My Goa 4 March 2017

interview: Fátima da Silva Gracias on women-related issues in Goa. A Women’s Day Special RNI No. goaeng/2015/60455

MyGoa `10

4 MARCH 2017

the complete goan newsweekly

vol 3 | issue 5 | panaji - goa | 16 pages

Celebrating the Goan Ghumot Attracting locals and visitors alike, the ‘Ghumtanche Fest’ held at Siridao focused on keeping people actively involved in preserving the culture of Goa

editorial

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For Goan identity

Saturday, 04 March 2017

The Global Shapers Community all set to Shape Goa idea of the week

Harshvardhan Bhatkuly

C

hange, they say, is the only constant. Experts on civilization also cite the example of species who survive the onslaught of evolution by adapting to change. However, there are some societies which resist change – and still live to tell the tale.

The other day, someone forwarded me some images on social media. I was astounded to notice that a school in England has not changed its uniform in 460 years!

The British are very fastidious about their traditions.

And in a sense, it has borne well for their people. Their respect for monarchy, their dress code for Wimbledon, their stiff upper lip and wry humour; and even the fish and chips – have created a stereotype that’s very err…

British!

I guess it all comes down to the innate human instinct of self-preservation. Societies have put many fetters and dos and don’ts to carry forward their mores and legacy. Some have withstood the test of time. Some have withered away.

As someone who has been born, brought up and grown in Goa, I have witnessed this battle for the preservation of the Goan identity for a fairly long time. Of course, today, there are political undertones to the term ‘Goenkarponn’. And understandably, there are people on both sides of the debate.

The real debate to me is what constitutes the Goan identity.

And what does not. Would it also mean that assimilating influences from other societies would put the identity of our people at stake of extinction?

There are no objective answers to my questions.

My generation must be the one which has witnessed the change in Goan society like no other. We have seen our grandparents wear dhoti and kurta; and we feed our children nachos and pasta. Yes, it’s a huge societal shift. But we take it in our stride because of the global

influences that we partake in, and also because of the fact that the internet has truly made the world flat. I am amazed that my son frequently watches videos of karate instructors in Japan. Of course, he does it without sparing a thought that he’s bridging a cultural gap.

As I glean over the cover story of this issue, I am happy that there are people in Goa who care about retaining its identity. Yes, there are major influences from all over the world in the way we dine, dress, speak and think; but I feel that a certain part of you belongs to the land. This part of you is sacrosanct and beyond the scope of alteration.

Let us talk about Konkani.

I believe the one glue that unites two large societies in the State – the Hindu Goa and Catholic Goa – is the language of Konkani. Of course, debates aside on the script; and the ease of reading Marathi for a majority of Hindus in Goa, Konkani has survived. We must pause and salute the soldiers of the language – writers, musicians, journalists, publishers – who have relentlessly batted for Konkani’s upliftment. And equal kudos is due to those who speak the language and keep it in circulation.

The other major influence on identity is cuisine. The use of coconut, kokum and seafood, in preparations of food is essential in harnessing the identity. It is said that many Goans refuse to leave the land for greener pastures outside, only because they will miss the fish curry!

I am left with more questions on this issue of retaining identity. Maybe, we should have a larger debate on this and explore opinions of more people.

However, the public outcry when the coconut tree was declassified from a ‘tree’ to ‘grass’, said it all. That Goans take great pride in their Goanness.

Email me at hbhatkuly@gmail.com

The Global Shapers Community is organizing an event called ‘Shape Connect Goa’ on 5th March 2017 at the Kokum Design Centre.

The event will look at eight of the seventeen United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The event will be divided into two major sessions. Each session will have speakers making a 10 minute presentation on their cause/idea/need. The audience will further break up into working groups, and work on coming up with a solution to

the particular issue or need. As a result of Shape Connect Goa, there will be 8 projects, which will be shared not just in India, but across the world. The Global Shapers Community, is a subsidiary organization by the World Economic Forum that works entirely as nonprofit and is part of over 410 hubs all over the world. This network builds a platform that allows to act locally, but make its impact globally.

The work carried out by the Global Shapers Community involves all aspects of society.

At Global Shapers Panjim Hub, the focus lies more on environment and sustainability and hence have done projects such as Tree2tree: tree policy for Panjim; Eco-loo: completely sustainable and dry toilets; Ocean of Change: to spread awareness about marine life and it’s conservation; and Metamorphosis with Mrinmayee: Guide to backyard butterfly garden and awareness for their conservation, are few of the projects that the organization has dealt with.

goan cause kalanand The Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation was founded by Dilip Dahanukar in the loving memory of his wife and the eminent artist born in Goa, Prafulla Dahanukar (1 jan 1934 - 1 March 2014) whose presence in the field of art and music was larger than life. She helped many emerging artists gain a successful career in the field of art and music.

The Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation had its Kalanand event at Kala academy in Goa on March 1, 2017. Kalanand is one of the biggest all India art contest to recognize and give opportunities to emerging artists. PDAF provides a platform for artists to get art patronage from individual and corporate donors through fellowships.

Balanand is a contest for

Senior artist Laxman Pai with Narayan Bandekar, Yatish Dempo, Jayashri Pailwan and others

school children conducted in collaboration with the inner wheel volunteers.

While Kalanand 2017 had 2,296 entries, Balanand 2017 had 32,000 entries.

Folk Art also had over a hundred entries. Art entries in 11 categories poured in from all 29 states of India in 2017. Over 1,200 awards are presented amounting to about Rs 1,60,00000.

In Goa, 47​​artists were given awards and fellowships and Padmashri Laxman Pai was

given a Kala Sanman honour as Goa’s most senior artist.

The program was attended by the recipients of the awards, their families, art lovers and inner wheel members from the west zone. The guests of honour were Nana Bandekar, Yatish Dempo who support the foundation by their generous donations towards the artists awards. The other dignitaries that attended were Jayashri Pailwan, Hanuman Kambli, Barunkumar Khan and Kirthikumar Prabhu.

Unsolicited material may not be returned. The opinions in columns and other stories expressed in My Goa 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.

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Saturday, 04 March 2017

COVERSTORY

Celebrating the Goan Ghumot at the first ever World Ghumtanche Fest Attracting locals and visitors, both together, the Ghumtanche Fest held at Siridao focused on keeping the people actively involved in preserving the culture of Goa

Showcasing the making of a Ghumot

People in attendance at the Ghumtanche Fest

Welcoming the cashew season at the Ghumtanche Fest Sanjeev Sardessai

T

he beats of the Goan Ghumot, literally flew in the air to mingle with internationally located Goans, when the 1st World Ghumtanche Fest was organised and held, with a much beyond expectations of attendance, on a ‘sussegado Sunday’ of Goans.

Held at Siridao, at the traditional picnic spot, under the swaying palm grove shade, the first ever event to bring the Goan Ghumot on the world platform, evoked a huge and spontaneous response from Goan public, as well as foreign visitors.

Ghumot or Ghumat, as it is called locally, is a musical instrument ethnically used in Goa since times immemorial. It is constructed from the mud of this land, and comprises of a hollow pot with two specific openings, at either ends. One opening is larger and is covered with a animal skin; and the other one is open and smaller, and

can be cupped by the palm, to close it.

The most ideal skin used on the larger opening was that of the ‘Monitor Lizard’ or Gaar, which has been banned under the Wildlife Protection Act; and hence the Ghumot could find its voice in a public platform. Today the skin of a she-goat is found to be a suitable and acceptable alternative and the Ghumot lovers are ecstatic that the ‘Goan Ghumot’ can secure its rightful

place amongst the musical instruments of the world.

The brain behind this event, and the person who burnt the midnight oil was Marius Fernandes, from Socorro, who has under his belt, an experience of organising many similar festivals with the assistance of the Socorro Socio-Cultural Association, highly appreciated by the people such as – Kajuche Fest (Festival of Cashews), Ponnsache Fest (Jackfruit Festival), Paatolyanche Fest (Festival of the Goan sweet – Paatoli) and the Poderanche Fest (Bakers Feast), at Socorro Church

The most ideal skin used on the larger opening was that of the ‘Monitor Lizard’ or Gaar, which has been banned under the Wildlife Protection Act; and hence the Ghumot could find its voice in a public platform. Today the skin of a she-goat is found to be a suitable and acceptable alternative and the Ghumot lovers are ecstatic that the ‘Goan Ghumot’ can secure its rightful place amongst the musical instruments of the world

Square, ably supported by Fr. Santana Carvalho, Vicar of Socorro Church.

The actual inspiration for organising this fest, by Marius Fernandes, was definitely his son Ashley Fernandes. Having shifted to the UK for his further studies, and having an urge to contribute his mite towards revival of the Goan Ghumot, Ashley completed his thesis on the alternatives to the skin, which covers the traditional Goan Ghumot. With this hurdle of the Wildlife Protection Act, overcome, the road was now open for the traditional Ghumot to take a brisk walk into the limelight.

However, the main objective of this Ghumtanche Fest was primarily to “empower the general populace, especially the children, the women and the elderly to be actively involved in preserving the original culture of the land” and carry it proudly into the Generation Next, as well as sharing the knowledge about the intangible heritage of Goa and Goans.”

Organised on the principle of Lokancho Haat Bhaar or ‘crowdsourcing’ by the Goan people, without any sponsors or a Chief Guest

COVERSTORY

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The Goan traditional bread called the Kanknna

A type of Ghumot called the Mhadallem

or any prizes given away, this event, or rather this movement, aimed to empower the people of Goa to work towards helping in the survival of its Goan ethos. The food prepared by people themselves was served, on a patravall or woven dry leave plates, and many of the attendees, returned home with an authentic spicy Goan taste, that played on their taste buds till late evening. The culinary dishes prepared by the team of culinary experts, such as Mukesh Borkar and their team and served by Jaime, made a definite mark on those who tasted the food. Goan cuisine reigned high on the agenda of the visitors.

The beats of over 50+ Ghumtas relayed over the sound system brought voluntarily and installed by Naresh D’Souza, accompanied by the Mhadallem (dual skinned terracotta drum) of Joao Fernandes of Quepem, which had made their way from Adpai in Ponda, Merces, Anjuna and Quepem and played by the All Girls’ Ghumta Playing Troupe led by Manoj and Madhavi Parab; accompanied by the scintillating folk dances by students from Goa Velha, created a ‘Goan ambience.’

Students from Dhempe College rendered the eternally green Goan song Channyachea Rati made famous by (late) Ulhas Buyao, brought back nostalgic memories to a generation that was brought up listening to the All India Radio.

The Team of All India Radio, led by the C. S. Besekar, Asst Director (AIR), Shakuntala Bharne and their team co-authored this event and recorded the beats and proceedings. The documentation team from The Directorate of Arts & Culture were there at all areas, documenting the proceeding – on film and graphically.

Credit is due to Suraj Naik, Vishwesh and their colleagues for volunteering and recording the proceedings of the event and hosting on the media.

To further the genuine cause of the Ghumot and bringing it to the forefront, prominent personalities spoke on the occasion. Dr. Pandurang Phaldessai spoke about the historical heritage of this instrument and its power to bond the people of Goa across communal lines; while noted environmentalist Dr. Rajendra Kerkar, stressed the need to look for a genuine

The singular aim of the Ghumtanche Fest was that the Goan Ghumot must be accepted as the “Official Musical Instrument of Goa” by the Goa Government.

A suggestion has also been made to seek GI status for the Goan Ghumot as it is a region specific musical instrument alternative for the drum skin and preserve the wildlife of Goa. Joao Fernandes, from Quepem, who has been the leading light for promotion of tribal folk art spoke about the value of the Ghumot in the folk arts practiced as of date.

The students of the College of Fine Arts were seen at various points diving into their media to create some amazing Ghumat based art pieces.

Goa’s most prolific cartoonist Alexyz, promoted the event on FaceBook, making many a Goan visit the event.

The Ghumtanche Fest did not just attract the individual Goan and tourist, but the event was genuinely graced by the NGOs GoaCan, led by Roland Martins and also the NGO - Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG), whose President Avelino DeSa and member Ms. Liby Mendonsa attended the event, with their association

members A Ghumat making process, from mud to the pot, was recreated and displayed at the venue by Ramakant Shet and his family. He also displayed the “World’s Largest Ghumot”, which clearly out-sized the traditional Ghumot, placed alongside.

The Village Panchayat of Siridao, which did not leave any stone unturned to grant all permissions in record time also needs to be mentioned.

So also, in keeping with the theme to be non-hurtful to nature, the use of plastics was avoided, wherever possible and cardboard boxes were placed at various places to collect the litter. However, the stray litter and removal of the banners and cleaning up the area,

after everyone left, to set it to its original clean picnic spot, was done by the appreciative voluntary work of Julius Almeida, Francis Fernandes, Mukesh and Viresh Borkar and their team.

The cherry on this event was the presence of “Four (4) Former King Momos of Goa.” Timoteo Fernandes, the first ever King Momo of Goa and his brothers Lawrence Fernandes (3 times King Momo), Bondo, the famous Goan percussionist (2 times King Momo) and the tiatro writer Caesar D’Mello (crowned King Momo once). They participated actively by participating in the group playing of the Ghumot in accompaniment of the clapping of the Kotteios (coconut shells).

The singular aim of the Ghumtanche Fest and the wish of every person, who attended the “First World Ghumtanche Fest, 2017”, was that the Goan Ghumot must be accepted as the “Official Musical Instrument of Goa” by the Goa Government. A suggestion has also been made to seek GI status for the Goan Ghumot as it is a region specific musical instrument.

Every Goan would be overjoyed if the petition being drafted to present to the Post & Telegraph Department – Goa, shall fructify into the P&T Department issuing a “Special Cover of the Ghumot.”

So ended the maiden event of the Ghumtanche Fest on the note of Ghumchye katar ghum, ghumche katar ghum... with a promise to return every year!

Keeping live the tradition of Goa at the Ghumtanche Fest celebrations

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Saturday, 04 March 2017

Rebel RSS Goa Prant set to merge with its Nagpur parent body Subhash Velingkar

A large section of Goa Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh who had split from the camp due to ousting of its state chief Subash Velingkar are set to rejoin its Nagpur parent body.

Velingkar has hinted that either the newly formed Goa Prant would merge with its parent body or would be dissolved.

Velingkar blamed the proBJP forces while stating the motives of the split. He said,

“We have faced elections under the banner of Goa Suraksha Manch. It was decided that we will form the Goa Prant and stay separate from Konkan Prant of RSS to avoid the pressure by pro-BJP forces in the Sangh.” Velingkar further added, “Now that the elections are over, we will have to decide whether to merge Goa Prant with RSS or dissolve the unit.

The decision will be taken after taking swayamsevakas into

confidence.”

The current state chief of RSS Goa has kept doors open for its old members.

Responding to Velingkar’s claims, state chief Laxman Behre stated that the Sangh would welcome anybody to its fold. Behre claimed that he has not received any formal proposal for the merger.

Behre also maintained that seniority of its breakaway faction would be respected. He said, “Those who have worked for years in the Sangh, their seniority will always remain.”

Although no word has been give on reinstating them on their earlier positions.

Velingkar was ousted as RSS state chief in September 2016 for being critical of its ideological political outfit BJP on the issue of Medium of Instruction. Protests were staged by then RSS Chief Velingkar at several occasions against the ruling party, including the black flag shown to BJP National President Amit Shah.

GCCI seeks Sawaiker’s assistance in making Car Parking Facility available at Dabolim Airport Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) urged South Goa MP Narendra Sawaiker to look into Airport multi level car parking facility which has been lying unused for more than three years.

The meeting was initiated by GCCI’s Logistic Committee which also touched upon the subjects like Borim bridge collapse and Mopa Airport.

GCCI in its meet discussed and hoped to get a nod on the parking facility by the central bureau of Civil Aviation. GCCI also recommended concerned authorities on ensuring to develop a logistics hub at the upcoming Mopa International Airport.

Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman GCCI Logistics Committee and Glen Kalavampara, Secretary of GMOEA also called on the Chief Minister and requested

him to direct the concerned authorities to urgently remove the underwater debris of the Borim Bridge so that the traffic in the river is smooth and that there are no untoward incidents of any sort.

Chairman of GCCI’s Logistics Committee Chandrakant Gawas said, “The MP was requested to ensure that a technical audit of all Portuguese-era bridges and culverts in Goa be conducted by a committee of experts to ascertain their structural stability.”

South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar outlined the various development projects undertaken by the Central Government in Goa viz. new Zuari Bridge, third Mandovi Bridge, upgrading the existing highway to four-lane from Patradevi to Canacona, doubling of railway track from Vasco to Londa, development of six Goan Rivers under National Waterways etc.

Sawaikar in his closing remarks assured GCCI that he will do his best to meet all the logistic needs of the Goan industry.

politics

Goa holds 15-minute long ‘technical’ Assembly Session to comply with Constitutional provision A special Assembly Session was conducted in order to avoid constitutional lapses due to not meeting in a 6 months time frame. The technical session lasted for 15-minutes.

Governor Mridula Sinha addressed the session which was held on February 28. While addressing the pressmen, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said, “Today’s was a technical session. When the fate of the next government has been sealed in EVMs, convening session by the earlier government was against the Constitution, I would say, rather.”

With election results around the corner and the state still undergoing the model code of conduct phase due to recently held elections, the Assembly Session did not bring up any policy decision.

CM Parsekar claimed that “self-proclaimed constitutional experts” forced the ruling party to call for a session. He said, “We were not planning to hold the session however there are some self-proclaimed constitutional experts who forced us to call for the session to fulfill the technicalities of constitutional requirement.”

He added, “When fate of new government is sealed, it would be a mockery of election and democracy if we raise any issue on the floor.

We had no intention of taking any business. Governor will address the Assembly again when new government will be in power.”

Adv Aires Rodrigues had filed a petition before the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court and had demanded that the incumbent party comply with the Article 174 of the Constitution by either summoning a session or dissolving the Goa Legislative Assembly.

Law Department in November had summoned the session to be held on January

6, 2017 which could not be held due to the model code of conduct being declared in the state. Failing which, the Department had also opined that the Assembly was needed to be dissolved.

Addressing the house, Governor Mridula Sinha said, “The need for summoning of this session was to comply with the Constitution of India mandate of the Article 174 (1) as per which there should not be a gap of more than six months between two sittings.”

She added, “The last session was held on August 31, 2016, and therefore, by meeting today the constitutional limit of six months have been complied with.” The Governor also congratulated the members of the House for ensuring smooth, free and fair election and the people, who enthusiastically participated in the election leading to a record turnout of 83 percent.

Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane took on the government for summoning the one-day assembly session.

He said that, “It is for the first time in the history of the country, that an Assembly Session of the outgoing Assembly had to be convened for a day, after the Assembly elections. This has happened because the government is in shambles. There has been no proper decision-making for the last five years.”

Speaking to the media, Pratapsingh Rane said, “There was no business advisory committee meeting to fix the agenda for the day-long session, during which the Governor would be addressing the house. He further stated, “As MLAs, we do not even know what the business for the day-long session is going to be. So many MLAs are also travelling. The government has brought shame to Goa with such shoddy face-saving decision.”

social

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Freedom and its Legal Limits

Ashwin Tombat The writer is former editor of Gomantak Times, Herald and The Navhind Times Online Edition

U

nion Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s statement that he “believes” in freedom of expression within

legal limits is unobjectionable.

It is also completely meaningless, in the absence of any context.

Asked what he had to say about the daughter of a Kargil martyr being trolled and threatened with rape on social media, Parrikar could have stood up and plainly said it was wrong, just as Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh did.

But he didn’t.

Before we get into the topic further, let us talk about what, actually, is ‘anti-national’ or ‘Sedition’. Section 124A of the

The recent hype in social media sparks conflicts between freedom of expression and being anti-national, says the writer

Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, known as the Sedition Law (under which Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya of JNU are to be charged), is a British colonial leftover from 1860. This very same law was used to imprison freedom fighters Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1909 and Mahatma Gandhi in 1922.

Successive judgments of the Supreme Court since Independence have made it crystal clear that advocating revolution, or even violent overthrow of the State, does

Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, known as the Sedition Law, is a British colonial leftover from 1860. This very same law was used to imprison freedom fighters Lokmanya Tilak in 1909 and Mahatma Gandhi in 1922 not amount to Sedition, unless there is incitement to violence and, more importantly, the incitement is to ‘imminent’ violence.

Soli Sorabjee, who was Solicitor General of India in the Atal Bihari Vajpayeeled NDA government made it clear in the context of last year’s JNU controversy, that though he found some of the slogans ‘problematic’ and even ‘deplorable’, expressing such views was not Sedition in any legal framework.

Twe nt y - ye ar- ol d Gurmehar Kaur posted a four-and-a-quarter minute YouTube video on 28 April 2016, in which she held up 33 hand-written posters one after the other. The posters describe how she grew up hating Muslims because her father died at the hands of Pakistani terrorists, and how, when just six years old, she tried to stab a lady in a burkha, “Because for some strange reason, I thought she was responsible for my father’s death”.

The next poster says: “My mother held me back and made me realise that...” Then, in continuation, comes the poster that has generated the

entire storm: “Pakistan did not kill my Dad, War killed him.”

The next two posters say: “It took me a while to know, but today I do. I have learnt to let go of my hate.” And, “It was not easy, but it’s not difficult.”

If France and Germany could be friends after two world wars. if the US and Japan could put their past behind and work for progress, why can’t India and Pakistan learn to co-exist peacefully, young Gurmehar’s posters ask us.

But the self-styled superpatriots condemned her on the basis of just one poster out of 33. And the media, regrettably, chose not to make the full content of her video widely known.

When ‘responsible’ union ministers like Kiren Rijiju join in this uninformed, uncouth bullying, one can only see the truth in two of the posters she held up, which said: “I am questioning the caliber of leadership of both nations.”

And, “We cannot dream of becoming a First World country with Third World leadership.”

Maybe that is the poster that actually got the powersthat-be riled up.

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Saturday, 04 March 2017

Genius Total knee Replacement System: Dr. Ameya Velingker a true designer surgeon

D

r. Ameya Velingker has dedicated his last seven years in research studies to design and develop India’s first ‘Total Knee Replacement System’ to compete with the many multinational companies in the joint replacement industry. As Goa’s renowned joint replacement surgeon, Dr. Velingker is the only Goan Orthopaedic Surgeon in the core team of Indian and international bio mechanist and researchers who constituted a study under the aegis of IIT Mumbai scientists.

Focusing on the primary need of Indian patients, Dr. Velingker and a group of world renowned Indian surgeons along with the head of Biorad Medisys’ Jitendra Hegde who owns an internationally acclaimed medical device company, came out with the solution based on the anthropometric (study of human body) and morphological (biological study of organisms) data generated in this study which is Genius –TKR System.

Data over a past few years of research over a wide range of patients across India who have undergone Total knee replacement procedure shows that only 21% of the patients having been operated upon have a satisfying postoperative phase in the current scenario.

There have been a spurt in the evolution of biologically safe metal implants that have invaded the Indian knee replacement market scenario which are of the imported variety, but yet a lacuna in case of Patient Satisfactory Index is observed.

On a closer analysis, to understand the dissatisfaction index of 69% of patients who have undergone TKR surgery using the existing imported variety of joints, it was alarmingly revealed that majority of the imported joints found in India today are usually made to fit the American and

health

The new Hindustaknee – A Make in India example

Dr. Ameya Velingkar explains the procedure

the European population people, as designs of that these companies make have bigger sizes simply because knee joint structures /bones for that matter of Americans and Europeans are bigger as compared to an Indian patient profile, especially the Indian females who have very small knee joints/bones.

Thus, implants made by imported companies can seldom match the Indian patient’s knees which lead to dis-satisfaction. As such, new knee replacement system now available in India, called the Genius Total Knee Replacement System – a HindustaKnee Knee, which is a custom made implant for Indian population and is a research product established after years of expertise and collaborations of the Triad of Surgeon/Research scientist and Biomedical Engineer. The components are manufactured in Sheffield UK which is the Steel City of the World under joint ventures and thus international excellence has been brought to Indian shores with Indian sizes, knee sizes required for the benefits of scores of arthritic patients to get satisfactory results in post-operative total knee replacement procedure.

Dr. Velingkar explained to all his patients about the project he was involved in and

knowing the objectives and standards of the study most of his patients gladly agreed to be implanted with the Genius Total Knee Replacement System. “In fact, such is the design of the knee that a patient can comfortably walk 4 hours after surgery,” he says.

Dr. Velingkar added “2 of the top 5 joint replacement manufacturers are based in the UK, with the rest based in the USA. In fact, we have implanted the Genius Knee system in 6 foreign nationals from countries of Ghana, Nigeria, UK and USA. Here, we have nationals of all these foreign countries, flying all the way to Goa, and getting an Indian Designed Knee replacement system implanted and are off home to show it to his friends and family. I am sure in the medical fraternity, in both India and these foreign countries, this is definitely a first. Someone showing off a Made in India tag in the medical world “ Chinmay Kantak, CEO at the Orthopaedic Hospital for Surgery said “Orthopaedic Hospital for Surgery was built for this exact purpose. To make international standard healthcare available to all Goans. The operation theatre is state-of-the-art and the 1 year old hospital has all the facilities to be a center of excellence for total joint

replacement. We are the only single specialty orthopaedic Hospital in South Goa to be graded as an “A” grade hospital under the Goa Government’s flagship Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana scheme. We offer Total Joint Replacement with imported implants free of cost for all DDSSY card holders and have completed over 50 Hip and Knee Joint replacement

in less than 3 months. If the local Government engages specialised hospitals like us who are doing quality work at affordable rates, to promote medical tourism, it can give a boost to the dwindling international tourist flow to a certain extent and aid in boosting local tourism revenue.”

Dr. Velingkar said that “Being a joint replacement centre, we use specialized space suits for surgeries to control infections. Having a Laminar Air flow in the theatre also helps in purifying airflow in the operation theatre ensuring that only pure air is constantly present in the OT. Also, I must congratulate the Government of Goa on launching such a useful Medical Insurance scheme. Joint Replacement, which was once considered to be a rich man’s procedure, is now within reach of all Goans.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “It is the health that is the real wealth, not pieces of gold and silver”.

FORM IV Statement about ownership and other particulars about newspaper My Goa to be published in the first issue every year after the last day of February.

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Plaza, Panaji Goa 403001 India 2. Periodicity: Weekly 3. Printer’s Name : Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly Nationality: Indian Address: 1F2, Milroc Temple Towers,

Opp. Swami Samarth Temple,

Merces - Tiswadi, Goa 403005 4 Publisher’s Name Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly Nationality: Indian Address: 1F2, Milroc Temple Towers,

Opp. Swami Samarth Temple,

Merces - Tiswadi, Goa 403005 5 Editor’s Name Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly Nationality: Indian Address: 1F2, Milroc Temple Towers,

Opp. Swami Samarth Temple,

Merces-Tiswadi, Goa 403005 6 Name and addresses a.Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly of individuals who own the Address : 1F2, Milroc Temple newspaper and partners or Towers, Opp Swami Samarth shareholders holding more Temple, Merces – Tiswadi than one per cent of the Goa 403005 total capital

b. Urvija H Bhatkuly

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Temple, Merces- Tiswadi, Goa 403005 I, Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date: 01/03/2017

Signed by Publisher Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly

women’sday

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Saluting a legacy of Goan women pioneers Historian Prajal Sakhardande writes about the pioneering ladies who have made Goa proud

Durga Khote

Imelda Tavora

Rita Faria

Kamlabai Kamat Gokhale

he first Goan woman psychiatrist was Dr Ms Adelia Costa; and Laxmibai Talaulikar, Gawdulaka Kholkar were the first voijins. Dr Ratan Naik was the first Goan lady to graduate as FRCS, London.

The first Goan woman scientist was Dr Ms Beatriz De Menezes Braganza.

The first women Sports Director of Goa and a PhD in Sports was Dr Ms Suzana D’Souza.

The first professional Goan lady photographer was Palmira Coutinho.

The first Goan model was Sooranga Moolgaokar for Raja Ravi Verma’s paintings in the 1870s.

The very first woman actress on the Indian screen was a Goan from Assanora, her name was Kamlabai Kamat (Gokhale). It was a silent film

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produced by Dadasaheb Phalke, the the ‘Father of Indian Cinema’ in 1913.

People hardly know this fact. Durga Khote (Laud) another Goan from Sanvordem followed soon after and became popular.

The first Goan woman to act on Marathi stage was classical singer, Jyotsna Bhole. The first Goan woman to act on Konkani stage (Tiatr) in the first Tiatr Italian Bhurgo in 1892 was Regina Fernandes. The first Goan girl to act in the first Konkani film Mogacho Aoundo in 1950 was Lena Fernandes.

The first Indian to win the ‘Miss World’ title was a Goan Rita Faria in the year 1966. The first Goan lady painter of repute was Angela Trinidade, folowed by Prafulla Dahanukar. The first Goan woman classical singer Kesarbai Kerkar was bestowed the title ‘Surashree’ by none other than

Rabindranath Tagore. Mohana Palkar was the Goan dancer at the court of the Peshwa in the year 1875. The first woman historian of Goa was Maria Ermilinda Stuarts Gomes and almost contemporary to her was Propercia Correia Afonso Figuereido in the late 19th and early 20th century. The first Goan Woman Teachers were Ana Joaquina D’Souza Correia and Piyush Bandodkar.

Among freedom fighters, the names of Menezes Braganca sisters, Berta and Beatriz, along with Vatsala Kirtani and Pramilabai Zambaulikar has to be mentioned.

Imelda Tavora was the first Goan Radio Star among women. Ashatai Phadke and Radhabai Kamat were the first women Kirtankars of Goa. The first Goan women poets were Gokulbai Talaulikar, Godavaribai

Naik, Seetabai Kundaikar and Sosuaka Kenkre. The first two wrote Marathi poems and the last two wrote Abhangas and Ovyos, respectively.

The first Konkani woman poet of Goa was Vijayabai Sarmalkar. The First woman Konkani Prose writer of Goa was Sheila Kolambkar Naik. The first Konkani woman writer to win the Sahitya Academy Award for her work Sapanphullam was Meena Kakodkar.

There have been Goan women journalists, nurses, singers, sports women, social activists and workers, caterers, politicians, educationists, bankers, women in technical fields, fashion world, historians, librarians, women running tea-shops, hotels, businesswomen, columnists and so on.

We cannot also forget the women who composed the traditional dance lyrics for Dhalo, Jugdyo and Davlimandi.

Kesarbai Kerkar

Lena Fernandes

Palmira Coutinho

Meena Kakodkar

prajal sakhardande

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Saturday, 04 March 2017

“Women are unique”

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átima da Silva Gracias is a historian based in Goa with a doctorate in the area of Indo-Portuguese History. She has taught history for many years.

Her books include Health and Hygiene in Colonial Goa,1510-1961, Kaleidoscope of Women in Goa, Beyond the Self – Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Goa, The Many Faces of Sundorem – Women in Goa and Cozinha de Goa. Her most recent books are two biographies: Faces of Colonial India – The Work of Goan Artist António Xavier de Trindade and Angela Trindade: A Trinity of Light, Colour and Emotion.

Apart from her books, she has contributed research papers on health, women, culture, social institutions, migration, food and church in books, journals and seminars in India, Portugal, France, Germany, Brazil and Sri Lanka.

She is the Convener of Goa State Chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Q: As a successful lady in your field, was it difficult to achieve your dreams because you are a woman?

I don’t think so. I did not feel any discrimination in doing what I wished to do because I am a woman. My father wanted his daughters to be well educated and independent and encouraged us in this direction My husband has been supportive in my academic, research and writing activities.

Q: What according to you are the biggest issues that women in Goa have to deal with?

In the last few decades, women in Goa have made great strides in education and other fields.

Yet, they have long way to

interview Goan women, particularly the Portuguese Civil Code, 1867; and constitutional changes brought about when Portugal became a Republic (1910). The Code guaranteed equality of sexes in respect to inheritance of property. It raised the age of marriage for both, girls and boys. This was an important measure to end child marriages that existed among certain classes in Goa. The constitutional changes under the Republic permitted divorce for the first time to women and men, although a few availed of this law due to socio-religious restrictions.

Widow remarriages were also permitted under Portuguese law. All these laws played an important role in improving the status of women in Goa.

Fátima da Silva Gracias is a historian based in Goa with a doctorate in the area of IndoPortuguese History. She shares her thoughts on women related issues, this women’s day

In the last few decades, women in Goa have made great strides in education and other fields. Yet, they have long way to go to attain gender justice in their daily life. For instance, gender discrimination is evident in the wages paid to the labouring class. Women working in the fields often perform the same kind of work as men do, but are paid much less wages go to attain gender justice in their daily life. For instance, gender discrimination is evident in the wages paid to the labouring class. Women working in the fields often perform the same kind of work as men do, but are paid much less wages. Presently, it seems there is discrimination in selection of personnel for jobs. Men are given preference over women of marriageable age and married women because of long maternity and child care leave. Many women still suffer harassment

listen to the voice of an intelligent goa. every week.

at home, workplace, on the roads (women drivers) and so on. Women also suffer over various issues in domestic life. Some men resent assertive women with a mind of their own. Married women shoulder responsibility in disproportionate amounts, they not only work outside their homes but do all the housework as well. There is no division of labour at home as one sees in the Western world. A significant number of Goan men work outside Goa and their wives have

to shoulder responsibilities single-handedly – of looking after old parents-in-law, school going children, properties and take important decisions.

Many women are often the sole bread-winners of the family.

Q: Many feel that the Portuguese civil code is gender neutral, in so far as rights of women are concerned. What is your opinion?

Over centuries, the Portuguese rulers implemented several laws that have benefitted

Q: On the occasion of Women’s Day, what is your message to ladies in Goa? Women are unique. It is not easy to be a woman in today’s world. Strive to keep your family together, transmit good traditions and inculcate good values – honesty, kindness, concern and respect for others, particularly towards the aged and the needy. Many of these values are slowly disappearing in our families and society of today. Goan women must work to have greater voice in decision making and politics Very few women are given tickets to contest elections; and in the present assembly we had only two women MLAs. There are also very few women as heads of corporate houses and important institutions.

To young women, I would say: follow your dreams and aspirations and work hard to achieve them by drawing inspiration from some of the outstanding Indian women in various spheres of life.

Campus

10

Saturday, 04 March 2017 My Goa

@MyGoa

mygoanews@gmail.com

GIM hosts the 17th edition of corporate quiz WIZBIZ

Winners: B Naveen Kumar and Jayakanthan and from Sai Mitra Constructions and TCS, Chennai

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IM WIZBIZ 2017, the flagship event of Goa Institute of Management (GIM) saw corporate teams step out of the boardroom and onto the stage to battle it out for the top spot at one of India’s popular corporate quizzes.

Conducted by the popular quizmaster Avinash Mudaliar, GIM WIZBIZ witnessed participation from leading corporate houses

such as Deloitte, Pidilite, Pepsi, Adjacent Design, TCS, Prototyze and Acron amongst others.

Only the top six teams made it to the finals. After intense rounds of the fierce battle of the intellect, Jayakanthan and B Naveen Kumar from TCS and Sai Mitra Constructions respectively emerged as winners of WIZBIZ 2017 followed by 1st runners up Rajiv D’Silva

1st Runners up: Harshvardhan Bhatkuly and Rajiv D’Silva from Savoir 2nd Runners up: Yogesh Pai and Rohan Khanna from Chennai Silks Faire Media and Deloitte

and Harshvardhan Bhatkuly from Savoir Faire Media. The top two teams were tied at the first position; and the winner had to be decided by a sudden death tie-breaker. The 2nd runners up position were won

by Rohan Khanna and Yogesh Pai from Deloitte and Chennai Silks respectively.

Organised by MECCA – the Marketing Club of GIM, WIZBIZ held at GIM campus in Sanquelim was

a success with enthusiastic participation, challenging rounds and exciting prizes won by the participants and audience alike. Having been organized for the past 16 years, GIM WIZBIZ has escalated its standards with every passing year. Participants from corporate organizations from across the country travelled to Goa to participate at GIM WIZBIZ. The audiences watched as

the titans of corporate quizzing clashed amongst each other to win the top spot and prizes worth over `2.5 Lakhs.

The quiz itself was an exhilarating experience.

Quizmaster Avinash Mudaliar engaged the crowd with his quick wit and interesting trivia.

GIM WIZBIZ 2017 concluded with the winners of the competition taking home a culmination cash prize of around 2 lakhs.

Don Bosco College of Engineering hosts National Seminar

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Two Day National seminar on “Advances in Structural Engineering” was held at Don Bosco College of Engineering.

Joseph Silvera, Dy. Chief Engineer at Mormugao Port Trust, was the Chief Guest while Dr. Yogesh Desai, Dean Administrative Affairs, IIT Bombay and distinguished Chair Professor of Structural Engineering was the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Joseph Silvera appreciated the civil engineering department for organizing a national seminar which will help consultants and academicians to deliver in better way. He also said that structural engineering is one of the important disciplines of civil engineering and a structural engineer should be genuine in his design.

Other dignitaries on the dais included Fr. Kinley D’Cruz, Director, Don Bosco

College of Engineering, Dr. Neena Panandikar, Principal, Prof. Annapurna Sakhardande, Convenor and Prof Oswyn Soares and Prof.

Nadya Baracho, both seminar co-ordinators.

Fr. Kinley D’Cruz, Director, Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda welcomed the gathering and urged the participants to gather and share their experience with the distinguished speakers.

Dr. Neena Panandikar, Principal, Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda in her address mentioned that this seminar will provide a good opportunity to the participants to share and discuss problems of mutual interest in Structural Engineering with eminent speakers from reputed institutions. Prof Oswyn Soares, Seminar Coordinator gave an introduction to the seminar, while Prof.

Shruti Desai compered the programme.

Ashwin U., Scientist at CSIR Bangalore, Dr. Bhavana Patel S. S, Assistant Professor, RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Dr. Babu Narayan, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, NITK, Suratkal, Dr. A. S. Balu, Assistant Professor at NITK and Dr. Sanil Kumar, Scientist, Ocean Engineering Division, CSIR-National Institute of

Oceanography, (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), Dona Paula delivered their presentations at two day seminar.

For the valedictory function, Dr. Sanil Kumar, Scientist, Ocean Engineering Division, NIO, Dona Paula, Goa was the Chief Guest.

Prof. Nadya Baracho briefed the report of the seminar.

Various participants shared their feedback and experiences during the course of seminar.

Fr. Kinley D’Cruz, Director, Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda and Dr. Neena Panandikar, Principal distributed certificates to the participants. Prof. Annapurna Sakhardande, Assistant Professor DBCE proposed vote of thanks.

Around 50 participants from academic institutes in and around Goa, various reputed consulting firms, industry professionals and PG students attended the seminar.

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Saturday, 04 March 2017

Narayan Bandekar lauds efforts of GCCI and Directorate of Technical Education

business

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oa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Directorate of Technical Education have come together to organize a student-industry connect project.

Addressing a large gathering of students, industrialists and technical professionals, Chairman of NRB Group and President of GCCI, Narayan Bandekar said that such interactions will help the aspiring students to develop required skills and enhance internship prospects.

Bandekar also spoke of the lack of skills in the corporate world to convert technical knowledge and meet the requirement of the local industry adding, “The industry should come forward to provide such internships to technical students.” He lauded the efforts of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Directorate of Technical Education in organizing this student -industry connect.

Raghuvir Vernekar

GCCI President Narayan Bandekar lighting the lamp to inaugurate ‘Education-Industry connect through presentations of engineering students of Goa.’ He is seen with (L to R) Pallavi Arondekar – Dy Director GCCI; Vivek Kamat, Director DTE; Raghuvir Vernekar, Chairman, GCCI Education Committee; Atul Pai Kane, Founder Pai Kane Group; Rajkumar Kamat – Member GCCI Education Committee; and D S Prashant, G M, Centre for Incubation and Business Acceleration, Verna - Goa

congratulated GCCI for holding the first ever direct connect between industry and prospective engineers. 30 projects have been shortlisted to guide future inventors. He said that the technical students are pillars of our future progress, who need guidance so that they can share social responsibility.

Atul Pai Kane, industrialist,

expressed that the industry needs to expedite procedures including clearances as they consume a lot of time because of which the industry suffers; but added that students should be encouraged to innovate.

Kane also said that seniors have much more to learn as there is stiff competition as India has gone global and so there is a need to remember

quality cost and delivery for any product to flourish and be famous.

Rajkumar Kamat of BNI Goa said, “We used to feel deflated in absence of practical knowledge but now the situation has changed and a new generation of engineers is lining up and inventions are mind boggling.”

Many students presented

new inventions like fire fighting robots, self vacuum cleaning robot, solar harvesting machine, RFID card, garbage sorting machine and so on and so forth.

GCCI Deputy Director Pallavi Arondekar was also present on the occasion, besides other representatives from all five participating colleges.

Jio and Samsung awarded “Best Mobile Innovation for Emerging Markets”

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eliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. recently announced that they have won the ‘Best Mobile Innovation for Emerging Markets’ from Global Mobile Awards 2017 at the Mobile World Congress 2017 for the digital movement that Jio with support from Samsung, is bringing to India.

Jio and Samsung’s ongoing effort in transforming India into a digitally empowered society by overcoming the country’s digital divide; and has been recognized on the global stage with this prestigious award. The two organizations have focused on reaching the power of communication and information with free voice and world’s lowest data rates across towns and rural areas through the deployment of the world’s largest greenfield LTE network in India.

In addition, Jio has focused

on enabling an easy access to digital life with customeroriented applications and tariffs.

Through its invitational offers, millions of Indians were able to embrace a digital lifestyle and helped Jio to rapidly expand its subscriber base to a record of 100 million within 170 days of launch.

As the sole vendor for Jio’s LTE radio access network,

Samsung worked with Jio at each step of the process from network planning, network expansion, interference analytics to optimization. The LTE solutions provided by Samsung were fully compliant with the 3GPP LTE standards, with their performances already verified and proven in other global markets.

“We are pleased to have won this prestigious award

in joint effort with Samsung Electronics, who have been a reliable partner in our pursuit to creating a truly Digital India,” said Jyotindra Thacker, President of Jio. “By continuing to introduce consumer-centric options in our services and much easier access, we hope to bring down India’s digital divide and enable every Indian to benefit from digital life,” he added.

“Today’s achievement signified more than just an award, it is an indicator of the transformation we have brought to India and its people,” said Youngky Kim, President and Head of Network Business at Samsung Electronics.

“Samsung, as Jio’s strategic partner for the realization of Digital India, is pleased to be able to support the process of India taking steps towards becoming a pioneer in the global telecommunications industry.”

To fulfill the key intention of the project, of bringing India together and improving elements that impact the quality of human lives, the project plans to launch many more applications around the fields of education, health, rural, livelihood and agriculture and reach digital empowerment to the remotest corners of India.

THEARTS

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Saturday, 04 March 2017 My Goa

@MyGoa

mygoanews@gmail.com

Art

cinema

A Journey with Water Colours

Darshan Dashrath Shetye in his second solo exhibition titled Ambience at Kala Academy portrayed snippets of Goa’s serene life that influence him

“Ever since, I entered this human form, I have been directly influenced by my surroundings. We all are and we interpret the sum of everything that we have seen, heard or experienced; and every individual interprets it differently. I am a reflection of my surroundings, both material and spiritual; but my reflection is unclear and abstract in nature, the curiosity in me pushes me to seek a clear image of self who I was, who I am. It’s a record of me which allows me to understand myself better. My works are a result of this interaction with my surroundings.” The exhibition Ambience brings together the part of his surroundings which have influenced him the most.

The paintings reflect places from Darshan Shetye’s travel, cinema

Celebrating the wonders of French cinema

Darshan Shetye

which connect with his mood, thoughts, feelings, Aura and soul. Through these places, he finds he can express himself more clearly. Darshan’s past exhibitions include a group shows Scapes Rediscovered, State Art Exhibition Artist

category, and Promising Young Artist Group show. His work was also featured as a solo show in 2013 for the Ecstasy Solo Show. His most recent shows 2016 were the Water and Colours Group show and the Soul Scapes Group show.

Film Screening by Alliance Française Alliance Française de Panjim in collaboration with the French Embassy, Directorate of Art and Culture Goa, and Panjim Inn presents the film Farewell My Indian Soldier.

The film will be screened on Saturday 4th March, 2017 at 7 pm at the Central Library Panjim.

Farewell My Indian Soldier is a Rajya Sabha Television and Silhouette Films Indo-French co-production, directed by Vijay Singh. The film is a docufiction, a moving portrayal of Indian soldiers who came to fight in France and Belgium during the First World War. The presence of these 150,000 soldiers in Europe is a virtually unknown fact of history.

In this film, Vijay Singh recounts the story of Indian soldiers through the eyes of love and human affection.

This film is inspired by the story of an Indo-French child who, journeys across France, Belgium, England and India, and weaves around it the fascinating story of Indian

French Film Festival

Vijay Singh

soldiers in WW1.

Using rare archive, historical testimonies, 100year old Indian war songs and 600 insightful letters written home by soldiers about their mind-altering experience in France, this film tells the story of these men, 10,000 of who were never to return to their motherland.

Vijay Singh is an Indian filmmaker, screenplay-writer and novelist living in Paris.

His films have been nominated for Best Film awards at several

renowned festivals. Chami and Ana the Elephant (Man and Elephant/L’Homme et L’éléphant) was awarded Le Grand Prix des Enfants ‘La Titine 2002’ in Switzerland.

India by Song won the River to River Digital Audience award for Best Documentary in Florence, Italy 2010.

Vijay Singh is the recipient of the Leonardo da Vinci Award in 1994 for screenplay writing, and the Prix Villa Medicis hors les murs for foreign literature in 1990.

Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts in association with Alliance Française, Panjim recently organised a French Film Festival. The festival was curated by French actress Marianne Borgo at the Sunaparanta open air amphitheatre.

Four films were selected to be screened for the three day film festival – The Chorus, 8 Women, La Vie En Rose and Jean de Florette.

The festival opened with The Chorus by director Christophe Barratier. The Chorus narrates the story of an unemployed music teacher who finds a job as proctor in a correctional boarding school for minors. He is stunned by the harsh reality of the school’s routine – particularly the extreme, largely ineffectual policies of the school’s director.

The teacher sets out to change the pupils’ lives by acquainting them with the magic and power of music.

8 Women by François Ozon unravelled an intriguing plot of secrets that revolved around one murder and eight women; each of whom seemed to be more eager than the others to know the truth.

Olivier Dahan‘s La vie en rose is a biopic of the iconic French singer Édith Piaf.

Raised by her grandmother in a brothel, she was discovered while singing on a street corner at the age of 19. Despite

her success, Piaf ’s life was filled with tragedy.

The festival closed with the screening of Jean de Florette, a film by director Claude Berri. A wholly captivating, emotionally powerful film Jean de Florette tells the story of a greedy landowner and his simple-minded nephew who conspire to block the only water source for an adjoining property in order to bankrupt the owner and force him to sell.

Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts is an initiative

by Dattaraj V. Salgaocar with an aim to preserve the artistic and cultural legacies of Goa. It works to encourage innovative work in the visual arts whether individual, group or organizational; and to liaise between the Goan art community and the national and international art communities.

goa in a week

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Saturday, 04 March 2017

23rd All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan in Delhi

whatsup

GST Conclave by Taxsutra and Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera

Suresh Prabhu

Rajdeep Sardesai

The 23rd All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan will be held in collaboration with all Konkani organisations on March 10, 11 and 12, 2017, at Constitution Club, Rafi Marg in New Delhi. The inaugural function will begin at 5.30 pm on March 10, 2017 at Mavalankar Auditorium, Constitution Club. Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu will be the chief guest at the first day of the event.

The conference will be historic for all Konkanis in the national capital as well as those from other parts of

Shantaram Naik

the country, as it will give the Konkani lover a unique opportunity to come under one umbrella of linguistic unity.

Solidarity among Konkanispeaking people is vital today and one’s presence at the event will help boost the language and the unique culture. The three-day conference will also see prominent personalities including Members of Parliament Shantaram Naik, Narendra Sawaiker and Oscar Fernandes, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai as well as Rev Fr Theodore Mascarenhas, Secretary General, Catholic

Narendra Sawaiker

Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) among its guest of honour. All India Konkani Parishad is the pioneering institute that works for the comprehensive development of Konkani language. It has so far conducted 30 national conferences apart from numerous seminars, symposia, workshops and other programmes, to promote Konkani language, literature and culture among other things.

A cultural programme will follow the day’s proceedings on March 10 and 11.

Amit Tandon all set to make Goa laugh Assuring a great laughter-filled experience, the Goan Comedy Club brings to Goa and its masses Amit Tandon, one of the best known observational comics in India on the 12th of March 2017. With more than 700 shows across three continents, Amit is commonly known as ‘the Married Guy’ in the stand-up comedy circuit. After one marriage and two kids, Amit realized that it couldn’t get any worse and took to comedy.

He hosts a weekly show on Radio City

91.1 and is also the founder of Grandmasters of Comedy, a company that focuses on bringing comedy to the corporate world. Amit also holds credit for being the first comedian featured on NDTV’s Rising Stars of Comedy. He has also played a role in spreading the cheer campaign for Comedy Central in Delhi.

The Goan Comedy Club focuses on sharing the true essence of laughter among the masses through the most de-stressing entertainment form.

They curate public, private and corporate shows and bar gigs taking care of other aspects such as advertising, marketing and sponsorship. The Goan Comedy Club looks forward to bring the best of comedy to Goa and slowly introduce different types of comedy to Goa.

Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera and Taxsutra.com have come together to organize a GST Conclave on 4th March 2017 at Panaji Convention Centre, to address Goa centric issues related to the GST, with top notch speakers from India P.V. Srinivasan and K. Vaitheeswaran will give Goan community an insight into the complication and intricacies of GST. Finance Ministry at the Centre is on date seeking roll out of GST by 1st July 2017 in all states of India. With reference

Dr. Subodh Kerkar to talk on ‘The Social and The Political’

MOG Sundays presents a talk by contemporary artist Dr. Subodh Kerkar on his politics and his belief that ‘Art’ can bring about a social change on the 5th of March 2017. Right from his college days, Dr. Subodh Kerkar has been an activist. He has created numerous works which reflect his social and political views.

Born in a small picturesque

Workshop on Women’s Safety Literati Bookshop brings to you a workshop on strategies of Safety and Empowerment of Women. PAPA’s Program, an initiative which began in 2013 by Mahesh S Kamat aims to help women with skills for self defense keeping in mind prevention, attitude, preparation and strategies. The workshop on womens safety will be held on Saturday 4th March at the Literati Bookshop from 11 a.m to 1.30 p.m.

Mahesh Kamat who holds a blackbelt 5th Dan, has 33 years of experience in teaching martial arts in 7 states of India and has even taught in internationally. His workshops have reached out to individual

to this, the conclave will bring to perspective the trade bodies, corporates, businessmen and how the GST roll out could impact their individual business or profession which are transitioning from VAT/ Service Tax regime to the GST regime.

The conclave is scheduled on 4th March 2017 at Panaji Convention Centre, Mala.

For registrations and more information Contact person is Rtn. Prasad Pawar 9822103528 and Rtn. Raja Melvani 982216316.

Mahesh S Kamat

across all nationalities and aims to empower women of all ages with knowledge and strategies required for self defense. This workshop will cover basic defense strategies, fitness and strengthening exercised and help build observation skills.

village of Keri on the northern border of Goa in 1959, just 2 years before the liberation of Goa from the Portuguese rule, he spent his childhood, walking on the beaches with his artist father, Chandrakant Kerkar.

These walks consolidated his relationship with his father and with the ocean. He qualified as a doctor, ran a hospital for 7 years before giving it up to pursue his passion, visual arts.

Dr. Subodh Kerkar’s installations are heavily washed by the ocean, both literally and metaphorically.

He creates his ephemeral installations using thousands of mussel shells, coconut shells, recycled tyres, boats, bamboos, fishermen and sand.

The ocean is both inside and outside his works, his master and his muse.

He creates large works on the seashore, which are often infused with politics and history. He is the Founding Director of the Museum of Goa (MOG) and has exhibited widely in India and abroad in galleries and in museums.

Email your responses: mygoanews@gmail.com

sports

14

Saturday, 04 March 2017 My Goa

@MyGoa

mygoanews@gmail.com

TKAG hosts KAI Senior National Karate Championship

Manohar Parrikar releases the special souvenir

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t was Sunday 26th Feb when Traditional Karate Association of Goa (TKAG) created history in Goa in the interest of Karate sport at large. TKAG hosted the most prestigious ‘Karate Championship’ in India, which is the “KAI Senior National Karate Championship-2017” at Dr. S. P. Mukherjee stadium at Goa. Defence Minister of India, Manohar Parrikar, was the chief guest, who was welcomed by a loud roar and applause from karate players and people in attendance. V. M. Prabhu Dessai, Director of The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), who was the guest of honour highly appreciated the efforts put in by the TKAG members,

Suraj M. Caculo with Bharat Sharma and R. Thiagarajan along with Manohar Parrikar and others

especially by its President Suraj M. Caculo and General Secretary Joseph Rodrigues, for promoting Goa as a venue for such mega events.

The event witnessed many ‘first’ namely nine playing ‘Tatami’ (competition rings) under one roof, center stage Tatami at an elevated level for the finals, as seen at the World Karate Federation (WKF) events, video review system, to

name a few. Another highlight and also a first was that this event was broadcasted live across the world on ‘SportsFlashes’.

It was the determination of TKAG President, Suraj M. Caculo that made this magnanimous event possible.

Having travelled across the globe to witness world Karate championships, he had taken it upon himself to showcase

world-class arrangements.

The event witnessed over 1000 players and 350 officials from across the country. Every single person present had only praises and was in awe as the spectacular event as it unfolded.

Suraj Caculo applauded the efforts of R. Thiagarajan (President) and Bharat Sharma (Gen. Secretary) of Karate Association of India (KAI), who, he said, “have taken Karate to a different level in India giving it a recognition on global stage.” Caculo thanked them for entrusting TKAG and having faith in his capabilities in hosting this event.

Much to the delight of the players, Sensei Amir Mehdi Zadeh, who is the current

Anura Prabhudesai wins Gold at National Badminton

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nura Prabhudesai broke records, becoming the first Goan lady to win a gold medal in the women’s double category at the All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament at Atul, Gujarat.

Paired with Karishma Wadkar from Maharashtra, the duo won 21 – 15, 21 – 14 defeating the second seeded pair of Kuhoo Garg and Ningshi Block Hazarika.

Anura has previously held the proud title of being the first

Anura Prabhudesai

Anura has previously held the proud title of being the first lady from Goa to win a bronze medal in the senior singles at the National Ranking circuit lady from Goa to win a bronze medal in the senior singles at the National Ranking circuit.

She beat Revati Devastale 2115, 18-21, 21-17 in the Quarter finals. In Semis finals, however, she lost to Riya Mookerjee 2119, 21 – 14.

Karate World Champion, was present as a special guest for the championship. His sheer presence at the venue boosted the morale of all the players.

The other dignitaries present were Sonny Pillay (PresidentSouth African Karate Federation), Suman Talwar (movie superstar), RC and EC members of KAI. TKAG is the only Karate Association in Goa to be recognized by the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and affiliated to the ‘Karate Association of India’, which is the National Federation (NF), recognized by the Govt. of India (Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports). On a concluding note Suraj M. Caculo stated that TKAG has been able to create an impression on KAI and the Karate fraternity across India and promises that Goa will see many more of such mega Karate events of national and international repute under the able guidance of ‘Mr. Karate’ R. Thiagarajan and Bharat Sharma.

Suraj Caculo wished to convey his gratitude to ‘Manipal Hospital’ for being the medial assistance partner for the event in a very professional manner.

The sporting event was sponsored by Vasco-based NRB Group and Dojo De Goa, an initiative of Suraj M. Caculo

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Saturday, 04 March 2017

Neil Tanawala and Simran Khan Champions of the Cidade de Goa Open 2017 Goa’s premier tennis championship showcases outstanding play

T

he finals of Cidade de Goa Open 2017 could not have been more exciting as BITS Pilani student Neil Tanawala won the Men’s Single in a thrilling match against Santosh Gorawar. With his friends cheering him and his sheer determination Neil overpowered Santosh (6-0, 6-3) and won.

Playing sublime tennis, Neil Tanawala said “I started playing tennis since I was seven and this tournament particularly wasn’t easy since majority of the crowd supported Santosh. I am

The Cidade de Goa Open 2017 commenced with a total of 126 entries coming in across 10 categories. The tournament was organized by Cidade de Goa Resort in partnership with Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA) grateful that my friends had my back and it is because of them I won this tournament.”

Tennis fans witnessed Simran Khan take on Saumya Sukthankar for the ultimate spot. Both women gave their best and it was no surprise to see them battle it out in the finals. With great perseverance

Simran powered through and defeated Saumya (6-3, 6-0) to lift the Women’s Single trophy.

Meanwhile Neil Tanawala and Vibhu Goel were a perfect pair as they understood each other’s game and defeated Raju and Manu Chabra (3-6, 7-6, 11-9) taking home the Men’s Double title. Bulu Godinho

Six Goans qualify for Indian Special Olympics 2017 team Six athletes from Goa will join the team of 125 from India to participate in the 2017 Special Olympics, World Winter Games in Austria scheduled to take place from March 14 to 24.

The group of six selected from Goa are Bibi Aisha Bijapuri, Navdeep Dhaku Pavane, Ruturaj Gokuldas Sawant, Issac Moulabaksh Biajpur, Shanjur Jaicrula Nasargi and Hanumant Tammana Bhandivadar. The

Indian delegation leaves for Austria on March 12th. A send off ceremony was organized for the participants and their parents, attended by Chief Minister Laximikant Parsekar.

The Special Olympics is held for the mentally challenged and is hosted differently from from Paralympics where the disabilities are mostly physical.

“We first observed the kids.

Once observed, they are put into a drill, and the game that would specifically suit a child

is filtered. We then put them through numerous exercises that normally last around a year. Each child selected represents the country once.” stated coach Mahadev Shinde.

“The children for Special Olympics are selected from amongst twelve schools in Goa for the mentally challenged.

Once scouted, they are put through a routine and sent for the nationals. The Nationals were held in Himachal Pradesh and it was there that these six athletes were selected to represent India,” said Shinde.

and Kevin Rebelo took the Veteran Double title by easily downing Sachin Dukle and David Mendonca (6-3, 6-2) bringing the tournament to a spectacular end.

Spreading the love for carnival, the Cidade de Goa Open 2017 organized a Tennis Carnival for young children with the aim of improving the quality of the sport among young tennis enthusiasts and rewarding them with goody bags and chocolates.

During the prize distribution, tennis enthusiast and Chief Guest Raja Sekar of Cidade de Goa said, “It’s a great pleasure and honour to have you all at the Cidade de Goa Open 2017 closing ceremony.

We hope you enjoyed and are grateful to all participants. I would like to thank the GSTA for hosting this tournament and look forward to next year.”

The Cidade de Goa Open 2017 commenced with a total of 126 entries coming in across 10 categories.

The tournament was organized by Cidade de Goa Resort in partnership with Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA).

MY GOA | Saturday, 04 March 2017 | Pg16 Printed, published and owned by Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly and printed at Elegant Offset Printers Pvt Ltd, Shed No D2-31, Thivim Industrial Estate, Karaswada, Mapusa Goa and Published at 409, Citicentre, EDC Patto Plaza, Panaji - Goa 403001. Editor: Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly