.

“All stakeholders are welcome to attend the hearing. Speakers as well as other participants will be given an opportunity to raise their point on the plan,” he explained.

However, Cabral mentioned that the platform should not be misused for “political

speeches”.

GCZMA has also asked participants to restrict their speeches to the matter in question and that it should not contain any “political” or “personal” criticism of any nature as this will not be permitted.

GCZMA said the participants will have to strictly adhere to COVID-19 protocols

Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral stated that the hearings will continue for any number of days till the time all those who have registered to speak have put forwards their representations to the CZMP. “We will not restrict the number of participants.

Based on the total registration we get by June 30, we will decide on the number of days, the hearing is to be conducted,” he said.

Cabral said those who are unable to register by June 30 will be allowed spot registration on the day of hearing from 10 am to 2 pm, and after

CARDIAC FACILITY SOON AT SOUTH GOA DIST. HOSPITAL

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said that a cardiac care facility under the backing of the Goa Medical College (GMC), will be opened in the South Goa District Hospital, Margao, soon.

Rane said that people from South Goa will no longer have to travel to GMC for treatment of cardiac ailments once the facility is started at the South Goa District Hospital. “I have already spoken to the CM in this regard, and the facility will be opened soon. We are considering launching it before the opening of the District Hospital.”

The South Goa District Hospital is yet to be officially inaugurated as the new building was hurriedly turned into a Covid hospital, last year, when the first wave of the pandemic hit 08 | My Goa | July 2021

Two, six-month UGC approved vocational programmes at Goa University

Goa University has introduced two six-month vocational programmes with the approval of University Grants Commission (UGC). The course is meant to provide students with an upward mobility to pursue the bachelor and later the master’s degree in the vocational stream. The two certificate courses offered will be fundamentals of computers and networking; and advanced instruments and gadgets and appliances.

A student who has cleared Class XII from any stream can join the programme. Students who have cleared Class X can also apply for the six-month course. They will be eligible for seats if any are left vacant

after admissions are given to Class XII qualification holders.

The 30-credit programme will also have provisions for internship and placement. The programme will be taught with industry partner D-Link Academy and these courses are being offered under the Central Government’s National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)

Goa Scan Goa moves closer to implement ban on single use plastic

The State government has appointed The Energy Research Institute (TERI) to formulate (EPR) Policy to implement a ban on single-use plastic. Environment Department has received a proposal from TERI to prepare the EPR Policy on nomination basis, a senior officer said.

As per the proposal, the Department is not liable to make any payment to TERI, after the EPR Policy drafted by TERI is accepted and notified. 1.5% of the amount collected from enforcing EPR is to be

paid to the Institute for three years, the senior officer said. The research institute will also collect data, both qualitative and quantitative, on solid waste, particularly plastic waste, from different places. It will also define producer, types of wastes and waste generation, prepare a report on plastic waste generation and current situation and status of implementation of PWM Rules, 2016 (as amended in 2018); and present case studies on the best practices to phase out single use plasics and allied products

62% of Goa’s eligible population has got one dose. 15% of Goans have taken both doses

AMATEUR ASTRONOMER’S ONLINE CLUB

With an average of 20,000 persons receiving the Covid-19 vaccine everyday, Goa has already administered the first dose to 62% of its 18+ population, said epidemiologist Dr Rajendra Borkar.

Goa has an eligible population of around 11 lakh persons, of which the 62% have received the first dose.

The State plans on covering its entire eligible population with the first dose

by July 31, he said.

The government has enough vaccination centres, and doesn’t plan on adding more. “Ours is not a large population. We already have 46 permanent vaccination centres and 198 satellite centres up to the last point. The centres have enough capacity to vaccinate the people. We just need people to come, and elected 10 | My Goa | July 2021

Due to the pandemic last year, amateur astronomers have not been able to fully utilise the Panaji observatory. Now, in an attempt to satiate the celestial curiosity of stargazers in the State, the Association of Friends of Astronomy (AFA), has launched the Star Academy 21 – an online astronomy club to explore space through virtual star gazing and astronomy sessions.

AFA President, Satish Nayak stated that many of AFA members are not able to visit the observatory or participate in any of the programmes because they live or work outside Goa. representatives to bring people out,” Dr. Borkar said.

“If we find that there are 50-100 persons in a very remote area, we will go and vaccinate them,” he added

Dragon Fruit grown at Canacona Farm

A farmer from Poinguinim, Canacona, has managed to grow dragon fruit on his farm. Ajit alias Vasudev Pai, from Khawat in Poinguinim, had bought 2000 dragon fruit plants from Shirdi, Maharashtra, and they have borne fruit in less than a year. The central government is promoting the cultivation of the lucrative exotic fruit, and, with Pai’s yield, Goa will be the latest addition to the list of States producing it. “The plant is highly suitable to Goan soil, to its humid climate, and one can even plant it where soil may not be fertile. This plant being from the cactus family, requires very little water, can grow in any soil, grows within a year and each plant gives around 30 fruits,” said Pai, who has earlier won the State’s Krishi Vibhushan award.

The only investment required is cement poles for support (it’s a climber) and, once it reaches a height of five feet, a ring for resting. The dragon fruit contains fiber and is rich in nutritional value, as it helps repair cell damage caused by oxidative stress and reduces inflammation, while also improving the digestive system “The online activities will keep the membership alive,” he added.

Efforts are also on to view skies of the southern hemisphere remotely.

The AFA has members in the USA and Austrailia who are willing to take up the initiative to view skies remotely.

By launching an online club AFA intends to divert their online traffic to YouTube Live and participate in the virtual interactions. This will also include academic lectures by renowned astronomers

TITO’S SOLD?

CO-OWNER OF GOA’S ICONIC NIGHTCLUB CLAIMS TO HAVE SOLD OUT. TO EXIT BUSINESSES IN THE STATE.

R

icardo D’Souza has created a flutter amongst Goans, by claiming in a social media post that he has sold Club Tito’s, one of the most popular party destinations in the country. Ricardo, in his post mentioned that the club and ‘their entire business in Goa’ was sold due to ‘harassment’ from the state government ‘officials’ for an undisclosed amount.

The post didn’t name the buyer, but said, “I personally have suffered the least as I have been compensated adequately and even my future generations won’t have to work”.

Ricardo expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and some others, though he did blame the State Government for the sale of his entire family business. He claimed that the development saddened and angered him, and that many of his staff were now unemployed, he asked ‘the officials’ to employ his staff “as I do not ever plan any more business in Goa”. Ricardo didn’t specify if brand Tito would continue or no. Ricardo and his brother David were running Club Tito’s, Bollywood Discotheque, and Café Mambo – all part of the Tito’s brand-and were also the directors of Tito’s Resorts and Entertainment

Ricardo D’Souza

Ltd along with Lucille D’Souza. The brothers owned at least 15 different companies as part of the Tito’s Group with diversified interests such as home décor, creative publishing, hospitality, construction and even watersports.

While some of the companies are active, others have been taken off the registrar of companies.

Further, in his post Ricardo clarified that by ‘officials’ he meant all the harassing lot like the police, planning and development authority, coastal regulation zone, NGOs, panchayats and sarpanchas, block development officers and deputy collectors.

However, he did not blame Shawn Martins, the Calangute sarpanch, for the harassment. Tito’s Goa, established by Henry de Souza in 1971, it was a popular spot for hippies

Above: Ricardo’s Facebook post

and world travellers. As international tourists came to Goa in search of Tito’s, domestic tourists followed, firmly putting Tito’s on the world map.

The news of Tito’s sale sent shockwaves across the country, with many netizens expressing sadness that they would not be able to party at the clubs anymore. Over the past two decades, Club Tito’s became synoymous with partying in Goa and has given rise to many competitors.

Tito’s lane became the address everyone knew. Ricardo thanked all who made Tito’s a global brand and while the D’Souza duo maintained silence over the topic, rumours began doing the rounds about Ricardo taking a plunge into politics July 2021 | My Goa | 11

Cover Story Businessman, philanthropist, social worker, Rotarian and family man – the various roles that Gaurish Dhond has played with aplomb over the years and has emerged successful in all of them

Gaurish Dhond

“Serving people makes me happy” 12 | My Goa | July 2021

G

By Sybil Rodrigues

aurish Dhond has had a close relation with the city of his birth, Panaji. Born in a family of reputed businessmen, professionals and social workers, his upbringing in Goa’s capital city has moulded this dynamic personality, thus making him the man of repute that he is today.

Gaurish went on to acquire a degree in Commerce from S.S. Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, Panaji and later received a Diploma in Hotel Management from Vidya Vikas Institute, Margao.

ROLL OF HONOUR Felicitated by Sadguru Vamanrao Pai’s ‘Jeevan Vidya Mission’ for Outstanding Contribution to Society (2009) Felicitated by Bardeshkar Gowd Saraswat Bhraman Nidhi at Mumbai as ‘UNIQUE PERSONALITY’ for the year (2015) Conferred with ‘Honorary Citizenship’ of the State of Nebraska USA, by US Secretary John A. Gale on 8th June 2012, in USA Felicitated by Lions Club International, Dist-324 D2 at their 30th District Convention at Belgaum, for ‘Selfless & Gallant Services to the Community’ JEEVAN GAURAV PURASKAR 2016

by Aavishkar Social and Educational Foundation, Kolhapur Recipient of ‘The Navhind Times Ex NCC Achiever Award’ at the hands of Chief Minister of Goa Laxmikant Parsekar in 2016

Gaurish Dhond with former President of India, late Pranab Mukherjee

An astute businessman, Gaurish manages several hotels in the city, a small scale industrial unit at Kundaim, a dealership of Indian Oil Corporation Limited with a petrol pump at Caranzalem, while also being into the development of properties in Goa.

The Go-Getter Gaurish seized business responsibilities while he was still in college. He joined his family owned restaurant, Hotel Madhavashram, which was one of the pioneering restaurants in Goa. Later, he began assisting his father-in-law, Vidyadhar Naik in his business which comprised of fishing trawlers, buses, trucks and a hotel. Gaurish assisted him for five

Gaurish and Pratima Dhond with Rotary International President, Shekhar Mehta and First Lady Rashi Mehta

years from 1984 till 1989, while he set up Hotel Manoshanti in the city.

Hotels were few and far between in the Panaji of that era. Gaurish had to look after the marketing aspect and pitching the hotel to travellers from out of Goa. Once his family launched Hotel Manoshanti, Gaurish took the reins of the family hospitality vertical in his hands. Later, in 1993, he started a plastic moulding manufacturing unit. His chartered accountant friend Devendra Kakodkar informed him about a project with Colgate, who were on the lookout for someone to make caps for their toothpaste tubes.

Gaurish set up a state-of-the-art plastic industry at Kundaim. Not the one to compromise on quality,

Manohar Parrikar, in a rare relaxed mood, at Gaurish’s residence, Dhond Villa, Miramar

July 2021 | My Goa | 13

Cover Story

Union Minister Shripad Naik hands over an ambulance from MPLAD scheme to Vidyadhar Naik, Trustee, Panaji Ambulance and Welfare Trust in the presence of then Goa Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar

he refused to accept the terms laid down by the tube manufacturer, and was stuck with a factory and workers without a job on his hands.

Fortuitously Gaurish met the people in charge of Funskool and Funskool’s management came to visit Gaurish’s factory, were impressed by his set up; and immediately they signed up to work with him, giving him their moulds along with the raw materials, colour and their expertise.

Gaurish made the best possible use of this opportunity and in the six months he was part of the Funskool project, he managed to learn everything that he could about moulding. After six months, the factory began began to develop products for Lakmé, where his unit would manufacture three sizes of bottles for Lakmé cold cream.

Gaurish’s unit supplied the same to Lakmé from 1994 till 2000. When

14 | My Goa | July 2021

With former Union Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu at the NRB Group presents Business Goa Awards, 2018

Being felicitated at the hands of former Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar

Lakmé and Ponds merged together, they discontinued the product. Once again, Gaurish found himself with nothing on his hands, which hit him hard.

With former Goa Governor Bharat Vir Wanchoo

Gaurish met the management from Essel Group, one of the biggest manufacturers of lami tubes, in India.

Within ten days, they got the entire team from Mumbai and set up their equipment at his factory, along with a generator and air conditioners. They used the factory for over a year and went on to renovate the place and installed more machines. Gaurish leased out the factory which is now working with an UK based company to bottle water through atmospheric based water generators.

Gaurish dabbled in real estate, buying a few old houses, renovating

With industrialist Narayan Bandekar

them and selling them. After a few projects, Gaurish decided to concentrate on his core strength – in the service of people.

Gaurish is happily married to Pratima, who is Chairperson of The Women’s Co-operative Bank Ltd., for the last twenty-seven years; and is also the Vice President of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

They have three children, two sons; Viraj married to Dr. Shalmali and Sairaj married to Dr. Sajal and one daughter, Simran who holds a Masters in fashion textiles and is a designer at NYKD by NYKAA. They are also blessed with two grandsons, Vanshraj and Yuvraj.

Committed to Rotary Gaurish was invited to join Rotary in the year 2000-2001 as a member of the Rotary Club of Panaji which was chartered in 1963 and holds the distinction of being the very first Rotary Club in Goa. He bagged the ‘Best Rotarian’ Award in the very next year after joining, his achievements continued to grow by leaps and bounds with each passing year.

Among his numerous, notable accomplishments, the most significant

are: being adjudged the ‘Best Secretary’ of the Rotary Club of Panaji, the ‘Best President’ and ‘Best Asst. Governor’ at the District level. He was also the recipient of the Rotary International President’s recognition for ‘Four Avenues of Service Citation’. During his Presidentship, the Rotary Club of Panaji was honoured with the Rotary International Significant Award for ‘The Rotary Eye Bank of Goa’ which was adjudged the ‘Best Project’ in the Rotary District 3170 and is the only

Government-recognized eye bank in the entire State of Goa. Gaurish successfully led a team of four participants at the Group Study Exchange (GSE) to Eastern Nebraska and Southwestern Iowa, USA in 2012 as its Team Leader for 28 days.

This suave Rotarian has served as an aide to several dignitaries, including Rotary International Director, Monty J. Audenart at the Rotary Institute in 2008; Rotary International President elect, Shekhar Mehta and Rashi Mehta

Gaurish and Pratima Dhond with former Rotary International President (2019-20), Mark Daniel Maloney and his wife, Gay

JOURNEY OF A ROTARIAN Gaurish Dhond was invited to join Rotary Club of Panaji in the year 2000; and took over as the Joint Secretary for the year 2001–02.

Bagged the ‘Best Rotarian’ Award from the Rotary Club of Panaji in 2001-2002.

Received the ‘Best Secretary’ Award from Rotary District 3170 in 20022003.

Recipient of Rotary International President’s Recognition for ‘Four Avenues of Service Citation’ for Individual Rotarian for the year 2003-04.

Served ROTARY CLUBS OF GOA TRUST as Managing Trustee from 2003- 2006, working for the project ‘SAVING LIVES’ with Rotary Club of Birmingham, UK. Took the leadership of Rotary Club of Panaji as the 47th President of

the Club in 2008-09 and carried out various community projects, round the year. The Club also established Goa’s First Eye Bank during the year and was honoured with Rotary International ‘Significant Award for the Best Project’ in District 3170.

Rtn. Gaurish and Ann. Pratima Dhond became Major Donors to the Rotary Foundation since 2009.

Received the ‘Best President’ Award from the Rotary International District 3170 for the year 2008-2009.

Served as Assistant Governor (North Goa) for the year 2010-11 and was adjudged as the ‘Best Assistant Governor’ in Rotary District 3170.

Was deputed as ‘Team Leader’ of the Rotary Group Study

Exchange Team from Rotary International District 3170 to Rotary International District 5650, Eastern Nebraska & Southwestern Iowa, USA in May 2012.

Was conferred by Rotary District 3170 for the year 2013-14 an award for ‘Excellence in Vocational Service’ Trophy and cash award instituted by Shri. Dadgulalji Marda Charitable & Research Foundation, Kolhapur.

Was elected unopposed as DISTRICT GOVERNOR of Rotary International District 3170 (Goa, parts of Maharashtra & Karnataka) for the year 2021-2022 Appointed Chairman of Governor’s Council of Rotary News Trust Committee from among District Governors across India July 2021 | My Goa | 15

Cover Story INDIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY: SERVING HUMANITY Gaurish Dhond joined Indian Red Cross Society Goa in 1985 as a Life Member and served the Goa State office as an active Red cross Volunteer.

He also became a Patron Member of Indian Red Cross Society Goa in 2015; and served the Managing Committee of IRCS Goa as a member since 2003. He was appointed as Vice Chairman of IRCS Goa in 2006 and served till 2010.

Was elected by the Managing Committee as the Chairman of Indian Red Cross Society Goa in 2010 and is serving till date.

Was elected as the Managing Committee member of National Board of Indian Red Cross Society, New Delhi from 2011 till 2013; and served there on various committees of National Board.

Is re-elected to the Managing Committee of IRCS NHQ New Delhi since 2015 till date, and is the serving on various sub-committees.

An Active Red Cross volunteer who has conducted more than 250 blood donation camps in Goa. Various medical and dental check-

With former Goa Governor late Dr Mridula Sinha and fellow Indian Red Cross Society (Goa) members

up camps in rural parts of Goa have been arranged on regular basis for the last 25 years.

First aid courses and Home Nursing courses for drop out students was introduced at Indian Red Cross Society Goa State office, which was well accepted and beneficial to the people of Goa. The State Office of Goa was taken up for renovation for the first time after 1963 with the help of the Mother Teresa Grant of Rs.25,00,000/- from the Govt. of Goa in 2012; and an additional Rs.10,00,000/- were raised from Public donations.

A grand event of Indian Red Cross Society, Goa ‘Swabhimaan 2019’, ‘Goa Police Awards’ was held for

Above: Gaurish and Pratima with sons Sairaj (left) and Viraj and daughter Simran; and grandsons Yuvraj (left) and Vanshraj (right)

16 | My Goa | July 2021

the first time and police personnel from the ranks of constable to DYSP were felicitated for their good work to the society at the hands of Her Excellency, (late) Mrs. Mridula Sinha, then Governor of Goa. A Voluntary Blood Directory was compiled and published having a list of voluntary blood donors who are willing to donate blood at any time. This initiative has had a tremendous response as the Indian Red Cross Society Goa has been receiving calls regularly for blood in times of emergency and it has helped save precious lives.

Covid Pandemic Assistance was provided from IRCS Goa from the beginning of 2020 and has continued till date

Above: Gaurish and Pratima with sons and grandsons and daughters-in-law Dr Sajal (left) and Dr Shalmali (right), with BJP national spokesperson Dr Sambit Patra

Above: With scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar

in Goa; Rotary International Director, Dr Bharat Pandya and Dr Madhavi at Centennial Summit, Kolkatta; and Rotary International President, K. Ravindran; in addition to many others.

Gaurish has been an active Rotarian of Rotary International District 3170 and was elected unopposed, as its District Governor for the year 2021-2022.

Social Soldier Gaurish Dhond’s social foot-print is impressive. He is serving various other organizations in different capacities such as, Chairman of Indian Red Cross Society (Goa); Chairman of the General Assembly of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias; Chairman of Panaji Ambulance and Welfare Trust; President of Goa Hotels and Restaurants Association; Vice President of Panjim Gymkhana.

Vice President of Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Panaji; Chairman ITI Panaji of Government of Goa; and as a member of International Human Rights Association; among many other socio-cultural organisations.

“Being in service of people comes instinctively to me,” he says

July 2021 | My Goa | 17

Cover Story / Interview

“Ek Chamach Kam, Chaar Kadam Aage: Let us focus on health and fitness this year” GAURISH DHOND speaks to HARSHVARDHAN BHATKULY about his plans for Rotary District 3170 as District Governor, and explains the various initiatives of Rotary International Tell us about the signature projects that you wish to undertake as Rotary District Governor 3170?

The main advantage that we have for the Rotary Clubs in India is that we have an Indian who is heading Rotary International (Rtn Shekhar Mehta). He is only the 4th Indian in Rotary’s 116-year history to lead the global organization.

Mehta is a grassroot Rotarian, having been part of the Rotary movement for so many years; and he knows the ins and outs of the Indian economy and the States in our country.

The priority this year is to empower women and to help the girl child.

Although Rtn Mehta is a global leader, he has a plan to make India completely literate by 2025.

Rotary International has

been working with the Government of India to take this mission forward, so that people directly benefit from it. Goa being a small State, we have the infrastructure and wherewithal to roll out this program, thus making us well poised as far as education is concerned.

But there are bigger States like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where they need educational infrastructure to make a difference.

Rotary Clubs, across the nation, have also been a major contributor towards the PM Relief Fund to fight the covid-19 pandemic. The Clubs have collected almost Rs.150 crores by way of individual collections; and equipment and infrastructure worth another Rs.150 crores was

Joining Rotary Club of Panaji in January, 2000 at the hands of then District Governor Rtn Mahendra Mutha in the presence of then President of Rotary Club of Panaji, Rtn Ghanshyam (Parag) Sardesai and Secretary, late Rtn Rajesh Rao

18 | My Goa | July 2021

donated by various Rotary Clubs all over India.

Rotary International has also helped with the polio eradication programme, one of our signature global campaigns, that has almost wiped out the polio virus from the face of the earth.

Moving ahead, we see diabetes as a major health concern in India; and we have started a campaign called “Ek Chamach Kam, Chaar Kadam Aage” which is India specific. It translates to one spoon less of salt, one spoon less of sugar, one spoon less of oil and a walk of four kilometres every day. We have just started this initiative and it will go on for the full year.

How do you plan to use the Rotary theme for this year to make a difference?

‘Serve to Change Lives’ is the Rotary theme for this year and as District Governor of Rotary District 3170, I would rather focus on saving lives. This means I would like to see improvement in the healthcare system, preferably in Government hospitals. I have already discussed with the Presidents of Rotary Clubs in our District that we would like to have many global grants projects.

Wherever facilities are inadequate or do not exist, we can provide these hospitals and healthcare centres with equipment.

I would also like to have more ambulances which are fully equipped for all emergencies, one of which is in the pipeline at Kumta (Karnataka).

These ambulances are fully

Being installed as President of Rotary Club of Panaji in June, 2008 at the hands of then Rotary International Director, Rtn Ashok M Mahajan and Immediate Past President Rtn Dr Hirendra Kumar

equipped with material worth Rs.40 lakhs, for all kinds of emergency situations.

Kumta to Karwar is a 40-kilometre stretch which does not have any facilities for medical emergencies and this project of an ambulance has already been approved. The second project approved is for Goa Medical College, to enhance the infrastructure at the ICU. Almost $80,000 worth of project has been approved by The Rotary Foundation and all this is done by our Clubs in Goa – by the end of July everything will materialize on this front.

My focus would also be on two-wheeler ambulances which are usually the first respondents to an accident or emergency, given that they would reach faster in any remote area. Such ambulances would have riders trained in first aid.

We are trying to involve all our Club Presidents in getting such motorcycles across the Rotary District.

Another area that we plan to focus on is the environment. Water harvesting in government buildings, schools, and buildings belonging to Rotarians are some of the places where we would like to begin with this project.

Planting as many fruitbearing trees as possible is another focus area. We are planning to plant at least one lakh fruit-bearing trees in our Rotary District.

Much as that is our target, we plan to plant at least fifty thousand trees by the end of September 2021.

We also plan to concentrate on renewable sources of energy like solar panels. We are working with the government in

Rotary International President Rtn. Shekhar Mehta flanked by Gaurish and Pratima Dhond

this regard, and I feel that Rotary Clubs can help in providing this kind of energy to schools and public spaces. I want each Club in my District to give such kind of solar units to Government-run schools.

A project which we have already rolled out is the ‘Happy School’, where we are going to focus more on teacher’s training. We have online training for teachers with their curriculum, with the programme being done by the best available resources.

I will also emphasize the need for blood banks and blood donation drives and in our continued focus on the health sector, I would like to emphasize on setting up more blood banks in our Rotary District. I have observed in Sindhudurg, Kudal (Maharashtra), that we need blood banks in these areas, and we are trying to do that on a priority basis. I have requested Rotarians all over the District to have at least three blood donation camps in a year.

Elaborate on the womenspecific schemes that you plan to roll out in Rotary District 3170.

We are planning selfdefence courses called ‘Nirbhaya’, for girl students from 8th till 12th standard.

These are the children who need to protect themselves, given that this is a crucial age for a girl child. An educational scholarship for girls is another scheme that we have on our list. I would not like to see a single girl child drop out of school because of financial issues. I have requested all my Club Presidents to identify and adopt at least one school each, where the entire school will be taken care of by their Rotary Club. These schools have to become ‘Happy Schools’ where a child looks forward to go to everyday. Playgrounds and classrooms must be done up, a good library, a computer laboratory, separate toilet blocks for boys and girls, all these basics have to be provided by the Club adopting them.

They need to have book banks; water supply must

be taken care of, along with illumination and furniture requirements. I want our Clubs to do all this and most importantly focus on the education of the girl child and women empowerment is something that I want our Rotary Clubs to be known for.

How has your journey in Rotary been, leading up to being one of the few Goans to become a Rotary District Governor?

In the year 2000, I was invited by my good friend Dinesh Sinari to join Rotary Club of Panaji. I was inducted formally on the Charter Day of the Club in January at the hands of the then District Governor Rtn. Mahendra Mutha.

Rtn. Parag Sardessai was the President of the Club. I joined Rotary after completing my term at the Round Table. At that time, I never imagined that I would someday become a District Governor; but one must be geared up and get ready to take on various responsibilities and opportunities that July 2021 | My Goa | 19

Cover Story / Interview come your way. From the day that I joined the Club, I gave myself to the cause and motto of the Rotary movement – ‘Service Above Self ’.

There is a lot of healthy competition in Rotary for the coveted District Governor’s post. We have had only six of us so far who have been District Governors from Goa and I am the seventh. But now I can see that more and more Rotarians are getting ready to take up leadership positions, which is a good sign. We are on the verge of creating history as Rotary International wants to recognise the most model dictrict amongst all the districts, and they want me to add another two new districts.

As someone who has known you personally, you are naturally wired to serve people. How has that helped you to become a better Rotarian?

I had started to dabble in social activities right up from my higher secondary days. I was the General Secretary in the Higher Secondary as well as the College level. Along with Pratima, my wife – we both were awarded the

‘Best Outgoing Students’ at Dempo College of Commerce & Economics in 1984, the year that we both graduated. Later, people began inviting me to join various organisations and that helped me do more social work and reach out to people. We started the Round Table Chapter in Panjim in 1993; and set in motion the first ambulance project. There were no ambulances in Panjim at that time and Goa Medical College had just shifted to Bambolim. People felt the need for an ambulance; and once we had one, we were able to save plenty of lives. Our service didn’t end at dropping the patient to the hospital. We used to make sure that the patient was treated well, provided with medicines, even if it meant going to the pharmacy personally, and even spend from my own pocket. I have driven the ambulance personally on many occasions.

There are plenty of incidents that I can narrate, but one has stuck in my mind. In 2007, I was constructing my house in Miramar, and I would go there to supervise and help at the site. Once when

coming back to Panjim, we noticed a crowd outside Bal Bhavan with plenty of onlookers. I went to see what the commotion was about and saw a young man lying in a pool of blood. There was a concrete mixing machine truck there against which his bike had collided, throwing him off. Everyone assumed that he was dead, but thanks to my first aid training I found a pulse on him. I took the help of two onlookers and put the man in my Wagon R and rushed him to GMC, Bambolim.

On the way, I called up GMC and told them that I was getting a patient who was critically injured. He was rushed in as soon as we reached the hospital and was soon put on oxygen and drips. Four doctors continuously attended the man and he had to undergo multiple surgeries in a span of a month and a half. One day, a lady and a young man came to meet me who I did not recognize. It was the same young man along with his mother who came to thank me for saving his life. Another case was in Porvorim when I was returing back from a function with my family, in the night. A man was lying

Gaurish felicitated by his home club, Rotary Club of Panaji in the presence of Past District Governors of Rotary District 3170, Rtn. Dilip Salgaocar, Rtn. Dr Jorson Fernandes and Rtn. Gurudutt Bhakta

20 | My Goa | July 2021

unconscious on the road in a hit-and-run case with no one bothering about him.

I left my wife and small children there on the road and rushed the man to GMC and managed to help save his life, too. All this has to come from within.

If I see an accident on the road, I instinctively step out to take the injured to the hospital.

You have also been spearheading the International Red Cross Society, Goa. How has that helped you as a Rotarian?

I have been a member of the Indian Red Cross Society for the last 30 years and I was elected as a Managing Committee member almost 20 years back. Later, I became the Vice Chairman and a few years later became the first Chairman to be elected by the Red Cross in Goa. For the last four terms, I have been the Chairman and have had the opportunity to serve on the National Board for three years. I am thankful to former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat who gave us around Rs.25 lakhs to upgrade the Red Cross head office on 18 June Road, Panaji, which was in a dilapidated condition.

We need to raise around 30 lakhs a year to pay salaries and other expenses. We have a dedicated team of people who have been assisting us and we have done significant work during the pandemic. We have distributed around 3000 boxes of food and we had Rotarians as our volunteers. We distributed masks made by self help groups and we managed to get oxygen cylinders which we donated to GMC

Team Leader of Rotary Group Study Exchange Team from Rotary Int’l District 3170 to Rotary Int’l District 5650; Eastern Nebraska & Southwestern Iowa, USA (May 2012)

and needy people on a returnable basis. Again, through Rotary we bought oxygen concentrators.

We were fortunate to get around 102 concentrators from Germany and Singapore through Red Cross and ten ventilators.

Five were given to the pediatric department at GMC. The concentrators are of 10 litres, fitted with a dual mechanism, so that two people can use it at the same time. We are trying to create a bank where anybody can take an oxygen concentrator, free of cost on a returnable basis and return it when they don’t require it anymore. Here again, we took the support of the Rotary Clubs in Goa. What about increasing membership and attracting people to the Rotary movement?

Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta has given us a mantra.

“Each one, bring one, do more and grow more.” He has given us a target where every District Governor does his best to increase membership. We have around 15 board members.

I have requested my board members to bring in at

least one member or any of their family members to the Rotary. When we add new members, we get new ideas, more hands on board, more revenues and more opportunities to serve the people. That’s the whole idea of increasing membership.

There is an imminent threat of the third wave of the pandemic, and a number of people including health care experts and governments, have been talking about it.

What is the action plan of the Rotary to prepare for the third wave?

Rotary Clubs have always been at the forefront when it comes to serving people.

Our Clubs, across the District, have been doing commendable service when the second wave of the pandemic hit us.

Members from various Clubs in Goa stepped up in aid of the covid patients to provide them food, medical assistance and other help.

When the paucity of beds at GMC made patients sleep on the floor, stretchers and even wheelchairs, I have witnessed Rotarians who have helped in putting up urgent health

infrastructure at GMC, like fowler beds, at breakneck speed, so that covid patients could sleep on proper beds.

The super specialty ward in the new complex at GMC received immense support from Rotarians.

Similarly, many Clubs began adding more beds, plus a lot of oxygen concentrators which our Clubs managed to get from their resources spread across the country and even internationally. Now, with the talk of the third wave, we are working to strengthen the pediatric department at Goa Medical College. Initially GMC had a problem with the oxygen flow, but now they have installed a central line for bigger oxygen tanks which have helped them tremendously. On a personal level, I have done my best to help during the second wave. We need to do a lot more collectively, given that we have a massive group of Rotarians in our 3170 District. If each one of us can do a little bit, we can contribute immensely to the society.

As a leader of the Rotary movement and as an

active participant in many social organisations in Goa, you have a certain depth of understanding of how society can tackle certain issues. What is your message to Rotarians as well as society, as these are unprecedented and challenging times that no one had planned for?

These are tough and challenging times for India and the world. After Covid, we need to come out of these hard days. We have seen that plenty of families have just been wiped out by this virus and we all need to bounce back again. In our country and especially our District 3170, where we have so many Rotarians, I am sure many have suffered losses and we need to rise up again. We need to come up as a society and accept these challenges. If as a Rotarian, you can help somebody please do your bit. One does not need to go out of their way to help, even the smallest bit of support counts – if one can help save a life, help a child in education, donate food where there is need; or put a smile on someone’s face, I feel that you have done your bit July 2021 | My Goa | 21

Politics | Goa Assembly Elections 2022

The Hunt for Allies

The senior journalist highlights Goa’s political scenario over the last few years, and wonders whether 2022 will be a game-changer for the State Indira Gandhi swept the elections nationwide, they overnight joined Congress (Indira) after the results.

SANDESH PRABHUDESAI

T

he forthcoming Goa Assembly Election 2022 is full of uncertainty at the moment in the background of two elections of immediate past – 2012 and 2017, results of which were diametrically opposite and not being analysed by any political expert till date.

In the last four and a half years, the greed for power is displayed shamelessly by each and every political party, as well as leading politicians, by throwing all kinds of principles and ethics to the wind and taking the socalled educated voter of Goa on a real horse (trading) ride!

In view of this, while striding towards the next election, not a single party is in a position to face the electorate by going all alone.

Neither the opportunist leaders are confident about themselves or about the unpredictable voter of Goa. Goan voters, since Goa’s first election held in 1963, have been a mystery to the politician. In the first ever election, while Congress leaders had even distributed cabinet berths among themselves, Goa’s conscientious voter had wiped out this national party from Goa’s political battlefield and elected the MGP to power with UGP in the opposition. The Congress did not even contest the 1967 election. It started ruling the State since 1980 only when the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and United Goans Party leaders joined the national mainstream, called Congress (Urs). The party swept the election by winning 20 out of 28 seats (2 were Daman and Diu). And when

22 | My Goa | July 2021

Hindu - Christian Bahujan Formula Since then, the concept of HinduChristian unity with ‘Bahujan’ at its core, has been ruling Goa. Bhausaheb Bandodkar was the real architect of this formula, who had ruled with a three-member cabinet: a Hindu Bahujan, a Brahmin and a Christian.

In spite of Goa’s conscientious voter getting fed up of series of defections and all kind of power-hungry, blackmoney-driven opportunistic groups coming to power since 1990, the ‘new hope’ like Manohar Parrikar could sit in the saddle only when he also chanted the same political mantra – “Hindu-Christian unity with Bahujan at its core”.

The defector and opportunistic politicians had to otherwise somehow manage their victories only by splitting the opposition votes, using caste, religion as well as money and muscle power in order to swing hardly 10 to 20 per cent votes, thanks to the tiny constituencies of 20,000 to 30,000 electorate. But by and large, it has been a diligent vote that has been dominating Goan politics, unlike the rest of India.

The rise and fall of the BJP is a clear indicator of this phenomenon, which Parrikar had realised. He had thus skilfully shifted his focus from hard Hindutva to soft Hindutva to Good

Bandodkar was the real architect of the Hindu - Christian Bahujan Formula.

Manohar Parrikar could sit in the saddle only when he also chanted the same political mantra

Governance in a desperate attempt to win over the liberal voter of Goa. After making a debut in 1994 with four MLAs, the BJP rose to 10 in 1999 (by breaking alliance with the MGP at the last minute) and jumped to 18 in 2002.

However, Parrikar’s attempts to form the government with splinter groups led by the likes of Francisco Sardinha pushed him down to 14 seats in 2007.

Who won the 2017 poll?

Parrikar could reach the magic figure of 21 only in 2012, when even the Church was disgusted with the Congress and the Hindutva party got seven Christian MLAs elected.

The Congress, for the first time in three decades, was pushed down to single digit (nine seats) by Goa’s conscientious voter.

In spite of infrastructural development for Goa’s dominant middle class and social schemes for the have-nots, in 2017, however, Parrikar got the shock of his life. The Congress, in spite of incompetence and infightings, rose to 17 while BJP was pushed down to 13. That too with seven Christian MLAs, three Congressmen – Mauvin Godinho, Pandurang Madkaikar and Pravin

Zantye, who had joined BJP on the eve of the polls and one rebel Rajesh Patnekar. The original BJP men were only Dr Pramod Sawant, Milind Naik and Sidharth Kuncalienker (replaced later with Parrikar).

It must be for the first time in the history of a Hindutva party like the BJP that had majority MLAs belonging to the minorities and the so-called majority community was a ‘minority’. Strange Goa’s politics is!

Was it only because of the shrewd strategy of the Church to support all community candidates of the BJP (with the exception of Nilesh Cabral) and support the Congress candidates elsewhere? Was it also because of the rebel RSS camp succeeding in defeating the BJP candidates by supporting any winning candidate against the BJP? Or was it again only the conscience vote? Who won the 2017 Poll? The parties? The Church? The rebel RSS camp? Or the conscientious voter? These questions still await a thorough analysis.

The BJP Govt of Congress If we go strictly by the voting pattern of March 2017 (and not the by-elections held after BJP snatched power with the help of MGP, Goa Forward and independents), Dr Pramod Sawant’s government is today dominated by the defectors, opportunists and non-BJP political businessmen (and women), either by joining the party or supporting it from outside.

AGE GROUP 18-35 36-50 51-70 71 & Above 18-50

2012

2017

2022

46 32 23 5 77

40 32 27 9 72

38 34 30 13 71

PERCENTAGE OF AGE-WISE VOTERS: 2012 TO 2022

What is the hidden reality of the ‘Strong’ ruling party having 27 MLAs today? 13 among them have split from the Congress, two from the MGP, which means more than half are a threat to the hard-working BJP cadres in 15 constituencies.

Independent Govind Gaude is part of the government. Again, 15 of them belong to the minorities while Narendra Modi government at the Centre is vehemently imposing the Hindutva agenda all over India and hate politics has reached its nadir.

On the other hand, the rest of the parties and independent legislators have fully exposed their opportunistic and non-ideological behaviour, may it be the MGP, Goa Forward, the NCP (one Churchill Alemao) or the ‘independents’ like Rohan Khaunte and Prasad Gaonkar. None of them have left any respect in the minds of the conscientious voter of Goa, which is a majority.

Politics is growing Young!

Precisely due to their opportunistic deeds, none of the MLAs are actually confident of facing the electorate.

In the last 10 years, the voter has also changed substantially. Young voters are becoming more and more dominant.

Over 70 per cent are in the age group of 18 to 50. In 2012, almost half of the voters were in the age group of 18 to 35. Today this age group is below 40 per cent. However, the mindset of this youngster is much different from yesterday’s youth, especially the first or second time voters. They don’t think traditionally. And a large chunk of the 2012 voters today fall in the age group up to 50. They were the game changers then and are a confident lot that they can bring a change. This group is a real

challenge in 2022 for all the parties.

The ground realities Let us now come to practically what is happening on the ground. The ruling BJP is literally divided into three major groups: 1) The non-BJP Congressmen and MGP men and women, 2) The old committed cadres of the BJP and 3) The cadres sidelined in the present government after Parrikar’s demise.

The Covid mis-management has hit the ruling party severely, especially in the second wave where each Goan has lost their kin and kith; many due to lack of oxygen. The news is making rounds that the survey reports are not favourable in a smaller State like Goa and even a bigger State like UP. After the visit of observer B L Santhosh, the BJP leaders are now exploring the possibility of pre-poll alliance with like-minded parties.

Congress, the second party which can form the government, is literally in shambles. While losing over two third of their elected colleagues to the BJP, the remaining old guards are at loggerheads with the young brigade on the basic issue of taking over the reins of the organisation.

Two major issues that the party is confused over: 1) Whether to readmit the ‘winnable’ MLAs who want to shift over from the BJP and 2) Whether to align with smaller parties, especially Goa Forward, which has developed a villianish image among the sizeable number of voters of Salcete, Mormugao and Tiswadi. New vigour or the same old tactics is the question presently haunting Congress.

Since the majority in the Congress seems to be opposed to re-admission of defectors, many of these 13 neosaffrons are trying for a backdoor entry by joining the Nationalist Congress July 2021 | My Goa | 23

Politics Party, which is presently represented by a sole legislator Churchill Alemao.

He is more close to the BJP than the Congress. But the decision to align or not would finally be decided by its supremo Sharad Pawar in Delhi.

The MGP as well as the GFP are obviously not in a position to form the government. They are thus negotiating whom to join hands with so that they could have a slice of the cake.

While being left with a sole Madkai constituency of Sudin Dhavalikar, the MGP is still projecting seven other constituencies as their strongholds: 1) Pedne and 2) Sanvordem (Babu Azgaonkar and Dipak Pauskar joined the BJP), 3) Mandrem, 4) Ponda, 5), Shiroda, 6) Dabolim and 7) Priol of party president Dipak Dhavalikar. As more than half of these constituencies are directly clashing with the BJP bastions, the MGP is left with only two choices: a) Either have a prepoll alliance with the Congress and get more than three seats or b) Go alone while winning over frustrated and sidelined BJP cadres on their side and align with anybody postelection, provided they get enough seats to negotiate their share in power.

Comparatively, Goa Forward is in a real pathetic condition. In spite of repeated public appeals made by GFP leaders to finalise the pre-poll alliance, the Congress is still not paying heed, not knowing whether the ‘backstabbers’ (as they are termed by a section of public) would be an asset or a liability.

Besides three existing seats of Fatorda, Saligao and Siolim, the party has also admitted other ‘influential’ leaders -

24 | My Goa | July 2021

Most MLAs are handicapped, with too much baggage on their backs. Crutches are a must. And no crutch is reliable. Complete mistrust prevails across the political spectrum and politicians

with a promise to give them tickets - in Tivim, Aldona, Ponda, Pedne, Mandrem, St Andre and Mayem. The count is 10. The Congress thus simply cannot join hands with all the three ‘fence sitters’ as it would lose over 20 seats to the NCP, the MGP and the GFP. Is the ‘big brother’ Congress in a position to win rest of the 15-20 seats out of 40 when many of these seats are in the BJP strongholds? Obviously, the national party will have to choose between the partners in order to hold their supremacy over the alliance, if at all they go for it.

Then comes the new entrants like Aam Aadmi Party and the Revolutionary Goans, who have started showing their presence in some pockets of Goa. Though AAP this time has enough money power to distribute free oximeters and ration, it continues facing identity crisis due to lack of popular faces to win over the young electorate.

The Delhi-based party also has a

new challenge of countering the fierce campaign that it is the B team of the BJP, which would do nothing but split the non-BJP votes.

It also needs to be seen if the emotional fervour of the RG is converted into Uzzo of votes when one such experiment called ‘Gomant Lok Pokx’ in 1989 was a big flop! Out of 11 seats that the GLP contested, they lost deposits in seven constituencies and could not garner more than 11.67% votes. That too, after having the working class, ‘Reinder’ and ‘Ramponkar’ with them; besides their populist slogan ‘Goa for Goans’ and long-time social activists like Adv. Amrut Kansar, Erasmo Sequeira, Victoria Fernandes and Matanhy Saldanha as the leaders. In a nutshell, no political party is in a position to go alone. All are handicapped, with too much baggage on their backs.

Crutches are a must. And no crutch is reliable. Complete mistrust prevails across the political spectrum and politicians. No doubt it’s a Herculean task for any political party to win the election single-handedly. But it is also a real challenge for the wise voter of Goa; whom to vote, on what basis, for whom and what for

Best Compliments

Rtn SHARAD PAI

Society

Instagram People Killing two birds with one stone, the Instagram generation has fun with social media along with making a difference, working and earning

By Saachi Pai Kane aunched in 2010, Instagram has been working its magic for more than a decade now, and it is safe to say that everyone is hooked. From square pictures and five basic filters to boomerangs, reels, stories, and filters about literally everything, Instagram has been thriving and taking over everyone’s lives.

People who started off as the ‘Facebook Generation’ have now turned to Instagram for socialising, staying updated, and entertaining themselves. Instagram, with its easy accessibility, minimalistic yet abundant features, and growth, has gripped the attention of many. With their latest ‘Reels’ update, people

L

“Instagram helps me craft my brand identity” Ryan Menezes 26 | My Goa | July 2021

get lost within the app for hours on end, watching different quirky, funny videos, some quite eye-opening that even teach you new things.

Besides being all fun and games, the rapidly increasing 1 billion active users on Instagram makes it a huge platform for marketing. People can pay and promote posts to a large number of target audiences. Organic posting and market research has grown immensely, creating a new avenue for employment, Instagram Marketing. This fast-paced profession is all about staying up to date on Instagram updates and using those to one’s advantage. The app also provides very easy data on the engagement rate, updates on people’s followers, and data that can be used to improve one’s business and reach. During and post the lockdowns, there has been an increasing growth in the number of Instagram accounts created. Users create multiple accounts, some of them being professional portfolios.

Instagram’s features and the additionally available features online like Canva and Unfold help create aesthetic and relevant content for everyone. Artists, architects, doctors, people from any and all professions have created Instagram portfolios that are easily accessible, easily updated and are better modes of showing off one’s work and spreading

“It’s a bigger platform for discourses about taboo subjects” Raineera Baretto awareness. The number of avenues Instagram features have given people is impeccable. Millennials spend a minimum of 2 hours a day browsing through Instagram. When asked about Instagram addiction, cinematographer Yash Kamat says, “You’re consuming the things you like, that’s how it curates posts, and scrolling down a screen barely takes up any work.”

Instagram’s algorithm is very particular when it comes to recommending and exploring posts.

Yash uses Instagram mainly for work-related things, “I get a lot of work through Instagram, people see my work and recommend me

“I also use Instagram for myself, for inspiration, work and fashion”

Saili Palyekar somewhere else,” people gain access to other people’s work. It could be for inspiration, hiring someone or to distract oneself. “You’re in the comfort of your own home, and it doesn’t demand much besides good internet connection,” says Med Student Raineera Baretto. She uses her Instagram account to spread awareness about various things, “The current COVID situation, vaccinations, menstrual health, gender identity, sexuality, etc. It’s a bigger platform for discourses about taboo subjects, and we learn a lot about ourselves and other things.”

Ryan Menezes, Founder of the food joint Inferno Wings, uses his Instagram to keep track of the

engagement from similar big brands like Hooters and Buffalo Wild Wings to understand their social media game and apply a few things to his business. “Instagram helps me craft my brand identity because I feel, regularly engaging with customers gives them a sense of trust in your business.” Ryans Instagram account helped boost sales quite a bit. His posts would get reposted by friends and mutuals, spreading the word like a chain reaction, helping increase sales.

Besides this, he also finds Instagram to be a platform for self-expression, to deriving fashion sense or creative abilities, and it helps him maintain close contact with friends, especially during the pandemic.

Besides being a source of entertainment, many Instagram users use the platform to spread their ideas, be creative and post pictures that are personal for self-satisfaction. “Very often I feel like I don’t see posts from people I actually know, but more of other people and pages I follow for inspiration, whether it’s design related or fashion related.”, says Art Director Saili Palyekar. Like her, social media is a big part of a lot of people’s jobs.

“I post a lot but Instagram is basically part of my job. I handle hygiene for certain brands and I need to constantly be up to date with what’s happening, trends and viral content. I need it for

that, but I also use it for myself, for inspiration, work and fashion.” says Saili. But besides it only being about work, she also enjoys posting stories about her day, “I don’t post for people, I post for myself. Because I like to go back and see what I did and felt on a particular day”.

Figuratively or not, Millenials and Gen Z’s were born with technology handed to them. Instagram is addictive and a constant mode of distraction but it is also so many beautiful things. It inspires, ideates, creates opportunities, awareness, selflove, and so much more. Labeling it as one thing doesn’t seem fair because just like people are different, Instagram is subjective

“People see my work and recommend me to others” Yash Kamat

July 2021 | My Goa | 27

Pic: Saachi Pai Kane

Focus / Online Schooling

School from Home

From being excited about going to school, to now attending classes online, Covid has changed the face of education

By Saachi Pai Kane rom getting answers to simple questions online, socializing online to currently schooling and graduating online, the internet has done it all. Despite all these big achievements, we always find ourselves nitpicking about online schooling.

Online schooling isn’t the ideal way but we got creative when we needed it the most. Behind the thousand reasons why online schooling isn’t as effective, there are one or two reasons why it helps our students. From a general point of view, online education is quite flexible and accessible, books

F

and notes are available online, it helps children as well as adults understand technology a little better, and it keeps us safe during the pandemic. But there are more than just general points of view to online education that we should look at.

Being a teacher has never been an easy job. How is one person supposed to address and explain concepts to a group of children who would much rather go out and play? Hats off to all the teachers out there for being patient and understanding towards their students, but if being a teacher offline was so hard they would’ve had an even harder task teaching through the eye of a webcam.

Online education, currently being our only option in India is quite daunting, “It has opened up many uncharted territories in education.

Like the amount one can do with

“Preparing a lesson to make it crisp, engaging and interactive is quite challenging” NISHA DAS / Sharada Mandir School 28 | My Goa | July 2021

technology,” says Charlene Farrell, Counsellor at The Gera School.

According to Charlene, the lack of social interaction is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to online education. When asked about a few effective teaching methods, “Using a lot of interactive apps like nearpod, mentimeter and padlet keeps them engaged.” Online teaching is definitely not as easy as it sounds, “With so much happening in our students’ lives, it’s difficult to connect with them on the same level as we did. Emotionally and physically they seem so much further away. We try our best to make it work but at the end of the day, the heart of education lies in the human touch and human interaction”, says Charlene.

“I prefer a physical setup but I wouldn’t disregard online schooling.

I’ve had students that have never spoken in the offline setup speak during classes”, mentioned Sandeep Doifode, English Teacher at Sunshine Worldwide School. Students tend to feel shy or judged when expressing themselves in classes. Online schooling has provided them a safe platform to express themselves

without feeling criticized which helps build up their confidence in the long run. With the amount of excuses that can be made for online education, it is quite difficult for a teacher to keep the students involved in activities. “Education must always be personalised, it cannot always be distant. It’s not just about the textbook but also about life,” Sandeep stresses about the fact that once offline school begins, teachers must try harder to connect to their students and get to know them better. With the current generation being exposed to so many more issues, they have much more to deal with at a young age.

While in conversation with Nisha Das, Teacher at Sharada Mandir School, she brings to light how teachers teach multiple classes to different batches of students, each being quite different in their own way. “Preparing a lesson to make it crisp, engaging and interactive is quite challenging.

For every lesson to have such a plan is so taxing”, but nevertheless, she tries her hardest to keep her students focused and engaged with different class activities and videos. Her biggest takeaway from online teaching is the fact that although online teaching is inconvenient in many ways, education continued and teachers were able to

“Education must always be personalised, it cannot always be distant.

It’s not just about the textbook but also about life” SANDEEP DOIFODE / Sunshine

Worldwide School

“Using a lot of interactive apps like Nearpod, Mentimeter and Padlet keeps students engaged” CHARLENE FARRELL / Gera School communicate with their students and help them during these trying times, “Amidst all this gloom and sadness, I am able to come into a class and cheer these children up. I have the advantage to reach out to these children who might be isolated or having their own mental issues and can talk to them.”

Due to online teaching teachers like Nisha can reach out to these children and help reassure them about the light at the end of the tunnel. “We didn’t let the virus stop children from gaining their education. We fought through it”, she says.

As a fellow student I can relate to other students when they talk about the stress of online learning. Life is definitely easier with everything available at the palm of our hands but there’s so many factors that people don’t consider. The average screen time of a student has spiked up, focusing on a screen for hours takes a toll and does affect the ability to concentrate, and social isolation along with other mental issues do affect students.

A big challenge while shifting to online education was the fact that it’s an extremely new concept, “Not the student nor the faculty had the time to prepare for such a drastic change”, says Aryan, a high school student at Sharada Mandir School. The lack of effective communication online was a major concern. Despite the rules, students rarely have their cameras on during classes making it seem like a boring seminar rather than an engaging class. “Rather than online classes being the way that they are, we should have digital learning, which is learning through assignments, presentations, and other mediums that can be done online”, Aryan explained.

To conclude, he believes that change can never be done instantly but this was the best we could do at the time being. “Online education is not as engaging but gets the job done. It’s not suited for everyone but it’s unrivaled

in terms of contactless education”, says Darren from Sharada Mandir Highschool. The biggest challenge is to participate, students can always login to classes and go do some other work. “A big takeaway is the fact that online education is more feasible than we thought. There are students who need real classroom engagement.

But substituting going to school for some time makes sense.” According to Darren, online education is quite subjective but group activities are a go-to and should be used to keep students involved.

When in conversation with Umran, a BPT (Bachelors in Physiotherapy) student, he emphasized on how online learning is easy but not practical in the long run. It has its pros, “I can study at my own pace, concentrate at my own pace, if I need breaks, I can take breaks”, but there’s also challenges where students cannot understand what the teacher is trying to explain.

Teacher’s have to tweak their teaching methods while shifting from offline to online teaching. If not done correctly, this can affect the learning process of students. After conversing with quite a few students and teachers during the pandemic, there has been a mix of reactions when it comes to online education. Most students and teachers are waiting to go back to offline schooling. Inspite of all the challenges faced through the screen, we’ve been able to keep education afloat. It’s been more than a year into online schooling, and although things seem to be getting better slowly, I believe that online education will continue to be an integral part of our lives for a few more years to come. Teachers will always continue to do their best and help us out, but as students, we must learn to accept it, embrace it and grow along with it July 2021 | My Goa | 29

Wah! Goa / Bookworm

Go, Get ‘Book’ed

Bookworm is a creative space to impart food for the heart and soul, widen horizons, and empower one with the need to comprehend the written word

Interiors of Bookworm Library

By Sybil Rodrigues ujata Noronha founded Bookworm, a librarybased organisation, as a response in the early 2000s to a growing literacy crisis and the absence of a socio-cultural lifestyle around story reading. She has academic degrees in education from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) with a specialisation in Literacy and Language, which are her thesis subjects. She is a member of the Goa State Child Committee, faculty on the MA Elementary Education course of TISS and a Library Educator’s Course. Sujata has conducted literacy research for Goa, has worked and writes on various research topics; and mentors a growing tribe of

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30 | My Goa | July 2021

Sujata Noronha

library educators in the country.

Bookworm began in September 2005 out of Panaji, with the thought of creating a rich and accessible collection of childrens’ books. ‘Bookworm’ – a name which expresses the key quotient of the quintessential book lover has since then evolved to encompass several streams of thought – to impart food for the soul, broadening horizons of opportunities for children who have few or no one who read with them, to create a tool which empowers and recognises the need to comprehend the written word.

With a vision to inspire and develop a love for reading as a way of life, nurturing humane engagement in every girl, boy and others, Bookworm works with children, youth, adults

Bookworm Library at Mala, Panaji

and the larger community in diverse and varied contexts.

Bookworm library holds a collection of over 27,000 books for children of all ages and abilities, and includes some of the finest and highest quality of children’s literature in the entire country. The Library also holds workshops and events throughout the year, reinforcing the idea of the Library as an open and creative space for all.

Bookworm’s ‘Mobile Outreach Programme’ is a community-based library programme that takes books to children, and facilitates library sessions in communities which have no immediate access to a library due to various social, economic or cultural circumstances.

Bookworm also runs a ‘Libraries in School’ programme which provides a library experience and resources to schools which do not have library facilities.

In working with the space of library as a dynamic of change, empowerment, action and joy, we have been supporting various groups within Goa and outside through workshops and trainings.

As part of its ‘Professional Development program’, every year Bookworm offers a Library Educators Certificate Course, a first of its kind Library course, open to all individuals working with children and books.

Besides these programs, Bookworm has a mobile library.

The ‘Mobile Outreach Programme’ (MOP) was conceptualised in 2011 to take the library into community spaces reaching out to the children.

Sujata at a workshop with children

Children who access MOP are mostly first generation school goers between the ages 3 to 13. With few or no adults to read with them or to introduce the library to them, this program fosters informed reading for every child irrespective of his/her environment.

A story is chosen based on what the children relate to. It has been found effective and important to choose a story which is about something specific in the immediate socio-cultural environment of the children. It not only echoes a personal interest as an understood identifier but also bridges the gap in the literacy related activities that follow.

The activity is typically a package of discussing elements in the story and expressing it through multiple forms – games designed to fit into the resource plan, a song written and put tune to, gestures, a drawing activity and avid discussions around it. A lending library is set up with every child who comes for 3 consecutive sessions. The resource person discusses each book when the child returns it drawing parallels to their lives and the story/ reading. The book is welcomed into their lives and becomes an extension

of their world.

MOP becomes a woven carpet of children who have participated in the world of books and with every session, takes another step towards welcoming the world of books into their lives and interweaving it with their own contexts.

When the pandemic hit, the library closed down for a month and a half, a first since it started 15 years back. The vision for library work is that in times like the pandemic they needed to be most active but such was the nature of the time. Their programs that involved direct interaction with children and adults through schools, communities, and physical workshops and activities in the library, had to be reimagined and alternate ways of reaching out, thought of. What was reassuring was that the team responded quite quickly, reaffirming their vision and attempting to hold strong despite team insecurities, an unknown future in the world and as a Trust, the concern about financial sustainability. Running a library of this scale, one is susceptible to roadblocks and challenges. A large number of people depend on them, competing with larger societal concerns; along with funding, are causes for concern.

The love for reading begins at a young age, which makes timely interventions critical.

The last year has shifted most learning into the remote, and most interactions through a screen. With this abrupt switch into the virtual, most children are missing out on physical tangible resources to access and engage with.

Choose the Library, with their calendar of reading support activities, it will be the best decision you make July 2021 | My Goa | 31

Heritage

A Moment for our Monuments

The plight of various monumental buildings around Goa is deplorable. It is time to ask a few pertinent questions about the future of our rich past

HETA PANDIT

W

hat do the Basilica of Bom Jesus-Old Goa, former Goa Institute of Management-Ribandar, the old building of Goa Medical CollegePanaji, old Secretariat Palacio-Panaji, old Aguada Jail-Sinquerim, old PWD building-Panaji, old Lyceum/High Court of Bombay at Goa-Panaji, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel ruins-Chimbel and the Kala Academy have in common? Well, they are all located in Goa for one. They’re all monumental, iconic buildings located in strategic locations scattered all over our tiny but beautiful state. Most importantly, they all have some historical,

32 | My Goa | July 2021

archaeological, architectural, social, cultural and aesthetic value. They all have an emotional and evocative connect with the people of Goa and these people may not be very vociferous in their concern today but that is because they, as individuals, are only looking at each one of these icons individually. Let us then, help them see things the way they were. Let us, take a drone’s eye view of all the monumental buildings and see if we get a clearer picture of the way things really are.

If I had been a student at the Lyceum (1851-1961), the Old Portuguese secondary school in Panaji, I would either have walked to school or scampered up the turning stairs to my classroom, ran back home for lunch and then back again for the second half of the school day.

I would recall that my school was initially called the Liceu Central de Nova Goa at first and later, the Liceu Nacional Afonso de Albuquerque and would recall, with pride, like the late historian Percival Noronha that “the standard of education at the Liceu was as good as a college degree today”.

When the old school building was

emptied, restored and upcycled to serve as the High Court of Bombay at Goa, it seemed appropriate. Its status as an educational institution and an upholder of justice, Goan values and ethics simply fitted into its new avatar.

It was upcycled by the Government of Goa Public Works Department (PWD) and legal luminaries from Bombay remarked what a pleasure it was working in the building. Having come from the Gothic architectural marvel of the High Court of Bombay, “it fitted us like a second skin”. What the need for a new Court building (and that too on top of a hill which should have retained its trees instead) was, we do not know. What the fate of the old Lyceum/High Court of Bombay at Goa is, we do not know.

The old PWD building, located on the bank of the Ourem backwaters, with mangroves forming a beautiful backdrop to the open space, was so lovely a location that it was seen fit to host the Serendipity Arts Festival with exhibitions by artists and performers entertaining and educating visitors. It is empty today without any discussion or debate in the public domain as to its future fate. If the Kala Academy is

Old GMC

Pic: JoeGoaUK

booked up and artists are waiting in line to exhibit their works, should we not be considering this as a potential venue for art, a theatre school, a performance venue? It has beautiful period flooring and the rooms lend themselves to small group shows.

There was even talk of its imminent demolition in 2018, but a loud cry of protest from art lovers and the people of Panaji put a hold on those plans.

What the fate of this PWD building is, we do not know.

A similar fate awaited the Old Goa Medical College building in Panaji some years ago. Asia’s oldest medical college was to be demolished and turned into a multi-storied car park!

Timely intervention (and a sensitive Chief Minister then) put a stop to those plans and today it serves as the venue for the International Film Festival of Goa. It comes alive, once a year and then goes back into monumental slumber for the rest of the year. A large building like that, as any one will tell you, needs to be used every single day. How this can be brought about, we do not know.

Committee after Committee (comprising experts, business doyens and industry champions) have sat in deliberation over the fate of the old Adil Shah Palace, (also called the Viceroy’s Palace and also called the old Secretariat). Today, this monumental, historic edifice stands looking like a pathetic version of its former self – nothing more than a glorified traffic island. Part of it has been converted to

Mt. Carmel Church, Chimbel

the offices of Smart City Panjim which has, in its wisdom, punctured holes in its walls to put in air conditioning and packed in parquet false ceilings, changing the architectural features and character of this Mandovi river fronting beauty of a building. This too, is used as an art space during the Serendipity Art Festival once a year.

What its fate is, beyond the once-ayear holy dip into art and culture, we do not know.

One of the most tragic cases in this long drone-eyed view of iconic heritage structures is that of the former Goa Institute of Management building at Ribandar. Once the Hospicio Real or Royal Hospital, this too is located at a scenic spot overlooking the river, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, with the ferry boats cruising back and forth to Divar and Chorão.This expansive building, with its chapel and historic chapel bell, lends itself to better usage.

No one knows why the GIM was summarily dismissed from here and the building allowed to go to seed. The Cyber Crime Cell occupies a small annexe in the building and again, artists display their work once a year at the Serendipity Art Festival. What fate lies in store for it, we do not know.

Another tragedy is that of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Chimbel. It is the first church built by Goans under the Order of the Tertiary Carmels, founded by Goan priests and is symbolic of a declaration of freedom against Colonial and Brahminical religious oppression. It was Goa’s first psychiatric hospital and was also once a refuge for destitute women and

girls. Today, it is in ruins and no one, not even the local village group that is passionate about saving it, really knows what is to become of it.

This brings us to a few and rather awkward questions. Is this a deliberate attempt at neglect and abandonment by intent of Goa’s most monumental buildings? Is the intention to obliterate a certain 451 years of our history and get into a blind-fold mode? Are we to murder our architecture and serve selective amnesia? None of us want to be reminded of colonial history but by neglecting and deliberately ruining our architectural marvels, all we are doing is throwing out the babies with the bathwater. All of these monuments are in the ownership or custodianship of the Government of Goa and its various departments. If you look at each one individually, you don’t see it but if you look at them all and join the dots, the picture is clear. A drawing of conclusions perhaps; that our friends in real estate will be able to place on their drawing boards someday soon Heta Pandit has authored 8 books on Goan heritage. Heta is a Homi Bhabha Fellow and a founder member of the Goa Heritage Action Group. She lives in Saligao, Bardez with her cat Maia

Old PWD

July 2021 | My Goa | 33

BookWorld

A Daughter’s Story Dr Sushila Fonseca speaks about her latest book, which is a biography of her father, Antonio Sequeira and his life during the Portuguese times in Goa

By Sybil Rodrigues uthor Dr Sushila Fonseca is the daughter of Antonio and Ermelinda Sequeira.

She is a consultant pathologist and also writes as and when inspiration strikes. Sushila has authored several fictional and non-fictional works and is a Goa State Cultural Award winner (Literature in English 2018-2019) Dr. Sushila’s father, Antonio Sequeira, took part in the freedom movement in the late 1940s and went into self-exile in Mombasa, Kenya.

His wife and children followed him and so Dr. Sushila completed her secondary school and earned her

A

34 | My Goa | July 2021

Senior Cambridge certificate, over there. She graduated in Medicine in Mumbai from the Topiwala National Medical College, Bombay University and completed her post-graduation in Pathology from the same institution, where she also worked as a resident pathologist.

She later worked at Goa Medical College and resigned from her lecturer’s post, in 1983, to start Dr. Fonseca’s Pathology Laboratory in Fontainhas, Panjim, where she consults till date.

Dr Sushila is part of different associations like Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists

(IAP), Association of Pathologists (GAP) and Indian Medical Association where she has served as General Secretary, IMA-Goa State.

She has a few awards to her credit, as well. She won the Manek Billimoria Prize in Pathology (1971) at the Topiwala National Medical College.

She was named the ‘Best Branch Secretary Indian Medical Association - Goa State’ in 2007. She was felicitated by the Indian Medical Association Goa State in 2012. She was awarded the Goa State Cultural Award in 201819; and was honoured by the Rotary Club of Panaji in 2019.

Dr. Sushila writes both fiction and non-fiction articles and books on topics of medical and social interest, as she sees it. Her intention is to share her extensive knowledge and experience with youth and society at large, through easy to understand and enjoyable articles and novels.

Her non-fiction work on health includes books like What I Should Know About HIV/AIDS (2005), Good Health Practices for the Family (2006), Know Your Fever (2010).

Rebecca’s Inheritance (2002), Touched by Love (2005), The Secret of The Diamond Ring (2007), Invisible Currents (2014), The Pontin Secret (2017) are some of her fictional works along with a historical fiction written in 2018 titled, Against the Tide…47 men.

Her latest book, The Journey of an Unsung Hero: Antonio Sequeira – His Quest for Goa’s Freedom, is a biography of her father.

Dr Sushila elaborates on what inspired her to write the book. “I had just published my historical novel Against The Tide … 47 Men… in 2018 and perhaps that book which is based on the revolt of the natives of Goa in 1787 (also known as the Pinto Revolt)

Dr. Sushila Fonseca

set my mind thinking about my father’s struggles.”

She had been informed that copies of A Voz da India, her father’s newspaper, were preserved in the Central Library and so she went and looked them up. “Then, as I was deciding on whether I should go ahead and write on his life, a friend prodded me on saying, “If you don’t, then who will?”

I began writing and then his story just took over.

As I wrote, I became more and more convinced that it is a story to be told to the youth of Goa for many of them have no notion of the deprivations the Goan population, especially the subalterns, suffered during the Portuguese rule, especially at the time of Salazar – for it wasn’t at all ‘hunky-dory’ as many people make it out to be.”

The Journey of an Unsung Hero: Antonio Sequeira – His Quest for Goa’s Freedom (2021) is a biography in which Dr Sushila recounts how although Antonio Sequeira had everything going splendidly for him, he took up his pen to awaken the people to the ills of the Portuguese regime.

With this, although he lost everything he had, yet after spending more than a decade and a half in self-exile in Africa, he returned to his beloved Goa, determined to help in the development of the State.

Dr Sushila then goes on to speak about Goa in the 1940s and her father, Antonio Sequeira. Goa, back then, was very unlike how it is now. Goa was a colony of the Portuguese Empire and was ruled

by the dictator, Antonio Salazar.

Under this dictatorship, poverty and penury, absence of development and lack of civil liberties with strict censorship of all written matter, were the order of the day. Dissent of any form was not tolerated.

“Antonio Sequeira, my father, was the editor of the A Voz da India (The Voice of India). This paper was most nationalistic and also the leading daily in circulation during the years that it survived the watchful eyes of the Portuguese Salazarist Government. Despite the strict censorship, Antonio used his pen artfully, to awaken and remind Goans about their right to civil liberties, democracy and a better quality of life.”

A pharmacist, a lawyer and well to do in his own right, Antonio Sequeira sacrificed all that he had to awaken his people to their fundamental rights and never lost an opportunity to subtly point out the failings of the Portuguese rulers.

Dr Sushila goes on to add, “As he refused to publish fake news as ordered by the government of the day, his newspaper

was banned and he was to be arrested. With the help of trusted friends, he managed to escape into exile and had to begin life all over again from scratch.

Through all his travails my mother, Ermelinda Figueiredo e Sequeira – a teacher by profession, stood by him, for she was

as convinced as he was, of the path he had chosen to work against the repressive Portuguese regime.”

Amongst other snippets that the book offers, some amusing and interesting perceptions and perspective into the Liberation years and how even freedom of the media suffered, had to be compromised with given the prevailing dictatorship of the Salazarist regime in Goa. Once she began writing, her father’s story just took over and the only roadblock faced by her was paucity of time as she had to double up between her medical profession and writing. Nevertheless she persisted and went on to recount her father’s story to the world

Dr C.E. Fonseca, Dr Sushila Fonseca and Nilesh Cabral at the release of her historical novel ‘Against The Tide … 47 Men…’

July 2021 | My Goa | 35

Art

Celebrating Vamona The artist is known to have had his creative imprint well established across three continents. His contribution to art needs to have a wider acceptance across Goa

NAGUESH RAO SARDESSAI

D

rawing is taking a line for a walk, said Paul Klee. Vamona Ganesh Navelcar does exactly

that.

Vamona takes the line for a walk and it is interesting to see the mark that he leaves all over the paper.

Sometimes these lines are evocative at other times they are just blobs expressing the language of his soul.

The artist has come a long way from the days he surreptitiously painted on the reverse of the calendar to avoid detection. Hailing from the picturesque village of Pomburpa in Bardez, Vamona has traversed a whole lot of nations to enrich himself with the wealth of knowledge and experience.

Living legend: I refer to him as the Bhishm Pitamah (grand old man) of Goan Art. Vamona is reticent and sage-like reclusive. Left alone, he would revel in sketching and painting.

Understanding the dynamics of the market, working on public relation niceties and applying economic formulas and prudence of the art world, is libelous and unknown to him.

A very rare artist who loathes the limelight, he received the tangible push required to venture into the world of art from the legendary businessperson, late Vishwasrao Chowgule and encouragement from Governor-General of Goa, General Paul Bernardo Guedes. “The place where I worked for the first time turned the pages of my life to a bettter 36 | My Goa | July 2021

Vamona Navelcar

future,” says Vamona with nostalgic glee.

Cut to Portugal: Here, he graduated from Lisbon’s Escola Superior de Belas Artes and began teaching art. Vamona had a brush with the Portuguese government over the signing of a petition against Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, prior to the liberation of Goa, in the year 1961. This cost him the much needed scholarship due to which he had to rework his plans.

Since Mozambique then was a Portuguese colony, Vamona was deputed as a teacher at the Lyceum

there, where he had another round of brush with the fate.

The locals at a remote forest at Imala held Vamona hostage, along with some of his teacher colleagues and students. Bold and fearless, Vamona single handedly dealt with the situation and negotiated their release. Vamona’s tryst with destiny seemed to remain unending. He once again found himself at the crossroads with huge chunk of his works – over thousand paintings, prized photographs, entire bunch of certificates and nearly hundred prizes – packed in a baggage lost in transit during his return to Portugal from

Mozambique.

‘I felt, I had lost my Identity,’ says Vamona with moist eyes and tears held back. The fighter that he is, Vamona reinvented himself and adopted a new identity. He began signing as ‘Ganesh’ as an offering to his family deity Lord Ganesh who is the destroyer of hurdles and difficulties. His elder brother who had passed away in childhood was also named Ganesh.

Vamona’s works act as a narrative as they reflect the influence of the place and the time during which it was painted. It spots Vamona at various locations around the globe and expresses his peculiar and identifiable style.

Having resided in Portugal and Mozambique for almost three decades, a strong African influence is evidently visible in his works. However, in spite of his long stay outside the cultural influence of India, he has retained a palpable link with his motherland through art. The fine lyrical lines, mythological subjects, attention to accentuate grace and so on displays complete Indian ethos.

Vamona’s oeuvre is huge and magnanimous. With subjects ranging from bulls in actions to human figures to complete abstracts besides landscapes, religious scriptures, poems, philosophy, social life and cultural vignettes, Vamona has touched upon all these and more.

From works ranging from photo realistic to stylize, cubist to abstract and automatic painting, stands

testimony to the magnitude of talent and power of draftsmanship that Vamona wields.

Passion, even at this age, is what his driving force, remains. His keen observation of the social establishment and the nuances therein inspires Vamona, the artist.

Some of his works are highly expressionist. The abstracts, at times, are symphonic. One can hear the music play through the black ink marks. The passionate outpouring does translate into commonly comprehendible visual language that facilitates easy connection with the lay onlooker.

Swami Vivekananda, Albert Camus, Rabindranath Tagore, J Krishnamurthy, Bertrand Russell are few of the thinkers who have left an indelible mark on his psyche and had a major influence on his life. A voracious reader, Vamona interprets poems and literary works of his favourite litterateurs through his paintings. Rabindranath Tagore, Fernando Pessoa and the Portuguese national poet Luis Camoes come alive through his works. Vamona is a great admirer of internationally reputed Goan artists late V. S. Gaitonde (another reclusive artist) and late F. N. Souza – both Goan masters.

Coming back to his craft, a line for him is like a child that he takes for a casual walk. The walk, that turns into a masterpiece. And every work of his is a masterpiece without exaggeration.

Using pen, brush and minimal paint, Vamona has successfully created his personal vocabulary. The seemingly incoherent line takes an expressive shape, bringing to life a palpable form that skillfully marries into evocative composition pregnant with the passionate outpouring of Vamona.

His ink wash works resonates the early Indian style and composition and evokes creative curiosity. Vamona creates magic on paper – black magic on virgin white paper. Negative and positive space connives to project the artist’s inner feelings. The paradox accentuates the emotive drama inherent in the subject. He refuses to confirm to any rigid ‘isms’ or trend and as such Vamona’s works are an example in felicity with diverse media and style.He is a much-revered Goan artist in the global context with his reference found in the Encyclopaedia of Portuguese Artists by Dr. Fernando Pamplona and in the Dictionary on 20th Century Portuguese Artists by R. Tannuck, London, as well.

UNICEF published his works in the form of postcards.

His life is a journey worth chronicling. Acceptance by the people who matter in the field of art and rejections by the others who mattered less has been the gist of his eventful life. A true ‘Karma Yogi’, he reconciles and manages to remain content with the idea that art alone is the path leading to salvation.

Painting for Vamona is spirituality.

No wonder he gets lost in the process like a yogi; and signs his work with an additional name – ‘Ganesh’. This a symbolic gesture through which he offers each of his work to his family deity Lord Ganesh and his late elder brother.

There has been a representation made to the government by some of his fans and patrons to bestow the prestigious Gomant Vibhushan award on him.

Vamona is a goldmine about to yield value. And it is high time; the serious art connoisseurs promote him in fairness July 2021 | My Goa | 37

Music

On Track B

By Saachi Pai Kane

orn and raised in Goa, the dance music artiste Aneesh Gera has achieved the dreams of every musician – release 200 records, get your music played by Ryan Seacrest, to be present in the top 10 worldwide hits, become the highest streamed artiste for underground music in India, to hitting almost 5 million streams on Spotify – Aneesh has done it all.

Aneesh started DJing professionally at the age of 17. It was a time when DJing was looked down upon, it was considered to be a job someone chose after they failed or didn’t have an option, but his mother supported him throughout. “There was no limelight or glamour, the nice part was, people who were into 38 | My Goa | July 2021

Aneesh Gera talks about the challenges of being an artiste today, along with how the pandemic has affected the electronic music industry

it were into it for the music, nothing else”, says Aneesh. When asked about why he chose DJing, he talks about his first time at a club, “I went to my first nightclub when I was really young, my mum took me to this club in Dona Paula called Lidos. It was a surreal experience. Everyone inside was having a great time and there was this one guy in the corner playing music from CDs. And this one guy is collectively giving everyone this experience. And I thought it was very empowering.” Aneesh was in awe

“There was no limelight or glamour, the nice part was, people who were into it were into it for the music, nothing else” ANEESH GERA

of how a DJ could control people’s emotions and their whole experience.

People can go back feeling nostalgic, energetic and euphoric and it’s one man who made 50-60 people feel that way, it was very empowering, he says.

As consumers of music, we see DJ Aneesh making the crowd groove

what the media shows us. We look at the music industry as this glamorous life, full of happiness, constant partying, traveling, beautiful clothes and all things shiny.

What we refuse to see is the part that’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

The amount of work that

artistes put into just one song, the mental stress, anxiety and depression behind the constant rejection and downfalls that they go through is left unseen. “The industry has taught me how to take constructive feedback and how to deal with constant rejection, it is one of the most cut-throat and fickle industries,” says Aneesh.

“People think it’s success after success, not realising the amount of rejection and failure is incredible.”

With people consuming content at such a fast pace, artistes and creators find it absurd to catch up to these standards.

We as consumers generate so much stress, “People will just assume that because you’re so successful you’ll always hit the same level of success,” not realising how disheartening it is. “I spend anything from 6 weeks to 6 months writing one piece of music, writing one record, because it’s not easy to write music. There’s a certain standard I like to work to. I am my own biggest critic. And you put your heart and soul into something, you’ve pushed yourself and gone all out.

And you finally release it, and people go ‘Okay, nice’ and then the next day they go ‘Hey, when’s your next song coming out?”, Aneesh talks about how this can wreck one’s mental state, and the rejection is constant in the music industry, but no one talks about it.

An audio engineer by profession, Aneesh Gera is a man of many talents. He built himself up over the past 20 years to professionally take on 9

distinct roles in the music industry, which were quite affected by the pandemic.

“Everything has come to a halt with almost no plan of resuming. And no one’s talking about our industry, about how we’re going to put food on the table”, he says. For someone who flew on almost 70 flights touring in 2018, he hasn’t stepped on a plane in the past 15 months.

“Lockdown affected me, it brought 20 years of growth to a grinding halt, with a very vague path moving forward.” He is the highest streamed artiste for underground music in India with just under five million streams. “Before the pandemic hit, I had an average of 200,000 streams a month on Spotify, which is down to 30,000.” Most of his fans are from the western world, mainly the US, Germany, Netherlands and the UK. Most people listened to music while commuting, as lockdowns were instated, streams dropped and post the reopening of cities, algorithms and things changed, affecting his results. Inspite of these challenges Aneesh was quite happy during the lockdown, “I was very fortunate, I adopted a new puppy, Rossi. I was initially very happy, I was at home and not constantly on planes. The first two months were great, I was in a very good space, a happy bubble, and I was able to write. And then I spoke to other artistes who felt just the opposite.”

So many artistes were left in bad spaces due to the pandemic. Writing, producing and their mode of income were affected

deeply, but because these didn’t seem sparkly and shiny, not a lot of media attention was given to these issues.

When asked about his favourite track from all the music that he has created, Aneesh talks about his track ‘Cocoon’ by Aneesh Gera and Valerie D’Silva feat. Naique. This project was special to Aneesh because the whole project was in Goa, with people from Goa. He co-wrote the piece during the lockdown with Naique, an artiste from Margao. Raj Naique was battling cancer for the second time, he was in the hospital. Aneesh kept writing and sending him things to help lift his spirits. “We lost him in December. I’m proud that we wrote something for him, to honour him. We wrote it together. Valerie is also a good friend of his. And it got signed to one of the biggest trance music labels in the world, The Future Sound of Egypt

by Aly and Fila, based in London.” Claiming that this was the best record that he wrote and produced, it ended up at No. 59 in the World Top 100. “The track is quite deep, it’s about mental health and has a lot of depth to it. I want to do that with my music. Not just write about something cheap and easy for a pop chart. I want something that has soul to it,” he says.

When asked about what the future holds for him, “I never talk about things that are coming up.

There are 500 things I’m dying to announce but I can’t with the NDAs I don’t even know where to begin.

But the cocoon story is not over” July 2021 | My Goa | 39

Cuisine

Monsoon Munchies When it rains, it pours snacks – celebrate the monsoons with these delicious snacks by SAYULI PAI RAIKAR that are hard to resist

Onion Pakoras: Spoonfuls of thick runny batter made with sliced onions, green chillies, chickpea flour or besan, bishops weed, spice powders, deep fried till crisp. They are best enjoyed with coriander chutney and ketchup.

Rajasthani Mirchi Vada: Up your usual Mirchi by stuffing it with a potato mix and then deep frying as usual to make the traditional, famous Mirchi Vadas from the streets of Rajasthan.

Batatawada: Mashed potato patty made with green chillies, ginger, coriander leaves, turmeric powder are dunked in chickpea flour or besan batter and deep fried. A popular street snack in Bombay and is also called Aloo Bonda.

40 | My Goa | July 2021

Moringa or Drumstick Leaves Pakoras: Drumstick leaves are only available during the monsoons and they can be made into pakoras. It is a perfect way to get the kids to eat this superfood.

Roughly chopped moringa leaves added to besan or chickpea flour, a mashed banana, spice powders, asafoetida, baking soda and deep fried. The sweetness from banana balances the bitter from the leaves perfectly.

Banana Blossom Cutlets: Another seasonal ingredient, instead of the usual kelful bhaaji, turn this humble vegetable into the perfect evening snack. Cooked banana blossom is added to sautéed onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies, mashed potato, ground spices, shaped into cutlets and either shallow or deep fried.

Ros Omelette: Goa’s favourite street food tastes even better when it’s pouring cats and dogs.

Usual omelettes are served with Chicken Xacuti (or crab), topped with raw onions and lemon juice and enjoyed best with local Pao/ Unde.

Sayuli Pai Raikar juggles various roles as a legal practitioner, home cook, a mother, insta-blogger and lover of all things food. She loves to explore the unique local seasonal produce of Goa, and while respecting old traditional recipes, also enjoys creating new recipes and flavour combinations.

Sayuli was drawn to the culinary world as she enjoyed every opportunity that she got to cook for her family and friends.

She loves cooking South East Asian fare as it is bright, colourful, flavourful and pays a visit to each of the 6 tastes and describes it as “It is as complex as it is simple” Here, she lists out her favourite monsoon snacks that she enjoys making and treating her friends and families to.

July 2021 | My Goa | 41

Green Goa

Tree architecture and ‘instant’ trees, even in pots

The advantages and joy of growing fruit trees and flowering plants in pots

MIGUEL BRAGANZA

A

lmost everyone would have seen huge trees that have emerged from the support poles of the Indian Tulip, Thespesia populnea, used on the beachfront in Goa to stake coconut trees on windy seashores, but they may have not noticed what exactly had happened.

As its Konkani name Bhenddi tree

suggests, it is related to the Ladyfinger or Bhenddo plant. Both belong to the Hibiscus family, Malvaceae. The Indian Tulip tree produces large yellow flowers that turn pink in a day or two, with both colours adding beauty to its canopy of lustrous green leaves. Its trunk yields good quality timber and is used for making furniture.

Unlike the coconut tree, that can sway like a ballerina and still not miss its footing, or the Rain Tree that closes its leaves during gloomy weather like the prudent shopkeepers who down their shutters in anticipation of riots, most other trees get knocked out by the cyclone. The cyclone Tauktae literally drove home the message of tree architecture. Residents of the coastal belt had precious fruit trees in their compounds uprooted and dropped on the ground like a sack of

Pole tree cross section

Pole Tree Indian Tulip Pole Tree Indian Tulip

Potted Star Fruit

42 | My Goa | July 2021

potatoes. Unbalanced branching and dense canopy of a tree make it an easy target for the cyclonic winds. A large number of mango trees came down in May, not for a vacation but flat out on the ground. I am still guiding people how to balance their precious Malcurada, Manga Hilario or mango trees bearing their family name.

Like a good bonsai artist, one must prune and train a mango tree to let the storm blow through it. With decreasing areas of housing plots, one has to decrease the height of the trees that are otherwise likely to fall on one’s own or neighbour’s house. One has to train the trees like one trains their children: when they are young.

When the seedling or graft is about one metre in height one has to begin to train it. There are various systems of training trees and now details are

Pole tree guy rope and band

Potted Purple Custard Apple

available on Google and YouTube. For the mango tree, as for the rose bush, an ‘open center’ or ‘open heart’ system is the best.

Those who have trees that are already big need not lose heart. There are pruning systems that have been developed to rejuvenate old fruit trees and give them a new lease of life. It seems crazy to cut a fifteen metres tall mango tree to four metres (fourteen feet) height, but it works! The tree becomes easy to harvest, gives one good yield and reduces the risk of it falling while increasing its life. There is twenty years research by mango growers in Devgad (Maharashtra) like Dr. Ajit Shirodkar and five years of validation by scientists at the DBSKKV-Dapoli’s regional fruit research station in Vengurla to back this recommendation.

The cyclone Tauktae

also knocked down roadside ornamental trees in Panaji and across Goa. Fortunately, some of the trees are amenable to ‘pole planting’ and the entire stumps have been planted by some environmentally conscious citizens in Panaji and this can serve as an example for others to follow. Bonsai specialist and tree-lover Daniel D’Souza has played a leading role in making this possible A ‘pole tree’ is the trunk or branch of a tree, normally between two and five metres long, which roots and sprouts to give an instant tree when planted in the ground.

The planting of a pole instead of a seedling, has the advantage that it is less likely to be damaged by browsing animals. The foliage is well beyond the reach of goats and sheep.

The Government of New Zealand has guidelines.

[ http s : / / w w w. t rc . gov t . nz/poleswhyplant.pdf ].

All kinds of ‘Strangler Figs’ of the Ficus species, like Banyan tree, Peepul, Roomad, Ficus benjamina, Nunurki, and Indian Rubber Tree, the Peltophorum and the Gulmohur, the Amaddo or Hog Plum, the Glyricida and the Mulberry can be grown into pole trees. Those who live in apartment blocks can also have trees of their own – in their own apartment!

There are quite a few fruit plants that one can grow in pots. Ashok Dande has different limes and lemons in pots at NagaliTaleigao. Caje Almeida from Damon-Raia sells sour sop plants with fruits in a pot. My family and I have grown guavas, chickoo, carambola, custard apple, sour sop, limes, lemons and pineapples in pots. Liria Mendoza has strawberry guavas in pots in Curtorim.

Oscar Silveira in Borda and Cesar Cabral in Mapusa have grown mangoes.

It is not rocket science.

You can see the visuals at collaborativelearningcafe. org. We have discussed the subject recently with participants from all over Goa and beyond, even in foreign lands.

The easiest to grow fruit plant after mulberry

is strawberry.

Sergio Carvalho grew papaya on his terrace in Mapusa, while others have grown banana plants in barrels.

A Jabuticaba or tree grape is an exotic fruit plant can also be grown in a pot. Rahul Samant is a web designer who is growing the grape vine in a pot on the terrace of the Sanvordem-Curchorem post office and eating home-grown grapes for the last two years! We had also grown grafted cashew in half of a 200 litre barrel at the Government Farm, Duler-Mapusa, and it bore fruit for many years in the 1980s.

The fizalis or cape gooseberry is easy to grow and the star gooseberry or raj anvadde is not difficult at all. The amla or common gooseberry can be grown in pots and so can hog plum or Amaddo if you want to make sasav with balcony-grown fruits.

Grafted tamarind can also bear in pots. West Indian cherry, Indian cherry or karvanda and even bhirand or kokum can be grown in pots. Pruning and training is important in growing fruit plants in pots, but that is not rocket science. Now YouTube and Google open up opportunities to learn from home July 2021 | My Goa | 43

Nature

Flights of Fancy Bird watching is a hobby that delights many, and with Goa’s natural beauty, a rewarding pastime Yellowbrowed Bulbul Whiterumped Shama

Flamethroated Bulbul

By Sybil Rodrigues ird-watching, the observation of live birds in their natural habitat, a popular pastime and scientific sport, developed almost entirely in the 20th century. Modern bird-watching was made possible largely by the development of optical aids, particularly binoculars, which enabled people to see and study wild birds. The Indian subcontinent harbours close to 1300 species with over 60 species found nowhere else, on our planet. It is therefore a true treasure trove for any enthusiast bitten by the ‘bird watching bug’.

Goa is home to an abundance of lush vegetation, rich flora and fauna, makes it an excellent bird watching destination. Around 450 species of birds are noted in Goa which includes common hawk cuckoos, grey bellied cuckoos, Indian swiftlet etc. Birding season in Goa starts from October and goes up to February during which many birding trails are organised in the State.

The Sahyadris is considered as the best birding region in Goa. It houses stunning species of rare and endangered birds. Goa offers a great number of wildlife sanctuaries which

B

44 | My Goa | July 2021

are home to many species of different types of birds. Goa’s recorded bird species roughly constitutes 5% of the total 10,000-odd bird species listed globally. Parag Rangnekar, Partner Mrugaya Xpeditions, who is an ecologist, entomologist and birder, says that he was always interested in the natural world, which wasn’t restricted to birds. “The genesis of this fondness is my childhood days spent in the wilds in my native place. Birds, obviously due their colours, songs and presence in all habitats, attract

“The genesis of this fondness for birding is my childhood days spent in the wilds in my native place” PARAG RANGNEKAR

Pics: Parag Rangnekar

you and make for interesting subjects.

The interest now has grown beyond just birdwatching but looking at behaviour, ecology and conservation issues as well.”

Meanwhile Rajiv D’Silva, architect and an avid bird watcher got interested in bird watching when he visited a wildlife sanctuary 20 years ago. “I saw a bird which I had never seen before. I wanted to find out what kind of bird it was. I went to a bookstore and bought a basic book on birds. That got me interested in birds and identifying the different kinds of birds.”

Sheena Roy, nutrition and lifestyle coach and an amateur bird watcher, moved to Goa after spending most of her life in cities where it was difficult to build an interest in bird watching; considering the lack of diversity.

“Moving to Goa just at the start of 2020, right near wetlands and forests, meant I had a lot of time to spend outdoors, wander about and get curious,” she says.

One of the great appeals of birdwatching is that it is a relatively inexpensive activity. Basic equipment includes binoculars, a field book to aid identification, and a notebook for recording time and place of sightings.

“There’s a lot of joy in spotting birds, being able to identify them, looking at their antics, and admiring their varied colours” RAJIV D’SILVA

Rajiv D’Silva (extreme right) with fellow birding enthusiasts

Bird photography on the other hand requires a camera and different kind of lenses.

Parag, who is also into bird photography, has been a Nikon user from day one. “Though I have changed equipment in between, presently I use a Nikon Z6 and a 200-500mm lens for photography,” he adds.

Rajiv states that the only equipment one needs for bird-watching is a pair of binoculars. “You get simple binoculars for around `3000; and of course, the better ones can cost you around `15000. Plus you need access to outdoor places, which in Goa is in plenty.”

Rajiv goes on to mention that for bird photography one needs very good lenses as birds are typically small and fast and one needs to be able to invest in buying good cameras and lenses.

More people are watching birds today than ever before; its popularity as a pastime has been growing rapidly over the past few years. Birding’s tremendous ripple effect as a hobby has influenced everything from ecotourism to optics manufacturers.

Birding is a hobby with many upsides, whether one keeps it to neighborhood observations or embarks on a guided birding expedition.

This is a hobby one can participate in just about any time of the day, any day of the year. Any time one interacts with the outdoors, whether one looks out the window, walk to one’s car or goes hiking, is an opportunity for a bird sighting.

More people should try bird watching. Parag states that bird watching is a healthy hobby. “It takes you outdoors; you wake up early and it

is an amazing stress buster. Other than this, observing birds tells you a lot about your immediate environment, since birds are amazing indicators of the environment that they live in.”

Rajiv says bird watching is a fun activity. “There’s a lot of joy in spotting birds, being able to identify them, looking at their antics, and admiring their varied colours. It gives us more opportunities to connect to nature.

Further, as people who live in Goa, we are very lucky that there is so much bird life and beautiful habitats around us. You can just walk out of your house in the morning and spot around 30 to 40 species of birds in one morning. I feel people should take advantage of that.”

Sheena, meanwhile, says that bird watching is a great way to appreciate the flora and fauna and learn how amazing nature really is. “Through birding you actually learn a lot about trees, seasons, insects, sounds etc.

Personally, it has taught me a lot of patience, as well.”

The lists of bird observations compiled by members of local birdwatching societies are very useful to scientists in determining dispersal, habitat, and migration patterns of the

various species.

When it comes to hobbies people do a lot of unusual things and bird watchers too, are the same. Parag has traversed most of the State to look for birds. “Though I would not call it unusual but I have boarded fishing trawlers to watch pelagic birds in the sea. Watching those birds that rarely come to land on a boat is an experience by itself that every birder should take atleast once.”

Sheena’s favourite bird watching trips have been to the remote forests of Goa which requires one to wake up before 4 am and take a 2-3 hour journey in order to reach there in time to spot birds.

Rajiv has a different quirk. “When I’m at a site or client meeting outdoors, talking about serious things, and I hear a bird, I get very distracted and start to look towards the trees in order to spot the bird and identify it. This is something I tend to do very often.”

When asked what is the one bird that they haven’t spotted and wish to spot Parag says that he wishes to sight the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, an enigmatic large owl of dense forests, while Sheena says that she would like to spot a Nightjar as they are so elusive and camouflaged.

Rajiv on the other hand, says he would like to spot a Rain Quail. “It’s not that uncommon, but it’s mostly seen in the rains, and it’s a very skulky bird. It’s usually in the grasses and very rarely comes out in the open.

There are others who have spotted it, Continued on Page 47 >

“Through birding you actually learn a lot about trees, seasons, insects, sounds etc. Personally, it has taught me a lot of patience, as well” SHEENA ROY July 2021 | My Goa | 45

Health / Black Fungus (Mucormycosis)

What’s the Risk?

Dr. Saurabh Kamat explains about Mucormycosis and what can be done in case a person develops it

DR SAURABH KAMAT

A

Fig.2

s Goa finds its way out of the second wave of Covid-19, doctors are slowly encountering the after-effects of the wave, even as we wait for the tide to turn and vaccination to catch up. The Government of Goa and the medical fraternity as a whole has been working tirelessly to tame the spread of this deadly virus.

One such prominent postcovid manifestation is that of ‘Mucormycosis’ also known as ‘Black Fungus’. Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that has a high mortality

46 | My Goa | July 2021

rate of 50 per cent and an increasing number of Covid-19 patients have been developing this infection while still at the hospital or after discharge.

The success of treatment for Mucormycosis hinges on early detection and awareness amongst general public about the signs and symptoms of this black fungus. The cardinal symptoms include sinusitis, blackish nasal discharge, multiple oral sinuses with pus discharge (Fig.1), mobile teeth, facial pain, headaches, and pain around the eyes.

Both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with Covid-19 may be at risk.

Patients who have been hospitalised for Covid-19 and particularly those who require oxygen therapy during Covid-19 illness are at a much higher risk of mucormycosis.

Patients with uncontrolled

diabetes are at a higher risk of mucormycosis because the high blood sugar levels make it easier for the fungi to grow and survive, and their weaker immune systems offer less protection against the infection.

Corticosteroids given for the treatment of Covid-19, leads to a further rise in their blood sugar levels; thus increasing the risk of mucormycosis. This combination of diabetes and Covid-19, therefore, becomes a dangerous and deadly challenge to manage.

Symptoms of mucormycosis may appear non-threatening at first. But it is important that patients, their caregivers, dental surgeons or family physicians recognize these early and get the treatment required to contain the situation. The important thing is that patients speak to their doctor and follow-up if they experience any

Fig.1

Fig.3

of the symptoms mentioned in ICMR Advisory on Mucormycosis (Fig.2).

Early imaging includes contrastenhanced MRI and CT scan of the face and head (Fig. 3), which is helpful in assessing the extent of involvement of this lethal disease, which requires prompt and aggressive treatment.

Deep nasal swab for KOH (Potassium, Oxygen, and Hydrogen) smear, fungal culture and biopsy of the lesion helps in confirming the diagnosis.

A multi-disciplinary approach is required for management of RhinoOrbito-Maxillary Mucormycosis.

The team includes oral and maxillofacial surgeon, ENT surgeon, ophthalmologist, neurosurgeon and infectious disease specialist.

Surgery is aimed at aggressive clearance of the pathologic tissue (Fig.4) to make healthy bed for perfusion of anti-fungal therapy. A maxillofacial surgeon plays dual role of removing the diseased jaw bone as well as postmucormycosis reconstruction and dental rehabilitation. ENT surgeon performs endoscopic sinus surgery for sphenoid, ethmoid and maxillary

Fig.4

sinus.

Ophthalmologist decides the orbital clearance and removal or preservation of the diseased eye whereas neurosurgeon manages the osteomyelitic skull bone and affected brain tissues. The first line of antifungal therapy in mucormycosis is the use of Amphotericin B. General dental practitioners can play a key role in management of this outbreak of fungal infection and can act as an important part of the team by making early diagnosis and referring the patient at the earliest to minimize morbidity as well as mortality.

Strict monitoring and maintenance of blood sugar levels by patients under their physicians’ guidance can prevent mucormycosis. Hygiene maintenance of the oxygen mask, oxygen delivery system and use of distilled water in humidifiers also aids in prevention.

Post-Covid patients need to maintain oral and nasal hygiene and have a high protein-low sugar diet.

Moreover, patients need to avoid long

term usage of disposable or soiled N-95 masks.

The Team of Oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Goa Dental College and hospital headed by Prof. Dr. Vikas Dhupar and ably supported by Prof.

Dr. Francis Akkara, along with their team members from Goa Medical College and Hospital have been keenly observing the post-covid patients for early detection and rendering prompt surgical and medical treatment necessary to stop the menace of Mucormycosis.

A collective effort by all in raising awareness about mucormycosis in Goa would definitely serve the cause of humanity and reduce the suffering that it causes to the quality of life

< Continued from Page 45

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary at Ponda, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, and Netravali.

Birding is the opposite of being at the movies – you’re outside, not sitting in a windowless box; you’re stalking birds, not looking at pictures of them. You’re dependent on weather, geography, time of day – if you miss sighting a particular bird, there isn’t a midnight showing. On the other hand, birding, like moviegoing, is at heart voyeuristic, and you can’t do it without technology – to bring birds closer you must interpose binoculars between yourself and the wild world.

Birds are natural; birders aren’t

Flights of Fancy but I haven’t as yet” The top sites for bird watching in Goa are Baga fields, Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary-Tambdi Surla and Mollem, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Chorao Island and Mayem Lake, Carambolim Lake, Morjim Beach, and Saligao Zor are places where one can spot a wide variety of birds. Goa has a few reserves like the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Chorao, named after the eminent Indian ornithologist, Mollem and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary,

Dr. Saurabh Kamat is an Assistant Professor, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Goa Dental College and Hospital. He is also a Fellow of Indian Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (FIBOMS) and Fellow of International Board for Certification of Specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (FIBCSOMS)

July 2021 | My Goa | 47

Sports | Keenan Almeida

For the Love of the Game

K

The footballer highlights his journey from playing on the school field, to now playing for Churchill Brothers

By Sybil Rodrigues

eenan Almeida is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a right back in I-League for Churchill Brothers FC Goa. He was born and brought up in a small ward named Murida, in the village of Cuncolim. His father was a sailor and mother, a school teacher. A younger sister completes his family.

“Like any other Goan kid, most of my childhood was spent with my village friends, playing all kinds of sports and getting into mischievous situations that all children get into.”

Keenan completed his schooling from Assumpta Convent High School, Sarzora and higher secondary from RM Salgaocar Higher Secondary School (RMS), Margao. He then went on to graduate in Cost Accounting from Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics, Margao.

Keenan speaks on what inspired him to get into the world of sports and most importantly, football. “As a kid I have always enjoyed playing any sport with my friends. Be it football, cricket or volleyball. When in school, I represented my school at football, handball, volleyball, kabaddi and athletics. I represented Goa at the school nationals for football, handball, volleyball, and kabaddi”. Not many people know that Keenan has been part of the nationals at all these sports other than football.

Keenan chose football as he enjoyed playing the game and loved it, as compared to other sports. “I got a lot of praise at school level for being pretty decent at the game. On receiving such encouragement I felt that I could do well on the bigger field as well. From then on, I started my journey to achieve greater heights and chose football as my career”.

Keenan reminisces about the early years in the game. “While playing in the village or even to an extent in school, it was more fun oriented. At that age, we were not well trained and 48 | My Goa | July 2021

Keenan Almeida

played for the pleasure of the game. But later, as I began training and playing at the under 16 level, it started getting more serious. The understanding and knowledge of the game also started developing in my mind and I had to face a lot of competition. So overall

from school level to the next level, things started getting more significant and professional. At the age of 17, when I signed my first contract with a professional senior team, Salgaocar FC, things changed for the better, as I began getting training which was

more professional and skilled!! It was my first step in the professional world of football.”

He then goes on to elaborate about his journey from playing for Sporting Clube de Goa, to now playing for Churchill Brothers. “I started off my professional career with Salgaocar FC. We won the I-league and Federation cup in my three years at the Club.”

Later Keenan moved to Sporting Clube de Goa and considers it as one of the best decisions that he has ever made. “It was when playing for Sporting Clube de Goa I got my first call to join the national team to represent India in the under 23 team, at the Asian Games held in South Korea. That was something really big for me.”

After Keenan’s contract ended with Sporting Clube de Goa, he moved into the ISL with FC Goa, where he spent the next two years, being part of the runners-up squad in his very first season with the team.

“From FC Goa, I moved to Chennaiyin FC in the ISL where I won the ISL in my very first year with the team! Post that, I moved on to Pune City FC for two years.”

But unfortunately, Keenan couldn’t represent the team at competition level as he had suffered knee injuries that put him out of action for 2 seasons.

“Finally, after recovering from two knee surgeries, I joined Churchill brothers FC. We missed out on being champions in the I-league on a mere goal difference, as the points were tied at the top of the table. It would be a perfect comeback for me if we managed to win the title. But having said that; I am glad I could return back to playing football after a two year gap.” Keenan is grateful to Churchill Alemão and Valanka Alemão for putting their faith in him.

Keenan had to sit out for two seasons due to a bad injury, which, for any player, is a great disappointment.

“In a span of 1 year I had to undergo two knee surgeries. I had to undergo around 18 months of rehab which hit me really badly. I was devastated that I was unable to play. But the love for the game didn’t let me quit. I kept

Keenan with the ISL Trophy

pushing myself day in and day out. It was physically challenging as well as mentally exhausting… but in the end if you want it you have to work for it.” He kept on chanting this mantra in his head every day and got back on the field. “Finally when I got back to playing, it was the most satisfying feeling after those 2 years of real struggle! God is great,” he exclaims.

As an athlete, challenges and roadblocks are a part and parcel of one’s career, Keenan says. “It is upto each one of us how we look at different hurdles and how we overcome them.

There are times when you don’t get much play time. There are times you can’t play because you are injured.

There are times when you don’t have a club. There are different types of problems that arise. But trust me; every problem has a solution provided that you look at the challenge with a positive mindset. Once you overcome any such obstacles, it only makes you stronger and braver.”

Apart from his obvious love for football, Keenan loves gardening and gives full credit to his wife, Liza, who has helped him develop it as a hobby, given that they both enjoy pottering around in the garden together.

“Besides gardening, I love going to different waterfalls and trekking. A bit of adventure in the wild, is something that exhilarates me. The thrill of being adventurous is something that satisfies

my appetite and I love to drive, too.”

Keenan says that his love for the sport and all the accolades that came with it, is thanks to his family. “The initial support that I needed and which I received was from my parents.

If they hadn’t supported me I wouldn’t be able to achieve my dream of being a footballer. It’s very important to any athlete who wants to make a sport their career, that they have support from their family. I was lucky that both my mom and dad were fully supportive… so much so that as a kid, when I was low on motivation, they would push me and teach me how not to give up and move ahead.

When I was injured for two years, I received loads of support from my friends. In some way or the other they kept me motivated from their side. All these little things add up and has helped motivate me. A few good words, positive gestures… they make all the difference, when you are down and low.”

Keenan says that encouragement and support from family and friends is what one needs to overcome difficulties and considers himself blessed to have a supportive family and good friends. Keenan concludes with a message to aspiring sportspeople. “If you have a dream, which you want to achieve badly, do all it takes to achieve that dream! It is simple, If you want it then you work for it!”

July 2021 | My Goa | 49

In Camera | Int’l Yoga Day

JASMINE D’SOUZA J’ZY Yoga & Fitness Studio

SUMEET BHOBE

Co-founder, SNIP Salons & Spas

Good Health:

The Ultimate Goal Since 2015, International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on June 21. The United Nations has marked the day to raise awareness about the many benefits of practising Yoga for people all over the world. The date was chosen because June 21 is the longest day in Northern Hemisphere. The word Yoga has originated from the Sanskrit word Yuja which means ‘to join or to unite.’ It symbolises the union of body and mind. Apart from physical and mental relaxation, Yoga also helps develop strength, flexibility and immunity. This is especially important in times of the ongoing pandemic, when the mental and physical health of people has come under dire stress. ‘Prevention is Better than Cure’; hence, it is important that we reflect on our lifestyle patterns. Yoga is known to keep the balance between body and mind. Yoga does not include heavy cardio and hence has a very subtle but strong and long-term effect on both your internal and external body environment.

Here, we share a few pictures of Goa’s beautiful people, on their ‘Yoga Day’ exploits

SHANICE SOUSA PEREIRA Architect, Reira Group

50 | My Goa | July 2021

NAMRATA MENON

Namrata’s World of Yoga

MINAL BHANDARI

Co-founder, Cafe Mira

Plant a Fruit Bearing Sapling in your Garden / Colony and email it to rotaryclubmargao@gmail.com By 25th July

Selected Photos will be published in our Bulletin “ Yours in Rotary ”

Top 5 Photographs in Action will

Open to All Rotarians of the District 3170

Rotar y Club of Margao for Queries Whatsapp 9326141848 / 9225909815 July 2021 | My Goa | 51

MyGoa: The Coconut Plucker

A Tender Memory The writer takes a walk down memory lane and reminisces about the days when the coconut plucker was a regular feature of the Goan landscape and households

SEBASTIAN NORONHA

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elonging to a very typical village setup in Goa, I am quite accustomed to various intrinsically Goan traditions, practices, and events. One such thing was the regular visit of the coconut plucker – the paadekar.

The day would start just like any other, with maybe a classic breakfast of fresh warm pao along with left-over curry, heated and reduced to a much tastier concoction than it was at the time it was freshly prepared. While washing down the spicy breakfast with some piping-hot black tea, and while cursorily going through the local daily, the nondescript morning atmosphere would suddenly break into shrill but melodious howls. To the ear that has never heard such unearthly howls, it would sound like nothing less than some tribal call for battle. But to an ear that is accustomed to such unusual sounds, it only meant that the day was going to be another one of those frenzied coconut-collecting holidays.

We used to have a sizable number of coconut trees in our compound in the past, many of which have, over the years been felled to make way for tarred roads which were once simple sandy foot-ways (paimvaat).

Most of our coconut yield was usurped by our household consumption. Food ranging right from fish curry, to xacuti, and infinite types of sweets, would make the use of some form of coconut or the other.

52 | My Goa | July 2021

And add to that, the supplementary use of the shell and the husk for other bric-a-brac uses.

A coconut-plucking day in any Goan household was a significant day, and therefore it had to be planned well in advance. Some local helpinghands had to be called to collect the plucked coconuts and to arrange them into a heap in front of the house. We as children, used to tremble with excitement. The main reason for our excitement was the eagerness that we felt; looking forward to a tasty treat of succulent tender coconuts once the plucking was done.

As children it was our responsibility to forage the bushes and the ‘paand’ (the Communidade drainage conduit) for stray coconuts that may have landed there. For some strange reason, there was hardly the fear of reptiles and any creepycrawlies that might have been there in those shady recesses.

All my neighborhood friends who had gathered to play the daily ‘soccer-with-a-tennis-ball’, or ‘catchn-cook’, or ‘hide-n-seek’, used to get unwittingly caught into helping with the coconut-gathering chore in the hope of a tender-coconut reward.

After the gathering of the coconuts came the more serious section of the entire thing – the counting of the coconuts! The coconut plucker would stand with his legs apart and count the coconut in two’s, by flinging them behind him, through his legs, into a separate pile. Then the much awaited calculation happened. And I can still picture the suspended curious look on my mom’s face while she waited with bated breath.

Even in retrospect, I still cannot understand the method or the formula that the man used. For all we know, the equation was probably “the total number of coconuts, divided by the number of trees climbed, plus the angle of the sun at the time, multiplied by the square root of pi...!” But whatever the hell it was, it invariably meant that the plucker got the choicest of the plucked coconuts; the biggest ones at least!

And nobody would argue with him.

He would then be paid some amount in cash, which again I presume, had a very complicated formula of being calculated.

My favourite part of the entire exercise however, was what came next! The tender-coconut treat! It Continued on Page 55 >

July 2021 | My Goa | 53

Law & Justice

Tarun Tejpal’s Verdict Key observations of the Goa Sessions Court in the Tarun Tejpal verdict leading to his acquital and the State Government’s stand while in appeal against the verdict

By Ameya A. Nayak arlier this year, the Apex Court while issuing guidelines on how courts must deal with sexual crimes remarked that rape myths undermine the credibility of those women who are seen to deviate too far from stereotyped notions of chastity, resistance to rape, having visible physical injuries, behaving a certain way, reporting the offence immediately, among other factors.

Pursuant to this, the Sessions Court in Goa, on May 21, in an enormous 527-page judgement, acquitted former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal in a rape case registered in 2013, wherein the presiding judge discredited almost every claim the complainant / prosecutrix had made about the alleged assault. Tejpal had been accused of sexual assault and rape by a colleague.

What is different and deviant from the usual path in this judgement is the fact that the allegations made upon the complainant pertaining to her past were recurrently referred to with the objective of suspecting the legitimacy of her claims against the accused, Tejpal. Additionally, it has also come to light that the slapdash nature of investigation conducted by the police officials has resulted in obliteration of vital evidence in the case.

Notably, the trial in this case has taken almost about 8 years to reach a conclusion wherein, the complainant, who is the prime prosecution witness, was herself cross-examined almost 6 years after the alleged incident, in the year 2019. Thereafter, on May 21, 2021 the court acquitted Tejpal on the grounds that the prosecution utterly failed in its duty to prove the guilt of the accused ‘beyond reasonable doubt.’

Few striking components of this verdict that catch the attention of the public eye are: a. It doubts the veracity of the

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54 | My Goa | July 2021

The Goa bench of the Bombay HC while issuing notice to Tejpal in the appeal has observed that there is a prima facie case that is made out against Tejpal and has asked for all records and proceedings from the trial court Tarun Tejpal

complainant and declares her testimony to be unreliable. b. It holds the complainant and accused to opposing standards indicating further stringency in verifying the testimony of the complainant. c. The standards seem to have been relaxed when it comes to examination of the accused, Tejpal. d. Differential treatment meted out to eye-witnesses in the case. e. Failure on part of the prosecution to take into account crucial documentary evidence, examine key witnesses.

Following the acquittal, the Government of Goa has gone into appeal against the verdict wherein, the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court, while issuing notice to Tejpal, commented on the said happening and observed that the judgement of the Sessions Court in the Tejpal case was like a “manual for rape victims” as it lays increased emphasis on the ways in which a victim is expected to respond in such matters.

The Sessions Court, in its judgment had questioned the conduct of the complainant prosecutrix while stating that she had not shown signs of any standardizing demeanors such as anxiety, trauma or any sort of

shock, which a sexual assault victim is conceivably expected to exhibit.

Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, who appears for the Goa Government (Appellant) in the appeal made a couple of references to the Sessions Court judgement, primarily calling it greatly improbable. The judgement states that the victim is an intelligent woman and being physically strong, as she is a yoga instructor, could have prevented the sexual assault on her. Mehta also pointed out to the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court the observations made by the Sessions Court pertaining to the victim’s consultations with distinguished women advocates such as Rebecca John and Indira Jaising.

While giving an example of how the Sessions Court has digressed from its point, Mehta pointed out that, the fact that the victim had saved Indira Jaising’s number on her phone as ‘Brahmastra’ is entirely irrelevant to the case and must be retracted in totality.

He further stated, “This will have a pan-India effect as everyone will read the judgement. In future, a victim of sexual assault may hesitate in taking legal advice. There is a portion in the judgement that these lawyers are feminists.” Mehta, in his argument

further pointed out that the observations based on which the Sessions Court delivered its judgement is entirely impervious towards the atrocities that are committed against women and unquestionably absences knowledge on the subject matter in question.

It appears, as per Mehta, as though the victim was on trial rather than the accused and the text of the Sessions Court verdict indicates that the victim was on trial and not the accused. The government of Goa in its appeal has stated that the case is fit for being re-tried on the grounds that the Sessions Court has misinterpreted the post-traumatic behaviour of an assault victim and reprimanded her character.

In addition to this, it

has been pointed out as to how the Sessions Court has labelled the accused person’s evidence to be the ‘gospel truth’ and has entirely discredited the evidence and witnesses produced by the prosecution.

The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court while issuing notice to Tejpal in the appeal has observed that there is a prima facie case that is made out against Tejpal and has asked for all records and proceedings from the trial court to be delivered to the High Court.

What would be the outcome of the appeal and whether it would lead to a reversal of Tejpal’s acquittal is something that we would have to wait and watch out for!

< Continued from Page 52

used to be amazing to watch how the plucker would chop the coconut while holding it in just one hand and slicing away with his perpetually sharp ‘Koiti’ (chopper). I would watch the process in absolute awe! I couldn’t wait to one day grow up and be able to chop a coconut like that! To me the coconut plucker was nothing less than a superhero – albeit a very messy and sweaty one. But at least his shorter-than-short hot-pants would make Superman look overdressed, with his cape and his briefs-on-the-outside outfit.

While we children used to feast upon the tender flesh of the coconuts, the plucker would expertly pull out strands from each of the coconuts in the set that he had put aside for himself, and string them up together in such a way that he could conveniently hang them on either side of his bicycle handle, carefully and mathematically maintaining equilibrium. And with a last final blood-curdling howl he would set out on his journey home, or to the local tavern for the afternoon dose of some feni-fueled juicy gossip.

A Tender Memory Even with the plucker having left, we at home were far from starting our play session. The task of putting the coconuts into the backyard ‘hoomp’ (thatched hut used for storage) was still looming large. This task however, came with its own separate reward!

This reward would be in the form of some nice delicious ‘aatol’ (rice, beans, coconut, and jaggery pie) that mom would prepare for the evening teatime.

Fast-forward – today! The trees in

the compound are not as many as they used to be. And sadly, our regular coconut plucker is now a very old man who can barely walk.

It is almost a dead occupation today anyways.

I am open to correction, but in my view I think in the whole of Goa there will be hardly any traditional (indigenous Goan) coconut pluckers left at all.

The nostalgic memory remains, and it plucks poignantly at the heartstrings; but the succulent reward of the soft tender-coconut has ceased to thrill me anymore!

Sebastian Noronha is a true-blue Goan, currently employed as a Client Communications Manager at a leading Architecture Studio in Kuwait.

Appears to be a nice chap, though he generally thrives on rubbing people the wrong way with his writing.

July 2021 | My Goa | 55

Tribute | Lambert Mascarenhas

The Last Editor

Freedom fighter, journalist, writer and family man, Lambert Macarenhas leaves behind a rich legacy

By Sybil Rodrigues admashri Lambert Mascarenhas, the noted freedom fighter, journalist and writer, passed away on June 27th at his residence in Dona Paula. He was 106.

Lambert was the first joint editor of the first English daily in Goa The Navhind Times and groomed many a young journalist, under his tutelage.

He was born in Goa, Portuguese India, while his early education was in Pune and later at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. He leaves behind his wife Dr. Jolly and four children, Nayantara, Ameeta, Anjali and Jude.

Lambert didn’t follow in the footsteps of his father, a doctor, but graduated in English. Prior to Goa’s liberation, his writings had him arrested and sentenced to prison, following which he fled to Mumbai.

He began his career as a journalist in the Morning Standard at Mumbai.

He worked as a sub-editor at the Bombay Sentinel, under the legendary Editor B.G. Horniman. He later joined the Onlooker as an assistant-editor.

Su b s e q u e nt l y, he edited the Goan Tribune, which espoused the cause of

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Goa’s Liberation from the colonial Portuguese rule.

Upon his return to liberated Goa in 1961, he joined as joint-editor Editor of The Navhind Times; and three years later founded his own monthly magazine, Goa Today.

Mascarenhas also contributed to India’s freedom movement. When at the Goan Tribune, he wrote numerous articles against the colonial regime in Goa and caught the attention of both Indian leaders as well as the Portuguese rulers.

When on a visit to Goa in 1948, Mascarenhas was arrested and jailed

by the Portuguese for his articles. He was later released on bail and expelled from Goa. The eminent journalist was also a renowned writer and authored several books including Sorrowing Lies My Land, The First City, In the Womb of Saudade, The Greater Tragedy, and Heartbreak Passage Sorrowing Lies My Land, published in 1955, in the years, preceding Goa’s liberation, is his most famous work as a novelist. Focussed on attempts to free Goa, it ran into several editions and was translated into Konkani, Marathi and Portuguese.

The story of his marriage is one of Goan legend. Refusing to enter into matrimony, while Goa was under Portuguese Rule, he vowed to do it only in an “independent and liberated Goa, where he could breathe free air”.

In December 1961, the month Goa was liberated, he married Dr. Jolly.

Lambert was honoured with Padma Shri in 2015 by Government of India which was presented to him by the then President Pranab Mukherjee.

The State government bestowed upon him the highest civilian award of Goa, Gomant Vibhushan.

He also received the Laxmidas Borkar Memorial Award for Journalism in 2004. During his sunset years, the veteran journalist expressed his disappointment over the way Goa had shaped after the departure of the Portuguese and openly lamented the deteriorating system. Always outspoken, Lambert was never afraid to tell the political party of the time what he felt and never cared for the consequences. With his magazine, Goa Today, he was able to voice his opinions to Goans all over the world. Being an adventurer, he loved to travel. He spent his twilight years at his home in Dona Paula with his family who he loved more than anything else File photo of Lambert Mascarenhas at the GCCI Media Awards, 2013

56 | My Goa | July 2021

People / Places Ralph de Sousa is President of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry Pic: Aliston Dias

Ralph de Sousa has been elected President of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the term 2021-23. His nomination was unopposed.

Ralph, a hotelier and senior travel and tourism entrepreneur, has been serving on various leadership positions at GCCI for nearly two decades. He has also headed CII Goa Council and Travel & Tourism Association of Goa in the past.

Ralph takes over from Manoj

Caculo, whose term as president of GCCI ended this June.

“It is the Goa Chamber’s view that the State has to patronise small industries by purchasing all their requirements from these industries in Goa. This will, to an extent, boost their revenues,” he says.

Ralph belongs to the village of Assagao. He lives in Saligao with his wife Carolina, a former secondary school teacher, and his 2 children Carlos Noel & Karla Maris

Savio Rodrigues’ new book Modi Stole My Mask has been co-authored with Amit Bagaria by Savio Rodrigues, editor of Goa Chronicle.

The book reportedly exposes the truth behind India’s COVID-19 crisis through vehement research on facts and data by the authors.

The book raises pertinent questions on whether Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has lost his popularity due to the management of COVID-19 pandemic health crisis, among other questions. “The truth is all that matters.

The people of India and the world need to know the truth because right now there is extensive misinformation in the country,” says Rodrigues

Acrylic Sundays

Book Reading

Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts is hosting Acrylic Sundays with contemporary artist Chaitali Morajkar beginning July 4. There will be sessions held on Sundays on Zoom, from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The course is open to ages 13 years and above. Details: info@sgcfa.org

As part of its ‘Kitaab: Books in Discussion’ series, International Centre Goa (ICG) will host a discussion of the book Thirsty Cities: Social Contracts and Public Goods Provision in China and India by assistant professor in international 58 | My Goa | July 2021

Short Story Competition

Fundação Oriente is hosting the sixth edition of its short story competition, the Fundação Oriente Short Story Competition (FOSCC). Entries for the same will be accepted between July 15 and July 30. The winning and shortlisted stories will be published in the anthology Short Stories from Goa in 2022. Details: 2230728/fossc2021@ gmail.com affairs, National University of Singapore, Selina Ho on July 2, 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. via Zoom Live. The session will be moderated by director, ICG, Pushkar. Register at: https://bit. ly/35gCbMi