October 2010 by Shailesh Amonkar

GOA’S FIRST LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VOL 1. NO 6. OCTOBER 2010, RS 25

ON THE CREST OF A NEW WAVE

LEISURE BOATING

‘SEEING JOY IN OTHERS MAKES ME HAPPY’

ANIL COUNTO

OASIS IN THE CITY

‘SECOND HOMES

WILL DESTROY GOA’

CHARLES CORREA

VIVANTA BY TAJ

AT ONE WITH NATURE

JOE AND CARMEN LEITAO’S HOUSE BLENDS INTO THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE

EDITORIAL NOTE

harles Correa has been among India’s most illustrious architects. His majestic creations in India and abroad are known for their artistic originality and his plans for Navi Mumbai and decentralised urbanisation have struck a chord with many committed town planners. In Goa, he is best known for the Kala Academy in Panaji which has for long been the state’s cultural epicenter. At the ripe age of 80, his passion for Goa still remains undiminished, as he testifies to in our Cover Story this month. His concern over the haphazard development of Goa is well placed and some of the solutions he offers are nothing short of revolutionary, among them the banning of the ‘second home’ concept in Goa with its finite land resources. The implementation of such a scheme in a democracy such as ours would seem far-fetched, but it underlines his genuine love for Goa and his concerns, which we all share, over the future growth of our land. How best to use our limited land resources, especially with large scale in-migration and countless flats and houses left uninhabited or used as ephemeral

Charles Correa’s Goa

getaways for a couple of weeks per year by ‘outsiders’, is a source of concern not only to India’s most famous architect but to all Goans at large who feel they are living in a state of siege. Correa also offers the more practical solution of the government promoting budget homes, affordable to the local populace, and at the same time maintaining the old world charm of Goa. We can only afford to ignore the eminent architect’s views at our cost. Another instance of ‘old world charm’ was recently experienced when engineer and business wizard Anil Counto, featured in our ‘After Hours’ column, received the ‘Insignia of Commendador, Order of Merito’ from the Ambassador of Portugal to India at a glittering function in Panaji. Viva Goa! Emiliano and his Band with their charming Portuguese ballads and everlasting Konkani numbers are by now an institution, having regaled audiences over the past few decades. Despite the invasion of ‘Techno’ and ‘Trance’, Emiliano has stuck steadfastly to his own traditional beat. It’s time to go Italian in Panaji

READERS’ RESPONSE The quality, coverage and knowledge feel like the magazine never ends. I can’t believe a Goa-based company can bring out a periodical of international standard. Congrats! Dr Shekhar D Shirwaiker, Panaji

Let me begin by congratulating you for launching Goa’s only lifestyle magazine – VIVA GOA. It is indeed a matter of great delight to go through the carefully crafted, creatively articulated, and dexterously edited articles. VIVA GOA has set out on its quest to win hearts of all Goenkars and is being warmly received by them. Encore to the team! Gunjan Mehra via email At the outset, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kedar Dhume and the entire VIVA GOA team for presenting to

with the opening of its first Italian restaurant in ‘Mangii’ (or ‘Mango’) with its original Italian fare offered in an open kitchen. We wish it every success. Viva Italiano! Now we are spoilt for choice with a variety of delectable cuisines on offer. The ‘Taj’ of course remains the Taj of all hotel chains, even if it goes by any other name. We raise a ‘bon vivant’ to the Taj Group of Hotels in Goa as it rechristens itself as the evocative ‘Vivanta by Taj’. Viva Taj! As an advertising professional, I have looked up to Piyush Pandey, Executive Chairman, South Asia, of leading advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather and the first Asian President of the Cannes jury. This position is possibly the highest ever achieved by an Indian in the advertising world. VIVA GOA congratulate Piyushbab for the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred by the Advertising Agency Association of India. Incidentally, Piyush has now made Goa his home. The making of fine jewellery is part of Goa’s cultural tradition. Gold, silver and precious stones have intermingled in the most exquisite combinations at the hands of our jewellers. We are pleased to

Goans a magazine with real class, quality gloss, and solid substance. I am sure in days to come your volume (pages) will be larger as more and more quality readers will drive the advertising base not only from Goa but from across the country. All the very best in your endeavours ! Satish Prabhu, Panaji It’s pleasant to read such an exciting and engaging magazine about Goa. Every month I anxiously wait for the new issue to appear. I have read all the five issues, they are amazing. Every article is well written and provides valuable information about various aspects of Goa, which I hadn’t come across before. I wish the VIVA GOA team a lot of success. Clancy Barreto, Chinchinim

present a separate supplement on jewellery, the first of its kind in the state, with this issue. India’s best known spiritual painter and a pioneer in designer spiritual jewellery and my dear friend Udayraj Gadnis, who currently resides in London, has written one of the best researched articles to give our readers, especially women, a good insight and understanding of spiritual jewellery. May it add some sparkle to our readers after the wettest monsoon we have experienced in over a decade. Viva Goa! Kedar Dhume

VIVA GOA this month has really come out very well. All the best! Gaurish Dhond Nice issue. Thanks for makin me think a thousand times b4 snacking on samosas again!!! Sapna Sardessai Wow! The cover as usual is fantastic. I think you should now think national. Manoj Patil

VIVA GOA invites comments from its readers. Letters should be short and relevant and can be sent to editor@vivagoaonline.com

Editor & Publishers Note We make every effort to publish a magazine that is informative, entertaining and free of errors. Any omission or inaccuracies are entirely unintentional. Please do bring to our notice any item that may be incorrect or photography erroneously published. Also, we would be pleased to include any item or photograph that warrants our attention. We believe in the spirit of Goa and its warm and lively people, and do hope the content in the magazine brings smiles to our reader’s faces.

As always, suggestions and comments are welcome on feedback@vivagoaonline.com

COVER STORY

‘Second Homes will destroy Goa’ Standing tall among Indian architects, Charles Correa has won laurels all over the world. Though he has designed majestic edifices around the world, his heart and roots have always remained in Goa and he has ambitious plans for its future development

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HI-TECH

Clothing with Intelligence By Raj Sinai Dempo

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

Given the right encouragement, Goa can become the leisure boating capital of India. VIVA GOA learns the ropes

Sujata Noronha and Elaine Mendonca are on a bookish mission to attract young minds to the joys of reading at Bookworm

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HOSPITALITY

Vivanta by Taj By Sinead McManus

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HOMING IN

HAPPENINGS

The director of Centro de Língua Portuguesa/Instituto Camões Delfim Correia da Silva unearths the true spirit of Goa

Anil Counto Founder of ALCON Enterprises

WELLNESS

Rejuve – The Spa at InterContinental The LaLiT Goa Resort By Parineeta Sethi

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The Laws of Happiness By Advocate A N S Nadkarni

GUEST COLUMN The Healthy Dog By Dr Gustavo Pinto

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INTERIORS/EXTERIORS Arch Siddha Sardessai on the home of Joe and Carmen Leitao in Dabolim

BIZ NOTES

VIVA GOA DIARY

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VIVA GOA SPOTLIGHT Bhakti Pradip Kulkarni

VOL 1. NO 6. OCTOBER 2010, RS 25

ON THE CREST OF A NEW WAVE

LEISURE BOATING

‘SEEING JOY IN OTHERS MAKES ME HAPPY’

ANIL COUNTO

OASIS IN THE CITY VIVANTA BY TAJ

‘SECOND HOMES

WILL DESTROY GOA’

AT ONE WITH NATURE

JOE AND CARMEN LEITAO’S HOUSE BLENDS INTO THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE

CHARLES CORREA

Editor & Publisher

Kedar N Dhume editor@vivagoaonline.com Principal Consultant

Shailesh M Amonkar Kemistry Media Solutions Pvt. Ltd. shailesh@kemistry.in Editorial Consultant

Manohar Shetty Assistant Editors

Emylou D’Souza Dielle D’Souza reporter@vivagoaonline.com Photographer

Edric George Design

Nagesh Naik Kemistry Media Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Manager Advertising

Tamara Faleiro advertising@vivagoaonline.com Mob: +919850077993 Circulation

Satyawan Parsekar circulation@vivagoaonline.com Published by M/S Advertising Associates [Publication Division], 703, Dempo Trade Center, Patto Plaza, Panaji, Goa 403 001, INDIA Tel : +91 832 2438999 Cover Credit Photographer: Edric George Printed at Akruti, 318, Parvati Industrial Estate, Pune Satara Road, Pune 411 009

LEGAL BRIEF

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48 page 50 page 52

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AFTER HOURS

CONTENTS

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GOA’S FIRST LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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HEALTH

Heart of the Matter By Dr Kedar Padte

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BANDSTAND

Emiliano and His Trio are sure to lift your spirits and set your feet tapping

GOAN CUISINE Meaty Flavours By Chef Deepa Awchat

RNI registration applied and pending

COVER STORY

Charles Correa at the Kala Academy, one of the masterpieces he designed in Goa

SECOND HOMES WILL DESTROY GOA Charles Correa

34 8

Standing tall among Indian architects, Charles Correa has won laurels all over the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from being conferred the Padma Vibhushan to winning the prestigious Royal Gold Medal and the Aga Khan Award. Though he has designed majestic edifices around the world, his heart and roots have always remained in Goa and he has ambitious plans for its future development. By KEDAR DHUME

t 80, Charles Correa still maintains an aura of youthfulness. Tall, silver-haired, impeccably dressed, his indefatigable creative drive still involves him in several ambitious projects, the latest being a prestigious cultural centre at Belem in Portugal opening this month, to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s journey to India and to mark the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Portugal. But this is only the latest in a long list of architectural splendours that he has created, both in India and abroad, a legacy that will surely last several lifetimes. His evocative memorial to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, the planning of Navi Mumbai, the design and creation of the Bharat Bhavan Arts Complex in Bhopal, the stunning Kanchenjunga Apartments in downtown Mumbai and several other notable edifices are all testimony to his enduring legacy. In Goa he is, of course, best known for the design and creation of the Kala Academy, Cidade De Goa and Verem houses, among others. The awards coming his way have been plentiful, notably the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 1984, the Padma Vibhushan in 2006 and the Aga Khan Award in 1998, among several others. But Charles Correa wears his honours lightly and this MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) trained architect has never forgotten his roots in Goa. From his riverside home in Verem, the architecture icon gave full rein to his concerns over haphazard development in his beloved state. Don’t make Goa a fashion statement He says, “I don’t know if Goa is being sold to the builder’s lobby, but let’s say they’re buying it. Too many people are selling property and houses to people from Mumbai and New Delhi, who have the money but no feel for Goa whatsoever. You have only to read the draft report of the Regional plan to realise just how small and fragile Goa is. It can just go under. Between this and what’s happening on the beaches – the drug trafficking and all that – Goa’s suddenly become like Bangkok and a lot of South East Asia. We must stop that.” This is of course easier said than done. But Charles Correa offers a revolutionary solution. He says, “We must block anyone trying to have a second home in Goa unless they have a reason for being here. A flat in places like Arpora costs about Rs 35 lakhs. So for Rs 35 lakhs, a person can keep an apartment and never use it. It’ll only go up in value. If there are a thousand people like this in Mumbai alone, much of the landscape of Arpora gets ruined. Goa is losing its landscape mindlessly. The idea of keeping a second home and keeping it empty should be penalised. It’s very important and the Chief Minister is ready to do it but I think he’s worried about things like public support. It must be supported because the amount of money in urban India alone (New Delhi and Mumbai and now Bangalore) could buy the whole of Goa as a second home and never use it. The developers thus build these huge monster buildings,

which you see everywhere. And many of them are empty. It’s all speculative. A person can invest Rs 20 lakhs and get 100 per cent profit in five years. This has to be stopped because Goa is too small a place.” But Goa is also part of democratic India. How can such laws be imposed? Correa offers a way out. “One way is if a person buys one of these flats, he should pay a huge tax unless he shows that he have a job here. If he doesn’t use the flat and rents it out, then impose a high tax on that. So it’s not worth his while and he will think twice before investing in a house. We believe that money should be collected from the Panchayat and not by the state government. So they will know which house is empty and they can use the money for some purpose, say housing for the poor. Each little community will decide. Of course there will be corruption there. But the local people should fight that. I have enough faith that Goans will fight for justice for themselves. They are not a passive people.” Elaborating, Correa says, “There is limitless demand. Everyone in India wants to have a house in Goa. In Mumbai flats are Rs 20 crore, it’s ridiculous. So what is a small fraction of that for a place in Goa? The concept of a meaningless second home should be stopped. But a Goan who is working in Dubai has every right to have a second home here. You have to work out who has a right. I’m talking about homes that are bought just because they are so cheap and partly a fashion statement.” Correa believes in involving the people at large. “We need to hear what the people want. Instead of the top down, we want it from the bottom up,” he says. “Of course that means that a lot of people will ask for a huge change from orchard to settlement or they will want to put up a resort here, develop heritage tourism. These are people with money, like hotel chains. But there is a solution to that. For example, say I’m applying for 25 acres at a time, not just 10,000 sq ft. If it’s anything above a scale of ten acres, I should pay a fee when I apply, even a nominal fee of one rupee per square metre. But when permission is granted, you may not give it for all the land. Say you have applied for 20 acres but all you need is one or two acres for your hotel, then you should pay Rs 100 per sq. mt. That would bring in about Rs four to six crores. “People would think twice before applying. People think that someday their grandsons will benefit and it doesn’t cost them anything. Once they get it changed, they don’t have to keep it as an orchard but have the choice of later developing it into a five-star hotel.” The eminent architect believes that this kind of penalty is a very simple mechanism to discourage speculation. “It is speculative demand, not an honest one,” he says.” All these hills are going to be cut. I care about the environment but human beings are also important. Just to willfully spoil the landscape is very foolish.” Goa is older than Portuguese presence Correa is also concerned with the kind of

Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat

buildings now in vogue. He deplores the concept of enclosing everything in glass as is the fashion in Mumbai today, of using material and images that have nothing to do with the place. Buildings made of glass in Mumbai, Dubai or Goa are not suitable to a hot climate. Why have glass buildings in the middle of a desert, he asks pointedly, especially when there is no shortage of land? The Arabs are erroneously basing their models on Houston, Texas, where all the oil and money comes from and goes. Houston is their mythic city just like Paris was for the Parsis. “What is sad about architecture today is that we are just importing materials and images which have nothing to do with the place,” he points out. “When I go to an old house I hate to see the past turned into a cartoon. Is it possible to have a heritage that is completely fake? Most modern things are very ugly, especially here. But not all of them. Some very beautiful things have been done in this century all over the world and Goa must have its share of beautiful things. Heritage doesn’t mean that you spoil the old buildings. We’re actually making a cartoon version of our heritage and not using their materials or their technology. So every time you build, you should do something that is logical for those materials.” Correa underlines the fact that Goa is older than the Portuguese presence in India. Isn’t anyone interested in what was there before the Portuguese arrived and left, he asks pointedly. Charles Correa’s own work has evolved considerably over the years. He elaborates, “When you’re young, you don’t realise exactly how shadows fall. As you get older you experience different things. A mathematician or a physicist has the best ideas before they are 30. Beyond that, the brain cannot recognise new paradigms. And so certain things are called a young man’s game. Besides mathematics, any sport is a young man’s game. But certain things like writing, painting, may be architecture, are old men’s games. When you’re older it doesn’t mean that you get more or less creative. It just means that your experience can be added to the paradigm to make it richer. Everybody evolves and we listen to the criticism. A lot of the criticism is misunderstood. But a lot of it is dead on and you do evolve.”

Not another ‘bloody box’ Correa believes in learning lessons from the past. He says, “There was a time when they built structures as a form of expression and this was very true in Hinduism and Buddhism. Even in Christianity and Islam. One of my projects in Jaipur is based on the nine planets. The plan of Jaipur itself came out of the nine planets. When we had to make an art centre in Nehru’s name, I thought we should use these concepts. Maharaja Jai Singh not only expressed the planets through the oldest myths but he also built Jantar Mantar, which was the second after Uzbekistan where this was done. He was way ahead of Europe where they were measuring the sun and the solar system with instruments which moved. But if you make it out of stone, it can’t move. It moved because the earth moved, so you could get a hundred per cent accurate readings.” Correa believes there are differences in Asian and European perceptions of architecture. He explains that in India and Asia we use a lot of open-to-sky space and don’t define rooms with glass and wood. “We don’t need that and we need the breeze,” he says. “I’ve also said it often before that once you understand open space and its beauty, you understand why the guru sits under the tree. Even in Shanti Niketan, which is very much under-appreciated by us, Tagore was returning to the most basic principle which no one else had the courage to follow. “The symbol of education for us is a guru sitting under the tree. I’ve always said that if I’m in a room you won’t get enlightenment, ever. But if you were sitting out looking at the seashore, something opens in your mind. That’s very true in architecture. If you look at the Greek temples, they’re always in the open and you go up some steps to where the gods live. So the idea of climbing up the hill where

British Council, Delhi

Goa is losing its landscape mindlessly. The idea of keeping a second home and keeping it empty should be penalised the gods live is in every religion. This should be the essence of our architecture.” He deplores the concept of enclosing everything into ‘a bloody box’. By doing so, we diminish the dimensions of architecture. He cites the more positive examples of Southern Europe – the Mediterranean, Spain, Portugal, Italy or Greece with its architecture of open spaces, but not Northern Europe as it is too

cold. But somehow the images of Northern Europe dominate the architect’s mind. “So we’re just like monkeys,” Correa says caustically. “We just imitate it and say that’s ‘heritage’. We need to stop that. Just look at Mhamai Kamat’s house in Panaji, it’s beautiful with its space and round courtyard. “As a child when I travelled from Panaji to Ribandar, I loved to see those houses between the road and the river. And there was one house in particular, the Colaco house, the red one that took my fancy. When you opened the door, you suddenly saw the river and a canoe or boat in the old days, in the ‘30s. Like this current site where my house stands in Verem. From the outside you see nothing and then you open a door and you see the river. You don’t have to play any tricks because it’s all being done by the site.” He adds, “What is very sad is that places like Ponda have been neglected for years. When people talk about Goa they just talk about one strip and that should change. In fact we want more development over there and more money spent. So people don’t all gravitate to just one place.” Regional Plan 2021 – a two-way street We made the Regional Plan for Goa. What was amazing is that you begin to realise that Goa has become a true democracy. It’s got these little village units. They’re not villages although they’re called so. Places like Loutolim are huge, they’re like towns. But they’re still a village in the sense people have been empowered. It’s difficult for the government to deal with them as anybody can demand anything!” Correa believes that a better model for India than some big countries like the US is Switzerland which is ruled by communes called cantons, which have the power to

Standing out on the Mumbai skyline: Kanchanjunga Towers

accept or reject you as a resident. Even famous movie stars have to negotiate with the cantons. He believes that Goa has a much richer choice to offer to young people today, providing the advantages of living in a city like Bangalore but without the traffic jams and the pollution. In the Regional Plan he has tried to maintain a decentralised pattern that has evolved from feudal times. He explains: “There’s something called Section 73-74 of the Amendment to the Constitution which we’ve put into the plan. That means everybody in Goa has the chance to participate in a referendum. Of course that can be manipulated as corruption can also come from the bottom. But the people in the middle can fight it at a scale where they feel effective, which is not true in, say, Maharashtra where people can’t fight something they don’t like.” Correa emphasises the importance of the relationship between the architect and the client. The client has to understand that it is a two-way street. He explains, “But the architect can’t push the client around. He or she shouldn’t decide everything. I just wish that in that sense architects were more understanding of the fact that they have to create their own territory and I wish society understood the importance of that territory.” Correa recalls that as a young architect there were people in Ahmedabad who had money, like the Sarabhais, but who also had taste. And they understood because they were influenced by Le Corbusier and Charles Haynes. But that doesn’t exist today. He says, “What I’ve seen of young architects is very often they’re told what to do. Many buildings are designed by some third-rate firm abroad. People are called in and told you have to take these drawings and make a building. It is demeaning to Goa.”

Brain and Cognitive Sciences Research Center, MIT, Boston

Goa is losing its landscape mindlessly. The idea of keeping a second home and keeping it empty should be penalised

– Charles Correa

Correa deplores the dwindling role of the architect of being someone who merely ‘takes instructions’, thus destroying his selfconfidence and judgement and ending up as a mere ‘stylist’. But, he feels these days many

architects are happy with that because not having a responsibility makes their lives simpler. But it takes all the meaning out of architecture. Just like Mangalore, where his wife Monica hails from, was “destroyed by a centralised population”, Correa believes Vasco too has gone the same way. He says, “Look at Vasco today, it has been destroyed. They’ve just put too many things in it.” As a solution, Correa adds, “What we really need to do is increase the number of jobs and keep the decentralised system. The Regional Plan starts by saying we want Goa to be a prosperous, happy place where people don’t want to leave. In fact some people want to come back. But right now 97 per cent of the graduates from engineering colleges leave Goa. So when we talk of heritage, what are we talking about? We need to think about how to increase jobs here.” For Charles Correa, architecture is both mind and soul. He says: “You cannot do good work and make a lot of money. It’s difficult to explain. It’s like being a writer. If you’re a good writer, you’ll never write a bestseller. The people who write those novels that are made into movies all the time – Tom Clancy and books like the Da Vinci Code – those are bestsellers. “But that’s not literature. Architecture to me should be literature. But it’s also necessary to write a book like Tom Clancy because people want to read that book. So the people who make these mindless buildings are also doing a service to society. I’m not criticising them, but it’s not the way that I would like to go. I would even try and design something else – furniture, for instance.” But for now the home as creative edifice and dwelling still remains close to his heart.

Charles Correa in discussion with the Task Force for the Regional Plan 2021 – Rahul Deshpande, Sanjit Rodrigues and Edgar Ribeiro

RAPID FIRE

Architecture is… Wonderful because it’s very specific.You walk away and there’s a building left there. Architecture is sculpture where human beings can live. So it’s not an abstract sculpture – every door, window or balcony adds to the sense of the sculpture. If you were not an architect, you would have been a… Film maker. Your typical Sunday is spent… Lazing around.

Receiving the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Gold Medal

World’s most iconic building … Without any question, the Taj Mahal. It’s the one building which represents architecture to everyone in the world. A structure you would like to visit… One of the great dams or bridges that I’ve not yet seen.

Receiving the Padma Vibhushan from former President Abdul Kalam

A structure you would love to have designed… Fatehpur Sikri. Goa is… An urbane system – without all the negative things of life in a big city. Your favourite eating place… Bomra’s, a Burmese restaurant on the Candolim road.

A Goan dish you relish… Bangda rechado. Your favourite holiday destination… Goa. With former US President Bill Clinton

Your icon… Le Corbusier..

Dra/ Regional Plan on

Express Mode

SANJIT RODRIGUES, as Nodal Officer of the Task Force for Regional Plan 2021, is working with Charles Correa, the vice chairman. Also MD of GSIDC, the author shares his experiences on the eminent architect

ho designed Kala Academy? I am asked at my village school quiz. From brushing up my general knowledge at school to working on a plan for Goa with the man himself, it’s been a full circle. I am called to assist the Task Force for the Regional Plan for Goa 2021 midway into its functioning. In minutes this cardinal figure in contemporary architecture gives me a lucid lowdown of what is expected. I have the brief registered within me, but want to know the man behind it. I am invited to a screening to celebrate 50 years of his practice. To be there in the crowd does not interest me. Finally I manage to get my hands on the film and watch it alone. A thrill runs through me, an ouvre which for the past five decades has pushed the boundary of Indian architecture beyond the ordinary. A body of work which has become de rigeur. A juxtaposition of colour, material and context into an engaging composition of exceptional calibre. India’s greatest architect with a broad, holistic and rationalistic appeal. As we plunge into the humongous task of getting the Draft Plan ready, I get a taste of Correa’s extraordinary energy, passion, precision and humour. But proceedings slow down, the weight of procedure and procrastination is exacting. I fear he may just walk out of the exercise. We stand to lose the locomotive itself. But Goa is at his heart, I assure myself. He makes time, flies in from around the world, types, draws, dictates, debates and, for Goa, does not give up. The dates for the release of the Draft are set. We are running late in compiling the vast body of work. No compromises allowed. We have learnt it well in advance. Nights are spent; he goes through the draft with a

fine-tooth comb. Flaws come flying thick and fast. His e-mails hit the issues on board with precision. He is now convinced that the opening chapter has to be personally written, punctuated, spell-checked and typeset by himself. I withdraw into the recesses of my files. The draft is finally ready. I show it to him. A pregnant pause. Is the approval coming? This time the layout and design is shot down. The report has to not only read well, it has to look good and feel good. The graphic designer has a lesson or two learnt and I am crisply told to forget that tourism is one of my charges and to stop making the report a backpacker’s tourist brochure. Pages are doodled, a dummy made and the layout is handed over in a matter of minutes. Time to rush back to our desks and work on. A plethora of awards not withstanding, he is almost startling in his unpretentiousness, lucidity and common sense. I am late to rise, have to face him over one of the numerous Regional Plan sessions. I log on quickly to check if the promised draft I had to comment on was sent. The mail is in my inbox. Sent time 6.03 a.m. Does this man sleep? No time to brood, the mail has to be worked upon. How can a civil servant like me and in a set-up like Goa’s match his pace? You are at the GSIDC now, what have you done about the Kala Academy Annexe plans? Have you got the contractor on board? I am working on the estimation that it will take some time. There is no reaction. A smirk on his face tells me that mediocrity has no place in his vocabulary. Days pass, I get a call. The architecture school has to be revitalised. The Chief Minister tells me that the State Budget has made a provision for the required funding. Have the plans been drawn and time-lines set? But the budget has just been out. Need some time. This cuts no ice. The school is his passion, cannot take chances. Suddenly I find myself working with him more and more. When it rains it pours, I remind myself. I need to push my team harder and faster. Some progress is made but satisfaction is hard to come by. Occasional words like ‘wonderful’ and ‘amazing’ sound like a long-lost melody to my ears, lost in the cacophony of ‘bugger all’, ‘disgusting’, ‘pedestrian’ and ‘humbug’. A helpless complex develops at work. I stumble on a Windows machine, when at more than twice my age he weaves through the latest Mac Book Pro. We have had it if the Apple gets stuck somewhere he cannot figure out. An Internet stick connects him anywhere from Verem to Vancouver at all times of day

and night while I struggle from Aldona to Altinho. An age old Nokia is no match for his latest iPhone. And when I see awkward numbers flashing on my badly bruised screen, I dare not skip the call for it’s mostly him from somewhere in the globe through his Matrix dialing card. I have heard enough about not picking up calls on the second ring, I remind myself. Technology drives his thought process. How else could one accomplish poetic justice in this day and age with the principles and foundations of an era gone by? We drive to Verem, have to recap the day’s proceedings sitting on the banks of the Mandovi near his home. We approach the bridge. Who has designed these roundabouts? Are they bird brained? The solution follows, the explanation graphic, visualisation photographic and confidence supreme. As I gather, his acclaim today is not just for his poetic building designs, but also for his being a pioneer in urban issues, land distribution, affordable housing. His work is not only for the high thinking, academic specialists and discussion panelists but also for that most elusive audience, the common public. With a mode of thought distinct, analytical and experimental, all combined with an ultra graphic vision for the future; does he think multi-dimensional, I wonder? We continue towards Verem. Paper and pencil are fished out and doodles follow. Can’t you implement this? We must do this for Panjim. It’s so simple. I try to give a semblance of an answer. You will continue to revel in chaos and complete madness, he warns. His love for Goa and Panjim is distinct in his tone. Our sittings are a treat of erudition and argument as he flows with his concept of taxing second homes (including his), handsome compensation for villages sensitive to solid waste management, pedestrianisation of Panjim, a rapid bus system for Goa and finally vaporettos to Aldona to drop me home. He is our own Jaime Lerner and Goa his Curitiba. It is September 1, 2010; his 80th birthday. I enter into a warm embrace. I am embarrassed. You seem so young here, he says, looking around. The evening flows effortlessly. Time to say goodbye. ‘Hey Sanjit, thanks a ton for being here, was busy today, will work on the Draft first thing tomorrow and mail it, we could finalise it the day after.’ I have nothing to say again. It’s late. But the thought of his mail will haunt me. It will be sitting in my inbox, sent 6.03 am. (With due apologies to Charles Mark Correa)

‘Like Military Training…’

Permanent Mission of India to the UN, New York

Architect SACHIN AGSHIKAR is a Gold medallist of the Sir J J College of Architecture, Mumbai, and has worked with Charles Correa for eight years. He is currently a consultant working on the Cancer Research Centre in Lisbon and the extension to the Kala Academy.

The author writes about his memories at the Correa studio in Mumbai

ost architects and students I meet want to know how it was working with Charles Correa. I tell them, “It was like undergoing military training. Life was tough in his office, but what you learnt there helps you for the rest of your life”. I joined Charles Correa’s office by chance. After my graduation, I was working with Architect Uttam Jain and had just handed in my resignation after five years, thinking it was time to start on my own. When I discussed this with my friend who was working with Charles Correa, he suggested I work there for a year. You should not feel that you missed an opportunity to work with him in future, he said. These words hit me and before I knew it my friend had arranged for an interview. I had no idea that I would work with Charles Correa for the next eight years and continue still further as an Associate, working on some of his most prestigious projects like the Research Centres in Boston for MIT as well as in Lisbon for the Champalimaud Foundation. I have not met anybody like Charles. Even though he is double or triple the average age of architects working in his office, he has more energy than all of us put together and is also the youngest at heart. It was very inspiring to work under someone who strives to be perfect in whatever he does all the time – whether it is writing a letter or designing a structure. He is someone who perseveres very hard to make every building a masterpiece and will never give up the high standards he has laid down for himself. It is very seldom that you see a person his age willing to learn new things, accept new challenges, not be afraid of experimenting while designing and be so optimistic about the future. We have learnt from him that architecture to a large extent serves a social purpose, and that it is important not to be influenced by ephemeral fashion, but to always think of work in the long term. Above all, he has taught us that being true to architecture and to ourselves, regardless of our successes and failures, makes our lives happier.

FEATURE

Given the right encouragement, Goa can become the leisure boating capital of India VIVA GOA learns the ropes

ON THE CREST Leisure boating:

A NEW WAVE

ay party and it’s Goa that comes to mind, with its vast expanse of greenery and long stretches of beaches. With most crowds heading to the crunchy sands, the rich tourist is now looking elsewhere and has found the perfect spot: aboard a yacht on the sparkling seas or exploring the undiscovered inland waterways. The elite Goan is also stepping off-shore and is using leisure boating as a way to explore Goa by water. The popularity of this concept is proved by the increasing number of leisure boats being sold and chartered. Cesar Menezes, president of the Goa Yatching Association, says “Goa is blessed with a wonderful coastline fringed with some of the best beaches in the world and hospitable people. This tropical paradise is poised to become India’s leisure boating capital.” Positioned on one of the most picturesque coastlines in the world, this tiny state is set to provide a pit-stop for hardcore sailors crossing the seas and a getaway for pleasure-seekers looking for the laidback feeling that comes only with the wheel in hand and turquoise-blue infinity ahead. “Compared to other places on the west coast of India, our tides are small, currents are weak and waters clean,” explains Umaji Chowgule, managing director of Goa Yacht Haven Pvt Ltd. It is no surprise then that tourists wish to take to a new adventure on the water, overexposed as they are to the spa treatments, gourmet lunches and pub crawls. The state has more than 40 beachfront luxury resorts and an equal number under construction which are bound to provide a market for boats, yachts, jet-skis and watersports equipment. Chowgule adds, “Just like the car industry fawns the growth of downstream industries like mechanic shops, driving schools, insurance, finance and a whole host of people in the unorganised sector, so I think it will be with the boating industry.” Hotels are looking at the water ways to beat congested roads during the peak season. Boat charter company Scaramanga last season ferried guests bound for Vivanta by Taj – Panaji from Dabolim on a charter boat, apart from offering other packages. “The private, fully-crewed charters can be custom tailored to suit individual requests, thereby doubling the pleasure of a holiday by the beach, filling the lacunae between endless nights of partying or sunbathing,” the firm’s chairman Arvind Suri says, reiterating that no prior cruising experience is required to enjoy leisure boating. So it’s not just Vijay Mallya who moors his luxury toy here. More and more people are becoming brand conscious and are looking to buy the perfect boat. And with demand, supply will follow as Goa welcomes a large number of global brands in the luxury boat segment. Supported by the Government of Goa, Goa Chamber of

will bring in a much-needed Commerce and Industry, boost for elite tourism, and the Board Sailing Association with thousands of yachts of India and the Goa Yachting sailing around the world every Association, event year, Goa could provide a management company Media welcome rest. Mormugao Port Promotions Pvt Ltd hosted a Trust (MPT) has already number of multinational firms initiated the step to strengthen at its Goa International Marine the state’s boating and Boat Expo last year and infrastructure. According to preparations for a second show Chairman Praveen Agarwal, are in full swing for this year’s two marinas are being planned December 17-20 event. on the River Zuari, one on the Companies dealing with luxury Praveen Agarwal, IRS, MPT Chairman northern bank and the other on brands such as Arcoa, Blade the southern bank. “Both the Runner, Capelli, Eclipe Kites, water areas fall within the Fairline, Feefree, Kayaks, notified limits of MPT and Ferretti, Fountain Pajot, Four consequently the Port is Winns, Fusion Cat, Grand entering into a 30-year lease Soleil, Kaiyan, Kawasaki, agreement with the successful Majesty, Mercury, Monterey, bidders,” he says. Nautitech, Oryx, Peterlynn Some boat owners complain Kites, Princess, Regal, Sealine, that the process of registration Sea Ray, Sea Royal, Silver is fraught with bureaucracy. Craft, Sun Marine, Viking Manek Contractor, owner of Yachts, Yamaha and Walkerbay Cesar Menezes, boat building company were represented at the show. President of Goa Multi Tech Marine, says, “If we The exhibitions provide Yachting Association are just allowed simple facilities potential customers with a in Goa and licences are given without much plethora of global brands to choose from and allow them to see the boats, experience hassle it will be sufficient. People want to take that step ahead and buy boats. With a them and talk to agents. Apart from Goa’s little cooperation from the authorities, own rich and famous, a large number of things will be easy.” Indian celebrities also own vacation homes While avid sailor Chowgule agrees that here. India witnessed a massive spurt in the boat owners across the country are yacht industry before the recession and the struggling with regulations and wealthy still want to splurge on a private bureaucracy, he is more confident of Goa as boat. The setting up of a marina would a possible hub for leisure boating in India. boost tourism along with the emerging “Each place implements its own rules, leisure boat industry in Goa, making the sometimes no rules and sometimes rules state an exclusive boating lifestyle depending on who you know. So while it is destination. a little confusing, I’m sure this will settle A marina with add-on facilities such as down. Once there is a critical mass of boats, refueling, washing and repair spots, stores then you’ll have complaints about and restaurants will provide the perfect too many regulations!” place for avid sailors and boat owners to stop by on their travels. Visiting yachtsmen

AFTER HOURS A column in which CEOs, political figures and other busy professionals reveal how they relax and spend their spare time

‘Seeing Joy in Others

Makes me Happy’ His excitement is day-to-day work. That’s what gives him pleasure. Conferred by Portugal with one of its highest civilian awards ‘Honoriﬁc Order of Merito’ and the Goa State Industries Association for his entrepreneurial skills, ANIL COUNTO, the founder of ALCON Enterprises, on what brings meaning to his life

By EMYLOU D’SOUZA

man of grit and determination, a story of a self-made entrepreneur’s rise from humble beginnings to managing one of Goa’s largest business conglomerates – ALCON is a diversified business group with interests in construction, real estate, hospitality, automobiles and trading among others. A civil engineer from VJTI Engineering College, Mumbai, Anil Counto is sincere about channeling his resources toward various social and cultural endeavours. He also believes in encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship among youngsters. VIVA GOA gets up close with Anil Counto, a reflection on his personal life

On his leisure activities

When I was younger, reading was an essential part of my life. I started on Marathi detective stories and once I graduated, English books like The Millionairess, Cannibal and Prodigal Daughter took over. Movies were another passion. Now after work, I like to spend time with my friends and kick back a few. I also enjoy Marathi and Hindi music – classics from the 60s and 80s like Devaki Pandit and Shobha Gurtu among others. I can easily spend two or three hours just soaking up music.

On striking a balance between ‘work and play’

I’m blessed as far as my family is concerned. I am very lucky to have my wife Nutan who I

met when we acted in a drama together. When I was moulding my career, work stretched from eight to eight. At times it would even extend beyond that. In the early days I would jump on my scooter and handle every transaction on my own. When it was work, I was sincere and when it came to enjoyment, I enjoyed to the fullest. I never compromised. Nothing I do is half-hearted. Ultimately, it is time management that comes into play. One of my biggest regrets is that I missed out on my eldest son’s childhood, the first ten years of his life. I would leave at eight in the morning and he would still be asleep. In the 70s and 80s and even in the 90s when I was building up my career I still felt it. Today, of course, I could not be prouder of both my sons who are very successful in their respective careers.

On working holidays

I don’t take holidays in the real sense. Relaxation and enjoyment is based on how one perceives the two. As a self-made entrepreneur, enjoying work is a part of the holiday. Everyday is as good as a holiday. I made a trip to Switzerland on work and recently, I visited the US with my wife. Work should be linked with a holiday, otherwise it is just a waste of time. The passion you have for your job exceeds the momentary pleasure of a holiday. I have never taken a vacation per se, but a Kashmir of the 80s without guns is a place I would love to revisit. Last year I was involved in organising a week-long function devoted to Sai Baba, and that was like a spiritual break for me. A Semana Cultura Portuguesa was another event that was of immense joy and relaxation.

On his success

Success has found me through my Kuldevta or family deity Lord Nagesh. I strongly believe I am blessed and without God, nothing is achievable. Whether construction, real estate or hotels, I never felt pressured about any of it. In fact, I enjoyed being a part of it all. My motivation mainly came from my father. He was a hard worker and stuck to his work ethic. Many of my business ventures involve risk-taking, rather than sticking to the safe path. For instance, nobody thought cement could ever be manufactured in Goa. Multiple parking facilities have also been set in motion. I gained in some places while in others I lost. If you have the patience and determination to see things through, anything is possible.

On coping with failure

Failure is a learning process, which you should always take something away from. In my life, two out of ten times has resulted in failure. In 1978 when I was in Bahrain, we set up a construction company and were based there for five years. However, the entire project turned pear-shaped. The silver lining was that

Truly blessed: Anil Counto with his wife Nutan, son Aakash, daughter-in-law Aparna and newborn granddaughter Geet

On himself

Success comes to those who dare and act, it seldom goes to the timid — ANIL COUNTO

I like to be involved in many activities irrespective of whether it’s business or pleasure. I think an entrepreneur should posses out-ofthe-box ideas and know how to utilise them lucratively. And whatever returns are generated have to be pumped back into society. For years I have been involved in several charitable activities dating back to when I was just 36 years old. In retrospect, the amount I spent was greater than what I actually earned at the time.

On his philosophy of life I learnt in detail about ready-mix concrete. And I knew that one day I would start my own ready mix concrete company. Whatever letdown I experienced at that point in my life, I have put that knowledge to use today. Nothing is ever a waste as some sort of outcome is inevitable.

On business partnerships

Victor Albuquerque and I had a rare partnership that lasted for 25 years. We had a bond that transgressed our religious beliefs. Even our children grew up together. However, somewhere down the line we had to separate. In 1998, we both decided on an amicable parting wherein we divided our assets in the company. Initially, we were only into construction and hotels but when we branched out, I diversified into several other ventures. Consulting your partner when taking any decision is a must in an equal partnership. When friends begin something together, their thought processes should differ so as to generate different points of view, while maintaining a common frequency. This kind of set-up definitely benefited me.

Live and let live. I firmly believe that true happiness is derived from the people you associate with – family first and then the rest. Seeing happiness in others makes me happy. For several years now, I have been involved in running Disha’s Charitable Trust, a school for special children, I was the youngest member on one of the first managing committees. Once I put my mind to anything, I never leave it halfway. I make sure it comes to a logical conclusion. Whether it takes a year or ten years to complete – I may even fail – but I never give up.

His message to young Goans

Success comes to those who dare and act, it seldom goes to the timid. If you believe in yourself, nothing in life is impossible. Goa exudes talent that requires to be channelised. Money is only a by-product of success, smart ideas are essential. Honesty and sincerity are very important and whatever you do, do it whole-heartedly. Never give up on education and believe in yourself as you have a thousand times more potential and capability than you give yourself credit for. I was given an opportunity in life. People believed in me and now I offer goodwill to those who need it.

LEGAL BRIEF A regular column on legal affairs and philosophy

The Laws of Happiness

Following certain codes of conduct and discipline can bring you profound peace and happiness

S Atmaram Nadkarni is a senior advocate and former Advocate General of Goa

everal of life’s unwritten laws aim at creating happiness which each one of us strives towards. One of the laws universally recognised is that he who helps others will always be helped in return, and will become happier and more prosperous. Laws are a significant indication of social engineering. Their importance cannot be underestimated when it comes to one’s conduct. Following certain codes of conduct, principles of discipline and sets of norms called

laws bring profound peace and joy in life. Happiness can be secured by the exercise of self-restraint and self-control by cultivating habits of plain and simple living, high thinking and by spending less money. If and when you earn more, you can be the means of helping others to help themselves. We cannot always find happiness in material things. Here is just a live example to go by. A friend called up at around 8 pm when I was in the midst of a serious conference only to remind me of an impending party and that I would be late if I did not wind up early. I asked him to pardon my coming late but he would not have any of it. He gave me a bit of his mind, including advising me on stress, that it wouldn’t matter if I made less money, that there was plenty of time the next day and so and so forth. I stood my ground and told him that I would be late. I happened to reach the venue at around 9.45 pm or so when the party was midway. The host did not mind my late arrival. A surprise however, was the caller friend who had lectured me seemed off colour and despondent. “What happened?” I asked him only to hear that certain materialistic tendencies displayed in an on-going discussion at the party had hurt his feelings and ruined his mood too. This was a typical incident of a person who, having lost contact with divine bliss within, was riding high to satisfy his need

in the pseudo-pleasure of the senses, eluding for himself true satisfaction. Party goers only rush in restlessly from one sense of pleasure to another until things like satiety and boredom set in, making one realise that the joy within is missing. What is the use of having such a lifestyle? Life should be a constant source of inspiration. Of what use is it to live mechanically, of being sad and dead inside while your body is breathing? “Let the dead bury their dead” (Mathew 8.22). What did Lord Jesus mean when he said this? Perhaps He spoke of spiritual enthusiasm without which there would be no joy in life. True it is, but there is no harm in learning from it to derive any other sincere joy in life. For all joys are nothing but a calming of the soul, but not when they are limited to only sensual pleasures. The drama of life clothed in theatrical expression, being a mere illusion, cannot allow one to be fooled. Only fools imagine such sensual pleasures to be real and lasting. The law of life reveals that he who is wise seeks happiness within and not through any external factors. Following these laws, you attain the more superior joys of life than the fleeting pleasures of the outer world. If you understand this set of laws, then you will at once know how to deal with obstructions and blockades in your life. These obstacles are only self-created by the storehouse of our DNA and only provoked by external stimulus. Once you realise this, the laws of atomic-physics dealing in energy come in handy.

INTERIORS/ EXTERIORS

An alumnus of the Goa College of Architecture, Siddha D Sardessai casts an expert eye on distinctive and contemporary houses of Goa

At one with Nature Joe and Carmen Leitaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house in Dabolim blends into the natural landscape

ocated on a corner plot at Rangavi Estate, Dabolim, the house of the Leitaos lies cosily nestled into the contours of the land. The sloping site and the angular corner plot threw up a lot of challenges to Panaji-based architect Sunil Sardesai and his design encompassed all these in his typical style. The entrance porch clad in exposed laterite masonry and the sloping roof with Mangalore tiles that envelops the space from above adds a Goan flavour to the house. The cane-weaved chairs adorning the porch and a few plants sprouting up from the space impart an earthly feel as you enter. And once inside the arched entrance door, the house unfolds a larger-than-life space. The stairs with its ornate design railing direct your eyes to the top to show off the enormous triple height of the roof from the soffit of which an elegant crystal chandelier hangs. The living, dining and the bar are all enveloped under one roof with no dividing walls and gives a sense of complete openness. On the other side of this space is a long continuous balcony that opens out into one of the sights that many yearn to see. The green hills with a glimpse of the sea beyond make you feel you are at a hill-station and this effect gets even more pronounced during the monsoon. Another interesting facet is that from here you can get to see all the different means of transport - an aircraft landing onto the runway, a train whistling past on its tracks, ships floating over the seas and cars gliding over the roads. There is an exquisitely designed waterfall tucked in a corner and the falling water collects into a small pool full of fish located at the base of this stone creation. Pointing out to a cosy seat located on the upper level right above the pond, Sunil says “Joe Leitao is fond of angling and this has been especially made for him. Joe will sit here on a lazy evening and practice angling and then leave the fish once again in the pool.”

The bar is another element that gives you the feel of the landscape being incorporated within the built space. A root of a tree has been crafted to form the backdrop where

Carmen and Joe Leitao

liquor bottles are displayed and one more such root is artistically used as a seat. The integration of these natural elements adds a touch of class to the interiors of the space. Mario, Joe and Carmen’s son recalls, “Sunil Sardesai designed the house just as we had envisaged it and Sunil Costa added his touch to the landscape and the bar. Both Sunils have given me a house that I am proud of today.” A small little semi-circular balcony jutting out of the bedrooms into the enormous triple height space of the living conveys character to the otherwise blank walls that rise up to the height of the roof. Little stained glass windows above the entrance wall add colour to the interiors by allowing light to filter out from these glass windows in different colours. Down below, on the lower ground floor - a result of the contours of the plot - there’s a rusty little bar that has been designed using cast iron grills and bricks in juxtaposition. Little seating spaces have been created using random stone masonry and irregular shaped stone slabs. The garden flows down into a larger space and Mario intends to construct a gym surrounded by woody gardens. The upper level has three bedrooms. Two of these, including the master bedroom,

are connected on the view side by a continuous balcony to explore the maximum view. Sitting in this balcony and listening to the birds chirping, one can spend the entire day doing almost nothing. Where the master bedroom explores the serene view outside, the children’s bedroom is full of activity and abuzz with energy. Their toys nicely tucked along one side and posters of cars stuck on the walls enhance the youthful spirit of the space. In order to stay above the rest, another level above the bedrooms takes you to the attic that Mario uses for his yoga and meditation sessions. Open the French doors that lead to the balcony with an unobtrusive view and one can only be absorbed by the sounds and sights of nature. This house built on a tricky piece of land manages to trick your senses through the sounds of nature.

GUEST COLUMN Dr GUSTAVO PINTO is one of Goa’s best known vets and has been practicing for the last thirty years. He holds a Master’s degree in veterinary surgery and treats nearly all animals. His profession has taken him to Europe, the US and Brazil

A house dog is like a member of the family

DOG

THE HEALTHY

A house dog becomes a member of your family. It deserves the same care you would give to any other family member. DR GUSTAVO PINTO shows you how...

hen you buy or adopt a new dog or pet, observing certain points will help you check on your dog’s ‘vital statistics’ and keep an eye on your dog’s health. Nose: clean with no discharge. Nose should be cool and moist. A dry warm nose indicates that all is not well though this is not a foolproof way of ascertaining body temperature. Eyes: clear and not blood shot. No discharge. The inside of the eyelids (mucous membrane) should be pink. The third eyelid should not be unduly visible. Ears: clean with no discharge from the ear canal. The outer surface of the ear should not be dirty and matted. Breeds with naturally upright ears should have them alert and up. Coat: clean and well groomed with a shine or lustre. Free from parasites (fleas and ticks), eggs and flea droppings. No loose hairs or dandruff. Bald patches on the coat. No spots, sores or scales. Abdomen: not distended (no pot belly). No wounds, lumps, growths or sores. Feet: should have no broken claws. No tears, thorns, splinters or damaged pads. Anus: should be clean and not dirty with loose droppings. No signs of diarrhoea. OTHER POINTS TO WATCH OUT FOR Appetite should be good. Find out what the dog has been eating. Breathing should be quiet and normal. No coughing or sneezing. Droppings neither sloppy nor hard and not pale. Behaviour should be lively, alert and friendly. Don’t choose the shy nervous pup hiding behind all the rest in the corner. Movements should be lively and brisk. No limping, etc. Consulting your veterinarian promptly can be one of the most valuable precautions taken for your pet’s health. Spend time with your pet and know its typical behaviour and overall appearance. Do not hesitate to call or see your veterinarian if you notice any of the following danger signals in your dog or cat: burns, choking or difficulty in breathing, cuts bites and stings, poisoning (it’s best if the poison can be identified), heat stroke, bleeding, vomiting blood, electrical shock, blood in the urine or stool, convulsive seizures, loss of consciousness,

swallowing of foreign parts or objects and physical injury (accidents, animal fights, wounds, fractures, etc). SIGNS OF POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ILLNESS Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible because some of the following symptoms may signal serious or life threatening conditions: discharge or odour from eyes, nostrils and ears, loss of teeth or bad breath, pale or bleeding gums, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, sudden change in bowel habits, sudden weight loss or gain, coughing or sneezing, frequent urination, excessive thirst, excessive scratching, licking or loss of hair, lumps of growth on or under the skin, limping, lameness or reluctance to move and signs of pain and discomfort. Your pet depends tremendously on you and your veterinarian for a healthy, happy life. While your vet is a skilled professional who can recommend a health programme for your pet, you can help your pet by providing the four Cs of pet care: Commitment: having a pet is a lifelong responsibility but it’s one which includes many rewards. Care: providing total health care from the earliest stages to the later years of a pet’s life is an owner’s unspoken promise. Contact: just like you, companion pets desire and thrive on lots of attention and praise. Compassion: because you are your pet’s caretaker and friend. They enjoy all of the love you can give them.

Dr Gustavo Pinto with British bull dog Bull

THE PET OWNER’S CHECKLIST A partnership with the veterinarian and his staff. Discuss details with your vet before you obtain a new pet.

a pet wisely based on your lifestyle, daily schedule and budget. 2Select Ask your vet about developing a complete plan for you pet’s total life care including 3regular physical examinations, proper vaccinations, appropriate housing for various seasons, parasite control, nutritional needs, reproductive options and additional information that will help you better understand your pet.

Supply your pet with the appropriate type of food, considering such factors as 4different types of pet food increasingly

available in Goa (and remember, table scraps can make your pet sick and may put unnecessary weight on your pet).

your pet with fresh water at all times, cleaning and changing 5theProvide bowl daily.

on your pet’s age and physical condition, most pets should have 6dailyDepending exercise. pets should start at early stages with basic house training and discipline 7Training and can move to obedience. Be sure to

include some play time to balance the training regimen. Work with your veterinarian to 8establish your pet’s

preventive health programme. Your pet can suffer from ailments also common to people such as cancer, heart, kidney and eye problems. Through proper life care (including old age care), your pet can enjoy a longer and happier life.

HI-TECH Continuing our column on the latest trends in technology

CLOTHING WITH

INTELLIGENCE A new hi-tech T-shirt may change your take on fashion

Raj Sinai Dempo was with Lucent Technologies Inc and is a networking professional from San Jose, California. He is currently Director of R&D at Santech Global (APAC region)

oa is covered by a Wi-Max cloud and crisscrossed by internet fibre, yet so little is done to leverage value added internet services to the citizens. Reaso - Capex or politics, we don’t know. However, as we wake up to future possibilities of Mopa Airport and beyond, here is what happened in Taiwan… After cloud computing and intelligence networks comes clothing with intelligence. Surprised? Yes, it is all happening today, putting US companies like Boingo business models on the global platform. From military sales, retail, HR and logistics to prison technology powered by location-based services and GPS, this innovative textile technology really can go places. The revenue business model for this hi-tech shirt is the same as the HP printer and cartridge story you buy the batteries that power it. My Wi-Fi 3G phone is programmed for detecting Wi-Fi hot spots. The advantage - cost saving on data connectivity. Walk into Taj Vivanta or any resort and your intelligent hand-held gadget hugs the Wi-Fi spot,

waiting to connect. It's a pity we can't see those Wireless-Fidelity waves, especially when they come from free hot spots. We can only detect them with the help of certain Wi-Fi wave devices. But this one is something special. You will never have to worry about it because it will always be with you. How? Simple and clever - the detector is built into the T-shirt. This innovative T-shirt is not only a piece of cloth, and the fancy-looking antenna is not only a decorationit will shine whenever a Wi-Fi signal is detected, giving you the opportunity to actually ‘see’ those waves. Green bars around the antenna display signal strength and help you find a good place with a strong signal. Last but not least, all electronic items can easily be detached from the shirt, so you can wash it whenever you want to. It comes with the guarantee that you will not lose your shirt over this unique piece of apparel. The device is powered by three AAA batteries that are hidden in a special pocket of the T-shirt. If you own a portable gaming device, laptop or wrist PDA, this T-shirt will greatly help you find a good place to relax, browsing the Internet or playing games on your favorite gadget. And if you don’t, it will just be the first blinking textile in your wardrobe or a bug to track your friendly neighbour. Is the IT Minister listening? You can read up on other gamming gadgets at Infosource - www.gadgets.in

FEATURE

Hooked by the Book

Sujata Noronha and Elaine Mendonca are on a bookish mission to a/ract young minds to the joys of reading

ays Sapna Nayak, relaxing in the craft area of Bookworm at St Inez in Panaji, “There are books of all kinds in here, so it isn’t that you ever get bored.” The 13-year-old has been frequenting the children’s library ever since it opened five years ago, and although the burden of school work has increased, she still finds time to borrow a book now and then. Sujata Noronha and Elaine Mendonca began their journey with books in 1995 after a successful experiment as teachers at the pre-school at Nirmala Institute of Education in Altinho. “It worked beautifully,” reminisces Elaine. “The children were so responsive and responsible about their books. They enjoyed the whole experience of choosing their own books, taking it home and bringing it back.” Where there once was “a very small library for children to spend time in the evening, read and participate in story time”, the two have seen Bookworm grow rapidly into a library with thousands of books, an ever increasing stream of members, workshops and now their very own mobile library. Much thought has gone into the planning and while the tiny apartment on a crooked St Inez lane is nearly bursting with books, Sujata and Elaine have ensured their little friends can find and pick books themselves. “Books in the library are organised height-wise so the youngest of children find books suitable for them on the lower shelves,” explains Sujata. “It’s a different way of cataloguing books, but for us accessibility is important. Our shelving has books face-up as we find that young children really choose books by the cover.” But on other shelves, books meant for older children are stacked more conventionally. Encouraged by the response, Elaine and Sujata took a few steps forward and began to organise workshops and craft sessions for children, all engineered to open young eyes to new creative realms. Each month, a library story calendar is designed, with different themes or authors listed on particular days.

By DIELLE D’SOUZA

Story hour is not missed out and on any given day children learn from readings and later talk about the story to build language comprehension. Sujata adds, “Then we extend that story in an art or craft or game session. So if it’s a story about dragonflies, the children might craft dragonflies or do a work sheet to colour in dragonflies or find their habitats.” Library time between 3 pm and 7 pm every day is sacred at Bookworm, so workshops are held on Saturdays or during school vacations while the very new Cholta Cholta initiative introduces participants to the history of Goa, contrasting architectural styles and learning about eminent Goans on walks through the town. Children are exposed to a plethora of new hobbies through resource people Willie Goes, Sunil S Mehta, Viraj Karnik, Crisolgo Furtado, Sharmila Rao, Annette Furtado and Sandhya Rao teaching calligraphy, art, craft, physical theatre, dance drama, book making and story writing. A week-long papier mâché workshop was held in the Diwali vacations two years ago, during which Neeta Om Prakash helped the young participants create their own masterpieces right from soaking the paper, grinding, mixing and drying it in the sun to make colourful masks. Toddlers too have their own space and get time to learn about the world they will have to adjust to as they grow up. Noreen Carneiro, mother of two young sons and a regular visitor to Bookworm, thinks up a new theme every week and as the facilitator and conceptualiser of the Parent and Child sessions, helps toddlers to bond with their parents and work with words. “In America, they do things like this with children from four months up,” explains Noreen. “Here parents come with children who are generally about a year as they cannot understand what their child could do in a library. Basically, we choose a theme every week and read a book around the theme and do a craft activity or sing songs. It’s been a year now and it’s working out very well.”

Colouring a card to celebrate the fifth ‘birthday’ of the library, Shaunak Sawant, seven, says, “My brother Shamik comes here and he’s two years old. I like Bookworm because I enjoy reading books, especially the Power Ranger ones.” Sujata and Elaine ensure that it’s not just children like Shaunak – with access to bookstores and a school library – who get a chance to read a variety of books. With more than 800 registered members, they could have just stopped there. But their book treasuries have traveled miles to schools across the state with limited collections or no collections at all. Elaine notes, “That’s where we’re really able to help. We invite the schools – either the principal or teachers – to have a look at the kind of books we have, and then choose what would suit their students best.” She and Sujata put together a box of 50 books and take them to the school. The box turns into a sort of ‘class library’, which is exchanged at the end of the month for a new box, along with feedback from the teachers on which books the children enjoyed. “We find that there is something about children that draws them to books,” explains Sujata. “Even if it’s not to read, children will look at the pictures. So there is obviously something going on in the young child’s mind.” Without the benefit of advertising, Bookworm has been approached by schools in all corners of the state to provide their students with books, a task now made easier with the new mobile library. “The van becomes part of the mission,” adds Elaine. “We will stock it with books, so the teachers and students have more direct access to them.” Like prophets unrecognised in their own town, Sujata and Elaine are content without schools in Panaji and are kept busy carting literary wonders to students in Margao, Mapusa, Mandrem, Chorao, Carmona, Paitona, Chimbel, Porvorim, Old Goa, Vasco and Dabolim. With an insatiable desire to discover new publishing houses and additions to their library, the two book worms make a beeline for bookshops while travelling or while surfing the internet. On their radar are Indian publishers “who sadly do more sales of books to people living outside the country”. Stocking the library with editions released by Tulika, Katha, Tara and Pratham publishers is a favourite passion for both Elaine and Sujata. “We’re still buying Enid Blyton whereas books by Indian writers are culturally rooted in the country,” says Sujata. “Many books lend themselves to a read-aloud, language discussion and an instant connection with the reader because of the cultural context. Books need not be ‘foreign’ anymore. We have some brilliant and beautiful books in the country.”

Creative minds: Elained Mendonca an Sujata Noronha

BE A BOOKWORM DISCOVER INDIAN BOOKS Malli by Jeeva Raghunath Little Fingers by Sheila Dhir Mukund and Riaz by Nina Sabani Ju’s Story by Paul Zacharia (all published by Tulika)

Bookworm’s new mobile library

Catch That Crocodile, Excuse Me-Is This India, and Tiger on the Tree by Anushka Ravishankar (all published by Tara)

HEALTH A regular column on healthy living

The author is an MD (Bom), DGO (CPS), DNB, FICS and is a leading consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist and infertologist at the Goa IVF Centre. He has a keen interest in coronary conditions

Heart of the Ma/er

More and more youngsters are now suﬀering from heart disease. With ten Goans undergoing coronary treatments every day, it’s about time we take a look at the muscle that pumps life into us

A SHOCKING REVELATION

It was shocking to hear that a 38-year-old doctor suffered a heart attack a few weeks ago. He had no predisposing factors: he did not smoke nor did he suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure). But the worse shock was to learn that a 19-year-old student had to undergo an angioplasty. The reason for highlighting coronary artery disease in Goa is that we are in the midst of an epidemic of this condition and no one is making a noise about it. When the H1N1 virus hit us, only a few were affected and the mortality rate in Goa was negligible, yet we raised a hue and cry on its prevention. What then is the proportion of coronary artery disease in Goa? The statistics were collected after discussions with various hospitals in Goa and hospitals where Goan patients were given references to. Every day, ten Goans go through angiography and around four need angioplasty. At least two Goans go through coronary artery bypass surgery daily. About two thousand people from our population succumb to this problem each year. These are only the statistics that are available, and many more get treated outside Goa in hospitals not affiliated to the state government, from where statistics are unavailable to us.

WHAT IS CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE?

When the arteries that supply blood to the heart get blocked, a heart attack or Myocardial Infarction occurs. Changes in coronary arteries begin when people are as young as ten years, and often, considerable fatty deposit will have occurred in the blood vessels by the age of 20.

Source: goodcholesterol count.com

WHAT LEADS TO CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE?

Age-related atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, high blood pressure, stress, a sedentary life and a faulty diet. Other factors such as family history, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemias, etc. may add to the complication. Stress alone has been a major cause in many a case.

HOW TO KNOW THE SYMPTOMS?

Chest pain: crushing pain on left or behind the sternum, pain radiating to jaw or left hand, unexplained sweating, breathlessness, feeling of fainting and epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting.

By Dr KEDAR PADTE

COST OF TREATMENT

In an emergency, let your doctor decide. When undertaking elective surgery (or planned surgery) ask for medicated stents/non-medicated stents and costs - they vary considerably. An angiography may cost between Rs 15,000 - 20,000, while an angioplasty may set you back between Rs 1 - 1.5 lakhs, an angioplasty with medicated/ imported stents between Rs 1.5 - 3 lakhs and Coronary Artery Block Surgery between Rs 3–5 lakhs Conclusion: for us Goans Exercise regularly, avoid meats (except on occasions), eat plenty of local vegetable and small fish with rice, keep coconut-based food to a minimum, sleep on time and rise early, drink plenty of water and remember that dance and music (healthy) are excellent for the heart.

PREVENTION

1 Food/Diet: Increase in fat and drop in fibre is the cause for IHD (Ischemic Heart Disease). Chicken and deep fried foods are a bigger problem especially as many broilers are fed with fattening hormones that do not get destroyed while cooking. Avoid chocolates, ice-creams, cheese and coconut. Soft drinks and packed fruit juices (very high in sugar) are big killers. 2 Control diabetes and high blood pressure. 3 Give up smoking. 4 Consume alcohol in strict moderation. 5 Change lifestyle.

HOW TO ACT IN AN EMERGENCY 1. Contact the closest doctor/family doctor 2. Take two aspirins with antacid 3. Call 108 4. If possible, get a cardiologist’s help immediately 5. Move to the best centre that is close to you such as: Apollo Hospital, Margao, Virus at Vasco, Vrundavan at Mapusa or Goa Medical College, Bambolim Getting to a good centre within one hour (golden hour) can decrease chances of death by almost 50 percent

BANDSTAND A feature on Goa’s most popular bands

From light music to Latin and Portuguese numbers, Emiliano and His Trio are sure to li. your spirits and set your toes tapping

A Diﬀerent Beat –

Emiliano and His Trio A romantic candle-lit dinner or a boisterous wedding party – a cool and class act is in store when veteran musician Emiliano da Cruz and his trio take the stage or croon around your table. The group was set up with that idea in mind – to serenade from table to table as well as to regale guests with all kinds of music in different styles. Think Konkani, a bit of light classical as well as Hindi pop songs, Portuguese and Latin American. And if by chance you happen to be from Italy, France or even Germany, don’t be surprised to hear a few tunes to remind you of home. “I have picked up cassettes from different countries, learnt and memorised the songs and then taught the boys. Eighty per cent of our music is instrumental but we do sing sometimes,” says frontman Emiliano, who writes the arrangements for all the instruments as well as orchestrates. With a complex layering of acoustic guitar, violin, mandolin, recorder and at times keyboard, Emiliano and His Trio – Oscar, Avelino and Mario – have found a formula that works. “We are a tight-knit group,” reveals Emiliano. “And if one gets sick, the other takes over. That’s one thing about our group. But if you bring in an outsider, that fellow can’t match up, zai na re baba.” Regulars at several hotels and restaurants including Cidade de Goa, Taj Exotica, the Radisson White Sands Resort and Dona Sylvia, they have also performed all over the country and abroad at various music festivals and private functions. “We have even played for Indira Gandhi in the eighties and for other dignitaries such as Rajiv Gandhi and A B Vajpayee,” says Oscar who has played with Emiliano for 30 years. “Avelino has been with me for at least 18 years and Mario for 15,” adds Emiliano. While any band can slap on a vibrantly coloured shirt on black trousers, complete with a hat – Emiliano and His Trio’s trademark outfit – or even strum a tune on the guitar or mandolin, and declare themselves a ‘Strings Trio’, Emiliano and his boys are the real deal.

By EMYLOU D’SOUZA

Born in an era when classical Portuguese music was a fad and where it was not uncommon for households to have a jam session every evening in the balcao, Emiliano too developed a taste for such music having studied it since he was a six-year-old. During his stint in Mumbai, which brought him in contact with the likes of music directors such as Shanker Jaikishan and R D Burman, a change of scene loomed near for young Emiliano. So with his violin in tow and an unrivalled desire to express his musical inclination for western and Latin American beats, Emiliano and his Caballeros were born, targeting the hotel scene in Mumbai. And once he returned to Goa, Emiliano and his Trio came into play. “Everything is in this computer,” he says, pointing to his head. “You may have the music but how do you present it to make it interesting? I must say we have been quite successful at it.” Although their music hasn’t seen a great transition over the years, they do move with the times, selecting pieces that are fit for their unusual set of instruments as compared to other Goan bands. With an upcoming CD on the way, Emiliano believes that a musician should know how to read and write music, which is similar to being literate. He has always followed this bit of sound advice from his guru, classical musician Dominic Pereira from Porvorim. Adds the maestro, “Play live. If you’re fit, show them. Stand up on stage and bombard your audience!”

Emiliano and His Trio can be contacted at emiliano_da_cruz@hotmail.com

HOSPITALITY A column which reviews the best hotels in Goa

Sinead McManus has lived and worked in Goa for the last five years. She lives in Canacona, South Goa but her job entails travelling extensively around India, promoting the country to the British/American Travel Trade and to the independent traveller

Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts are slated to appeal to the cosmopolitan global traveler who appreciates new experiences and pleasant surprises, rather than the typical hotel stay experience – CHITRA SALEEM General Manager

ivanta by Taj, Panaji has been built by the Kamat family. Uday, Dattaprasad and Ramesh Kamat have been in the construction, real estate and hospitality business for over 30 years. Content with their decision to hand over the management of their hotel to Taj, the brothers feel that their passion as well as the property’s success are both augmented by Taj’s global expertise and reputation in the hospitality industry in attracting a worldwide clientele. The staff of the hotel are keen to ensure comfort and safety from the point of all visitors’ arrival. Our first experience of this was as we entered the grounds. At the gates our vehicle was thoroughly inspected, as is now the norm at most five-star establishments.

However, Vivanta by Taj instils added confidence by also having a bomb detection device thus going a step further to put all those who come to the hotel at ease. An unobtrusive x-ray machine housed in its own cabin is our final security check before entering the reception area, which has been designed with an original and decorative turtle motif theme. This, along with the simple displays of exotic flowers, the offer of local juices, a selection of tea and coffee and a cold refreshing flannel makes this a pleasant environment to complete the necessary process of check-in assisted by welcoming and friendly employees. Having checked-in, we were escorted through the hotel by courteous staff.

Taj

Oasis in

the City

The hotel’s concern for the safety and wellbeing of all was again in evidence in the lift as a room key is essential for transportation between levels. Vivanta by Taj hosts over 170 rooms and assorted suites. An added touch is that they have been given exotic and delightful names in keeping with the theme of the hotel. Examples of these are Charm Delight, Indulgence and Allure Temptation, with Nirvana being the Presidential Suite. The choice for our city break was Indulgence. This is an elegantly structured and cleverly planned suite with artistically designed walls, stylish furniture and finely crafted but practical to use bathroom amenities. The ingeniously planned space

Vivanta by Taj, the hotel in rhythm with the heartbeat of Panaji city. A hotel where business sits in easy partnership with luxury and the location provides easy access to both the business area and tourist belt of Goa

within the suite allowed us to indulge in its luxury and facilities – a separate room for lounging in while enjoying the surround sound home theatre, browsing the internet with the high bandwidth Wi-Fi and indulging in a hot drink from the lush cappuccino maker. Partitioned by the walk in wardrobe, the bedroom with its hill view is lavishly comfortable. The additional treat of a pillow menu, of which we took advantage, supplied us with differing ranges of softness to lay our weary heads on. The hotel and our suite gave us a haven to retreat to, away from the hustle and bustle of Goa’s capital. Vivanta by Taj has put thought and effort into all its dining establishments. Latitude, its 24- hour facility offers lively fine dining throughout the day

and night; Caramel, the in house deli with luxurious surroundings offers affordable savouries and Tamari offers a range of Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Indian cuisine. As sushi is a rare find in Goa, Tamari was our restaurant of choice, having begun our evening at Tease with the difficult decision of what cocktail to choose from their wide range. Sinful Sunday Brunch became another of our passions, sampling traditional as well as contemporary dishes with a chef in attendance to oversee everything and ensure customer satisfaction. Our stay at Vivanta by Taj was as invigorating as it was relaxing, full of the little surprises and joys that everything else in life should be infused with.

HOMING IN A regular column by foreigners who have made Goa their home

In Goa’

‘I Live Where Every Dreamer Would Like to Live, By Prof DELFIM CORREIA da SILVA

A Portuguese teacher unearths the true spirit of Goa

Prof Delfim Correia da Silva along with Portuguese language students in their class at Goa University, Bambolim

am from Portugal. Born 45 years ago in the small northern town of Vila do Conde, I grew up amidst the green fields and the white and golden beaches of Costa Verde. Even today, being close to the sea is essential to maintain my personal equilibrium. The first time I visited Goa was in 1999. I was then a visiting lecturer at Instituto Camões at the School of Languages in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, appointed under the Indo-Portuguese Cultural Exchange Program. I taught Portuguese language and culture at the university for six fascinating years. Before discovering Goa toward the end of the twentieth century, the only sea that I knew of in India was the sea of people in the crowded streets near Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, South Extension and Vasant Lok. Each day was a day of surprises – of new monuments or historical sites to visit, of new traditions and diverse cultures to absorb. It was like all the nations, all the faces, all the cultures had merged into a mystical world. But Goa was different. It was a different kind of love. In 2007, I had the opportunity to return to India and, more interestingly, I was assigned to Goa University and the Centro de Língua Portuguesa/Instituto Camões in Panaji. After a four-year stint in Sofia, Bulgaria, this new challenge was a dream come true. Today, the Portuguese language is spoken by around 250 million people worldwide. After English and Spanish, Portuguese is the third most popular European language and the official language of eight countries spread over five continents and none of them sharing borders. Historically as well as in the traditional context, Goa is linked to the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), mainly Portugal, Angola, Mozambique and Brazil. It can follow the example of Macau in China and become a multicultural hub of excellence in the promotion of Portuguese as an international and global language. Now, we have better conditions for this. Finally, there is an association of Portuguese language teachers

Discovering Goa on his mountain bike (GATP), which can now put forward the difficulties faced by Portuguese teachers in secondary and higher secondary schools, where Portuguese is part of the curriculum. Portuguese is also offered at the undergraduate level at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa. Besides, the Department of Portuguese at Goa University conducts a master’s degree in Portuguese literature and culture. In the last academic year, 16 students were enrolled and this year there are 12, some of them from as far as New Delhi and other parts of India. Goa University is the only centre in India offering this program at the post-graduate level. There are other institutions promoting the Portuguese language in Goa, namely the Indo-Portuguese Friendship Society/Fundação Cidade de Lisboa and the Centro Cultural

Communicare. But I am proud to be the head of Centro de Língua Portuguesa/Instituto Camões, based in Goa since 2000 which signed an MOU with Goa University in January 2007. Centro de Língua Portuguesa/Instituto Camões in Goa conducts language courses, levels A1, A2 and B1 following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages which corresponds to basic, elementary and intermediate courses respectively. Every year we have around 80 to 100 students learning Portuguese language and culture at our premises. Centro de Língua e Cultura Portuguesa (CLCP) at Chowgule College of Arts and Sciences in Margao with which Instituto Camões has established an MOU also offers intensive language courses in Portuguese to internal and external students as well. I am privileged as I love what I do and I live where every dreamer would like to live – in Goa, the perfect place for poets and artists. Here, we live in the present surrounded by tradition while at the same time imagining the future. We feel and live every single moment as a special moment. In Goa, ‘Carpe diem’ makes sense. Viva Goa! I love adventure. I venture out on my mountain bike on Sundays with friends, sometimes on my own, through Goan villages, discovering the marvels that the ordinary tourist usually ignores. The Hindu temples in Ponda are majestic, the churches of Old Goa are imposing, the beaches are lovely, but Goa has something much more interesting to offer – nature in all its bounty and beauty. Hopefully one day Goans will realise that eco-tourism will churn out huge revenue and a better quality of visitor. But here I am in Goa, for two years already, promoting the Portuguese language and Lusophone culture, for 12 hours, six days a week, with only Sundays left to pray, to spoil my eight cats and to ride my bike, discovering the secrets of this green and unique land. Prof Delfim can be contacted at clpicgoa@yahoo.com

WELLNESS A regular column featuring the great spas of Goa

Parineeta Sethi is the publisher and editor-in-chief of ‘AsiaSpa India’, ‘Asia Pacific Boating India’, ‘Millionaire Asia India’ and ‘Selling World Travel’. She is an authority on spas and has closely followed the spa culture in Goa

Serenity

A Dip into Bliss and

Rejuve – The Spa at InterContinental The LaLiT Goa Resort is a splendid haven where ancient traditions of lavish health and beauty rituals have been created in a serene se(ing

uxury has a lot to do with size – the bigger, the better. Step into a vast space, and comfort automatically follows. Spread over 15000 sq ft of area, this holds true for Rejuve – The Spa at InterContinental The LaLiT Goa Resort, in Canacona. This luxurious resort itself is built in an area of 85 tranquil acres between the Arabian Ocean, the River Talpona and the Sahyadri Hills. Brimming with pastime possibilities such as spa, golf, tennis and water sports, the resort offers the ultimate in luxury and comfort. The rhythm of life slows down here and you prefer losing it completely. Besides leaving you awestruck with its infinitely vast size, the sea soothes your mind and the breeze blows away your worries. Rejuve offers a variety of western, Thai and traditional Indian therapies, which aid in relaxation, rejuvenation and wellbeing. It consists of ten treatment rooms including one spa suite Each treatment room is attached with its own relaxation area. It also boasts a sauna steam room, Jacuzzi, hydrotherapy tub, chilled shower and pool. A variety of body and beauty treatments help you rejuvenate and rediscover yourself The spa houses a state-of-the-art gymnasium spread over 1900 sq ft. It is equipped with 28 techno gym work stations and free weights. If you are fanatic about fitness, you will be delighted to

experience the gym. You can take the benefit of personal training workout, which will enable you to face your fitness goals at the spa under the guidance of a qualified instructor. A variety of training methods and equipment are used to accommodate your needs. For those who hate going to the gym, a workout at the gym or in the pool or a brisk walk along the beach is bound to make fitness an inseparable part of their life. It also offers a comprehensive range of hair treatments and other beauty services conducted to the highest standards, such as hairdressing, hair colouring, hair styling, shampoo and blow dry. The highlight of the spa is its hydrotherapy tub which has pressure jets from ankle to hips and you can relax in the water and be gently massaged. The therapies categorised in three different categories Thai treatments, which include Oriental foot massage, Thai oil massage and Thai massage, the Ayurvedic Therapies include Abhyanga, Choorna Swedana, Udwarthana, Tanlepa, Mukh Lepa and more; and Rejuve Specialized Therapies boast of Rejuve Prescription Facial, Pure Relaxation Aromatic Bath Essence, De-Stress Scalp Massage. Treated like royalty, you will be all set to command a private kingdom of serenity and beauty at Rejuve.

We have a blend of eastern, western and Indian therapies to cater to our clientele coming on holiday or conference or to

weddings – LALIT MUNDKUR Spa Manager

GOAN CUISINE A monthly column offering the best of Goan food and drink

A'er Shravan and Ganesh Chaturthi, non-vegetarians long to eat meat and seafood delicacies. So this month I present some of my delicious Goan recipes to tuck into and satisfy that craving

Meaty

Flavours

Chef Deepa Awchat, originally from Mapusa, is the co-founder of ‘Goa Portuguesa’, ‘Culture Curry’ and ‘Diva Maharashtra’, Mumbai’s popular, award-winning restaurants. She is also the author of ‘The Goa Portuguesa Cookbook’ deepaawchat@ goaportuguesa.com

Galinha Cafreal

Chicken in Green Sauce Serves 4

Ingredients

Boneless chicken Turmeric powder 8 to 9 sauce Coriander leaves Chopped onions Green chilies Chopped garlic Chopped ginger Cloves Black peppercorns Cinnamon Cumin seeds Poppy seeds Cashew nuts Oil Tomato ketchup Chicken stock or water Salt to taste

500 grams ½ teaspoon 2 tablespoons 2 ½ cups 1 medium + 1 small 3 12 cloves ½ inch 10 10 2 one-inch sticks ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon 8 4 tablespoons 2 tablespoons 1 ½ cups

NOTE You can uses chicken thigh and legs instead of boneless chicken

Method

Wash and cut the chicken into small pieces and marinate in a mixture of salt, turmeric powder and 8 to 9 sauce for 15 minutes.

Grind coriander leaves, a medium-sized onion, green chillies, garlic, ginger, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, cumin seeds, poppy seeds and cashew nuts with half a cup of water to a fine paste.

Heat the oil in a frying pan and sauté the remaining onion till it changes colour. Add the chicken and cook partially. Add the spice paste, tomato ketchup, stock or water and salt to taste and cook till the chicken is tender.

Serve hot with pao or crusty bread.

Prawn Sacramento

Prawns in Red Sauce

Pineapple Feni Cocktail

Ingredients

Palm feni ¼ cup (60 ml) Pineapple juice ½ cup Coconut cream 2 tablespoons Ice cubes 3 A slice of fresh or tinned pineapple

Method

rocess all the ingredients in a blender, pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with a slice of pineapple.

Ingredients

Peeled prawns Turmeric powder Ginger-garlic paste Oil Dried red chillies Cloves Black peppercorns Cinnamon Cumin seeds Chopped garlic Vinegar Chopped onions Chopped tomato Tomato purée Sugar Salt to taste

Serves 4

300 grams ¼ teaspoon 1 teaspoon 6 tablespoons 6 15 20 1-inch stick 1 teaspoon 10 cloves 3 tablespoons 2 medium 1 large 2 tablespoons ½ teaspoon

Method

Marinate the prawns in a mixture of salt, turmeric powder and ginger-garlic paste for 15 minutes.

Heat two tablespoons of oil in a pan, stir-fry the red chilies, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, cumin seeds and garlic till fragrant. Grind all the fried ingredients with vinegar to a fine paste. Add a little water if required.

Heat the remaining oil in a pan and sauté the onions till they change colour. Add the tomato and cook till soft. Add the ground spices and sauté for two minutes.

Add the prawns and cook, stirring continuously for two minutes. Add the tomato purée, sugar, salt and a quarter cup of water and cook till the gravy thickens and coats the prawns. Serve hot.

Tissrio Sukke

Clams with Coconut

Ingredients

Clams Oil Finely chopped onions Slit green chillies Turmeric powder Ginger-garlic paste Grated coconut Sugar Lime juice Chopped coriander leaves Salt to taste

Serves 4 200 6 tablespoons 5 medium 10 1 teaspoon ½ teaspoon 1 cup ¼ teaspoon 1 tablespoon 2 tablespoons

Method

Wash the clams, slit them open leaving the meat in one half of the shell. Discard the other empty half.

Heat the oil in a pan, sauté the onions and green chillies till they change colour. Add the clams, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste and salt and cook over medium heat for ten minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add half a cup of water, cover the pan and cook for another 15 minutes till the water evaporates and the clams are tender.

Stir in the grated coconut, sugar and lime juice and cook for another two minutes.

Remove from heat, garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

HAPPENINGS VIVANTA BY TAJ BRAND LAUNCH PARTY aj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces launched their new brand Vivanta by Taj - Hotels & Resorts in style, hosting a grand party as they continue their journey of providing world class hospitality under a new name. Aiming at the cosmopolitan global traveler, Vivanta by Taj - Hotels & Resorts is slotted in the Five-star Upper Upscale segment, exuding style and a strong sense of living life to the hilt. Now named Vivanta by Taj - Fort Aguada, and Vivanta by Taj - Holiday Village, the properties focus on technology to pander to the tastes of the jet-setting traveller and look to surprise their guests with new delights. Saleem Yousuff, area director (Goa) of Vivanta by Taj - Hotels & Resorts, said, “Stylish and sophisticated, Vivanta delivers premium hotel experiences with imagination, energy and efficiency. It is the flavour of contemporary luxury laced with cool informality, while retaining a strong connect with the charming Taj hospitality.” The launch party brought in the who's who of Goa, tasting delights and experiencing the 'bon vivant' theme of the brand signifying sophistication and appreciation for the good things in life.

Saleem Yousuff

Anjali & Dattaprasad, Sadhana & Ramesh, Smita & Uday Kamat

Tony Dias, Milind Bhosle, Chef Rego, Prashant Joshi & Atul Pai Kane

Vishal Singh

Nilesh & Sonal Shah, Gaurish & Pratima Dhond and Ralf de Souza Sharadha & Ramnath Kare

Ritu & Hemant Sharma, Haneef & Asheen Lalji

Rajni Kamat & Manu Gupta

Agnelo & Francisco Braganza

48 Rainer &Cynthia Dias

Sujay & Monica Joshi

Adolf Fernandes & R S Yadav

Jeeva & Sameer Bhat Dr Subodh Kerkar

Suzie & Tulio D’Souza, Orty & Bryan Soares

Pramod & Shobna Rivanker

Marise Delima

Pics by Edric George

HAPPENINGS

CAFÉ MANGII OPENS DOORS here's a new joint in Panaji above Café Real that is sure to keep Italian food lovers coming back for more. Comprising a relaxed bar, cosy tables and private dining area, Café Mangii is all set to take Goa by storm with its wood-fired pizzas, pastas and other gourmet Italian fare. Hosts Wendell Rodricks and Jerome Marrel joined restaurateur and owner Prashant Chaudhri in welcoming guests eager to try out the diverse menu. “Our USP is a live oven in the middle of the restaurant to provide wood-fired pizzas for our guests,” says Chaudhri, who already has other outlets in Mumbai, Powai and Andheri. “Panaji needs a place that will serve gourmet Italian food as a stand-alone restaurant and not as part of a five-star resort.” With lip-smacking starters, sumptuous pizzas and delectable desserts to choose from, Café Mangii opens its arms to Goa and says, “Buon Appetito!”

Dattaraj & Dipti Salgaokar & Jerome Marrel

Lorna Cordeiro & Wendell Rodricks

Prashant & Pooja Chaudhri

Divya Rane & Pallavi Dempo

Arjun Mangaldas, Joe Mascarenhas & Dick D’Souza

Vivek Dempo, Shivonne Gracias & Xavier Furtado

Sharon D'Mello & Monica Bariya

Neha & Shivam Desai

Wendell Rodricks & Nilesh Gaunkar

Dr Carmo Gracias & Bailon Gomes

Lambert Mascarenhas Tagore Gracias

Dr Sudhir Kakar

Ayesha Barretto & Rachel Raghuram

Sudin & Vinita Naik

Dr Pandurang Phaldessai Pics by Edric George

Preeti Mahatme

BIZ NOTES

Minister of Tourism Nilkanth Halarnkar receiving the prestigious CNBC AWAAZ Travel Awards from the Union Minister of Tourism Kumari Selja at an event in New Delhi, in the presence of the Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik and the Director of TV 18 Ajay Chacko

GOA TOURISM WINS TWO CNBC TRAVEL AWARDS

t was a double bonus for the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa when it won two awards at the CNBC AWAAZ Travel Awards 2010. The awards were presented by the Union Minister of Tourism Kumari Selja to the Minister of

Tourism Nilkanth Halarnkar at an impressive ceremony held on Tuesday in New Delhi. The Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik and the Director of TV 18 Ajay Chacko were also present. Goa won the public vote in both categories for ‘Best State’

and ‘Best State Tourism Board’. The awards CNBC AWAAZ Travel Awards aim to recognise and honour ‘Best in Class’ tourism organisations, destinations, infrastructure and service providers based on an objective and comprehensive study

conducted by leading research firm The Neilson Company. This study is India’s most exhaustive pan-India study conducted across 12 cities with over thousands of respondents voting for their choice of travel services and destinations.

State named India’s Best Beach Destination

oday’s Traveller, one of India’s leading travel magazines, has awarded Goa ‘India’s Best Beach Tourism Destination’ the Today’s Traveller Award 2010. The award was presented at an event

in Delhi by the Union Minister for Tourism Kumari Selja to Dr M Modassir, IAS, Secretary of Tourism and Ports, Government of Goa. The occasion coincided with the 30th anniversary of the magazine and a

coffee table book Todays’s Traveller ‘Business Unusable – Innovation is the Key’ was also published. The awards recognise achievers and contributors who inspire all stakeholders in the industry.

Kumari Selja handing over the trophy to Dr M Modassir at the event as editor-in-chief of Today’s Traveller Kamal Gill looks on

Annual sale of Bohemian Crystal in Margao The Bohemian Crystal Company is set to hold its annual sale from October 9 to November 9 in Margao. The sale will give customers the chance to pick out the finest products at affordable rates.

Brands such as Schott Zwiesel, LSA, Porcel, San Miguel and Revol, which are known the world over for their elegance, style as well as for their utility will be available on shelves. In addition, crockery, crystal ware and other gift items will also be on offer.

Set up in 1999 in India, Bohemian Crystal Company is a distributor and retailer of some of the world’s finest brands of glassware, chinaware, linen, cutlery, buffet ware, kitchen equipment, coffee machines, glass racks.

LIC launches new ULIP

ife Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has introduced its Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) under the new Insurance Regulation and Development Authority (IRDA) regime, following the launch of its Pension Plus which is the first Unit-linked Pension Plan under the new regime. Endowment Plus offers investmentcum-insurance during the term of the policy. It is available for people aged seven to 60 years for a policy term between ten and 20 years. The minimum annual premium under the policy is Rs 20,000 for regular modes. Under ECS mode it is Rs 1,750 per annum and minimum single premium is Rs 30,000. The plan offers a risk cover of up to 11 to 30 times of annualised premium or 1.25 times of single premium. Critical illness and accident benefit riders are also the benefits available with this policy. The policy holder has the option to choose any of the four funds namely Bond Fund, Secured Fund, Balanced Fund and Growth Fund. The option of switching within the funds is available any number of times during the duration of policy. The first four switches every year are free of charge and a charge of Rs 100 is levied thereafter per switch. Another feature of the plan is that mortality charges are deducted only if the basic sum assured is less than that of the fund value of the units. There is also an option to encash the fund in regular intervals spread over a period of five years from the date of maturity. At maturity the policy holder will be eligible for fund value under the policy. In case of death, the nominee will get the higher of the sum assured under the basic plan and the policy holder’s fund value.

GSL achieves highest Value of Production since inception

t the forty-forth AGM of Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), the company declared the financial year 2009-2010 as its highest Value of Production (VoP) ever since its inception in 1957. GSL earned a profit of Rs 197.23 crores as compared to Rs 125.92 crores last year (an increase of 56.6 per cent), while the net profit tax stood at Rs 130.72 crore as against Rs 81.96 crore in the previous year (an increase of 59.5 per cent). It has declared a dividend of Rs 26.20 crores equal to 90 per cent of the paid-up share capital for the fiscal year 2009-2010 as compared to 57 per cent in the previous year. Chairman and managing director RAdm (Retd) Vineet Bakhshi, VSM, GSL said, “GSL has performed exceptionally well on all fronts and has continued to show all round improvement in its operations as it had done in the last year. The basic strength of the company lies in its own inhouse design capability, which is an outcome of

intensive R&D activities over the years.” The company delivered 90M offshore patrol vessel ICGS Vishwast, the only vessel of this class in the world, to the Indian Coast Guard. It was designed and built by the shipyard. GSL has also launched offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. It is the first Indian Defence Shipyard to receive a vessel construction order from the Ministry of Defence, Sultanate of Oman.

To meet future challenges and remain competitive in the domestic as well as the global market, the company has embarked upon a planned modernisation project to augment its infrastructure and facilities at a cost of Rs 800 crores. The ongoing modernisation project requires additional land for its facilities, which in turn will bring more revenue as well as provide employment opportunities to the people of Goa.

Dhanlaxmi Bank inaugurates two off-site ATMs in Goa

hanlaxmi Bank, one of the fastest growing mid-size private sector banks in the country has recently inaugurated two off-site Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in Panaji and Calangute. The bank’s network expansion is part of its strategy to mark its footprint in the western region. The ATM located at Jupiter building, Naikawado, Calangute was inaugurated by assistant general manager, Reserve Bank of India, Goa VK Parvatikar while the ATM located at

Landscape Tower, St Inez, Panaji was inaugurated by managing director, Goa IDC Ajit Naik. The branch head, Dhanlaxmi Bank, Panaji David de Souza was also present. Dhanlakshmi Bank has a pan-India presence through a network of 271 branches, 426 ATMs covering 136 centres across 14 states. The ongoing modernisation project requires additional land for its facilities, which in turn will bring more revenue as well as provide employment opportunities to the people of Goa.

Panaji: MD of Goa IDC Ajit Naik inaugurating the ATM in Panaji

VIVA GOA DIARY

Chairman of Wockhardt group Dr Habil Khorakiwala lighting the lamp at the inauguration of NUSI Wockhardt Hospital at Panzorconi, Cuncolim. Chief minister Digambar Kamat, PWD minister Churchill Alemao, chairman NUSI Capt N Hiranandani and MD Zahbiya Khorakiwala look on

Wockhardt Hospital puts Goa on the global healthcare stage

ne of the leading tertiary care hospital chains in the country formally commenced the operations of its new multi-speciality hospital in Goa. At an impressive ceremony, chief minister Digambar Kamat, in the presence of PWD minister Churchill Alemao, chairman Wockhardt group Dr Habil Khorakiwala and chairman National Union of Seafarers of India/International Transport Workers Federation (NUSI/ITF) Trust

Capt N A Hiranandani inaugurated the NUSI Wockhardt Hospital. Dr Habil Khorakiwala said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Goa hospital is a major milestone in our quest for providing quality healthcare to all. Our achievements in the past 20 years signify our commitment to pursuing and matching global standards in healthcare to create an environment where continuous improvement creates new benchmarks in the quality of care delivered to our patients.â&#x20AC;?

Executive director Wockhardt Hospitals group Zahabiya Khorakiwala opined that this 180-bedded hospital (of which 43 are critical care beds) has five operation theatres meeting international standards, ICU ambulances, a 24X7 emergency line (0832-6684400), dialysis and physiotherapy centres, and round the clock pathology services. The super specialists treatment include cardiology and cardiac

surgery, neurology and neuro-surgery, orthopedics including joint replacement, trauma and spine, medical and surgical oncology, pediatrics and pediatric surgery, gastroenterology and GI surgery, endocrinology, urology and nephrology, minimal access surgery, gynaecology, and rheumatology besides cosmetology, emergency care, advanced critical care and preventive healthcare.

I ar celebrates communal harmony 52

n a spirit of brotherhood and communal harmony well-known to Goa, the Masjid e Noor in Dabolim hosted an Inter-Religious Ramzan Iftar on September , which was co-ordinated by Iqbal Mohidin. Chief guests Brahmachari Prahlad Chaitanya

of the Chinmaya Mission in Margao, Fr Agnelo Pinheiro of the Rachol Seminary and Maulana Niaz Siddique of the Madrasa Imdadul Islam in Kolhapur mingled with others in attendance. Businessmen, social activists, bureaucrats, educationists, politicians and

senior police officials from different faiths joined the Muslims in breaking their fast with dates, fruits and juices. The Iftar was followed by dinner of mutton biryani and sheerkurma, with a separate vegetarian counter for the Hindus observing Shravan. Inaugurated in 2002,

Communal solidarity: Brahmachari Prahlad Chaitanya, Fr Agnelo Pinheiro and Maulana Niaz Siddique partake in the celebrations

the Masjid e Noor overlooks the River Zuari and is the first mosque in Goa to welcome Muslim women who wish to offer prayers. Built and maintained without public contribution, it has provisions for a separate entrance, wash area and prayer room for women.

Resort Rio opens new restaurants

new restaurants to Goan taste buds Thavewotickleopened at Resort Rio

in Baga. Guests can now choose between Indian and Italian fare besides other cuisines at the five-star hotel’s sprawling premises. Launched last month, Resort Rio boasts the all-day dining Pickled Mango and the Mamma Mia Pizzeria and Ristorante Italiano restaurants to cater to “every taste and request”. Overlooking the pool on one side

and the courtyard on the other, Pickled Mango offers cuisine from all over the world including Indian dishes “using the freshest

ingredients”. Guests can also avail of the tailor-made ‘on-the-spot’ dishes created by the resort’s chefs. With more than 30 years of experience, Chef Felice Rainone promises a feast for the senses with his Italian fare at Mamma Mia Pizzeria and Ristorante Italiano. Aided by his brother, he invites his guests to try “authentic Italian food”. “Proscuitto e Melone, Insalate Di Mare,

Crema Di Pomodoro and Carpaccio Di Manzo are a few of my all-time favourite antipasti along with fresh home-made pastas like Tagliatelle, Gnocchi, Tortellini and Ravioli,” says Chef Rainone. Resort Rio’s other dining options include Jalsa, a vegetarian kitchen serving Gujarati, Rajasthani and South Indian cuisines; Aagor, a speciality Goan and sea food shack; Café Rio, a 24-hour café and Bar Terrazzo, an exclusive well-stocked bar.

Clube Nacional gets new governing body

ne of the oldest social clubs in Panaji, Clube Nacional recently O elected its new committee for the

term 2010-2012. Sitting from left to right: Leonel Rodrigues (treasurer), Luigi Ferrao (chairman-General Assembly), Messias Tavares (president), Edward Noronha (vice-president), Tomas Machado (secretary) Standing from left to right: Aaron Teles (member), Roberto Ribeiro (secretary to chairman), Ernleigh Martins (member), Edward George (member), Luis Abreu (joint secretary), Richard Dias (member)

Tribute to Tagore: Hamara School P

anaji-based Hamara School, a school for underprivileged children is run under the auspice of the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust. The Goa branch is spearheaded by Gandhian and social worker Mangalatai Wagle. The school in association with the Directorate of Arts and Culture recently organised Surya - a music and dance concert at the Goa Museum Hall, Panaji. The concert was a tribute to the great legend Rabindranath Tagore to commemorate the occasion of his 150th birth centenary in 2011. Executive member of Hamara School Subhra Mukherjee said, “Our main motive behind organising the concert was to bring to the foreground the talents these underprivileged children possess. “The event also helped them to boost their confidence and overcome stage fright. Despite the language barrier, our children were so enthusiastic about participating in the show that they learnt the steps in a very short period. We even explained to them what the songs meant.” The event included several vocal performances by artistes from Goa and Kolkata including the former dean of Rabindra Bharati University Pandit Nihar Ranjan Banerjee (Kolkata), Sarthak Mukharjee, Pravin Gaonkar, Devanand Malwankar, Pallavi Patil and Akanksha Kamat (all from Goa).

VIVA GOA SPOTLIGHT Focusing on Goan Achievers

ith her eyes set on breaking into the ranks of the Men’s Grand Masters, Bhakti Pradip Kulkarni is taking herself and Goa to dizzying heights as she brings home medal after medal. The 18-year old was Goa’s first titled chess player – Woman FIDE Master, and has claimed honours at international events, including the silver at the Asian Girls Under 16 in 2007 and recently beating the Chinese on their home turf to bag the gold in the Asian Championship this year. With a current rating of 2294 Elo (rating) points, she races on towards the 2500 points required to become a Men’s GM. VIVA GOA draws with Bhakti Kulkarni

You look up to… Former President Abdul Kalaam. You aspire to become… A Grand Master.

Your greatest achievement till date… Winning gold in the Asian Championship in China this year. Your biggest regret till date… Missing a sure medal in the World Junior Championships in Poland. Your style of play is… Counter attacking.

A strategy that has worked for you to overthrow an opponent … Sudden attacks when the opponent least expects it! Your first game of chess was… With my father who taught me chess initially.

The most challenging game of chess you have played and your reaction after it… “Thank God it’s over,” after I won a marathon seven-hour battle at the World Junior Championship.

The opponent was… Bulgaria’s International Woman Master Natasha Ziazulkina. You got into playing chess... Accidentally - by watching my father play. Chess is… My life.

Bhakti Kulkarni Bhakti Kulkarni with coach Dronacharya awardee Raghunandan Gokhale and former World Champion Anatoly Karpov in China

Your coach Dronacharya Raghunandan Gokhale... Never loses his cool. As a teenager you love to… Watch movies and listen to Hindi film songs. As a teenager you hate… Politics in sports.

Your favourite eatery in Goa… Riorico. Your favourite Goan dish… Chicken Xacuti.