weekwhat’s hotthis

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June 23San Joao Shuffle 2013At Resort Rio, Arpora+918322267300

June 14 to July 14World Pizza FestivalAt Cafe Mangii, Panjim@ +918322230771/73

June 24Float CompetitionOn the occasion of Sao Joao, the Good Shepherd organisation is organising a float competition. At Fatorda+919850047533

June 22Sao Joan Rain DanceAt CRCC, Chinchinim Ground, Salcete@ 1 pm +919890630049/+919822180049

World Music DayWorld Music Day is going to be celebrated on Friday, June 21 at Tawa in the Baywatch Resort at Sernabatim. It’s organised by the

Art Escape’s ‘Live Music Project’. And Goa Streets are the media partners. Come and check out some hot musicians like guitarist Elvis Lobo,

Joe Ferrao on vox and bass, Dennis Coelho, drums, Victor Netesov, trumpet, and more, jamming together in a variety of musical styles from West Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, India and even Goa, fusing the music together to create the magical, mystical, hypnotic sounds of Goa. Be there or be square. At Tawa, Baywatch Resort. Contact: Vinesh: +91 9323590051

June 20Thursday Night Live @ The SofalaAnika Emma jamming live with Smoking Chutney featuring Anika Emma, vocals, Chrystal Farrell, vocals, Benoy Rai, guitar, Sancho Menezes, keyboards, Colin D’Cruz, bass & Bosco D’Souza, drums.At The Sofala, Bhattiwaddo, Nerul8 pm to 11.30 pm Call +917774008822

Sao Joao PartiesJune 22Sao Joao Rain DanceStill don’t know what Sao Joao is? Read our cover story and then go for this wet and wild party. At CRCC, Chinchinim Ground, Salcete@ 1 pm +919890630049/+919822180049

June 221st Sao Joao Rain DanceMusic Promoters Charitable Society presents this Sao Joao Rain Dance. Electrifying music by Tidal Wave, Forefront, Lynx, etc. At Blueberry Hill, Verna @ 12 pm+918322714801

June 23San Joao Shuffle 2013This one is for the five-star tourist crowd, down by the poolside at the Resort Rio, close to Baga. At Resort Rio, Arpora+918322267300

June 23Leap of JoyAt Santa Monica, Panjim @ 10 am to 4 pm+918322438754/+918322438754

Clubs/Bars/Lounges/Live MusicButter LoungeIndulge yourself &soothen your senses At Patto, Panjim+919822126262

Thursday, June 20, 2013

turn to page 5

By José Lourenço

The next time you attend a concert of Russian music in Goa, be prepared to be dressed up like a Russian and

dance to the balalaika in front of hundreds of your countrymen. That’s what happened to one very good-natured fellow when the tall and lithe singer Ekaterina Suslova, looking lovely in a flowing blue dress, grabbed him from the audience and had him put on a traditional Russian shirt, pantaloons, blue sash and a fur cap called an ushanka. Then she proceeded to teach him some funky Russian dance steps. The lucky gentleman took it all in stride and seemed quite content to be led away offstage arm-in-arm by the vivacious singer who captivated the audience with her emotion and wide vocal range.

Music connoisseurs in Goa were recently treated to a delightful unplugged concert of Russian music at the Maquinez Palace at Panjim last Sunday evening. Hosted by the Consulate of Russian Federation in Goa, an ensemble of four talented musicians called

Russian music thrills Goa

Russkiye Umeltsy performs at the Maquinez Palace

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Ekaterina Suslova

Raissa’s Sheesh Mahal LoungeDelicious food and lovely musicAt Margao @ 10 am to 11.45 pm+918322712899

Club IANOSClub & Global CuisineCalangute, Baga Road0832 6528283

June 20The Thrilling ThursdayAt Whispering Palm beach resort, Candolim@ 7.30 pm to 10 pm+918326651515

June 22Germany’s celebrated jazz vocalistNaomi Isaacs with Goa’s Jazz veteransJason Quadros on piano, Colin D’Cruz on bass, Alan Moraes on drums. At SanskrutiBhavan, Panjim@ 7 pm +919822133803

June 22Sao Joan Rain DanceAt CRCC, Chinchinim Ground, Salcete@ 1 pm +919890630049/+919822180049

June 221st Sao Joan Rain DanceMusic Promoters Charitable Society presents this Sao Joao Rain Dance. Electrifying music by top bands Tidal Wave, Forefront, Lynx, etc. Always wanted to dance in the rain, right? This is your chance. At Blueberry Hill, Verna @ 12 pm+918322714801

June 23Agua De VidaAt Palmarinha Resort, Calangute@ 12 am to 3 am+918322275059

OhhhReee Sao JoaoPresented by the Benaulim Sports & Cultural Club At Fisheries Complex, Benaulim beach@ 11 am

Pool PartyAt Woodbourne Country Club, Nuvem@ 12 pm+918390097909

June 24Siolim Sao JaonFor the lowdown on this one, check out our cover story.At opp.St.Anthony’s Church, Siolim@ 2 pm

June 13 to June 30 Smoking Chutney liveEvery ThursdayAt Malts N Wines, Baga@ 9 pm+917875242960

On-goingPickled MangoMulti Cuisine serving culinary delights from around the world with different music themes every night.Mon: music fever. Tue: in-house music. Wed: karaoke burning. Thur: in-house music. Fri: one man band by Joe. Sat: karaoke burning.Sun: in-house music.@ Resort Rio, Arpora@ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm+918322267300

Souza LoboOldest restaurant on Calangute beach With live music in the evenings.Different music themes every night.Mon: Nelson & Leo. Tue: Nezz and Neka. Wed: Lui one man band. Thur: Nelson and Leo. Fri: Just Leo. Sat: Victor & Sol. Sun: Valentino.At Calangute Beach @ 8 pm+918322281234

Fort Aguada Beach ResortMon: Estella Pinto. Tue: Mac Dorado. Wed: Estella Pinto. Thur: Savio. Fri: Darryll. Sat: Natasha.At Sinquerim, Candolim @ 7.30 pm+918326645858

Martin’s CornerAuthentic seafood and Goan cuisine along with live music every week.Mon: Shane. Tue: Karaoke by Jonny. Wed: karaoke Francis Paul. Thur: Ashley. Fri: Karaoke by Johnny. Sat: Shane. Sun: Kenny, Bonny.At Betalbatim@ 8 pm. +918322880061

Night By NightEvery MondayKaraoke NightLive Filipino Band performanceAt O’ Goa, Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim @ 7.30 pm 2226291

Every TuesdayRetro & all Time HitsRetro hits played by DJ AggieAt Radisson Blu Resort, Cavelossim@ 9 pm onwards+918326726677 / +91 8888061199

Every WednesdayTuesday – Country RockAt Café Mojo

@ 10 am to 11.30 pm

+91 9850980091/ +91 9860010061

Cosmopolitan Ladies Nite

Also introducing a pay for 1 JAGERBOMB and shoot

another for absolutely FREE, along

With free COSMOPOLITANS for the ladies all night long.At Butter, Panjim @ 8 pm+918308838888

Ladies NightAt Soul Souffle, Uddear, Verna @ 8 pm+918322782100/ +919404312100

Russian Ecstasy NightsAt Radisson BluResort, Cavelossim beach @ 9 pm+918326726666/+918888061199

Jam SessionA musical adventure with Goa’s one &Only ZezhinioAt Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm+91 9820820254

Retro, Rock n Roll & Old SchoolWith DJ SabyFernandes spinning Retro, Rock n Roll At Resort Rio, Tambudki, ArporaFrom 8 pm to 10.30 pm+919552538203/ +919011015959

music & nightlife | 03Exotic music of Russia

food | 07Bumblebee takes the cake

arts & entertainment | 15A life of abstract art

feature | 11Speed bump dangers

feature | 19Greens target shacks

give back | 22Street kids make good

cover story | 12São João and the Goan soul

explore | 18Cuppa chai in Margao

sex | 20Mom scorns girlfriend

lowdown | 06

Thursday, June 20, 2013

OnshoreThe Crown Lounge & CasinoExperience the Real fun of International Gaming only At Crown casinoWMS BLUEBIRDS Slots just installed: “ Rs. 20 Lakhs Possible Jackpot ”At 1st floor the crown goa, behind old secretarial, Panjim @ 12 noon to 6 am+918322222822 / 33info@crowncasino.inrewards@crowncasino.in

Chances CasinoAt Vainguinim Valley Resorts+918322456683/4/5/6Email: sales@chancescasinoresort.com

Gold finger CasinoAt Vainguinim beach, Dona Paula+918322454545

Casinos TreasuresAt Majorda beach resort, Majorda+918322881111

Casino ParadiseAt Neo Majestic, Porvorim+918326710101

OffshoreCasino CarnivalEntry Rs.1500/ Enjoy free unlimited snacks,Veg & Non-veg Buffet-dinner, alchoholic & nonalcholic beveragesAnd loads of live entertainment.At Panaji, Goa. Open 24 Hrs.+918888807256

Casino Royale Among the 6 offshore live casino gaming licenses issued by the Government of Goa, Delta owns and operates 3 licenses.Delta Corp has acquired 51% stake in an existing operation in Daman which will offer 1,000 gaming positions (100 table games and 300 slot machines). Call us to know more..24 HoursAt Opp. Panjim Residency, Panjim@ +918326519471

Casino PrideCaptain of Ports Jetty, Panjim+918326710101/111/ +91-832-6519641www.casinopridegoa.com

Wednesday NightsFeaturing DJs David and AshleyAt Kamaki, Baga@ 7.30 pm+91 9923093408/ +918322276520

Every ThursdaySalsa NightAt L’Orange Marquis Vaddo, Candolim@ 8 pm to 11 pm+919970173606/+919823291413

Thursday Grill and GamesMusic, games & barbequeAt Soul Souffle, Verna@ 7 pm to 10 pm2782100, +91 9764694321

Every FridayLadies Night and Hoteliers SpecialAt Radisson Blu Resort Cavelossim @ 9 pm+918326726666/ +918888061199

Every SaturdayFunky Saturday are BackAt Butter, Panjim@ 8 pm onwards

Russkiye Umeltsy, or Russian Masters, performed on traditional Russian instruments that go back many centuries.

The group comprised of Pavel Lukoyanov, Evgeniya Popova, Irina Kuznetsova, Alexey Vorobev, and Ekaterina Suslova. At 23 years old, Evgeniya is the youngest of them, the others being in their early thirties.

After an introduction by Sylvia Albuquerque, the quartet launched into a lively repertoire of popular Russian folk songs and instrumental pieces. Popular classical pieces were also played, including tangos like La Cumparsita and Astor Piazzola’s Libertango, Gheorghe Zamfir’s Lonely Shepherd and even a Latino number.

There was a surprise for Hindi film buffs too, as Ekaterina belted out ‘Jimmy

Jimmy Jimmy, aaja aaja aaja,” from the Disco Dancer movie starring Mithun Chakraborty. The ‘aaja aaja’ sounded a bit like ‘aachaaacha’, but the way she carefully enunciated the lyrics in a language alien to her, brought hearty cheers and laughter from the crowd.

The group also performed ‘Dorogoidlinnoyu’, a popular Russian song which we may know better in its English version which goes―‘Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end...’ Many in the audience must have revelled in the familiar melody and been astonished to discover that the original was a Russian song. Pieces like Podmoskova and Katyusha also had a familiar ring to them.

The gusli, played by Lukoyanov, is a harp like instrument played like a

turn to page 6

from page 3

Evgeniya Popova on the accordion

Alexey Vorobv on the balalaika

The Lowdown

We decided to run a cover story on Sao Joao this week not just because it’s a really fun festival or because of its religious and cultural significance among the people of Goa. It’s also because of all the Goan holidays, perhaps none other exemplifies the true spirit of Goa and Goans as much as this one – with its riotous fun, profound faith and joyous camaraderie. On these pages, we explain how a number of time-honoured Sao Joao traditions have given way to pleasures of a more commercial variety. Here, we do not sit in judgment but instead paint reality as it is – and, as usual, leave the judgments up to you, the reader.

We have many compelling offerings in this issue of Goa Streets, from our story on an enthusiastically-received group of Russian musicians to our piece on the quirkiest cakes in Goa to our troubling article on the irony of road bumps that kill the very people they’re meant to save. Of all our stories this week, perhaps none is more important than our piece on the Hamara school in Panjim and its heroic work giving street kids a fighting chance in life.

Also in this edition we break the story of a brand new controversy involving beach shacks: that the National Green Tribunal might ban them. Also, be sure not to miss our piece on Suhas Shilker, one of Goa’s finest abstract artists, and our revealing story on seven very special cafes in Margao. All that’s in addition to our sassy cartoons, amusing movie review, Acaricia May’s relationship advice and, of course, our weekly, comprehensive listings on everything under the sun (or in this case, clouds) in Goa.

Happy São João Goa!

The Goa Streets Team

6 The Lowdown

Chief Advisor - Steven GutkinPublisher - Marisha DuttEditor - José LourençoSenior Correspondent - Ashley Do RosarioBusiness Manager - Praveen PSales Executive - Kedar PrabhugaonkarSales Executive - Vincent KolaData Entry Operator - Radhika NaikPhotographer - Ananda KrishnaAdministrative Assistant - Nilesh Shetgaonkar

guitar. Its closest Indian equivalent would be the santoor, popularized by Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma. The santoor is played with fine mallets, whereas the gusli is played using fingers only. Considered to be a symbol of Russia’s musical culture and dating back to the 5th century, the guslicomes in various sizes, with the number of strings ranging from 12 to 61. It was a favourite among wandering minstrels and troubadours. Neglected in the Soviet era, it is now very popular among modern Russian youth. At this concert, Lukoyanov, looking splendid in a white outfit with gold brocade, excelled in a gusli solo as part of a Cossack instrumental piece.

Alexey Vorobev, who looks a bit like Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, delivered the bass lines with his unusual-looking balalaika contrabass, a 3-stringed instrument with a large triangular body. The domra played by Kuznetsova is a long-necked Russian string instrument, like a lute, with a round body and three metal strings. The petite accordionist Evgeniya Popova is a pivotal member of the

group and coordinates their rehearsals and concerts back home and abroad. All four members are accomplished artistes back home in Moscow.

The stage at the Maquinez Palace hall is not in good shape. The floorboards are rotted and at one point, Ekaterina’s flowing gown almost snagged on an edge board that had come loose. The Maquinez complex has no canteen, which meant that the audience had to stay put during the mid-performance break. But the brilliant performances by the Russkiye Umeltsy ensemble entertained the packed hall like nothing else in recent months.

The newly appointed Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Panaji, for the state of Goa, Mr Victor Albuquerqueappeared to be pleased with the appreciation of the concert.

“There is such a large presence of Russians in Goa,” he told Streets.”But we only hear of the conflicts and problems relating to them. There is very little interaction with the rich culture of Russia.” He was optimistic of bringing in other Russian performances to Goa in the years ahead.

from page 5

Irina Kuznetsova

Russkiye Umeltsy with Victor and Sylvia Albuquerque

turn to page 9

Featured this WeekJune 13 to August 31Mango FiestaYes, the mango season is still not over, but

rush, it will be gone soon. Enjoy mouth-watering mango milk shakes, aampanna, spicy prawns with spicy

papaya and mango salad, Goan prawn mango curry, delicious mango–inspired desserts, besides exotic mango mojitos and coolers. At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim+918323011125

Edu’s RestaurantThe concept of street cafes has not really been there in Goa in a big way, but if you’re

looking for a place with the vibe of a street café where you can sit and watch the world go by as you sip a drink

or two and have a few bites, we suggest Edu’s restaurant in Miramar, next to Magsons, on the main DB Road. Nothing fancy, just some basic plastic tables and chairs, with some music playing in the background sometimes. It’s multi-cuisine with decent Indian, Chinese, International and Goan food available. Pizzas are one of their specialities. Prices are slightly on the higher side.Edu’s Restaurant, Miramar, Panjim2463777, 2463888.

June 14 to July 14World Pizza FestivalThere’s a month long festival of pizzas with

toppings from around the world at this Italian eatery near Azad Maidan, Panjim. There’s the Big Fat Greek Pizza,

the Desi – with a makhani twist, vegetarians can do the King Fu Hustle or the Gringo Chilli. Plus a Trip to Hollywood, Indonesian Volcano, Singapore Merlion, even a Sweet Tooth Pizza with fresh fruits. You get the idea – you’ve got a month to check them out at the award-winning café. At Cafe Mangii, Panjim@ +918322230771/73

Peep KitchenAuthentic Goan and Multi Cuisine Rest and Bar. Near Caranzalem Petrol Pupm, Panaji Goa Contact 0832 6454474

In and around PanjimThe Liquid Buffet Unveiled Every EveningAt Goa Marriott, Panjim@ 8 pm to 11 pm+918322463333

Uptill June 30Monday to FridayMeow time @ Cafe MangiiStep out with the girl-gang for the special Kitty Party offer!Enjoy a Veg meal at Rs 499 while a Non-Veg meal is priced at Rs. 599.Weekdays only @ Lunch Hours OnlyAt Cafe Mangii, M.G. Rd, Panjim+91-832-2230771/73

Thursday, June 20, 2013

7

By Jonathan Rodrigues

Think cake and all that you can imagine are humans transforming into beasts tearing through rich, creamy Dutch

truffle.Got a birthday in the family? Want to apologize for forgetting an anniversary? Or are you simply in a romantic mood and want your gift to be special and unique? Move over handmade cards, emotionally loaded bookmarks and pictures printed on mugs and pillows. Instead, try sending out a whacky personalized message through a delicately

Edible art at Socorro

8 Food

June 20 to June 30Sunday BrunchUnlimited Lunch buffet @ Rs. 250/adult &Rs. 150/Kid below 5 Yrs.Menu features dishes from Goan, Indian, Chinese & Thai cuisines.At Global Shore Restaurant, Porvorim@ 11 am to 3.30 pm

June 20 to June 30Sunday BrunchUnlimited lunch buffet @ Rs. 250/adult &Rs. 150/Kid below 5 Yrs.Menu from Goan, Indian, Chinese & Thai cuisines.At Global Shore Restaurant, Porvorim@ 11 am to 3.30 pm

EverydayHappy Hours At Capiz Bar, Grand Hyatt Goa@ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Enjoy 25% discount on all beverages. Happy hours, happier moments!+91-832-3011125

Every Sunday Champagne Sunday Brunch

Pamper yourself every Sunday in a luxurious setting. Enjoy brunch at the Grand Hyatt with French champagne and food from five interactive and livestations dishing out Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian cuisine

and desserts. Rs. 2200 + taxes (includes buffet, champagne, wines and select drinks)At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim@ 1 pm to 4 pm+91-832-3011125

Sunday Live BrunchEnjoy a Sunday Live brunch with live

stations, a live band, best of live entertainment and an unlimited flow of wines! There’s live entertainment

for kids too, including magicians, balloon sculpting and face painting, etc. From 12:30pm to 03:30pm At Waterfront Terrace & Bar, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa +918322463333

Sunday family brunchesRejuvenating cocktails, soul warming gourmet cuisine from around the world, activities to keep the kids entertained and get into the rhythm with Ashley. At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj – Panaji@ 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm +918326633636.”

City PrideSpecialising in SeafoodAt Vivanta by Taj, Panjim@ 11 am to 11 pm

Habour CaféAt The Crown, Panjim+918322400000

ConfeitariaServes fresh bakeries, Pastries, Chocalates, and speciality Coffees and teasAt Grand Hyatt, Goa@ 8 am to 8 pm+918323011200

DocariaAt Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula@ 8 am to 11 pm+918322454545

Coros VelvetWant gourmet food in Caranzalem? Head to Coros Velvet. It’s a multi cuisine fine dining restaurant which specialises in ravioli, steaks and pastas. At Miramar, Panjim@ Noon to 3 pm to 7 pm to 11 pm+918605020020

GiardiniLive Music on most nights, Specialising in Multi-cuisine At Curca, Bambolim@ 11.30 am to 11 pm+918805873335

Forrest Veg Food CourtSpecialising in Chinese, Indian, ItalianAt BhagwanMahavir BAL Vihar, Panjim@ 11 am to 11 pm+918326454353

A’tona Bar and RestaurantSpecialised in Goan and Portuguese food At Carina Desa, BetimFrom 7 pm to 11 pm+919823129239

City PrideSpecialised in SeafoodAt Opp. Vivanta by Taj, PanjimFrom 11 am to 11 pm

George Bar and RestaurantSpecialising in Goan, SeafoodNear Mary Immaculate Conception church, Panjim@ 10 am to 3.30 pm, 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm+918322426820

Baba’s Wood CafeAn Italian wine bar and restaurant with pizza oven and homemade gelato. Wide choice of pure Italian dishes with beef fillet and fish always on the menu.12 pm to 3 pm & @ 6 pm - Monday to Sunday. Closed on TuesdayAt Mala, Fontainhas, Panaji+918323256213/ +919923414098

Chilli ‘n’ spiceA carnival of fusion cuisine, a bar to enlighten your spirits, this restaurant next to the lobby specialises in multi-cuisine, with a focus on Oriental cuisine. At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim@ 7 pm to 2 am +918322226291

AlfamaWell known for fado eveningsAt Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach@ 7.30 pm to 11 pm+918322454545

TamariA Pan Asian restaurant serving Chinese, Thai & Japanese cuisine. Specialty to try is the fine style Sushi. At Vivanta by Taj – PanajiLunch @ 12.30 pm to 03.00 pm and dinner @ 07.30 pm to 11.30 pm +918326633636.

Cantina BodegaPizzeria, bakery & cafe. Owner Vandana utilizes her expertise earned from her years as a top pastry chef in New York City.At Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim @ 10 am to 7 pm+91 9011662233

A PastelariaBakery & ConfectioneryGateaux, Pastries and Cookies.Chocolate and strawberry flavoured the mousses are soft and melting, a treat for the kids. Its maska all the wayAt Hotel Mandovi, PanajiFrom 9 am to 9 pm+918322426270/+918322426273

Global Shore Restaurant Global Shore Restaurant is a multi-cuisine restaurant and we specialize in Goan Seafood/Chinese/Thai/Indian & Tandoor.At Hotel chandrageet, Porvorim+91832 2414125/+9193731113205

The VerandahIs the signature grill restaurant, serving fresh Market produce of seafood, meat and vegetables.At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim@ 7 pm to 12 am+918323011658

CourtyardSpecialised in world cuisine, fusionAt Hotel Campal, Panjim@ 11 am to 3 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm+919822384084

Viva PanjimGoan cuisine & seafood. Linda and Michael’s place has long been a favourite for those in search of very tasty Goan food.At Fontainhas, Panjim@ 12 pm to 11 pm+918322422405/ +91 9850471363

Ritz ClassicKnown for Goan fish curry rice and seafood. Very popular for lunch, especially with the Panaji office crowd.At 18th June Rd, Panaji@ 11 am to 11 pm+918326644796

O’ CoqueiroGoan Cuisine in Porvorim, made famous not just for its tasty food but also as the place where international criminal Charles Sobhraj was arrested. It’s the restaurant where chicken cafreal was introduced by its old proprietor GinesViegas. At NH 17 Rd, Porvorim@ 12 pm to 11 pm+918322417806/ +918322417271/ +918322417344

Cafe MangiiPopular Dishes Risotto Champagne, Fusilli Mama Rosa, Baked Lasagna, Stuffed Chicken, Lobster Tail, Grilled Pork Rib, New Zealand Beef and Lamb and many more At Madhav Ashram Building, Panjim+919370898848/+918322230773

Pan Asian BowlChinese, Malaysian & Thai cuisine.Some of the finest Asian food in Goa.At Miramar, Panjim@ 12.30 pm to 11 pm+91 9923499429/ +918326455547/ +918326455548

ChulhaIndian Street food and TandoorAt Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim@ 3 pm to 11 pm+91832-3011125

Tea CafeCakes, Coffee and other goodies. A newcomer to the Panjim cafe scene, it’s part of the Group. At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 11 am to 7 pm+918322223050

Barista Lavazza Outlet Barista Lavazza’s famous beverages like Flavoured Hot Coffee, Cold Coffee, Hot Tea, Ice Tea, Mojito, Smoothie, Ice Cream Shakes, Juices. In bites section they offer Sandwiches, Calzones, Muffins and Cakes.At Shop No. 15, 16, & 18, First Floor, Navelcar Trade Center, Opp. Azad Maidan, M G Road, Panjim+918322422130

Upper HouseGoan and continental cuisine.One of the tastier and more elegant restaurants of the capital.Good bar, too. At Panjim @ 12 pm to 11 pm+918322426475

Café AzulAll day dining restaurant offering buffet combo option. At Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach @ 7 pm to 11 pm+918322454545

Thursday, June 20, 2013Food 9

Cafe MojoArguably Panjim’s best pub. Innovative, fun and lively.At Salida Del Sol Hotel, PanjimAll day+91 9850980091

In and around Candolim, CalanguteHappy HoursOn select brands@ 12.30 pm At SFX, Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada Beach ResortCandolim+918326645858

Lunch & Dinner BuffetWith Multi CuisineAt The Stone House, Fort Aguada Rd, Candolim@ 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm+918322479909

June 20 to July 16Pizza FeastOne of the new places on the block, this one in Nerul, close to Candolim, across the river from Panjim.At Mia Cucina, Nerul@ 8 pm to 11.30 pm+918326714141

InfantariaLooking for a cosmopolitan place to eat at in

Calangute-Baga? Infantaria on the Baga road has an infectious vibe and an eclectic menu, a take-away counter

and nice round tables. Guests are mostly tourists from all over who come there to see and be seen. But the food is nice too, with a selection of Goan-style pastries, cakes, Goan cuisine, Chinese and even some killer Mughlai, besides Continental dishes like pastas. There’s music, big TV, an upstairs area with pool tables. Maybe it’s the open-air vibe which gives the place its charm. Plus it’s open from early morning to late night.Infantaria, Baga road, next to Calangute Association, Calangute. Tel: .

CobaSpecialising in Indian, Grills, SeafoodAt Double Tree by Hilton, Arpora@ 10 am to 11 pm+9183266556672

OrangeTucked away in a cosy corner next to

Magnum Resort in Candolim, almost opposite the Candolim health centre, Orange is a soothing

place which also doubles up as an art gallery. It’s open all through the year and features a multi-cuisine menu with great Goan delicacies like roast pork, excellent sea food and great pastas. They have live music sometimes too. Almost like an ocean of peace in the hustle-bustle of Candolim’s main street.Orange, next to Magnum Resort, opp Candolim health centre, Candolim main road, Candolim.

Eat StreetSpecialising in multi-cuisine, it’s a place to dine, drink and dance the night away.At Hotel Calangute Towers@ 24 hrs a day+918326636000

Casa PortuguesaBaga’s not all about discos and partying. There’s a bit of the past too, if you only know where to look. Housed in a charming 18th Century colonial-era house in Baga, this restaurant offers Portuguese cuisine along with some dishes which are a fusion ofGoanand Portuguese influences, complete with pleasant Fado music. On Baga Rd @ 7 pm to 11 pm+91 9822122960

Fish TalesSpecialising in SeafoodAt The Glitz, Calangute @ 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm &7.30 pm to 10.30 pm+918322281800

O’AsiaSpecialising in Pan AsianAt The O Hotel, Dando, Candolim@ Noon to 3 pm, 7.30 pm to 11 pm+918323047000

ChilihipSpecialised in ThaiAt Fort Aguada Road, Candolim@ Noon to 3 pm, 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm+918888610500

FlambéeSpecialised in Chinese, European, French, Goan, Indian At Souzawaddo, Candolim@ 9 am to 11 pm +919326114271

Beach HouseThis Goan speciality restaurant at the Vivanta Holiday Village was the base of super chef Rego and features some of his signature creations. Specialised in Goan, Portuguese, Seafood. At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim@ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm+918326645858

FlameMulti- Cuisine RestaurantAt Double tree by Hilton, Arpora, Baga@ 7 am to 11 pm+9183266556672

Dandey’s Grill HouseSpecialising in grills, steaks and also Goan and multi-cuisine.At 181 Bella Vista,Chogm Rd, Sangolda@ Noon to 3 pm & 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm+919890315172

In Arambol21 CoconutsArambol looks like the end of the world

when you’re living in Panjim or Margao, but a drive through the verdant countryside during

the monsoon is quite refreshing. Once you reach Arambol, 21 Coconuts, on the left when you reach the main beach, is a good place to park yourself and watch the rains lash the beach and the mighty sea roar yonder. The food is decent, the menu multi-cuisine and the tables are right on the beach, though if it’s pouring you can huddle inside. 21 Coconuts, Arambol beach, Arambol.

In and around MargaoJune 13 to June 30Diwa BrunchEvery SundayKids Eat Free promotion with Pan Asian and Coastal cuisine coupled with delectable desserts At Alila Diwa, Majorda,Salcette@ 12 pm to 4 pm+918322746800

Upper DeckCoffee shop offerings traditional coffee along with light snacks and drinks.At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ all day+918326726666

Boat Quay GrillSpecialising in World Cuisine, European, Grills At Royal Orchid Beach Resort, Utorda@ 7 pm to midnight+918805013553

Fig & OliveFlavours of the Mediterranean, Arabian & Italian. At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 am to 11 pm+918322871303

BistroAt Alila Diwa Goa, Majorda@ 7 am to 10.30 pm+918322746800

Spice StudioGoan dinner.Elegant outdoor restaurant in a well-appointed resort in the South.At Alila Diwa, Majorda@ 7 pm to 10.30 pm+918322746800

Betty’s PlaceSpecialising European, Goan, Indian, SeafoodAt opp. Holiday inn Resort, Mobor, Cavelossim @ 6.30 pm to 11 pm+918322871038/+918322871456

Cafe Mardi Gras24 hrs cafe serving seafood, Goan, North Indian, Coffee & snacksAt Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ All day+918322871303

ShandongAsian-cuisine restaurant with fine dining ambiance At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ 11 am to 11 pm6726666

PeppersKnown for steaks and other meat dishesAt Pajifond, Margao @ 11.30 pm to 11 pm+91 9822133506

Gavin’s Restaurant & PubSpecialised in Goan cuisine, Goan Curries, CafrealAt Verna, around a kilometre off NH-17+919822177179

Anjuna& around ArtjunaThe season maybe over and the flea market

closed, but this place on the flea market road, is a good place to stop for a cup of coffee. Set up in an

old Portuguese-era house with a beautiful garden in the courtyard, the café serves up chilled café au lait, milkshakes, sandwiches, juices and baked goodies, homemade dips, iced lattes, blended coffees and more. Also they have art shows and musicians jamming some nights. Very arty atmosphere, if you know what we mean. At MonteiroWaddo, Anjuna @ 9 am to 6 pm+918322274794

Mamma MiaItalian cuisine with a blend of Italian imported ingredients and local organic produce. Nice spacious restaurant with a good view of the fields and coconut trees of the Baga backwaters. At Resort Rio, Arpora@ 12.30 pm to 10.30 pm+918322267300

Biryani PalaceAt Anjuna beach road, Anjuna@ 11 am to midnight+918323257586

baked designer cake from Bumblebee Bakes.This fun and whimsical logo represents the amusing approach

the Kaimal siblings have taken to baking. “Food is a huge part of who we are. We’ve grown up basically looking for any reason to celebrate. And celebrations inevitably mean insane amounts of food,” says Adrian Kaimal.

Bumblebee, the brainchild of Adrian and Alison, based in Socorro, may not be as popular as the leading patisserie joints in town but this young enterprise which is a few months old is making steady progress. They don’t own an outlet yet and operate from home which gives them a level of comfort.“We’ve got the whole family to back us up if we’re ever in a tight spot. Earlier, we planned on starting slow and opening an outlet, but that was before we started our Facebook page,” Adrian explains.

“Ever since the online hype, there seems to be no point in an outlet because right now we’re actually having trouble keeping up with the orders.” The word of mouth publicity has helped their fortunes but Adrian stresses that rather than the number of customers they can attract, it is customer satisfaction that they strive for.

“The early days were scary and uncertain,” reveals Alison, his younger sister and co-visionary. “We had no idea whether this was going to pan out at all. We worry that all the orders will suddenly dry up. But the best part about the early days was the support we got from people who we didn’t even realize were rooting for us to succeed.”

Alison informs that most of their designs are up on their Facebook page and they are eagerly waiting for a new challenge. “We’ve done sweet designs for young people in love, risqué wedding night scenes for bachelorette parties, cupcake tower wedding cakes. I guess we’re pretty much willing to do anything fun and out of the ordinary.”

With leading franchises having spun their web all over the state, 28-year-old Adrian isn’t too worried about selling his fresh new idea in the competitive world. “The most common misconception is that our kinds of cakes are only for the rich and pretentious metropolitan dwellers. But the fact is we’re not looking to build any kind of an empire or run the old brand shops out of business.”

The former lawyer may be respectful of his business competitors, but he isn’t afraid to define his USP. “We just happen to do things that others don’t. Our flavours are exotic and our cakes have an incredible level of detail. Most importantly, every single piece of decoration or art is completely edible. We couldn’t achieve this if we were trying to compete with anyone based on volumes. So as opposed to trying to do 30 or 40 cakes a week, we’re happy doing just eight or nine cakes a week,andtheyare actually something special.”

Alison claims that Goans have warmed to the idea of their cakes because with just a few details about the person they love, people can get a cake that is absolutely unique to make anyone’s day special. “It is not something that you can get from some run-of- the-mill cake that everyone has seen and tasted already. As a matter of fact, lots of our designs are ideas conceptualized by our clients. They come to us with hand-drawn sketches, with very specific descriptions, even with a bunch of pictures that they want combined into one cake.”

The siblings have learned most of their skills on the fly through nothing but trial and error. Bumblebee Bakes has a firm policy on quality and offers no compromise on the ingredients they use, even if it eats into their profits.

The story of Bumblebee is all the more special because Adrian and Alison gave up their professions to pursue their passion. “Honestly in terms of job satisfaction, our previous careers don’t hold a candle to this. My sister was with an investment bank for over three years and I was a terrible lawyer, and at the end of the day, neither of us had much to be thrilled about,” Adrian admits with all sincerity,

“Now with Bumblebee, it’s different. You can work till three in the morning and still wake up in three hours and continue working. I guess it’s true what they say, when you find a job you love, you never ‘work’ a day in your life!” he exclaims.

Call Bumblebee Bakes at: 9890472737 or 9766780868 or email them at bumblebeebakes@mail.com. The easiest way to get in touch with them is through a message on their Facebook page:facebook.com/bumblebee.bakes.goa

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Thursday, June 20, 2013Feature 11

By Ashley do Rosario

The next time you unexpectedly bump your car hard over a dark, unmarked roll of tar on a road,

think irony. All too often, ill-designed speed breakers designed to save lives actually end them. Unfortunately, in Goa, these badly conceived road bumps number in the hundreds.

The traffic cell of Goa’s police department does not maintain specific records of fatal accidents where such speed-breakers are actually the cause. Yet there’s ample anecdotal evidence over the years where drivers have lost control of their vehicles because of the bumps and ended up seriously injured or dead.

Take the case of Shama Shirodkar, a 20-year-old Bachelor of Music student, who died when she was thrown off the bike she was riding pillion on when the rider went over a badly marked road bump at Pilar on the NH-17 a few years ago. Shama was returning home at dusk after participating in the Yuva Mahotsav, a Konkani literature and cultural fest for youth. There have been countless other tragedies.

To be sure, speed breakers, when they’re well-placed and correctly designed, can and do save lives. The problem is way too few fall into this category.

Police Inspector Dharmesh Angle,

Killer Speed Breakers

who over the last decade and more has manned the police traffic cell in Goa’s most important cities – Panjim and Margao– admits most speed breakers are flawed in design. “There sure is substance in the claim that speed breakers are not built to specifications and are sometimes the cause of accidents,” says Angle, adding that Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines on speed-breaker design must be followed to the tee in Goa.

IRC guidelines stipulate speed breakers or road bumps should have a maximum central height of ten centimetres and be parabolic in shape. The IRC also recommends a width of at least 3.5 metres. But in Goa, it would be a rarity to find even one that conforms to these very basic stipulations, leave alone other requirements.

Speed breakers on the National Highway-17 itself fail to meet these standards. It’s the most important of Goa’s roadways and cuts through the state’s length from north to south. At least half a dozen speed breakers on the highway violate the IRC stipulations.

Physical verification has shown that the central height of the road bump located on the highway near Carmel College at Nuvem in south Goa, is at least 20 centimetres. Ditto with the ones at Agacaim and Cortalim.

In addition to the height restrictions, IRC norms also stipulate that they be a

They’re supposed to save lives, but how many do they take?

minimum of 3.7 metres wide so that the elevation is gradual.

On the flip side,road bumps also have had a beneficial effect on traffic regulation in Goa. Police Inspector Dharmesh Angle insists that these benefits either go unnoticed or unreported. “At several points in the state where interior village roads intersect highways and major roads, these speed-breakers have certainly helped to check reckless, speed driving and prevent sure accidents,” he told Streets.

A study done a couple of years ago by the Transportation Engineering Division of the IIT-Madras, suggests that close to 15 per cent of accidents are caused by faulty speed-breakers.

“I haven’t seen one yet in Goa which is designed to specifications stipulated in the IRC norms,” says Antonio Mascarenhas, a professional who commutes between Margao and Panjim on a daily basis. On rural roads which are rarely lit, it’s only the frequent road users who know the locations of the road bumps, he says, adding that the authorities should at least adhere to stipulations pertaining to notifying their locations with neon road signs.

The IRC specifies that road bumps must be lit by solar cat’s eyes so that they are clearly visible to road users. They must also be painted in ‘V Shape’. Also, road signs of reflective paint should be put up about 40 metres before the speed breakers. These signs should also mention the desired speed on which vehicles can negotiate the road bump.

According to Dr Veeraraghavan, who piloted the IIT-Madras study, the IRC guidelines clearly dissuade their indiscriminate use as a replacement for manned enforcement of speed restrictions on major roads and highways.

For a speed-breaker to be legal in Goa, it has to be authorised by the District Collector or the District Magistrate in whose jurisdiction it is located. Once a demand for a speed-breaker is made before the Collector, whether by the public, the traffic police or the Regional Transport Office (RTO), he calls for objections. He then holds a public hearing where all concerned are given an opportunity to put forth their views. A final decision to go ahead and erect the speed-breaker or not is then taken by the Collector after consultation with the Road Engineering officials of the Public Works Department. The rules require permissions granted by the Collector for erecting speed-breakers to be notified in the Official Gazette of the Government of Goa.

Do all speed-breakers in Goa meet this requirement?

It’s hard to say, but Vijay Singh, the Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who heads the Goa Police’s Traffic Department, indicated to Streets that he’s seriously considering moving a proposal to launch a massive exercise to first identify the rogue speed breakers across the state and subsequently move to correct the anomalies.

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By Sulaika D’Souza

A visitor to Goa this week, whether from abroad or somewhere else in India, might ask, “Sao what?” To answer that question properly, you have to understand a little something about the Catholic faith and about

the Goan notion of fun. For a religion that has its hefty share of somber moments, this is not the time for any of them – a kind of ecstatic celebration of faith, love and the joy of life.

Do not underestimate the importance of the São João festival in Goa, which, by the way, isn’t just for Goans or, for that matter, Catholics any more. The holiday, commemorating the feast day of St John the Baptist, is a massive party that we are all invited to attend. São João falls on Monday, June 24, but the partying really starts this weekend.

São João may be a traditional Goan festival, but now it’s more than that. It’s Goa’s very own monsoon festival and, perhaps more than any other holiday, encapsulates what it means to be Goan – faithful, fun-loving and impassioned. The celebrations in North Goa, with its well-known party vibe, are more boisterous than those of the South. Several villages such as Anjuna, Assagao, Calangute, Chapora and Siolim, to name a few, have taken São João

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Come, take the Plunge of Joy!

São Joãothe party begins

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practiced rituals fall to the onset of commercial entertainment. “The festival has kind of lost its charm in a way because the youth are actually ignoring certain traditions and forgetting the relevance,” he says. “Nowadays to keep the youth involved we have a concert in the evening with live bands and innovative spot prizes.” Others are quite happy that the jazzed-up festivities in Siolim today grab a wide range of visitors, with folks making the trip all the from South Goa or from other parts of India and the world.

Siolim residents enjoy the feast to the fullest. Local participant John de Badem (whose oddly apropos name appears to be just coincidence), is quite renowned for his costume each year. John de Badem dresses himself in animal skin, complete with lamb on shoulder, staff in hand, reenacting stories from the life of St John. A decorated boat parade flows down the river, offering a beautiful spectacle.

Fun aside, São João gives rise to many untoward incidents, too. Inebriated revelers sometimes disregard the many hazards of diving into deep and often tumultuous waters. Drowning deaths are not uncommon. Goa police is often put on guard during the feast, with ambulance teams and fire brigades on hot alert, ready to dispatch help wherever needed. Several religious heads of communities warn patrons against drunkenness and overheated revelry. Though with feni coursing through the veins of careless participants, sensibility often takes a back seat to bravado. When the faithful raise their voices in prayer at this year’s festivities, they might well want to include a prayer or two for fewer mishaps and greater safety measures during the festival itself.

Many Goans believe this feast encapsulates the spirit of the state. A delightful mix of ritual and revelry, an unbridled embrace of fun. When the primary activity is diving into wells, ponds and rivers, that embrace is not hard to achieve. This confirmation of communal spirit and brotherhood that is unique to Goan culture is evident in the heartfelt words bellowed throughout the day by revelers: “Viva, viva, San Joao! Viva, viva San Joao! Viva San Joao!”

May the party begin! But please… be safe!

festivities to a whole new level, while maintaining their lively traditions.

Unfortunately, the São João celebration in Goa inevitably involves tragedy as well because of its trademark ritual: jumping or diving into water. A year never goes by without at least one death from this practice.

Many, mixing Spanish and Portuguese, spell it San Joao rather than São João, the pure Portuguese spelling. (Editor’s note: We’ll keep the pure spelling in this article, even though much of Goa uses the Spanish “San”, which, we admit, is less nasal and easier to say). However you spell it, it means St. John and it’s a communal jamboree throughout the state. According to tradition, this day commemorates the excitement felt by the unborn John, who is said to have ‘leapt in joy’ in his mother Elizabeth’s womb when visited by Mary, the mother of Jesus. Imitating his reaction, custom has people jump into their neighbors’ wells to recreate São João’s unbridled ecstasy.

Even if you don’t find yourself jumping into a well this week, there are a lot of other ways to express your exuberance – including singing jubilant melodies with lyrics such as “Choll re piea re, tum illo ghe re, fallem kaim mellona... Oslim festam vorsak kiteak don pauttim einna?” (“Come, have a drink, you too, have a little, because tomorrow you won’t get any. Why don’t such feasts come twice a year?”) And after singing about that drink, you may just decide to have one.

These days the various São João parties are well attended by both locals and tourists. From north to south people adorn bright colourful costumes and floral headgear called ‘kopel’ (crown) made from fresh flowers, fruits, vines and the like. Dancing to the beat of the ghumot (local drum) and kansallem (cymbals), they build a bonfire which is then beaten with coconut palm leaves. The party moves through the neighbourhood, with people jumping into wells of friends and patrons, finally reaching the river where once again, people dive into waters to chants of ‘San Joao, San Joao, Viva San Joao’

Also known as “Javoiache fest” which translates to “Sons-in-law of the village”, São João is a special day for newlyweds and infant children as well. Mothers-

in-law fawn over their sons-in-law to assure a great and happy future for their daughters. Anxious mothers send their daughters off to their new homes and communities packed with ‘dalis’ or plates of fresh seasoned jackfruit, succulent Mussarad mangoes (which ripen around this time), and the last pineapples of the season. While recent grooms bring out Goa’s famous local cashew fire liquor – feni, keeping spirits warm and jovial despite the damp and cold of the monsoon.

A few villages have a special celebration called ‘Sangod’, which is a boat parade. Uniquely decorated, these floating platforms are made by joining boats with banana trunks decked with coconut palms. Displayed along the banks of Sinquerim river at Orda in Candolim in north Goa, and Loutolim in the south as well, the audience is regaled by brass bands and local folk singing parades called ‘Mandos’. In the spirit of healthy competition, fellow residents dress in matching costumes and creative floral decorations, each exhibiting their unique talent as the parade gently floats down the river bank packed with eager spectators.

Nowhere is this animated feast better celebrated than in the charming scenic village of Siolim in north Goa. This sleepy

hamlet comes alive with gloriously riotous play, featuring both traditional and contemporary celebrations that include a boat parade and a comedy and dance show presented by local tiatrists (local play actors) and various youth groups. “Thousands of people gather to partake in this multicultural, fun-filled event,” says Sylvester Fernandes, who heads up the Siolim Boat Festival.

Gilbert D’Souza, Secretary of the San Joao Chapel Cultural Committee, sees São João as a heritage celebration, “One that has been kept by our ancestors, and should be kept true for the benefit of youth today.”

Siolkars look forward to the celebrations each year with great excitement. It all starts June 23 eve with a religious ceremony called ‘Judeo’ where members congregate, pray and visit houses of the newlyweds in the community. The following morning heralds the offering of ‘dali’ and feni at the Chapel of São João, which culminates in well and river diving, sing-song sessions, gorging on fruit, vojjem (spicy curry) served with sannas (sweetened steamed rice cakes), followed by patolleo (coconut stuffed banana leaf steamed rice cake roll) and folle for desert.

As a member of the Cultural Committee, Gilbert is sad to see once

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Courtesy: Siolim Sao Joao Committee

Galleries of noteArt ChamberGalleria de Belas Artes

Run by Robert and Yolanda Kammermier, this is one of the premier art galleries in the Bardez

coastal area. Yolanda was once a champion football player, who then discovered that she was actually an artist. So they have an inter-disciplinary approach and the gallery – one of the more modern ones in Goa - features shows by visiting European artists. There’s also a great restaurant as part of the complexAt Gauravaddo, Calangute @ 10 am to 1 pm & 4 pm 8 pm+918322277144

Kerkar Art GalleryOwned by Goa’s best-known artist Subodh

Kerkar and located right in the middle of Holiday Street in Calangute, this is a good place to buy some

contemporary art by leading Goan, Indian, and International artists. Not just fine art, but also sculpture and other art forms. There are exhibitions on at all times of the year, and also a nice restaurant attached where you can meet up with your artist friends and discuss the art scene.Subodh also does installations often, at times on the beach just down the road. Besides original art, you can also buy reproductions of famous paintings here, frames, etc. Well, you get the idea.At Gauravaddo, CalanguteFrom 10 am to 7 pm +918322276017

Ruchika’s Art GalleryRuchika`s Art Gallery displays fine arts, performing arts and new forms of art. Opp. Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar. From 10.30 am to 6 pm. +918322465875/ +919850571283/ +919881836400

Carpe DiemCarpe Diem, a newly opened art and learning centre in Majorda. At MajordaFrom 10 am to 6 pm+918888862462

Xavier Centre of Historical ResearchExhibitions of paintings, rare books and symposiums etc, with particular emphasis on contemporary cultural and social issues affecting Goa.At B B Borkar Rd, Porvorim+918322417772

Gallery GitanjaliOpp Panaji Inn, FontainhasFrom 9 am to 9 pm.+919823572035

Thursday, June 20, 2013

15

By José Lourenço

Suhas Shilker’s paintings are populated by scrawls and wiggles and strange images. This 53-year-old veteran abstract artist has been

steadily working on his ‘mark making’ ever since he graduated from the Goa College of Art in 1982. Thirty years of practising abstract art, a genre that refuses to depict the physical world in traditional ‘figurative’ ways, have given Shilker a distinct visual style and language. His images throb with emotion. Violent reds flare in one work, while a horde of gray despairing lines rush into a black abyss in another. The scribbles and doodling on

yet another work seem to be made by a child with a chalk. And yet they grab you,

pulling you into their world, forcing you to make meaning of your own. Streets

Editor José Lourenço probed deeper into the artist’s mind.

JL: How often do you paint?SS: Almost every day. It has become

a compulsion for me to paint. It’s like smoking – it doesn’t always give pleasure,

but you feel restless if you don’t do it.JL: How did it all start?SS: Abstraction was never a shock to me. I took

an immediate liking for it. I got to see copies of Span magazine when I was in school, and I saw the paintings

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16 Arts&Entertainment

of Joan Miro and sculptures of Alexander Calder, and I knew, this is what I want to do. I had actually majored in portraiture, and though I did some drawings for my own study, these were never used in my paintings which were totally abstract.

JL: When you paint abstract work, do you expect the viewer to make some meaning out the work?

SS: Abstract work does not have a literal meaning. What is presented itself is the meaning of the painting. The form and the process itself is the subject of the painting. The viewer is free to interpret it according to his background or his temperament. So incidental meanings are derived from your emotional and subjective response to it. Meaning is subjective in the sense that a person feeling something cannot expect another person to feel exactly the same about a work.

JL: What does a particular work represent or constitute in itself?

SS: It is a statement of that particular period of the artist. Sometimes the triggers are emotional. Sometimes it is purely sensual. I may be impressed by certain textures and scribbles somewhere, and that acts as a trigger. In my case, I precipitate a crisis on the canvas and then I resolve it.

JL: For a layperson, what would that conflict and its resolution mean?

SS: To be frank, there is no way for any person other than the artist who can come close to the process of the artist’s painting. Even the artist himself, if some time has passed, even he may not be able to tell you what exactly happened at that time. Unless you create a crisis, it goes in a predictable way, I don’t like that, it then becomes a mere piece of design.

JL: The patterns on a curtain or on a tile are abstract designs, aren’t they? What is the difference between those abstract designs that we see in our everyday life and your paintings?

SS: When something becomes reproducible and predictable, it becomes a design. It should not be merely a design, merely a harmonious arrangement of forms...that is skill, anybody can achieve it. An abstract artist must go beyond design, to bring that living moment. It is not about beauty, but about intensity.

There are different fields of abstraction, some work with geometric abstraction, called hard edge. They work with very subtle balances of colour and form, others deal with raw emotion on the canvas, yet others with the intellectual study of how textures interact with each other. So each abstractionist has his own vision that has emerged from his own thought process.

Initially people are shocked by abstract art, but after viewing it for a long time, you

develop your own taste. You will develop the subtlety to see the many nuances in abstract art. There is no compulsion for any viewer to like all artists’ works, or all genres. Tastes may change over time too.

JL: Figurative artists may yield to the demands of patrons. But an abstract artist has no client in mind,no one’s expectations to cater to, right?

SS: That is the ideal position. But what happens is someone may like red colour and red coloured paintings may sell better, so there may be a tendency to work in red. Falling prey to catering to certain tastes can happen in any genre. One’s honesty and commitment to oneself is important.

JL: Have you felt at any time, that you are not happy with a particular work? What differentiates between that joy or discontent over a work?

SS: Most of the time I am unhappy. My own aesthetic that has developed over the years stands as a judge. I may do a painting and may immediately like it, but by evening I may find it boring and predictable, and reject it. So what I do is I see if the image stays on in my mind. If I find I like it for two to three months I keep it, otherwise I discard it. It cannot be a momentary pleasure. Also, to know when to stop a painting is very difficult, it gets harder as years go by.

JL: Where do the images come from?SS: Images seen by the artist are

transformed by his aesthetic sensibility. Images evolve, but they all come from what we see around us. Making marks on a surface has many poetic possibilities. If you dip a stick in colour and apply it to a canvas, or use a brush, or use your hand, each mark made has a different sensibility, sensitivity or emotion. I like to explore how these characters interact with each other and create dialogue.

JL: You sometimes scribble some words in your paintings.

SS: The scribble is just a scribble, just a form. When I saw the graffiti in European cities, it stayed in my mind. In India I saw the way we scribble on the walls of our toilets. I liked the informality, the unstudied, casual look.It is not contrived or practiced. After practising art for so many years, whether you can go back to that childlike spontaneity, keeping your aesthetic sensibility alive, is a tough call and hence worth trying.

JL: It is said that abstract art lies in a continuum in terms of depicting reality. There can be partial abstraction in a painting or it can be extremely abstract. Where does your work lie?

SS: It lies somewhere in between. Art is not in the extremes. At the extreme end of pure abstraction you would have to keep a blank canvas. Pure realism would need a photograph, or the object itself. So you choose a particular frequency and temperament and explore in that range.

JL: You also run a business of hardware trade in Panjim city. How would you have coped if you had to survive on abstract art alone?

SS: I realised early on that if I were to depend on art alone, I may have had to yield to the demands and tastes of art buyers. So I made a conscious decision to have a separate means of subsistence, so that I could practise my art the way I wanted to.

Art EscapeArt Escape Goa is about knowledge-sharing through learn-by-doing workshops which include painting, pottery, photography, theatre, dance, films, yoga, recycling & waste Management. At Art Escape, Benaulim+919892286666/ +919881568756/ +919323590051

Casa PopularAt Municipal Market, Panaji+918322262135

Surya Art GalleryHere contemporary works of canvas paintings on Goan subject and art crafts are displayed. At Bandawalwada, Pernem+919404149764

Yemanja Art Gallery Painting Art Gallery At Betim, Reis Magos+918322416930

Panaji Art Gallery Promotes Goan ArtFigurative and individual works of artists.At Panaji Art Gallery From 9 am to 8 pm. +919822168703

Arte Douro Art GalleryExhibition of paintings The Gallery displays paintings on canvas of original art & international print arts. It also showcases works by contemporary artists from India & abroad. At Arte Douro Art Gallery, Calangute, from 9 am to 9 pm +919822147148

By Goa Streets

Here’s a little secret that many of us might know deep in our hearts even if we don’t know we know it. As

far as Indian towns go, Margao and Panjim are quite beautiful. Of course to appreciate this beauty you have to get past a few layers of grime and an annoying dose of noisy, mood-altering chaos. But once you do, red-tile roofs, colonial houses and art-deco buildings reveal a certain grandeur that, combined with the location in these lush tropics, makes for a rather stunning picture. Chief among these cities’ most noteworthy attractions are their beloved cafés. Here’s a look at seven popular cafés in Margao, where you can grab a quick bite and soak in the essence of the city.

There are loads more cafés in Margao, as can be expected of the ‘commercial capital’ of Goa. The Canapé and Monginis outlets as well as the numerous Udupi cafés provide snacks and meals for folks across the range of tastes and wallets. All these cafés contribute to the multi-faceted character of Margao city, feeding the thousands of good citizens and tourists who stream in and out every day.

Café Coffee DayFor Coffee Day fans there are two outlets in Margao ―in Vasant Arcade, near Popular High School, Comba, and at the Kunde Petrol Station near Nanutel and Hospicio Hospital. As in all Coffee Day locations, the setting tends toward the upscale and the prices are higher, which means that compared to the other joints mentioned in this list, you can feel free to linger. (Non-veg)

Bombay CaféThis is one café where you can really bask in the love of the common people. Walk down the Old Station Road, and the café is at a junction with the Cloth Shops lane to the left. It’s perfect for hot pao-bhaji, dosas or sweet phenoris with tea served in the traditional little fluted glasses. A plate of samosas, a sheera and a chai can be had within fifty rupees. Bombay Café is many decades old, and the rates for snacks have always been very affordable, perhaps the lowest in Margao. A great place to watch folks from all walks of life―shopkeepers, fisherwomen, shopping housewives et al―grab a quick bite to sustain their day in Margao. The tables are narrow, making for an intimate chai, where you may absentmindedly sip your neighbour’s cuppa. (Veg)

Jackris CaféJackris’ beef patties are world famous. Yes, they are. Many Catholic Goans on a holiday from the Gulf or the ships where they work actually take a few dozen of these mouthwatering patties on their flight back, to be devoured by friends and family waiting out there. The old café located on the New Market lane, across the Municipal Building, stocks cakes, bebincas, bolinhas and other pastry and confectionery items. There’s also a Jackris Bakery at the Pancharatna building on the parallel lane. The famed Jackris beef patties cost around Rs 90 per dozen. (Non-veg)

Bread & MoreWith tastes in bread going uptown, the old katrea-pao, kankonn and polli don’t satisfy all tastebuds. Many new bakery outlets-cum-cafés are in town, of which Bread & More is one, providing a large range of breads, croissants, pies, pastries, mousses, customised cakes and more. The Margao B&M is located opposite Saraswat Bank in Comba. It has has air-conditioned and spacious seating. (Non-veg)

Café TatoHoused in the Apna Bazar building behind the old Margao Collectorate, Café Tato has a ground floor section and two air-conditioned mezzanine levels. ‘Tato’ means ‘grandfather’ in Konkani. The Dhuri brothers run Tato outlets in Panjim and Margao. Potato Bhaji is always a strong favourite in Goan cafés, with varying consistencies―sukhi or patal or a mix of both. Quick meals like dahiwadas, masala dosas, sweet dishes and a variety of fruit juices make this café a fast moving bite-hub. Tato’s also serves delicious meals. The new three-storied Café Tato at the KTC Bus Stand is a proper sit-down restaurant, serving both veg and non-veg, and ideal for large groups. (Veg)

Marliz CaféThis café, its name derived from Maria Luiza, was once a buzzing hub for office goers, students and absentminded philosophers of Margao. Decades ago, it was common practice to relish a few patties and a brewed coffee at Marliz and then sit on the benches of the adjoining Municipal Garden to discuss matters of the day at leisure, to the sounds of Lorna’s songs wafting from the Municipality’s speakers. Those songs are no longer heard, but some old friends still sit around the garden. Marliz itself has undergone a couple of renovations. The old maketh way for the new. (Non-veg)

18 Explore

Citi CaféUdupi and other veg cafés are scattered everywhere in Margao, but a café serving burgers, beef chops or non-veg patties is harder to find. Citi Café at Fatorda (on the Margao-Ponda road) serves all these and more. It has compact but comfortable seating, with a view of the busy road. Faloodas, milkshakes, cold coffees and ice-creams are available at reasonable prices, alongside hot beverages. Some interesting murals of village life adorn its walls.A plate of patties and coffee within Rs 50. (Non-veg)

Jackris Café’s proud boss

Thursday, June 20, 2013Feature 19

By Pedro Menezes

One step forward, two steps sideways, three steps backwards, and then back to

square one? The Goa government’s beach shack policy has courted controversy every year at the beginning of the tourist season, for one reason or the other. Sometimes it’s the timing of the shack allotments. Last season, besides the timing, the government’s decision to reduce the number of beach shacks and beach beds led to loud protests and demonstrations.

This year, too, the beach shacks will be embroiled in a fresh controversy before the season even starts. Streets has learned that the Goa Foundation has filed a petition in the National Green Tribunal in New Delhi,which may lead to a temporary ban on beach shacks until all outstanding environmental issues are resolved.This is the first time there is a real prospect that shacks could be banned on Goa’s beaches. The respondent is the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority.

Streets learns Goa Foundation has asked the National Green Tribunal to clamp down on eco-unfriendly shacks

Shack operators have become a nervous lot, because it was after the Goa Foundation, an environmental NGO, filed a plea in the Supreme Court that the court ordered a temporary ban on mining in Goa last September. Does the same fate await Goa’s beach shacks?

Shack operators fear that the National Green Tribunal, the apex body dealing with environmental issues, might pass a similar order. The reason is the Goa government’s failure to regulate the shacks as ordered by federal bodies last season. That provoked the ire of the Goa Foundation. Shack owners privately acknowledge that while they don’t foresee a state-wide ban on shacks next season, they’re definitely expecting sharp limits, including a total ban on shacks in turtle nesting sites such as Morjim, Mandrem, Agonda and Galgibag. With some of these beaches now becoming major tourist spots, an absence of shacks there would be particularly noteworthy.

Both the Goa Foundation and shack owners confirmed to Streets that a new petition had been filed with the National Green Tribunal, and that the matter will

Beach shacks run into rough water

come up for a hearing on July 10.Norma Alvares of the Goa Foundation

had earlier asked the Bombay High Court at Goa to require the state’s Tourism Department to regulate shacks since beaches come under the no-development zone of the Coastal Regulation Zone. The Goa Foundation argued that the number of beach shacks should be reduced as the beaches are eco-sensitive zones. The foundation’s petition called for a complete ban on beaches that serve as turtle nesting sites.

Following this, the High Court directed the Tourism Department to reduce the number of beach shacks and beds

last season.The department issued an affidavit stating that a new beach shack policy had been formulated and the number of shacks was being reduced. For example, in the Calangute-Candolim beach stretch, which has more than half of all the beach shacks in Goa (196), the shacks were reduced by 20, while they were also reduced in Morjim, while no shacks were allowed at all in Galgibag in the south.

This immediately attracted protests from the large number of Goans who earn their living from shacks. Shack operators in Baga, led by John Lobo, secretary of the Shack Owners Welfare Society, confronted the Calangute BJP MLA Michael Lobo, and asked him to resign if he couldn’t protect the interests of the shack operators. With his back to the wall, Lobo pleaded with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who then visited Baga to see the ground reality for himself. Eventually the number of beach shacks was maintained at the previous season’s level, and the beach beds, which had been reduced to five pairs per shack, were also increased to 10 pairs per shack.

According to sources at the Goa Foundation, this was a clear violation of the undertaking given by the Tourism Department to the High Court, and also a violation of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority’s guidelines to the Tourism Department. And it’s why the Goa Foundation has filed another petition.

Tourism Department officials, when contacted, expressed helplessness in the matter. “If the Green Tribunal directs the (coastal authority) not to issue clearances for beach shacks, then there is nothing we can do,” a top official said, requesting anonymity because his department is not named in the suit.

He suggested shack owners associations make their position known at the proceedings in the National Green Tribunal. “They have to present their side,” he said. Coastal authority officials were tight-lipped about the strategy they will adopt before the Green Tribunal at the July 10 hearing, or about their response.

Only recently, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar had said that the government was hoping to this year to allot shack licenses by July-August. With the latest controversy, that now seems unlikely.

Photograph by Ananda Krishna

Cheers!

20 Hot Streets

Movie Review

By Steven Gutkin

I can count the number of superhero movies I have seen in the past three decades on one hand. In fact,

until last month I could count them on one finger. Yes, Iron Man 3 was the first superhero film I had seen since the early 1980s – and I saw it not because I wanted to but because my children made me. Much to my surprise, I didn’t hate it. So this past week, when my wife suggested I take our two boys to see another

superhero flick, Man of Steel, I acceded with slightly higher expectations – how much worse could the Steel Man be than the Iron Man? Unfortunately, a lot.

Where Iron Man 3 was light and amusing, Man of Steel was brooding and bland. Where Iron Man is a quirky man, Superman is an earnest one. Now I readily admit that this is just my highly debatable opinion. But I think superhero films are ludicrous, and they shouldn’t take themselves too seriously. That’s what I liked about Iron Man 3.

The worst part of Man of Steel, however, is not its internalised gravity. It’s the mind-numbing final 45 minutes of the movie, a seemingly endless orgy of violent special effects that for me was nearly impossible to sit through.

Ok, so the first hour and a half of the film were not so bad.It’s the story of a young boy who learns that he is not of this earth. He’s in possession of extraordinary power that makes him the most important being in the world – one who ultimately was placed here to save humanity from annihilation. Director Zack Snyder deftly handles the early scenes’ many

flashbacks and the story of Superman’s journey of discovery is layered and thoughtful. The adult Superman, played by British actor Henry Cavill, is not totally bereft of appeal, and neither is his biological father played by Russell Crowe, or his adopted one, played by Kevin Costner. And the film’s female protagonists, played convincingly by Amy Adams, Diane Lane and the Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer, also helped save the movie’s first 90 minutes.But the man who steals the show here is Michael

Shannon playing the evil General Zod with outrageous abandon.

Of course, just because I didn’t much like the movie doesn’t mean you won’t. And if you visit the movie website rottentomatoes.com, you will see that half of all reviewers liked it and half didn’t.

Let’s review a few of their comments:“Snyder provides an elegantly

illuminated retelling of the origin story of that most saintly of superheroes, Superman.” - Dana Stevens, Slate

“What seals the movie’s doom ... is its surrender to the lower power of coarse grained action and computer-generated images of inexplicable banality.”- Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal

“Henry Cavill has the strapping good looks of the comic icon, and humanity to match his superheroism.”- Claudia Puig, USA Today

“Never has a race to save the fate of humankind seemed so tedious.” Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly

Surprise, surprise! Some liked it, others didn’t. One thing’s clear, the production is ultimately designed not to provoke thought or artistically contribute but to rake in the Big Bucks. And the movie’s doing just that, fetching more than $128 million in its debut weekend – among the top openings in movie history.

More importantly for me, of course, is that my boys liked it.

Dear Acaricia May

I have a son in college, who has a girlfriend I don’t approve of. I think she will eventually cause trouble for him and make him unhappy. I don’t mind if she is just another

friend, but how do I convince him that she is no good for a long term relationship. I am sure they meet on the sly, at cafes and at friends’ parties, and I am very worried that he will not be able to break up with her. I have told him about all the marriages in our family and our neighbourhood that have become a mess because of caste differences, but he doesn’t seem to understand.

Avanti, Mapusa

Dear Avanti,

I say judge this young lady not for her colour or caste or birth status but for, as Martin Luther King Jr would have said, “the content of her character.” Another great man, India’s own Mahatma Gandhi, would have agreed. Six decades later, we still have a long way to go before many of us grasp the terrible folly of disapproving of someone just because of their caste. Of course you are right to point out that mixed-caste marriages often have a hard time. But you see, dear Avanti, the problem is not the marriages but the outdated mindset that smothers them. Think about what King and Gandhi fought for, Avanti. And do your part!

Love,Acaricia May

If you have questions about sex, relationships or any other matter relating to the heart, please write to Acaricia May at acaricia@goastreets.com.

Dear Acaricia May

I take a city bus to college, from Margao to Verna. Recently I was travelling in the last row seat of the bus, when some college going girls (not my

college) got in. There was space for just two persons on the row where I was seated. Two of the girls who had newly entered the bus sat next to me. That was just enough comfortable for all those seated. But then another girl from that group squashed in and sat in between them. This put me in a very uncomfortable position, where I was squeezed against the girls and made to look like a real sissy. I got the message and stood up, and continued the journey standing, as the girls made themselves comfortable, having gotten rid of me. This made me very angry. We hear of harassment of women all the time, but females are also capable of rude and disgusting behaviour. What should I have done in my position? Should I have told the intruding girl that there was no space, hence she should remain standing? She didn’t even give me a chance to gallantly stand and give her my seat. What ill mannered girls!

Chris, Margao

Dear Chris,

Next time it happens, you could feign a coughing fit or strike up a conversation about the time you spent in prison. Or yes, tell them to cut it out. I agree you shouldn’t have to put up with their behaviour any more than a woman should have to tolerate a rude man. Let ‘em have it!

Love,Acaricia May

I don’t like his girlfriend

21Corner

The

The Corner is a regular space where organizations, entrepreneurs and businesses and all those with

noteworthy projects can “strut their stuff.”

Tequila cocktails, spicy bites and twirling moustaches –sounds perfect right? This June the Vivanta by Taj - Panaji bartender is concocting some wicked cocktails at Tease so don’t let the rain down your spirits. Every Friday and Saturday, the bar will be hosting a Salsa and Tequila fiesta with well-known food and beverage from across the Mexican region which is famous for its Tequila, special chilly appetizers and finger foods.

And no fiesta is complete without the entertainment it beckons. Down your Tequila cocktails with live entertainment and Latin music at Tease. The bar will be open from 7:00pm to 12:30am.

Things are truly spicing up at the Salsa and Tequila fiesta at Tease

Discover VivantaWork hard and play hard. Relax and

energize. Ideate and confer. Evolve and transform. Revel in a spirit that presents the normal with an unexpected twist.

Stylish and sophisticated, Vivanta by Taj delivers premium hotel experiences

with imagination, energy and efficiency. Currently comprised of 26 hotels and resorts in India and the Indian Ocean region, Vivanta by Taj is represented across key metropolitan capitals as well as popular holiday destinations like Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Vivanta by Taj offers an imaginative, vivacious and stylish take on ‘cool luxury’. With innovative cuisine, energetic spaces, unique motifs, the smart use of technology and experiences that seek to constantly engage, invigorate and relax, it appeals to the cosmopolitan world-traveler immersed in a sensory lifestyle.

Stay connected to Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vivantabytajFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/vivantabytajYou Tube: http://www.youtube.com/vivantabytaj

The Mexican Fiesta’s hereSpice up your weekends with the Salsa and Tequila fiesta at Vivanta by Taj – Panaji

In India, where one person in six is undernourished, an unlikely health concern is booming: Obesity. In a shocking revelation of countrywide statistics 70% of urban youth in India suffers from Obesity and statistics show that Goa ranks # 3 in Obesity, with 27% of females and 20% males ranked as obese.

With the growing number of an obese populace there is not a single clinic in the State that deals with health, diet and nutrition. The diet and wellness industry being the fastest growing industry in the world it is the need of the hour to ensure an overall sense of wellness for the society and the future generations.

Harpreet Pasricha, Goa’s # 1 Wellness guru for 15 years in the industry is franchising The Diet clinic in Panjim, Vasco and Margao. Her experience in the wellness industry and her belief is that no two people are the same. Just as our finger prints, our voice prints, our lip prints are individualistic, our individual genetic profile is also different and fad diets are not always suitable for every individual. After years of research on western nutrition, obesity journals, fad diets, Atkins, GM, Blood Group diets, Ayurvedic diets; Harpreet has evolved the concept based on individual body constitution. The individual’s life and body are constantly evolving and food or food supplements used today may not be the best choice next month or the next year.

At the Diet Clinic the core of the unique program is four basic steps of

Launch of ‘Diet Clinic’ In collaboration with franchisees in Panjim, Vasco and Margao.

detoxification, rejuvenation, nourishment and maintenance which helps to detoxify the body, prepares to absorb the nutrients and help the body to repair itself and maintain a renewed state of health.

The Diet Clinic does not use any gadgetry gizmos or powders, supplements or additives. Instead nature’s bounty is tapped into preparing a pure healthy and individually beneficial nutritional program right in the comfort your own home. Each individual’s body type is assessed and monitored on a regular basis offering a suggested customized dietary plan which is

monitored regularly. THE DIET CLINIC FRANCHISES: Vasco franchisee - 3N Distractions

headed by Mrs. Roshan Gunjal was intrigued with the concept and being an environmentally friendly person her interest only seemed to be a natural progression into the field of wellness and health. The Diet Clinic Franchise in Vacso 3 N Distractions is all set to provide a new and healthy lifestyle to the residents of Vasco. The Vasco Franchise will be inaugurated on 14th June 2013 at 10:30 a.m.

Margao franchisee - Mr. Siddharth Paroolkar an architect is venturing into

the fitness industry for the first time. His aim with the venture is focused on providing health and fitness services with the single goal of improving the quality of life in Salcete, with Happy Life. The Margao franchise will be inaugurated on 15th June 2013 at 10:30 a.m.

Panjim franchisee; Ms.Sharddha Jobanputra is a graduate of Saraswat College of Commerce & Management and had worked as a Corporate trainer for soft skills and behavior. She is all set to get Panjim into “Smart Flips - The improved you!” The Panjim franchise will be inaugurated on 16th June 2013 at 10:30 a.m.

22 Give Back

Owner: Free Voice Media Pvt. Ltd.=. Printed by Gomantak Pvt. Ltd., Published by Marisha Dutt for and on behalf of Free Voice Media Pvt. Ltd., Reg. Office: 711/32, Green Hill, Socorro, Porvorim 403 501. Printed from Gomantak Pvt. Ltd., Plot No. 4/4A, Corlim IDC, Tiswadi, Goa 403 110. Editorial Office: H. No. 133, Mae De Deus Vaddo, Sangolda, Goa 403 511. Editor: José Lourenço.

Street kids and the teachers who love them

By Sheela Jaywant

A school in St Inez, Panjim, gives youngsters a fighting chance in life. Some are turning into

extraordinary achieversIt’s a Sunday afternoon, and the

children are bounding with energy. One loudly instructs a friend on the correct way to throw a ball.Another slyly peeps out from behind a bigger, older peer; yet another annoys a younger mate by juggling with his cap. Their healthy skins and confident demeanour betray not a hint of their backgrounds. These girls and boys of Hamara School are children of labourers, off the streets of Panjim, Porvorim, Calangute andMargao. Some are orphans. All have at some stage been unsheltered. Most have faced the trauma of deprivation, drunken parents, terrible poverty and street life.

Seventeen-year-old Indira was four when her father would leave her and her siblings in the market while he worked, forcing them to fend for themselves despite their tender ages. One of Hamara School’s earliest volunteers admitted her into Matruchaya, a home for disadvantaged kids in Ponda. After two years there, she shifted to the home of one of the Hamara School’s teachers. She attended school by day and slept in the teacher’s home at night. For the next four years she stayed at the Hamara School premises. Stunningly, she catapulted herself from homeless street kid to something of a sports star. Her talent in playing football has taken her to Delhi, Uttarakhand and Manipur. Today, having just cleared her SSC, she studies in college and lives in its hostel. Her younger brothers are in the twelfth and eighth standards in separate private schools in Panjim.

If it hadn’t been for Hamara School, 80 children like Indira would have been

sorting plastic bags and scavenging through garbage bins.

This school was started 15 years ago by Mrs Mangala Wagle. At the time she was already five years into ‘retirement’. She was saddened by the sight of abandoned children around the fish-sellers in the markets. She and a like-minded friend whom she persuaded to join her began to give them food and basic lessons in hygiene, how to sit still, how to comb their hair and other skills. It took enormous effort and many months before another volunteer or two were roped in to help.

Over the months, and then years, of struggle and great daily effort, funds began to trickle in. A senior volunteer, Mrs M Prasad says, “Money’s always welcome, but we need volunteers too, for administration and for teaching various subjects.”The ladies approached the government, which has allotted two flats on lease to house the youngsters.

“The Rotarians have been generous, and so have some individuals. One lady has been supplying home-cooked dinners for many years. When she is travelling out of Goa, she buys and keeps in stock enough groceries for the duration. Another gentleman makes sure the children’s milk bills are paid for,” she says.

Fifteen-year-old Savio, orphaned early in life, has won five gold medals in

inter-school athletics and represented Goa in cricket in the under-14 team. He was brought here seven years ago by the staff of Child Rights in Goa. Today, he commutes to a private school in Panjim from the Goa Cricket Association ‘camp’ at Porvorim and is looking forward to a career in sports.

The children have a tight routine that includes prayer, yoga, school, tuitions and organized play. Those not academically inclined are doing their studies through the Open School.

Javed from Chimbel, who used to cut fish,has been here for six years. Thirteen-year-old Irfan used to while away wicked unsupervised hours on Calangute beach whilst his father worked as a mason. Zaheer, whose father drives a rickshaw and mother is a housemaid, is planning to become a singer. Like sports, music is a major part of the kids’ lives. Quite a few of the children learn an instrument or are members of a choir.

Although Hamara School comes under the aegis of the Kasturba Gandhi Trust (Mrs Mangala Wagle is the chairwoman of the local branch), it is autonomous as far as fund raising and administration is concerned.

“We have a premier of a film or play

annually so that we can bring in money to pay for the children’s food and fees, and extra-curricular activities,” she says.

Most of the children are between five and 18 years of age. What happens after they reach adulthood? Mrs Prasad says the school lets them stay on until they are able to earn a living. That’s no easy endeavour for a school that’s not exactly swimming in cash. But this is a place that understands what it means to overcome hurdles. Speaking of hurdles, one woman at the school told me children who refused to improve their behaviour after

warnings have been sent back to their parents. When she told

me this, she winced with discomfort at the memory.

The children are bonded by the hard realities they have experienced in their

formative years. They are restless and diffident; but

once they warm up, are no different from the fancy-

uniformed, well-fed students that ooze out of long cars outside highly-priced schools. Correct nutrition, a caring environment and opportunity are paying dividends. With a little help from adults who care (and there surely needs to be more of them), these children of the streets, products of Hamara School, can do every bit as well as the well-heeled brigade.

To contact Hamara School Phone 9822365622

Photographs by Ananda Krishna

Hope springs eternal for this young girl at Hamara School, Panjim

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Hope springs eternal for this young girl at Hamara School, Panjim