Walter_Menezes_Writer_Poet_Cartoonist

Awards adn Appreciation

2011-08-07T04:12:00.000-07:00

As published in Herald

AWARDS AND APPRECIATION…FRUITS OF HARD WORK AND DEDICATION !

2011-08-04T01:52:00.000-07:00

AWARDS AND APPRECIATION…

FRUITS OF HARD WORK AND DEDICATION!

By: Walter Menezes

His slogan, Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it, fired the hearts and minds of a nation thirsting for freedom.

Lokmanya Tilak, India’s tall leader was remembered at a solemn and impressive function organized by Sanguem Quepem Patrakar Sangh (SQPS) on August 1, 2011 at Sarvadoya High School Hall, Curchorem. SQPS was established in 1983 and the function coincided with the 28th Anniversary Celebrations of the sangh.

As in the past, this year too, SQPS honoured two distinguished Government servants and a journalist and felicitated meritorious students from Curchorem who excelled in the SSC and HSSC Examinations.

Agnelo A Fernandes, Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Quepem Sub-Division was honoured with the Late Pundalik Tukoba Naik Memorial Award while Kalpana A Nayak Karmali, X-Ray Technician of Curchorem Health Centre received the Late Suvarna Suhas Sanvordekar Memorial Award. Both these awards are given every year to two best government servants from Sanguem and Quepem talukas. Marathi writer and columnist Vijay Narayan Kapdi was the recipient of the ‘Patrakar Mitr Award’ instituted in memory of Late Gajanan Shenvi Borkar.

Sarvanand Sawant Dessai and Vithal Audienkar, Educational Programme In-Charge and Advisory Board Member respectively of SQPS were also honored on the occasion.

Shyam Satardekar, Curchorem MLA and Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation was the Chief Guest while Alifa Fernandes, Chairperson, Curchorem-Kakoda Municipal Council was the Guest of Honour. Eminent writer and journalist, Vishnu Surya Wagh was the Keynote Speaker. SQPS’s Founder President Chandrakant Parsekar presided.

In his address, Vishnu Wagh spoke about the disturbing trends that one noticed in today’s era of journalism and went on to add that many times, more than the Chief Editor, it was the Advertisement Manager who called the shots, even going to the extent of influencing the outcome of the newspaper pages.

Vartahar, a special issue published by SQPS was also released.

Meritorious students who were felicitated included Priya Singh, Prachi Jaiprakash Mahale, Esha Eknath Sinai Bhangui, Deepika Subhash Naik, Tejal Kamlaksh Gaonkar, Smita Gawas Dessai, Cynia Nilesh Chari, Saish N Raut Dessai, Elaine Valansa Fizardo, Akhil Jaiwant Sinai Bhangui (all students of SSC) and Siddhi Ashok Gaunekar, Shravani Devidas Gurav, Shingadi Dixita Bhairu and Kapil U Naik (all students of XII).

Earlier in the day, All Goa Devotional Singing Competition was also organized by SQPS which received enthusiastic response from participants.

_________________________________
Pic DSC_0689: Best Govt. Servant Award: Agnelo A Fernandes receiving the Late Pundalik Tukoba Naik Memorial Award from Vishnu Surya Wagh. Shyam Satardekar, Curchorem MLA, Alifa Fernandes, Chairperson, Curchorem-Kakoda Municipal Council and SQPS President Prahar Sanvordekar and Founder President Chandrakant Parsekar are also seen.

Pic DSC_0697: Kalpana A Nayak Karmali with the Late Suvarna Suhas Sanvordekar Memorial Award.

Pic DSC_0706: Vijay Narayan Kapdi smiles after receiving the Patrakar Mitr Award.

Pic 4: Award winners, meritorious students and participants of Singing Competition with guests and SQPS members.

2011-02-10T04:24:00.000-08:00

2011-02-01T06:23:00.000-08:00

Konkani book "TURO" - A review by: Walter Menezes

2011-02-01T00:49:00.000-08:00

VINCY QUADROS' KONKANI AWARD WINNING BOOK OF SHORT STORIES "TURO"
STORIES OF LOVE AND LUST, FAITH AND FORTITUDE

A review of the book by: Walter Menezes

(first appeared on Gomantak Times dated 25.01.2011)

An unusual cover design: a combination of flowers, the main altar of a church in all its glitter and the writer himself, greeted me when I picked up a copy of Turo, Vincy Quadros’ award-winning book of Konknni short stories in Roman script and I wondered why. Two pages into the book, I found it was Vincy’s way of dedicating his collection to Neves Saibinn (Our Lady of Snows), the patroness of Raia parish. “…zaitea kalla thavn mhoji itsa asli mhojem ek tori pustok Neves Saibinnik ompunk. Aiz hi mhoji itsa purnn zata mhunn Neves Saibinnik hanv din’vastam ani noman kortam. (I have been nursing a wish for a long time to dedicate one of my books to Our Lady of Snows. I thank and praise Neves Saibinn for having fulfilled this wish.),” he says in his introduction, Kothancho Turo Bandtana… Incidentally, the book was released on 5th August, 2010, the day of the feast of Our Lady of Snows.

Like the finely crafted main altar on the cover, the hundred plus pages that make this book gives us a glimpse of Vincy’s craftsmanship as a storyteller, encompassing a variety of subjects ranging from love and lust to matters of faith and fortitude. “Protek kothent ek nirop asa, dekh asa ani jivitachi somzonni asa…(There is a message and a moral, and the meaning of life in every story…),” is how Fr. Cipriano da Silva has summed up the ten stories in Turo.

The first, Olem Mon, is a touching story of Salvador who returns home after 5 long years in Kuwait and goes to visit Sabina, the girl who holds a special place in his heart, that same evening with a bag full of imported perfumes and soap. But is Sabina waiting? Towards the end of the story and using minimum space, Vincy not only creates a tragic twist in the tale but a remarkable story as well. Mukti, on the other hand, focuses on a young and educated Sunita’s journey into the rough and tumble of politics and her determined fight to free her village from the clutches of soreachim dukanam (liquor shops) and tavernas. Moved at the sight of male members addicted to liquor and families in ruins, she makes ‘hea ganvant bhouxik lugarancher soro bond (ban sale of liquor at public places in this vaillage)’ her one and only slogan during the panchayat elections and she not only wins but goes on to become the Sarpanch as well!

In Svatontreo, Vincy uses Meena to give a new lease of life to her mother while elsewhere his heart bleeds at the sight of atrocities and injustices heaped upon women. Ruchika is not only a stark reminder of the ‘games’ powerful people play but a reconstruction of sorts of the infamous Ruchika/Rathore saga that hogged the limelight not so long ago.

In Ostori Dis, when Sumitra conceives for the third time and goes to her mother-in-law to inform her of the doctor’s advice and the risks involved if she continues with her pregnancy, her sasumai rubbishes her saying, “Amger zaunk nant go bhurgim? (You think we have not borne children?)” Clearly, Vincy is a man with his ear to the ground and uses such crisp dialogues, like tea-bags, to flavor his collection.

At times, however, one does notice this need not only to fine-tune the stories (Zatra, Devacho Gutt) but add a dash of colour too. In Kurpa, where the story unfolds on 5th August, the day the Raia parish celebrates the feast of Neves Saibinn, Vincy only makes a passing reference to the cutting-of-the-corn ceremony (hech disak Gõyant poilem konnos katortat) with which the feast is associated. Also known all over as Konnsachem Fest (Harvest Feast), Vincy could have done well to include a para or two detailing the pomp and pageantry as the first corn is cut by the priest, heralding the beginning of the harvest season. And in Devacho Gutt, the word horaunk (to plead) seems a little out of place, especially from a Catholic’s point of view. [“Devak horaunk hache poros dusro lugar khoim asa Padr Vigar? (Father, can anyone find a better place than this to plead before God?),” Maria asks the parish priest when questioned about her presence inside the church.]

Published under the Pikavoll scheme of Dalgado Konknni Akademi, Turo could have been a shade better if Vincy had done another round of spell-check to weed out some unnecessary mistakes.

While complimenting Vincy on being awarded the Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz Puroskar instituted by Thomas Stephen’s Konknni Kendr, Porvorim for Turo, here’s wishing him Neves Saibinnichi kurpa to scale greater heights in the years to come!

Walter Menezes

About the book:
TURO (a collection of short stories) by Vincy Quadros
Published by Filomena Quadros for Snows Prakashan, Arlem, Raia
Pages: 114, Price: Rs.60/-

[ The author can be contacted via email: vincyquadros at gmail.com
Vincy Quadros is the recipient of the 2010 Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz Puroskar, the literary award instituted by Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, Porvorim for his collection of short stories, Turo.
The award was conferred on him on Republic Day, 26th January, 2011. Vincy Quadros is also the Vice President [Op-odheokx] of the Goa Konknni Akademi and his postal address is:
"Snows Krupa", Arlem, Raia, Salcete Goa and can be contacted on his Mobile - 9822587498.
Visit me at http://vincyquadros.blogspot.com/ ].

Related pictures:
1. Vincy receiving the Konknni Martir Florian Vaz Puroskar from Chief Guest, Shri Cyriaco Dias. Dr. (Fr.) Pratap Naik, Director, TSKK is also seen.

2. Vincy with Smt. Ophelia D’Souza (recipient of Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar) and Jose Salvador Fernandes (recipient of Dr. Jack Sequeira Puroskar). Fr. Pratap Naik, Shri Cyriaco Dias and Trupti Naik are also seen.

A CHRONICLE OF KONKNNI CINEMA

2010-09-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

FROM MOGACHO ANVDDO TO MOGACHI ZHOR…
A CHRONICLE OF KONKNNI CINEMA

By Walter Menezes

After Vozram, a treasure trove of Konknni adages with English interpretations,
Isidore Dantas’ second book on Konknni Cinema will be launched in Goa today.

Ten years ago, an article on Konknni Cinema appearing in a newspaper caught Isidore Dantas’ attention. Not satisfied with what he read, the Pune-based Goan writer was soon on his feet, determined to dig deeper and set the record straight. Ten long years later, his search was complete: Konknni Cholchitram, a 276 pages rich, hard-bound chronicle of 31 Konknni celluloid films, funded by George Pinto & family and sponsored by other Goans whose names are duly acknowledged, was released during the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of Goa Sudharop on April 4, 2010 in California, USA.

The first Konknni film, "Mogacho Anvddo" was screened on April 24, 1950. Collecting information spanning a period of 60 years may look easy to the eye but the task was daunting. Oso sod ghetana sabar oddchonneo dolleam mukhar aileo (I encountered many obstacles in the process), Dantas discloses in his preface, Mhojem Utor. From Doordarshan in Mumbai to National Film Archives of India in Pune to many producers, his journey ended in dead-ends. Even records of old songs were difficult to find at the Akashvani offices in Mumbai and Panaji.

Inspite of all these odds, Konknni Cholchitram stands out and not only provides various information on the films listed in the book in easy and lucid Konknni but includes 269 photographs, some rare, and lyrics of 109 songs with as many as 85 of them complete with kantaranchi surlipi (music notes).

Konknni Cholchitram sets off in earnest with Mogacho Anvddo, the first film ever to be made in Konknni. Produced and directed by Al Jerry Braganza (Antonio Lawrence Jerry Braganza), Mogacho Anvddo was based on Dioguinho De Melo’s novel, Mogachi Odd with Al Jerry himself playing the lead role opposite Leena Fernandes, then working as a telephone operator / receptionist in United Artists, an American company in Mumbai. Presented by ETICA (Exchange Talkies of India, China and Africa), the film was simultaneously released on April 24, 1950 at Mapusa’s Dashrat Cinema, Matunga’s Rivoli and Star in Mazagaon.

April 24 is celebrated as Konknni Cinema Day every year but the Day and the Father of Konknni Cinema, Al Jerry Braganza are, on many an occasion, sidelined and forgotten. A week after the curtains came down on the 4th Konknni Film Festival in May 2008, Tomazinho Cardozo writing in Vavraddeancho Ixtt (June 7, 2008) made a candid observation, “... puroskar vanttni hea dobajea vellar nodrek ailoleo kaim chuki. Survatekuch kariavollicho sutrdar vo ‘compere’ hannem thoddkean cholchitracho itihas sanglo. Bharotantlo vhoddantlo vhodd cholchitrkar sorgest Dada Saheb Phalke hanchem porian nanv ghetlem. Punn Konknni filmanchea itihasachi matui khobor kelina. Konknni cinemachea itihasachi taka mahiti asa vo na hoch mhaka dubhav poddlo (…and some mistakes which were noticed during the presentation ceremony. The compere, at the start of the function, gave a brief history of cinema. Even late Dada Saheb Phalke, one of India’s tallest film personalities, was acknowledged. But no mention was made of the history of Konknni cinema. Was he even aware of the history of Konknni cinema? I had my doubt).

It would take another 13 years before Frank Fernand produced the next Konknni film, Amchem Noxib in 1963 and followed it up two years later with Nirmonn. So successful was Nirmonn (awarded Certificate of Merit by Central Govt.) that a Hindi edition, Taqdeer soon rolled out with Shalini Mardolkar playing the lead role in both the films. It is said that this movie was dubbed in seven other languages: Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malyalam, Bengali, Assamese and Oriya. (Source: 50 years of Konkani Cinema edited by Andrew Greno Viegas, Vol I, Issue I, 2000). Some of the songs from these two films like Mollbailo Dov, Claudia and Nhid Mhojea Bai still do the rounds at Goan get-togethers and wedding receptions.

From 1966 onwards, there is a marked change with Konknni films making their presence felt at regular intervals not only in Mumbai and Goa but Karnataka as well. Sukhachem Sopon (1966) is followed by films like Mhoji Ghorkan’n (1969), Kortubancho Sonvsar (1970), Jivit Amchem Oxem (1972), Tisri Chitt (1973) and two films in 1977:Boglantt and Mog Ani Moipas (remember Konknni Kogull Wilfy Rebimbus’ unforgettable song, Mog Tuzo Kitlo Axelom sung by P B Srinivas?)

For lack of space and no other reason, I will randomly sift through the remainder of 21 films which makes Konknni Cholchitram at once out of the ordinary. From K G Nayak’s Toposvani and Dr K Ramesh Kamath’s Jana Mana to Prince Jacob Productions’ Padri and Rajendra Talak Creations’ Aleesha, Ontornad and Sawariya.com, Dantas takes the reader through the finer details of the films, including its cast and cost and lyrics and locales. There are others, too. Like Dnyaneshwar Moghe’s O Bai, Sanjeev Prabhudesai’s Sudd, Tiburcio Fernandes’ (T-Bush) Black Nhesop Fashion Atanchem, Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik’s Zagor and of course, Laxmikant Shetgaonkar’s much acclaimed film, Poltoddcho Monis.

Not many will know that the hymn, Sogott Sangata Melliam sung during the house-to-house visit of Mother Mary’s statue is actually a creation of Wilfy Rebimbus and finds place in Dr. Richard Castellino’s Bhogsonnem. Similarly, the story of Muthu Krishan Das’ film, Girestkai (1983) drew its inspiration from Lambert Mascarenhas’ Sorrowing Lies My Land. “Tantunt tontrik dox aslolean, tem borem cholunk pavunk na. Tem porot dub kelear taka boro protisad mellunk xokta (There were technical faults, reason why the film did not fare well. If it is dubbed again, it can get a good response),” observes Isidore. Is anybody listening?

Finally, it is ‘The End’ of Konknni Cholchitram with Sucorina D’Costa’s Dumiana Niagara Motion Films and Bonifacio Dias’ BV Films joint venture, Mogachi Zhor screened in Goa and Niagara in the last week of December 2009.

With a list of personalities from the Konknni community who have enriched Indian cinema in various spheres and a glossary of difficult words explained, Isidore Dantas’ chronicle is a glowing tribute to the fraternity of Konknni Cholchitram.

[This article first appeared on Gomantak Times dated 21.09.2010 - the day 'Konkani Cholchitram' was officially released in Goa under the auspices of Goa Sudharop - USA, www.goasudharop.org]

RAISING THE CURTAINS ON SCHOLASTIC WORK ON TIATR

2010-08-14T22:04:00.001-07:00

RAISING THE CURTAINS ON SCHOLASTIC WORK ON TIATR

- By Dale Luis Menezes

The brass band (accompanied by a few electronic instruments today) strikes up for the third time. The auditorium fills with the vibrations of wind and percussion instruments. The curtains rise to reveal a suited man, wielding a mike, he paces the stage. The backdrop painted to resemble a garden or a park. Thus begins a tiatr, familiar and cherished by many Goans. Most of us are acquainted with this scenario, but what about the history of tiatr? Many of us don’t know much. As for me, I vaguely remember a Konknni textbook chapter in the VII standard highlighting a (brief) history of the tiatr.

ABOUT THE BOOK
But I encountered a welcome light on this vibrant and most loved Konknni drama in the form of Dr. André Rafael Fernandes’ researched book When the curtains rise…Understanding Goa’s Vibrant Konkani theatre. Dr. Fernandes reveals the history of tiatr: its birth and maturity, the challenges it faces and the numerous personalities (past and present) who have contributed to enriching this uniquely Goan art form. An interesting feature of this book is the exhaustive list of present day tiatrists given at the end of the book. Although the tiatr is 118 years strong and though roughly ten shows of tiatr are held every day in Goa, Dr. Fernandes cautions us about the onslaught of more glittering multimedia like cable and television making serious dents.
This book is important because it has given tiatr some (much needed?) legitimacy in the scholarly word. Dr. Fernandes traces the development of theatre in Goa. Theatre in the medieval times in Goa was mainly in the Portuguese language and themed on enacting the biblical scenes. The College of St. Paul’s took the lead in organizing plays in vernacular language in Goa.
Dr. Fernandes traces the origin of tiatr to the traditional khells/phells/fells and zagors performed in Goa from time immemorial. This khells traveled to Bombay with the immigrants and it is here that the tiatr was born. Exactly how the tiatr was born, I leave it up to you to find out (in the book)! Tiatr took birth due to the efforts of Lucasinho Rebeiro and João Agostinho Fernandes, who were disgusted by the vulgarity and ‘washing-the-dirty-linen-in-public’ attitude of the zagors. A history of theatre of Bombay is also traced to buttress the point as to why Konknni tiatr had to begin in that cosmopolitan city.

THE MUSIC AND TIATR
How can any Goan activity or festivity be complete without music? This reality comes forcefully to the fore, as the Goans’ love and mastery for music had a major role to play. A large part of tiatr (past and present) contains music and song. Tiatr (and Goan musicians) did benefit from the parochial music schools set up by the Portuguese as well as the more traditional forms of ovis.
Dr. Fernandes tells us about the various famous musicians of Goan extraction, who were sought out by the many bollywood producers and starred hotels in Bombay. Although the Goan musicians had a large part to play in Bollywood and the jazz scene of Bombay, they were sidetracked as mere ‘arrangers’, lements Dr. Ferrnandes. More terse and blunt words in the context of this injustice would have been welcome.

WOMEN AND TIATR
The single greatest contribution of tiatr, in my opinion, is the admittance of women on the stage. Regina Fernandes (wife of João Agostinho Fernandes) became the first woman in modern history to appear on stage, preceding Marathi, Bengali and Gujarati theatre by twenty-seven years. This means that Konknni tiatr was far ahead of its time. It had brought in social reforms, which were easily accepted by the conservative masses. Batcara I was the play in which Mrs. Regina Fernandes made her historic appearance.
Dr. Fernandes does not dwell on this subject for much long, mentioning it only cursorily. What I was hoping for was a rigorous assessment of this situation, perhaps even a full chapter, was called for. If Mrs. Regina is the first woman to appear on stage at a time when women appearing on stage were frowned upon then isn’t she a role-model deserving recognition not only from Goans but also from the whole country? We should also not forget that in the same play, two other women had accompanied Mrs. Regina on stage: Mrs. N. Gomes and Mrs. Carmelina Fernandes.

CRITIQUE ON JOÃO AGOSTINHO’S PLAYS
Dr. Fernandes analyses the plays of João Agostinho with keen understanding and finesse. João Agostinho is important in tracing the history of tiatr as he has been rightfully called Pai Tiatrist (Father of the Konknni tiatr). In plays like The Belle of Cavel, Batcara I & II and Kunbi Jaki, Dr. Fernandes paints a mental picture of João Agostinho. Pai Tiatrist had vociferously opposed casteism and alcoholism. His plays always ended with a moral or homily (a hallmark of tiatrs in those times).
Dr. Fernandes informs us about the deeply sensitive and honest personality of João Agostinho. He showed empathy to the sufferings of the poor. He can rightfully be also called as a social reformer. João Agostinho published some of his plays, something that most of the tiatrists have not done. In fact Dr. Fernandes complains about the lack of documentation of tiatr. So tiatrists heed the advice of Dr. Fernandes and start publishing your work!

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK
Dr. Fernandes divides the tiatr into three phases of development: 1. The Early Phase (1892-1930s); 2. The Golden Phase: a. 1930s-1961, b. 1961-1970; 3. The Contemporary and Non-Stop Tiatr Phase. This is a novel idea as a simple taxonomy puts the development of tiatr into proper perspective.
The chapter about the challenges of today that the tiatr faces, it seems, is hastily written. Dr. Fernandes has also kept out the perceptions of Hindus regarding tiatr as well as the Catholic view or perception about the nattok. It is an open secret that one community does not view the art form of the other community favourably. The thesis is confined to a few present tiatrists’ views and opinions, an extensive survey (through questionnaires or interviews) would have enriched the same.
Nonetheless, this book will be an enlightening read to all tiatrists and tiatr enthusiasts. One only hopes that this book will raise the curtains on further scholarly works on this dynamic and vibrant art form of Konknni theatre.

Name: When the curtain rise… Understanding Goa’s vibrant Konkani theatre
Author: Dr. André Rafael Fernandes
Published by: Goa 1556, Saligão with support from the Tiatr Academy of Goa
Price: Rs. 195/- (in India)
ISBN: 978-93-80739-01-4

Note: First published in Gomantak Times, dt. 13 August, 2010.

In the article published in GT, there was an error in the title of the book.
Instead of When the curtains rise… it read As the curtains rise… The error is regretted - Dale Luis Menezes.

DESH BHAKTI, DESH SHAKTI

2010-08-14T00:27:00.000-07:00

DESH BHAKTI, DESH SHAKTI

15ver Agostachea 2010 DESH BHAKTI, DESH SHAKTI hi kariavoll

ghoddun haddlea. Tantum Kepemche kovi ani borovpi desh-bhokticher apleo kovita sadar kortole. Heo soglleo kovita ekttaim korun heach disa pustok rupan uzvaddak yetoleo.

Tech bhaxen bhurgeam khatir Fancy Dress (vixoi: suttke chollvollintle amchea desache fuddari) ani Inter-School Patriotic Singing Competition astolem.

Walter Menezes
Kepem, Goa

[Exclusive to goa-world.com]

Story book for children ‘One eyed Ogre and other stories‘

2010-07-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

Story book for children released

APRAJITA AND NIVEDITA

BANGALORE: A unique book for children ‘One eyed Ogre and other stories‘ was re-leased at the Catholic Club, Bangalore on Friday.

The book has been authored by Marianne Furtado De Nazareth, a journalist and academician and published by ARC Publications

Releasing the book Fr Am-brose Pinto, Principal of SJC said, “There is a child in each one of us. We need to be a child to get the creativity out of us.
“ If we read this book we will discover how imagination and creativity have been conglomerated in this book.”

Addressing the gathering, Marianne De Nazareth, the author said, “The stories were written over a period of time. I took over three full years to illustrate them.
“I am extremely grateful to my parents who inculcated the passion for books in me at a very young age.”

Penny Abraham, Vice Principal of the Canadian School, Bangalore said, “The stories in the book not only appeal to children but also appeal to the child in every adult. Personally I loved them a lot.”

Children enacted these stories with great motivation and enthusiasm.. Parents were de-lighted with their children’s performance of a couple of sto-ries in the book. Bhavani, a homemaker said, “One can easily relate to the stories, as we were told similar stories by our grandparents.

“These stories are written in a simple language which makes it more interesting.”

Various programmes like story enacting by the children, group dance and juggling added to the excitement and color to the event.

Francisco Sardarha, who is the President of the Catholic Club and R.V Pandit, a film maker, were also present at this event.

Courtesy: The Beacon. 27 July, 2010.

--
Marianne Furtado De Nazareth is a:
Fellow with UNFCCC, UNEP & Robert Bosch Stiftung
Former Asst Editor- The Deccan Herald
Freelance Journalist
Adjunct faculty St. Joseph's College & COMMITS
http://mariannedenazareth.blogspot.com/

The author can be contacted via email: mde.nazareth at gmail.com

- Forwarded by Dale Luis Menezes.

Other links:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/3906
http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/feb152004/artic6.asp
http://mariannedenazareth.blogspot.com/2010/05/torino-turin-shroud-and-science.html

A THINKER TRANSLATED: Noted son of Goa made available to its people

2010-07-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

A THINKER TRANSLATED:
Noted son of Goa made available to its people

By Dale Luis Menezes

Writings on Goa – in any language English, Konknni or Portuguese – are seldom popular and discussed or debated. They are published, they adorn the bookshelves of Goa’s scant bookstores for a while and eventually they are forgotten and if Goa’s history is recorded in Portuguese then we should consider it lost owing to the meager translations and the lack of command of Goans in that language. The reasons for such misfortune are many and varied; this however, is not the place for their enumeration or discussion. The fact that I am reviewing a book published in 2007 should be a case in point.

ON FANCHU LOYOLA’S WRITINGS
It was a few months ago that while in Panjim, I picked up a copy of José Inácio Candido de Loyola alias Fanchu Loyola’s essays titled Passionate and Unrestrained translated by journalist Alexandre Moniz Barbosa. Personally, I had heard of Fanchu Loyola as someone associated with Goa’s freedom struggle but anything more; I was blissfully unaware. Fanchu Loyola wrote in Portuguese – a language in which he had mastery and fluency. He was an outspoken and fierce critic of the Portuguese government – the one under Salazar especially. He was arrested and incarcerated in Fort Peniche jail in Portugal for fifteen years.

The writings of Loyola reflect problems society faced such as alcoholism, casteism and corruption. Reading through his essays, one gets the impression that what really bothered Fanchu Loyola – apart from the corruption in the administration – was alcoholism and casteism: evils that still plague the Goan society.

The essays are divided in two parts: Socio-Religious and Socio-Political. In the former section, Fanchu Loyola’s essays are deeply rooted in Catholic teaching. However, he was not communal but rather advocated the universal principles of love and brotherhood (enshrined in Christianity as well as other religions). It was also interesting to read his musings about the Universe – its origin and purpose. I should particularly mention one of his essays on the New Year’s Eve where he personifies the “Old Year” as an old man who walks into his office and when the clock strikes twelve (the New Year) the old year vanishes into thin air. The old man is a gentleman (of British temperament, to borrow Fanchu Loyola’s words) and cordial; he makes Loyola realize the importance of Time. In this essay Loyola displays innovation and imagination.

He also shows a deep understanding of such abstract concepts like happiness and renunciation, humility and charity and the like. He was a seeker of truth; he wanted to know the mysteries of the universe. He had a deep love and compassion for the poor. More than anything, Fanchu Loyola has to be singled out as a social reformer.

In the Socio-Political section Loyola is as eloquent as in the Socio-Religious one. He never hesitated to take sides in the elections of October 1926, as he asked the people to elect Mr. Mariano Martins over Mr. Prazeres da Costa. Fanchu Loyola also expresses some terse and stern views on the Press Laws and the colonial politics. He minces no words in pointing out the flaws and short-comings of the Portuguese administration.

ON BARBOSA AND THE TRANSLATION
I must confess that my first impulse in picking the book off the bookshelf was not so much due to the indomitable personality of Loyola but because it was a translation of a potential supplement to the history of Goa. As a person interested in Goa’s past (and a student of archaeology also), I regret for not being able to read the voluminous records left by Portuguese, who were arguably the best record keepers in this country. Many a time, a (present day) historian of Goa is left at the mercy of an English translation of a Portuguese record.

The reason why Alexandre Moniz Barbosa should deserve our praises and approval is because he has used his fluency in Portuguese and English to make available certain writings that otherwise would have gathered dust for posterity! Not many Goans know Portuguese and under such circumstances we just hope that the tribe of the likes of Barbosa grows and prospers. I too had the experience of finding a long lost writer and writings (in this case it was my uncle) and the joy is exhilarating when the task is completed! (See my article Destiny’s Book, GT dated 28.08.2008) May I suggest to you Mr. Barbosa, to take up translation as a full-time hobby with a book to your credit every year? I hope that it is not too much to ask!

Another thing that I liked about the book is the retention of the original essays in Portuguese along with their English translation. In my opinion it would reduce the lacunae caused due to arbitrary interpretations as very often happens unwittingly in translations. However, in the book the Portuguese text should have been distinguished from the English text by using a different font.

Since the book is published in a dual language (which is a very innovative approach in a translation having potential historical significance) I have a suggestion for Mr. Khalil Ahmed of Broadway Book Centre, under whose aegis this book is published, to market it in Portuguese speaking countries as well. Goa needs the audience which it rightfully deserves.

ON THE BOOK’S POTENTIAL FOR RAISING QUESTIONS FOR STUDY
Should we be content just by having the knowledge that Loyola was a nationalist or should this book serve as a stepping stone stimulating further research and to challenge conventionally held views? As informed by the blurb of the book, Loyola chose to settle in Lisbon following the Liberation of Goa. Can further research answer such questions as to why he chose to immigrate to Portugal leaving his dear Goa, for whose liberation he had so vehemently fought for?

Fanchu Loyola evidently had a good command on Portuguese and the translation done by Barbosa lives up to that level. Neatly printed and bound there is no doubt in my mind that a student (like me) as well as any enthusiast of Goan history would find this book at once interesting.

Passionate and Unrestrained
Author: José Inácio Candido de Loyola alias Fanchu Loyola
Traslated by: Alexandre Moniz Barbosa
Publisher: Broadway Book Centre, Panjim
Price: Rs. 225/-

[This review first appeared on Gomantak Times dated 21 July 2010].

Forwarded to goa-world.com by the writer who can be contacted
via email

AMBEA MULLANT KAVITA NA, KANNI ASA

2010-07-14T01:45:00.000-07:00

AMBEA MULLANT KAVITA NA, KANNI ASA

- Walter Menezes

Hanv ekloch ambea mullant ubo asam. Mhoje voir suria loklokta. Punn mhoje mukhar kallokhuch zhollkota. Mhoje fattlean rnhojinch pavlam. Mhojea kal1zant ugdasachim lharam. Ugddas mhojea bapaicho, mhoje avoicho, ani ugddas tuzo, Kavita.

Donparcho veIl za1’lo asa. Torui jinnent kallkhe ratin biradd kel'lem asa. Uzvaddacho suria jinnent hanstolo zalear mon'xak khoim noxib asonk zai. Futtkea noxibacho hanv! Mhozo zolmuch kallokhant zal'lo. Hi soglli tuka khobor asli Kavita. Magir tum he jinnent ailench kiteak?

Sopnanchi rompi eka disa umtthun uddoitolem aslem zalear tunvern ti ximplich kiteak? Mogachi vateka disa palounchem aslem zalear tuvem ti pettoilich kiteak? Kiteak Kavita?

Mhojea kallza itlea lhan sonvsarant mhaka konnunch naslo Kavita, fokt tunch aslem. Mhojea bapain mhoje sovem aplo mog ken'nanch dakhounk nam. 'Baba' mhonnun tannen mhaka aple vengent ken 'nanch gheunk nam. Mog tannen fokt soreacho kelo. Rat-dis battlekuch veng marun ravlo. Bar-ant zhogddim, ghorant zhogddim. Hem fodd, tem modd. Mhojea bapaichi hi tor sodanchich karyavoll zaun gel'li. Sovostkay kitem, xanti kitem hi hanvem dusreanchea ghorant pollel'li. Amchea ghorant ken'nanch pollounk nam.

Mhoji avoi hem sogllem moneamni pollet ravli, sonxit ravli. Devi ti, mhoji avoi! Bapaik jen 'na nokrevelo nikhllailo ten'na khursar khillail 'lea porim avoik dislem. Koxi sambhallttoli apunn aplea ghoracheo chear vonntti? Tichem golleantlem bhangar chorun, toddun, bapain tor tika ken'na vinglli korun uddoil'li. Ghorant hansoi naslo, poisoi naslo. Avoichea dolleant mat sodanch dukancho somdir aslo. Kitleaxeach xezareanger avoin vavraddi mhunn apleo nakxeo zhoroitam-zhoroitam apli jinnunch zoroili. Ani eka disa.....

Koso visortolom hanv ti bhirankull rat? Hanv ten'na dha-bara vorsancho aslom. Ami tegaim rat-jevonn korunk boxil' lim. Bapui sarnko 'tight' aslo. Xitacheo unddio gillche suvater to avoik naka axil' leo gallio sovtaIo.

Jinnechem koddu omrut chakun chakun avoik tor ogi ravpachi sonvoy zaunuch gel'li. Magir okosmat konn zanna bapaicher khoincho devchar boslo to. Bapui jevtana modench utthlo ani udkacho glass kaddun nettan avoicher xevttilo. Avoin ekuch pavtti mottean bob marIi. Magir mostoka velean denvtolea rogta-zhorinchi porva nam kortam avoi utthli ani kuxik asloli petrolachi battli gheun nhidpa kuddant geli.

Bapaicher bosloIea denvcharak zagear haddtta mhollear khub so veIl geIo. Avoichi tor zag nasIi. Tichem kalliz pinzun kuddke zal'le hachi mhaka khobor asli. Khoinchea tori konnxak bosun pisuddlolea sopnancho ugddas korit roddtta astoli, oso hanven sumar kelo. Bapaik thoinsoruch dovrun hanv nhidpa kuddant vochunk utthlom. Kuddachem dar bond asIem. Hanvem pollelem tem polloun mhojer mollobuch tuttun poddIem!

Bhitor kuddant ujeachem agttem zal’lem. Sogllea dukhantlean meklli zaunk avoin apleakuch uzo ghatlolo. Je avoin mhaka zolm dil’l, je avoiche huntthient hanv vadlolom ti avoi mhojea dolleam mukhar soukas mortali. Hanvem bond aslolea darar mutti marleo, mhoji tokli pasun apttili. Punn tem dar ugttem korunk mhoje lagim ghoddlem nam. Atam jivitaeho ani mornnacho dhoni fokt hem dar zaun aslem. Hanvem bobo marun xezarchea lokak ektthaile. Punn dar moddun uddoita mhonnsor khub uxir zalo. Bhitor, nhidpa kuddant fokt ujeachem agttem aslem. Mhoji avoi nasIi.

Thoddim vorsam zatat mhollear bapaichi poristhiti samkich bigoddli. Eke rati bapui boroch soro piyelo ani rosteache kuxik khollient poddlo. Sokall fuddem jen'na suria udelo ten'na dusre pavtti mhozo jinne-suria kallokhant buddlo. Mhojea bapain tech khollient aplo prann soddlolo.

Oso eksuro, dukhachern vojem gheun bhovtana mhoji ani tuji bhett heach ambea zhaddachea rnullant zal'li. Yad asa tuka Kavita? Tea disa okosmat motthean pays ail’lo ani dogaim-lagim sotri naslolean amkam heach ambea mullant ubim ravchem poddlolem. Pays magir thambta mhonnsor mhojea dolleant, tujea dolleant, tujea kallzant, mhojea kallzant eke dusrech torecho pays poddunk suru zal'lo. To dis bhangaracho. To dis ojapancho. Tea disa khuxaIkayechea kupank pakham futtlirn ani suknnim zaun uddunk laglim. Kallkhi bontram pinzun uzvaddachim rongit kirnnam futtlim ani jinnechea mollbar ek novoch suria udelo. Suria sopnancho, suria mogacho!

Amchi dusri bhett, Kavita, heach ambea mullant zal’li. Tea disa pays poddlo na, mollob roddlem na; punn mhoji koddu kanni hanv sangtana tum mat roddlem Kavita, khub roddlem. Mhojea dukhant tum mhoji bhuzvonn zalem, mhojea pavlanchi ghottay. Tuzo mog, Kavita, mhoje jinnechi buniyad zali. Mhojea kantteamni guspol'lea jivita-zhaddak ful'lolo pormollit gulab!

Tum dusrea lagim logn zalem mhunn hanv tuka xinnona, Kavita. Jem kitem zaunchem aslem, tench zalem. Tujean tujea girest vhoddilanchea addkhollinchim doram toddun mhojea gorib ghorant yeunk zaunk na. Tum mhojea kallza itlea lhan sonvsarantlem pois gelem ten'na mhaka khub dukh bhogli, Kavita. Punn konnank sangum mhojem dukh?

Aiz nimnne pavtti hanv hea ambeamullant ubo asam. Zachea mullant bosun ami hozar sopnam sopnel'lim tea ambea rukhak faleam katrun urntthun kaddpache asat. Zanna Kavita, he vatten atam nogorpalikecho ek novo rosto zauncho asa. Hea ambea rukha bhoxen hanvui. go, Kavita. Hea fuddem hanv khoim astolom, khoinchea kantteak xirkotolom; futtkea noxibacheo kuraddi mhojea jinne-rukhacher poddun ken'na ani kitle ghave poddttole, hachi khobor Devak soddun konnak nastoli go, Kavita. Konnak nastoli!

Walter Menezes
KOTHAMALL (A Garland of Stories) pustokachea upkaran.

www.goa-world.com

GOA’S UNIQUE GLITTER: THE MARCASSITE JEWELLERY

2010-05-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

GOA’S UNIQUE GLITTER: THE MARCASSITE JEWELLERY

- BY DALE LUIS MENEZES

In Goa all that glitters is not only gold but Marcassite as well. A phone call from a family friend in Baroda requests us to inquire about the price of Marcassite jewellery and although not interested in precious metals, I find myself in a joalharia, along with my parents. During the inquiry my mother makes a passing mention that such jewellery is unique to Goa and is found nowhere else in India. My curiosity leads me to Mr. Ashok Lotlikar of S.R. Lotlikar Jewellers in Margao. He is the third generation owner following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Mr. Raghuvir Vassudev Lotlikar and his father Mr. Shripathrao Raghuvir Lotlikar.
Mr. Ashok Lotlikar greets me as I enter his pristine shop lined with showcases displaying myriad intricately crafted jewellery pieces in gold and silver. The red velvet cushions in the brightly illuminated showcases, gives the gold an added touch of royalty. My eyes search for the pieces I have come searching for and I find quite a few. Comfortably seated, I start asking questions. Mr. Ashok Lotlikar talks passionately about his work and craft.
He informs me that the Marcassite jewellery came to Goa during the Portuguese time. “I don’t know exactly how old this art is. My grandfather and my father made such jewellery, so it should be at least three hundred years old,” he says. He finds questions like whether the Marcassite jewellery reached the Goan shores immediately after the Portuguese conquest or much later difficult to answer because not much is known about this jewellery which many believe is unique to Goa.

The Marcassite jewellery crafted in Goa is chiefly made of gold and silver metals. Zinc is used to harden silver. This hardened silver is then oxidized to give it the black colour, which is the hallmark of this jewellery. The metal is oxidized for about an hour and this process is repeated thrice with a gap of a few hours. This oxidized silver is locally known as ‘platinum’ but the actual metal is never used in the making of the jewellery. The stones used for Marcassite jewellery in Goa come from Switzerland and they are manually fixed by craftsmen. A large set takes at least three weeks to complete.
As far as the designs are concerned, the earliest craftsmen might have been inspired by the samples brought from Europe. This legacy was continued along with some original additions, Mr. Ashok Lotlikar disclosed. In Goa, Marcassite jewellery always has a base of gold unlike in foreign countries where a silver base is used. Elsewhere in India such jewellery is not crafted. Marcassite is hand-crafted and delicately worked upon and hence the big jewellery companies, who focus on machine and heavy work, may not have been interested in such jewellery, opines Mr. Ashok Lotlikar.
Marcassite jewellery is popular with the Catholics as such jewellery is given to a bride at the time of her marriage. The black colour of the set forms a stunning contrast with her white bridal gown. But since the last 10-15 years, according to Mr. Ashok Lotlikar, this jewellery has gained some popularity among the Hindus as well.
Mr. Ashok Lotlikar also proudly draws my attention to another unique type of Goan craftsmanship: the filigree work. By using finely drawn wires of gold, lace-like patterns are produced. This, like the Marcassite jewellery, has no rival in the whole of India.
I wonder why the Marcassite and the filigree type of jewellery are not popular despite their uniqueness. Mr. Ashok Lotlikar explains that this art is dying. It requires great patience, a virtue not compatible with the youngsters of the day. Mr. Ashok Lotlikar once had 7-8 workers, but today he has only two. “But they are good workers,” he hastens to add. Since such jewellery is unique to a particular geographical location, I ask whether the Marcassite and filigree jewellery deserve the much coveted Geographical Indication so that more popularity and encouragement will come its way. “Definitely,” he agrees. After all, should we not ask for what we rightfully deserve?
Mr. Ashok Lotlikar narrated an interesting story about people from north India, especially Punjab, purchasing Marcassite jewellery. Wives of army men, who were posted in Goa, purchased this unique and expensive jewellery. When they went home (or elsewhere) their friends and family members were fascinated by this jewellery and nursed a desire to possess a similar Marcassite set. This word-of-mouth publicity has led Mr. Ashok Lotlikar to send many sets of Marcassite jewellery to north India.
Marcassite jewellery is very expensive. Has the rising prices of gold affected the sales in any way, I ask. “Lok ghevpa asat tê ghetatuch. [People buy irrespective of the prices] The Indian mentality is such that it needs (at least) a minimum amount of gold on the occasion of a marriage. Gold always appreciates and people see the purchase of gold as an investment,’ Mr. Ashok Lotlikar tells me.
The smallest Marcassite set (pendant and earrings), without the gold chain, will cost anything between Rs. 18,000-20,000 and the purchase of a larger set will entirely depend on the depth of one’s pockets!

[END OF ARTICLE]

Pictures by: Dale Menezes

This article was first published by Gomantak Times (Goa)
exclusive on 28th May 2010.

Picture 1: Various types of Marcassite sets
Picture 2: Marcassite and filigree work on display
Picture 3: Mr. Ashok Lotlikar in his shop. Note his grandfather’s portrait which can be seen above the showcase

[Note: Although the 'Marcassite' jewellery is widely used in Goa, nothing much is written about it. Even a google and wiki search reveals nothing. The young writer requests to have feedback from the readers and can be contacted: Dale Menezes (Quepem)- [Email: dale_menezes at rediffmail.com]

The writer's recent articles as published by Gomantak Times:
http://waltermenezes.blogspot.com/2010/05/utorda-church-in-harmony-with-history.html

- Forwarded by www.goa-world.com
28 May 2010

UTORDA CHURCH: IN HARMONY WITH HISTORY AND PRESENT-DAY DEMANDS

2010-05-11T23:37:00.000-07:00

UTORDA CHURCH:
IN HARMONY WITH HISTORY AND PRESENT-DAY DEMANDS

By DALE MENEZES

Note:The parishioners of Utorda are all set to inaugurate the new sacristy, mini community hall and prayer room of the church of Our Lady Of Lourdes on the 13th of May, 2010

Utorda, a village in the Salcette taluka, is immersed in the sounds of the Arabian Sea and the constant chug of the speeding trains passing through its surroundings. The 4000 plus parishioners of Utorda distributed in some 464 houses are all set to inaugurate the new addition/renovation done to the church of Our Lady of Lourdes.

[The façade of the Utorda church - Pic: Dale Menezes]

The church is more than a hundred years old and the move of the parishioners along with the parish priest can be viewed as an attempt to meet the present-day demands of the congregation while simultaneously striking a balance between the old and the new, in preserving heritage.

A little history
The Our Lady of Lourdes church was originally a chapel built through the efforts of Fr. Joao Jose Pereira, his brother Aleixo Piedade Pereira, with the assistance of other villagers. On the 30th of October, 1894 this chapel was thrown open for the faithful. In due course of time the flock of the Utorda chapel grew in number and as a result the chapel was elevated to the status of a church by the then Archbishop Rev. Fr. Raul Gonsalves on the 13th of May, 1976. Late Rev. Fr. Joaquim Dias Alberto was the parish priest at that time. Originally, the chapel was constructed having the bare minimal spiritual needs of the people in mind. With the railway route (which runs a few yards in front of the church) and private properties flanking on either sides, there is virtually no scope for expansion. Yet, the people of Utorda have learnt to manage their spiritual affairs within the limited resources.

[The Main Altar of the Utorda church - Pic: Dale Menezes]

The addition/renovation work In order to find out more about the addition/renovation to the church in Utorda, I contacted Rev. Fr. Britto Fernandes, the parish priest. It is under his leadership and guidance the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes church have stepped forward to see their endeavour come to fruition. Thirty years after the chapel was elevated to the status of a church, the parish of Utorda is all set to usher change. The sacristy, as informed by Fr. Britto, was in bad condition. This led to the renovation of the sacristy as well as the addition of an air-conditioned prayer room (where the Blessed Sacrament will be available to the faithful throughout the day) and a mini community hall. A garage is also adjusted in the limited space.

[Rev. Fr. Britto Fernandes - Pic: Dale Menezes]

Fr. Britto is a man all for heritage as he says that every precaution was taken not to harm the structure of the church in any way. “Ami adli igorz ji asa ti toxich dovorlea,” [We have not touched the church in any way] Fr. Britto informed me. In fact extreme care was taken not to demolish the exterior wall of the church while making way for the extension. The teak-wood doors which have stood the test of time were also re-used. The foundation for the new construction was laid on 11th February, 2009, the day of the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, during the tenure of the committee comprising of the Parish Priest (President), Mr. Jose Pereira (Procurator), Mr. Elvis Pereira (Treasurer) and members, Mr. Marcelino Braganza and Mrs. Linda Pereira.

Inside the church, the century old wood altars are exquisitely crafted and at once evoke devotion. Fr. Britto also told me about the efforts put into preserving the false-ceiling made of wood, as he showed me around the interior of the church. Fr. Britto has made prudent use of the limited space available to make room for the new structure. A generator room which existed and was slightly in the path of new structure was not pulled down as it could be used as a store room for the church.
Fr. Britto agrees that the Utorda church has set an example to preserve the old and the new. “Definitely heritage is very important as it is the wealth and health of Goan society,” he opined. “Ek pavtt kitem-i moddlear (portem) mellta?” [Once we destroy something, can we get it back?] are his parting words to me.
The inauguration of the new sacristy, mini community hall, prayer room and the garage will take place on the 13th of May, 2010 under the new committee which has the Parish Priest as the President, Mr. Domingos Braganza (Procurator), Mr. Elvis Pereira (Treasurer) and members: Mr. Tony Pereira and Mrs. Emy Pereira. Rev. Fr. Jose Remedios Fernandes, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman will bless and inaugurate the new additions.

[As published in Gomantak Times (today) 12th May 2010].

Pictures courtesy: Dale Menezes
www.goa-world.com

DSC06431: Rev. Fr. Britto Fernandes

DSC06434: The Main Altar of the Utorda church

DSC06438: The façade of the Utorda church

Pictures exclusive to www.goa-world.com
12/05/2010

Vijayadatta Lotlikar

2010-03-26T23:41:00.001-07:00

Coconut: The Art of Coconut Craft
Vijaydatta Lotlikar (Master Craftsman)

Lotlikar 255/1, Arradi, Parra, Bardez, Goa Ph +91 832 2472067
M: +91-9423834208. Email vijay_lotlikar@yahoo.com

Released under the Creative Commons 3.0 license, non-commercial, attribution(except text copyrighted by others). May be reproduced for non-commercialpurposes, with attribution.ISBN 978-81-905682-34

Published by Goa,1556, Saligão 403511 Goa, India. http://goa1556.goa-india.org, goa1556@gmail.com +91-832-2409490.

Goa 1556 is an alternative publishing venture, named after the accidental arrival of Asia’s ﬁrst Gutenberg-inspired printing press here.
Other publications: SONGS OF THE SURVIVORS (on Goans in Burma, Yvonne Vaz-Ezdani, ed, 2007), IN BLACK AND WHITE: INSIDERS’ STORIES ABOUT THE PRESS IN GOA (2008), GIRLS IN GREEN (alumni writings from St Mary’s, Mapusa, 2008) and MEDIEVAL GOA (Dr. T. R. De Souza, 2009), ANOTHER GOA (Frederick Noronha, 2009) � Cover design by Bina Nayak http://www.binanayak.com � Illustrations by Mahesh Naik, Assonora � Photographs from the collection of Vijaydatta Lotlikar and by Frederick Noronha � Printed and bound in Byculla, Mumbai by Rama Harmalkar, 9326102225 Typeset using LYX, http://www.lyx.org Text set in Palatino, 11 point.

Price: Rs. 195 in India.
Overseas US$ 19.95 or Euro 13.95

_________________________
A review I did on Fr Ave Maria Afonso's Konknni book, Rendermam' ani Tachem Jivit forms part of this book on Coconuts.
Please see chapter 4, page 37 onwards.

Walter Menezes
26/03/2010

14 Doyalleo Kornneo

2010-03-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Review of Brenda Menezes’ Konkani book…
14 DOYALLEO KORNNEO

By J P Pereira
Navhind Times, February 12, 2010

Brenda Menezes from Quepem, after penning a beautiful collection of humorous one-act plays titled, ‘Nattyangann’ in the Devnagri script, has released a collection of short stories, this time in the Roman script, for children and adults who are young at heart. The book titled ‘14 Doyalleo Kornneo’ has 14 short stories teaching morals for a good living, adapted from the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

‘Bhukel’leank Jevunk Diunchem’, ‘Tanel’leank Pieunk Diunchem’, Vinglleank Nhesunk Diunchem’, ‘Peleak Bori Budh Diunchi’, ‘Dukhestank Bhuzvonn Diunchi’ and ‘Jiveam Ani Meloleam Khatir Magchem’ are some of the stories from the collection. Recounted in a simple and lucid style, children are bound to enjoy and gain a lot of understanding on how to show love towards one another. The author in the foreword pays a fitting tribute to the late Fr Edwin D’Souza, ex-Principal of Pope John XXIII High School, Quepem, who was a mentor and guide to her and all the children he taught.

The book published by the Dalgado Konkani Academy is priced at Rs 50 and is worth much more than that. Buy a copy for your children and if you have time, read it yourself. It is never too late to learn a good thing.

The book is available at:

Star Book Stall, Quepem

Confidant, Margao

Zito’s, Near Cine Lata, margao

Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Vidyanagar, Margao; and

Dalgado Konkani Akademi, Campal Trade Centre, St. Inez, Panaji.

____________________________________

14 Doyalleo Kornneo

Boroupi: Brenda Menezes

(c) Dalgado Konknni Akademi
Poili Avurt'ti - 2009
Uzavddavpi: Dalgado Konkanni Akademi, John Paul Building, 3rd Floor,
Classic Commercial Centre, Church Square, Panjim, Goa - 403001

Chhap'pi: Shayadri Offsets, Corlim, Ilhas, Goa.

Bhailem Chitr: Dale Menezes

Bhitorlim chitram: Govit Morajkar/Vesley Carrasco.

Mol 50/- Rupia.

Hem pustok Dalgado Konknni Akademiche 'Konknni Sahit'yacho Prochar Yeuzonn' hache khal chhaplam.
Hem pustokant bhaxechea adhunik nemam pormannem bodol kelea.

www.goa-world.com
23/03/2010

Links:
http://goabooks.wordpress.com/2008/01/30/konkanis-humorous-plays-review-by-jppereira/

VOICES AND VERSES OF FAITH

2010-03-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

VOICES AND VERSES OF FAITH

A review of Sidhanath Buyao’s Konknni album, Grateful to Jesus

By: Walter Menezes

A little bit of ash on your forehead, a subtle reminder that you are dust and unto dust one day you will return, and Christians from all over the world are enduring a forty-day period of prayer and penance. It is that time of the year to dust the cobwebs from the corners of your life, shift into ‘silent mode’ and recollect with a grateful heart the many gifts and blessings received from Jesus.

Two weeks ago, after more than a month of hectic activities which kept me away from contributing my regular comic strip to GT, just when I was trying to settle down to conduct a much needed spiritual exercise of ‘stock-taking’, I came across Sidhanath Buyao’s Konknni album, Grateful to Jesus.

Dedicated to a very close friend, Jose Rod (Kuwait), who recently underwent a major operation, Sidhanath gratefully acknowledges the gift of ‘a new life’ which Jesus gave to the famous tiatrist. ‘Dekhun kallzache kholayentlean Dhonia Jezuche upkar,’ he mentions on the jacket of the album released in December, 2009.

The album is a blend of two different backgrounds. Konknni poet John Aguiar’s inspiring lyrics which spring forth from a heart embedded in Christian faith and Sidhanath Buyao’s equally touching music which is a fusion of tabla, santoor, sitar and the western instruments. The result: a refreshingly different album of Christian devotional songs.

Grateful to Jesus sets off in earnest with Natalanchi Parab, the lines of the famous carol…Long time ago in Bethlehem / So the Holy Bible says…greeting you, in English, at the very beginning of the track. But like a train which slows down and gently changes tracks as it approaches a station, Sidhanath effortlessly changes gears and lets us on to the Konknni version of the Christmas story:
Aiz ami nachum-ia, aiz ami gavum-ia
Natalanchi Parab ami khuxalkayen monoum-ia.
(Let us dance today, let us sing today
Let us with joy, celebrate Christmas day)

Tum Mhojem Sharann-sthan (You Are My Refuge) is one song which I have been listening to practically every day ever since Sidhanath’s sister, Mandovi, a friend of my wife, gave the album to us. Like the waves of a calm ocean washing up on the shore, Aguiar’s lyrics, Buyao’s voice and the music score all combine to caress and soothe your soul. Listen to these lines from the song:

Tum mhoje dolle, Tum mhoje kan
Jezu Tum mhoji prernna, sharann-sthan
(You are my eyes, You are my ears
You are my inspiration Jesus, my refuge)

Likewise, in Povitr Otmea Yo (Come O Holy Spirit), the poet-musician duo cast a similar spell on the listener:
Povitr Otmea yo
Mhoje jinnent bhitor sor
Jezuchea paim-am lagim mhaka begin vhor
(Come O Holy Spirit
Enter into my life
And quickly lead me unto Jesus’ feet)

Jezucho Jai-Jaikar (Praising Jesus) brings about a fresh dimension at the way Christian devotional songs can be sung. Rendered in the bhajan style, this format could well be used by the Church to ensure the total participation of the entire congregation.

But the best of them all is the last track, Jezu Krista, originally written, composed and sung by ‘Goem Shahir’ Ulhas Buyao. Sidhanath breathes life into the lines and with his voice, which at times reminds us of his late father, captures the essence of the song:
Jezu Krista, Putra Devachea
Noman Rochnnara sorga-sonvsarachea
Zolm tuvem ghetloi gottheant gorvanchea
Upodre- koxtt sonsle angnnant Pilatachea
Sotak lagon prann soddloi dongrar Kalvarichea
(Jesus Christ, Son of God
O Creator of heaven and earth
Born in a manger
You suffered in the courtyard of Pilate
And died for truth on the Mount of Calvary)

There is no doubt that Sidhanath’s Buyao’s album of devotional songs, Grateful To Jesus will help us to come a little more closer to Jesus.

[John Aguiar, who wrote the lyrics]

(First appeared on Gomantak Times dated 22.03.2010)

Sidhanath Buyao can be contacted at:
Buyao Theatres Goem,
1761, Gogol, Fatorda,
Goa - 403 601, India.
email: subuyao@gmail.com
subuyao at gmail.com

As forwarded to www.goa-world.com.

FR. NIXON D'SILVA: ON A HIGH NOTE

2010-03-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

FR. NIXON D'SILVA: ON A HIGH NOTE

He has established a Music School in Curchorem and has four albums under his belt. He was recently felicitated by Dalgado Konknni Akademi at the Dusrem Konknni (Romi Lipi) Sahit’ya & Sonvskruti Sommelon for his contribution to music. Walter Menezes catches up with Fr. Nixon D’Silva, Director of Fr. Agnel’s School of Music & Performing Art.

After fifteen long years of formation in the seminary when he finally said Yes to Jesus in 2000, the theme on his ordination day was: Make me a sweet melody, O Lord!

And ever since that day, for Fr. Nixon D’Silva, a young priest from Navelim of the Society of Pilar, life has been precisely that: a sweet melody! In 2003, he released his first album, Shirya Laira at the 3rd Asian Youth Day in Bangalore and three years later followed it up with his second offering, Francis, A Man In A Hurry.

‘Shirya Laira is all about praise and worship and reflections of one’s own life while Francis, A Man In A Hurry, is on the life of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of our society. Laced with commentaries, this album is the product of a play we had staged during the Exposition in 2004,’ Fr. Nixon informed.

Second album apart, 2006 is one year Fr. Nixon would always remember. Hand-picked by the Goa Province to head a mission of a different kind altogether, he packed his few belongings and, with his violin and his guitar in tow, headed down south and on September 4, 2006 established Fr. Agnel’s School of Music & Performing Arts in Curchorem.

‘Yes, I had my doubts when I set forth,’ he confided. ‘But they soon vanished. In the first year, I was amazed at the response. We had 140 students on our rolls! Today we have around 150 students learning violin, keyboards, guitar and drums. Some of the parents who accompany their children have joined in too. Rather than sitting out, waiting for their kids to finish, these parents are making optimum use of their spare time,’ he added.

Today, the school attracts students of all communities not only from Curchorem but from other places like Rivona, Tilamol, Kepem, Assolda and Sanguem. Classes are held in the evenings from three to six and the school assisted by six dedicated teachers, follow the Trinity College syllabus. Fr. Nixon is all praise for the students who learn the intricacies of the instruments in temporary premises located at Kakoda.

‘Music schools require a different set of classes and I feel for my students who work very hard, ignoring the difficulties they face because of classroom constrains. My superiors are seized of the matter and we may soon have a school building of our own,’ Fr. Nixon disclosed.

[Fr. Nixon being felicitated by Curchorem MLA, Shyam Saterdekar]

If the fruits of hard work are any indicator, then Fr. Agnel’s School of Music & Performing Arts has plenty of them in its kitty. Three of its students who represented their respective schools won prizes at the Talent Search Contest organized by Department of Art and Culture, Govt. of Goa, under the ‘violin’ category. At the Trinity College of Music exams also, the school has been consistently securing cent percent results since inception. Valerie Mascarenhas (2007) and Clint Fernandes (2008) topped the Trinity College results in Goa under Grade I Violin and Grade II Violin respectively while last year, Anjos Joseph just missed by a whisker to be on top under Grade II Keyboards. Elsewhere, the students are already proving to be valuable assets in the choirs and annual gatherings of their respective parishes and schools.

Fr. Nixon admits that there are no takers for the blowing instruments. When asked what could be the reason, he said, ‘Students have this wrong notion that blowing instruments are only meant for funerals and feasts. They do not know the depth of these instruments or the wonders they can work upon them. We have to change their mindset. This will take some time. Besides, nowadays we hardly see any commercial band making use of these blowing instruments. How will our children be inspired to use them?’

Perhaps this explains why Fr. Nixon invited Goa’s celebrated musician, Braz Gonsalves to perform at the First Annual Day of the school. Braz mesmerized an entire audience on his soprano sax but for the students and their parents, blowing instruments are yet to catch their fancy and their attention.

At the Third Annual Day to be held on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at Ravindra Bhavan, Curchorem, Fr. Nixon plans to introduce Goff, a Goan folk dance before the audience and then follow it up by making folk dances a part of the curriculum too from next year onwards.

[The students and teachers of Music School]
When I caught up with Fr. Nixon last week, a group of his students were busy rehearsing the Goff as they moved in and out of the circle, conscious of the design their saffron and white sheets of cloths were forming above them, while simultaneously dancing to the strains of chandr udela, go baye....Nandager aiz babu zala…aaz nach nachum-ia, goff ami khellum-ia…chandr udela..

Unlike the title of his second album, Fr. Nixon is a man who is never in a hurry, not where music is concerned. Strong in composition and production, he sits down to compose only when he is in the ‘flow’ or feels strongly ‘inspired’. ‘Everything comes from Him. It is His Spirit which inspires me. Sometimes I marvel. Is this from me? I ask,’ he told me with a humble heart.

In the thick and thin of establishing a new school in 2006, Fr. Nixon also released another album, this time in Konkani, Somudai Zai a compilation of basic Christian community songs to be sung during the meetings. Last year, at the Annual Day, Pilar Fathers Production brought out his fourth album, Where Can I Go, Lord?

‘This album is based on scriptures and the title song, Where Can I Go, Lord? literally became my passport for a performance in Dubai last October. Ellison Fernandes, a NRI Goan of Siolim had picked up my album in Mapusa and so touched was he by my song that Country Cousins, an organization he is intimately associated with in Dubai, arranged my trip. Alexyz, Goa’s famous cartoonist was also invited,’ Fr. Nixon informed.

When asked what it is that attracts so many young – and old – students to Fr. Agnel’s School of Music & Performing Arts, Fr. Nixon told me that there is no mantra. ‘On the first day of school, every year, I make it a point to show them a small power-point presentation of Tony Melendez (Toe Jam) of Nicaragua who has no arms but still plays the guitar with his feet. At the end of the presentation, I tell my students: If a man who has no arms can play so well, what about us, we who have hands as well?’

I did not ask Fr. Nixon about the response of his students. But I am sure it would be something like this: Yes, we can. Yes, we will!

[Note: Fr. Agnel's School of Music & Permorming Arts, Curchorem, a school which Fr. Nixon D'Silva established, is celebrating its Annual Day on Sunday, 7th March 2010.
An edited version of this article appears on Gomantak Times today, ie 06.03.2010. Goa-world.com team wishes Fr. Nixon D'Silva, the students and teachers all the very best on the occasion of its Annual Day]

6/03/2010
www.goa-world.com

LYRICS OF LOSS AND LONGING - A preview of Apurbayecho Kunvor

2010-01-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

LYRICS OF LOSS AND LONGING

A preview of Apurbayecho Kunvor, Dr Francisco Colaço’s tribute to his departed son.

By Walter Menezes

He was bestowed with exceptional qualities of head and heart. Gentle, kind and humble, he was always full of compassion for the poor and the needy.

All through his school days at Loyola’s, Margao, he remained steadily focused on his goal. Two years in Chowgule College thereafter, when the doors of Goa Medical College opened up for him, he knew he would one day follow in his father’s footsteps.

But God sometimes has other plans…

After three consecutive night-duties in his first year post-graduation residency in Medicine, he was returning home on his motor-bike when the two-wheeler skidded at Kesarval and he suffered multiple head injuries.

A week later, on 17.11.1996, his ‘wheel of life’ stopped.

Melvin Pablo Colaço returned to the Lord!

The death of his bábá in the prime of his life left a horrible hollow in Dr Francisco Colaço’s heart. He was shattered. And so were Fernanda, his wife and Elaine and Anabelle, his daughters.

Losing a son around whom our lives - and our dreams - are built and centered is never easy. It was not easy for Dr Colaço, either. In a touching article on GT last year, he wrote of those final moments of Melvin’s journey on earth, ‘Friends, relatives and admirers, who had smiled and laughed with him yesterday but never thought he would say goodbye so prematurely - dutifully and heartbroken - came to be now his gentle pall-bearers. I vividly remember the awful empty feeling in the pit of my stomach when his casket was being lowered into the grave. The thoughts of ending my own life were uppermost in my mind, as friends and loved ones jostled to pull us – his inconsolable parents and his two sisters – away from the graveside.’

Time, sometimes, does not heal all wounds. As Dr Colaço confesses, ‘years of depression and sleepless nights followed…sometimes waking up early morning, and for just a blessed split second, thinking that everything was just like before.’

Thirteen years since that tragic night, Dr Francisco Colaço has been bravely carrying his cross, immersing himself in his Echocardiography & Ultrasound Centre at Margao, contributing articles to local newspapers and lending his voice in support of various social issues at public forums.

But when the day is done or when there is a pause and a quiet moment, through the cold recesses of time and tide, Melvin returns: sometimes as a star, shining brightly in the sky and sometimes like a prince from the fairy tale.

Dr Francisco Colaço’s VCD, Apurbayecho Kunvor (Beloved Prince), to be released on 29.12.2009 at Daddy’s Home Auditorium, Gogol, Margao, is in essence not only a tribute from a father to his departed son but is also a mirror of the special bond that existed between them and the lasting love residing in the secret chambers of his heart.

A great musician and singer, Dr Colaço’s lyrics, set to memorable music by Daryl Rodrigues and Tony Fernandes with Braz Gonsalves on the soprano sax, are sure to tug your soul-strings, long after the track is over.

There is an unusual prelude to the title song, the appearance of a prince on a white horse. There is anguish and pain, Dr Colaço’s voice choked with emotions, as he begins:

Kunvor kannyentlo
Dhovea ghoddear bosun dislolo
Sopon nhoi mhunn
Konn mhaka sangtolo

(The prince from the story
I see him, there he was
Riding on a white horse
Oh! Will someone tell me but
That a dream it was not?)

Dr Colaço then wakes up from his dream and he knows that even as he relives the memories of his son, kalliz kitlem doyall / utor kitlem mogall (how kind was your heart / how sweet your word), he must rise and face the world. Again and again. In moments such as these, he turns to his Lord and asks:

Di Dhonia mhaka
Alaxiro thoddo
Zodd zal’lo sonvsar
Korunk fuddo

(Grant me, Oh! Lord
Some comfort I pray
My world is burdened
Help me to face the day)

The deepest thoughts, the fullest emotions of loss and longing find their outlet in the words and voice of Dr Francisco Colaço in Apurbayecho Kunvor. The tribute and the track will leave you with tears in your eyes!

(This article first appeared on the Gomantak Times (Goa) - English newspaper
dated 22.12.2009)

Link article:
http://tiatracademy.blogspot.com/2009/12/apurbayecho-kunvor-touching-tribute-to.html
http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/gulf-goans/
[Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter (since 1994)]
Posted by Goa-World.COM

Out of My Mind - Gomantak Times / 2nd November 2009

2009-11-02T06:31:00.001-08:00

As published in the Gomantak Times of 2nd Nov. 2009

GOA’S RETIRED TARVOTTI: LIVING ON THE SHORES OF HOPE

2009-10-08T00:07:00.000-07:00

(As published in the Gomantak Times dated 23.09.2009)

A delegation of Goan Seamen Association led by their president J S D’Silva called on Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik at his residence at Margao recently, demanding that seamen who work onboard ships sacrificing their family life working in harsh conditions with total dedication be paid monthly pension of reasonable amount to lead a decent life upon their retirement.
Water Resources Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues was also present on the occasion.
Other members of the delegation included its general secretary Ivor D’Souza and treasurer Ifrone Dias.

A related article which appeared earlier on GT…

[Retired seafarers at the meet]

GOA’S RETIRED TARVOTTI:
LIVING ON THE SHORES OF HOPE

Two years ago, at a meeting at NUSI Maritime Academy, Assolna, Abdulgani Serang, General Secretary of NUSI had assured Goa’s retired seafarers that their Monthly Ex-gratia Monetary Assisitance of Rs. 200/- would be enhanced to Rs. 1500/-. That promise is yet to be fulfilled.

WALTER MENEZES attends a meet in Quepem and finds the likes of Pepino D’Silva of Assolna and Ivor D’Souza of Cansaulim stepping up efforts to seek redressal of a long pending grievance.

Date: September 03, 2009
Place: Parish Youth Hall, Holy Cross Churh, Quepem

They who once braved the seas for months together and worked in hostile conditions, braved the inclement weather and made their presence felt at the meeting convened in Quepem to demand enhancement in the Monthly Ex-gratia Monetary Assistance (MEMA) being paid to retired seafarers and widows of deceased seamen. After Assolna and Cuncolim, this was the third meeting to be organised and evoked good response. MEMA is one of the schemes of the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society headed by the Director General of Shipping and whose initial corpus was formed by way of wage differential (between the international wage and Indian wage) received from foreign shipowners for seafarers.

“We organised the meeting at short notice. However, over 100 retired seafarers and widows of deceased seamen attended the meeting. A few came from as far as Canacona and Macazana,” said Evangelisto D’Costa, a former tarvotti who provided the ground support for the Quepem meet and alongwith Erone Fernandes, made all the arrangements. The meeting which was addressed, among others, by Ivor D’Souza, who is also the President of A R Souza Ferrao Cultural & Charitable Trust, Urselino Almeida, former Assistant Secretary, National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) and Pepino D’Silva, was also attended by a few young and active seafarers.

(Pepino D'Silva addressing meet)

“Our first goal is to demand enhancement of MEMA from a paltry Rs. 200/- to Rs. 5000/- even as we seek to organise our tarvotti brothers under the umbrella of All Goa Seamen’s Association (AGSA),” Ivor informed but hastened to add that this was in no way an attempt to float a separate union. For the time being, his office at Grande Madel, Margao will double up as the temporary hub of AGSA activities, he also announced.

In the absence of a regular pension, life has been a hard grind for many retired seafarers. Being the only bread winners, most of the money that was earned during their service onboard various vessels was utilised for the upkeep of the family back home and what little was invested, was not invested wisely. “There are instances of abject poverty where, upon the death of a seafarer, there was no money to even buy a coffin. Finally, the panchayat had to come to the rescue to make arrangements for the final journey,” Steven Dias, an elderly seaman from St. Estevam, now settled in Majorda, disclosed.

“We have never really organised ourselves,” lamented Joaquim Fernandes, a seafarer from Sonarbhat, Quepem who has recently retired. Juzinho Colaço, another retired tarvotti from Condy, Quepem told this writer, “After sign-off, most of us Goans head straight home and do not take any interest in the affairs of NUSI. If we had, there would have been a pension scheme to cover us in our old age.”

This perhaps explains why many consider MEMA to be a pension scheme, which it is not. “There is no communication from the union to the members,” Ivor reminded the gathering, as a result of which seafarers were in the dark of any developments taking place or the launch of new welfare schemes for their benefit. The NUSI website www.nusi.org.in too needs to be improved. No finer details of the schemes of Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society are available on their website although mention is made of educational institutions, health centers and recreational facilities established by NUSI.

Interestingly, NUSI has evolved into the kind of organization it is today out of the efforts of a few sailors, whose names are no longer available, who established Goa Portuguese Seamen's Club way back in 1896, as also Khansaheb Mohamed Ebrahim Serang and Dr. Leo Barnes who fought for the betterment of the seafarers of India.

A random google-search for ‘monthly ex-gratia’ led me to discover that apart from MEMA, a few other schemes are also available to the retired seafarers under the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund (see box).

Gist of Welfare Schemes
• Monthly Ex-gratia Monetary Assistance (MEMA) amounting to Rs.1,200/- on half yearly basis to the foreign going registered seamen and / or to eligible dependents.
• Adhoc Ex-gratia Financial Assistance to widows of Foreign going seamen @ Rs. 5,000/- and Rs. 3,000/- to a widow of Home Trade seaman.
• Educational Scholarship to children, dependent brother / sister of the serving seamen and to children / dependent of the beneficiary under Monthly Ex-gratia Assistance.
• Exgratia Assistance @ Rs.40,000/- on death to the widows / dependents of deceased foreign going registered seamen while off articled period.
• Gratuity payments to seamen / dependents after retirement.

So, what is the next step? “The enhancement in the MEMA scheme will not come easily. We will have to do a lot of spade work,” Ivor informed. In the coming days, representations highlighting the plight of retired seafarers will be placed before the MPs from Goa, officials in the Ministry of Shipping and the PMO, he disclosed. “Two years ago, during a meeting convened by Churchill Alemao and held at the NUSI Maritime Academy, Assolna, Abdulgani Serang, General Secretary, NUSI had assured that the ex-gratia amount would be enhanced to Rs. 1500/-,” Evangelisto D’Costa recollected. That promise is yet to be fulfilled.

In the meantime, for hundreds of retired seafarers and widows of deceased seamen, life means living on the shores of hope!

_________________________________________

Cartoons - by Walter Menezes

2009-10-06T04:20:00.000-07:00

STAR STRUMMER TONY GOMES

2009-09-24T00:59:00.000-07:00

STAR STRUMMER

The first musician to play the electric guitar in Hindi films, Goa’s Tony Gomes also introduced Mohammad Rafi and Usha Iyer Uttup to sing Konkani songs for Chris Perry’s compositions. A spotlight on a star which shone brightly, once upon a time.

By: Walter Menezes
(First appeared on Gomantak Times dated 23 Sept 2009)

In the good old days, almost every church in Goa had its very own choirmaster. While the padri (priest) taught lasting values of life, the mestri (choirmaster) initiated the youngsters to discover the symbols of solfam (notes) and the magic of music. For many, the music school became the springboard to catapult them to fame and an illustrious career. Antonio Piedade Gomes of Vhoddlem-Bhatt, Quepem is one such Goan who worked with some of the best known music directors of Hindi cinema during his time.

[A still from Konkani film, Nirmonn]

Born in 1922, ‘Tony’ Gomes received his ‘early lessons’ from Caetano Philip Dias, the mestri of Quepem church and his seafaring father thought it best to send his ‘exceptionally gifted’ son to Bombay when still young. ‘By the time I joined the music escola, Tony was already out of it,’ Andre Bibiano Furtado of Quepem, who will turn 85 this December, told us. ‘Much later, when I used to work for Mazagon Dock, I would join my friends at Bastanis for a cup of chai almost every Sunday. They would all talk so much about Tony Gomes. He lived in Wellington Terrace (in Dhobitalao) nearby,’ Furtado filled in with more details.

[Tony Gomes (seated, third from left) with his Rhythm Raiders.]

Introduced to the film studios by Fr. Aurelius Maschio, SDB, then principal of Don Bosco School, Matunga, where he studied and also fine-tuned his skills and mastered the violin and the guitar, Tony Gomes had his own band during the ‘big band era’ of Bombay (now Mumbai), Tony Gomes and his Rhythm Raiders (which was later christened as Tony Gomes and his Dance Band). His band was a regular sight at many parties and dances and they played at the New Year’s Eve Ball of the Indian Navy practically every year in the 60’s and early 70’s.

A long time member of Cine Musicians’ Association, Tony Gomes was equally at ease with the Hawaiian guitar and the Spanish guitar and played for Ravi, Shankar Jaikishan, O P Nayyar, Laxmikant Payarelal, S D Burman, R D Burman, Hemant Kumar and V Shantaram. He was also instrumental in introducing Mohammad Rafi and Usha Iyer Uttup to sing Konkani songs for Chris Perry’s compositions.

[Mrs Indira Gandhi, Raj Kapoor and Tony Gomes (from family album]

In the maiden issue of Konkan Entertainment covering ‘50 Years of Konkani Cinema’ and dedicated to Al Jerry Braganza, the Father of Konkani Cinema, Andrew Greno Viegas, the magazine’s editor (and researcher, too) makes a mention of Anthony Gomes as the first musician ‘to play the electric guitar in Hindi films’.

‘Chic Chocolate, who was called as the Harry James of India, Tony Gomes, Antonio Sequeira (who later taught music at Kala Akademi) and Johnny Rodrigues were in a class of their own,’ John Claro, playwright of the Purtugez Kolvont fame informed us. Himself a Quepemkar, John Claro who was working for Norwich Union before its subsequent merger with Life Insurance Corporation of India recounted, ‘I remember doing an article, somewhere in 1950, lauding the efforts of my fellow Quepemcares, Tony Gomes and Antonio Sequeira in the city of Bombay. It was published on Chabuk, the bilingual weekly in Konkani and English which was then edited by L M Henry D’Souza.’

‘Musicians would practice for days together before the recording. Persons passing by Wellington Terrace (residential colony) would at once know if Gomes was practicing. His music was unique,’ John Claro said, speaking of the high standards that this musician had set for himself.

‘He was exceptional,’ confirmed Abdonio Rodrigues, Goa’s famous drummer when we met him at his Curchorem residence at the foot of the Guardian Angel Church hillock. The sun had set and night was sneaking in. Soon the church bell tolled and it was time for aimori (angelus). ‘He was much sought-after by the music directors of Hindi films,’ he added after the prayers were over.

‘So much was happening in Bombay during those days. We musicians were very much in demand,’ Abdonio told us after we showed him a clip from Frank Fernand’s Konkani movie Nirmonn, where the camera zeroes in on Tony Gomes, focusing on the speed with which his deft fingers glide along the neck of the guitar, playing a passage of ‘dense’ music as in a cadenza, during the unforgettable Nach Atanche song. Abdonio, who played the drums for the movie recalled, ‘This was shot in Mehbooba Studio in Bandra.’ Tony Gomes can also be seen on the violin in the opening song in the film, Amchem Noxib.

Incidentally, Nirmonn was remade in Hindi as Taqdeer and was also dubbed in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese and Oriya.

‘He had a long way to go and would have been one of the finest guitarists Bollywood has ever seen,’ Ivor Gomes said, speaking about his paternal uncle and then added, ‘but he died in 1974, when he was only 52!’

Sometimes, life is as sweet, and as brief, as a melody. That’s what Tony Gomes, the star strummer would have told us had he been alive today!

(With inputs by: Tony Gomes’ daughters, Bernadette D’Souza, attorney, New Orleans and Nancy Paes, University of New Orleans and his sister, Luciana Gomes e Fernandes.)

Check this link www.youtube.com/?v=OfIaOEAn7bA
For the song Nach Atanche from the film Nirmonn
TONY GOMES: Born / 11.04.1922 Died / 27.09.1974

STAR STRUMMER TONY GOMES

2009-09-24T00:55:00.000-07:00

STAR STRUMMER

The first musician to play the electric guitar in Hindi films, Goa’s Tony Gomes also introduced Mohammad Rafi and Usha Iyer Uttup to sing Konkani songs for Chris Perry’s compositions. A spotlight on a star which shone brightly, once upon a time.

By: Walter Menezes

(first appeared on Gomantak Times dated 23 Sept 2009)

In the good old days, almost every church in Goa had its very own choirmaster. While the padri (priest) taught lasting values of life, the mestri (choirmaster) initiated the youngsters to discover the symbols of solfam (notes) and the magic of music. For many, the music school became the springboard to catapult them to fame and an illustrious career. Antonio Piedade Gomes of Vhoddlem-Bhatt, Quepem is one such Goan who worked with some of the best known music directors of Hindi cinema during his time.

Born in 1922, ‘Tony’ Gomes received his ‘early lessons’ from Caetano Philip Dias, the mestri of Quepem church and his seafaring father thought it best to send his ‘exceptionally gifted’ son to Bombay when still young. ‘By the time I joined the music escola, Tony was already out of it,’ Andre Bibiano Furtado of Quepem, who will turn 85 this December, told us. ‘Much later, when I used to work for Mazagon Dock, I would join my friends at Bastanis for a cup of chai almost every Sunday. They would all talk so much about Tony Gomes. He lived in Wellington Terrace (in Dhobitalao) nearby,’ Furtado filled in with more details.

Introduced to the film studios by Fr. Aurelius Maschio, SDB, then principal of Don Bosco School, Matunga, where he studied and also fine-tuned his skills and mastered the violin and the guitar, Tony Gomes had his own band during the ‘big band era’ of Bombay (now Mumbai), Tony Gomes and his Rhythm Raiders (which was later christened as Tony Gomes and his Dance Band). His band was a regular sight at many parties and dances and they played at the New Year’s Eve Ball of the Indian Navy practically every year in the 60’s and early 70’s.

A long time member of Cine Musicians’ Association, Tony Gomes was equally at ease with the Hawaiian guitar and the Spanish guitar and played for Ravi, Shankar Jaikishan, O P Nayyar, Laxmikant Payarelal, S D Burman, R D Burman, Hemant Kumar and V Shantaram. He was also instrumental in introducing Mohammad Rafi and Usha Iyer Uttup to sing Konkani songs for Chris Perry’s compositions.

In the maiden issue of Konkan Entertainment covering ‘50 Years of Konkani Cinema’ and dedicated to Al Jerry Braganza, the Father of Konkani Cinema, Andrew Greno Viegas, the magazine’s editor (and researcher, too) makes a mention of Anthony Gomes as the first musician ‘to play the electric guitar in Hindi films’.

‘Chic Chocolate, who was called as the Harry James of India, Tony Gomes, Antonio Sequeira (who later taught music at Kala Akademi) and Johnny Rodrigues were in a class of their own,’ John Claro, playwright of the Purtugez Kolvont fame informed us. Himself a Quepemkar, John Claro who was working for Norwich Union before its subsequent merger with Life Insurance Corporation of India recounted, ‘I remember doing an article, somewhere in 1950, lauding the efforts of my fellow Quepemcares, Tony Gomes and Antonio Sequeira in the city of Bombay. It was published on Chabuk, the bilingual weekly in Konkani and English which was then edited by L M Henry D’Souza.’

‘Musicians would practice for days together before the recording. Persons passing by Wellington Terrace (residential colony) would at once know if Gomes was practicing. His music was unique,’ John Claro said, speaking of the high standards that this musician had set for himself.

‘He was exceptional,’ confirmed Abdonio Rodrigues, Goa’s famous drummer when we met him at his Curchorem residence at the foot of the Guardian Angel Church hillock. The sun had set and night was sneaking in. Soon the church bell tolled and it was time for aimori (angelus). ‘He was much sought-after by the music directors of Hindi films,’ he added after the prayers were over.

‘So much was happening in Bombay during those days. We musicians were very much in demand,’ Abdonio told us after we showed him a clip from Frank Fernand’s Konkani movie Nirmonn, where the camera zeroes in on Tony Gomes, focusing on the speed with which his deft fingers glide along the neck of the guitar, playing a passage of ‘dense’ music as in a cadenza, during the unforgettable Nach Atanche song. Abdonio, who played the drums for the movie recalled, ‘This was shot in Mehbooba Studio in Bandra.’ Tony Gomes can also be seen on the violin in the opening song in the film, Amchem Noxib.

Incidentally, Nirmonn was remade in Hindi as Taqdeer and was also dubbed in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese and Oriya.

‘He had a long way to go and would have been one of the finest guitarists Bollywood has ever seen,’ Ivor Gomes said, speaking about his paternal uncle and then added, ‘but he died in 1974, when he was only 52!’

Sometimes, life is as sweet, and as brief, as a melody. That’s what Tony Gomes, the star strummer would have told us had he been alive today!

(With inputs by: Tony Gomes’ daughters, Bernadette D’Souza, attorney, New Orleans and Nancy Paes, University of New Orleans and his sister, Luciana Gomes e Fernandes.)

END OF ARTICLE

Check this link www.youtube.com/?v=OfIaOEAn7bA
For the song Nach Atanche from the film Nirmonn
TONY GOMES: Born / 11.04.1922 Died / 27.09.1974

Pic 1: Mrs Indira Gandhi, Raj Kapoor and Tony Gomes (from family album, occasion not known)
Pic 2: Tony Gomes (seated, third from left) with his Rhythm Raiders.
Pic 3: A still from Konkani film, Nirmonn

DOMNIC COLACO - LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW(MAN) !

2009-08-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW(MAN)!

- By: Walter Menezes

Domnic Colaco of Quepem, once a musician and now a sound-and-light expert, shares his moments and gives some ‘sound advice’ about churches and the new plan for Quepem Church.

Many all over the globe consider 13 to be unlucky. But for Domnic Colaco, Consultant and Production Manager of Talentz Centre LLC, Muscat, a company which deals in sound systems and stage lights and effects, it was just the opposite.

{The Man and The Machine].

On board Fr. Peter’s Opera
“When I was 13, I had my first big break. I was part of Rev. Fr. Peter Cardozo’s acclaimed opera, Padr Agnel, Onod Gõycho. I even sang solo in the audio album. I think there were no recording facilities here in Goa at that time and so the entire group traveled to Mumbai in a specially-chartered Paulo bus. The album was recorded at Western Outdoor Studios at Flora Fountain,” said Domnic, speaking about the good tidings age-13 brought his way.

Being a boarder of Fr.Agnel Niketan, Pilar at that time, had its own advantages. Pilar Music School was nearby and this lad from Quepem was soon learning drums and guitar from his India-fame gurus, Assumption and Domnic. After Pilar and while in college, Domnic was part of the local bands, Ivorians (1984) and Crusaders (1987), doing the vocals and playing the lead guitar and at other times the rhythm as well.

Two local bands and five years later, thanks to Mr.Edwin Fernandes, the famous lead guitarist from Per Seraulim, Domnic landed in Delhi playing for Anamika Sood & The Temptations, first at Ashoka Hotel and then at Le Meridien on Janpath Road.
“Anamika Sood was Delhi’s great pop singer. She was equally at ease with English, Hindi and Punjabi songs,” Domnic recalled of his heady days in the country’s capital.

From Delhi to Muscat
But in May 1992, Domnic left the Indian shores and found himself in Muscat working for Photocentre, a company similar to Talentz, which handled corporate events, concerts and fashion shows. “It was Valerio Jorge, then Audio Engineer with Photocentre, who took me to Oman. I am grateful to him.” When asked if the up-on-stage to behind-the-scenes job was a difficult transition, he confided, “Music was, and still is, my passion. But there are other things one has to think of. Like financial stability and your family.”

“Since 2002, I am with Talentz. But in 2006, I had the privilege of briefly working as Asst. Audio Visual Manager at Abu Dhabi Emirates Palace. Not many, I think, get an opportunity to be there,” he told me with a certain pride.

The James Blunt show
Talentz Centre LLC is a big name in the Sultanate of Oman. In February this year, it was Talentz who provided the sound, lighting and trussing system for the James Blunt Live show in Muscat. “Held at Muscat Intercontinental Hotel Lawns, the concert was attended by over 4000 fans and was an instant hit. The Dynacord-cobra4 line array system was a perfect match and yes…James Blunt did sing, You Are Beautiful!” he added.

{With support team of James Blunt show, extreme right, front row}

[James Blunt show poster]

Talentz, incidentally, have recently bagged the contract for ‘sound installation’ of Sohar Church in Muscat. “Earlier, our company did the complete sound arrangements for Protestant Church of Oman (PCO) in Ruwi as well as Ghala. We used ‘centre cluster system from electro-voice-speakers’ for PCO, built to accommodate over 300 parishioners,” Domnic elaborated about his company’s connect with churches.

{PCO Oman}

And while on the subject of churches, I must disclose that when I caught up with Domnic Colaco at his residence near the Kepem Garden on a rainy day when his ‘holiday’ was almost coming to an end, I came upon an unexpected guest at his dining table: Ivor Gomes, the young architect who has designed a new plan for Quepem Church, extending it while at the same time ‘saving’ the old heritage structure. (See Features, GT dated 04.07.2009)

‘Sound’ Footings for Quepem Church
Both Domnic and Ivor were animatedly going through the ‘sound arrangements’ of the new plan. “This is an amazing design. Once built, it will become an example for others to follow. Ivor deserves full marks,” Domnic exclaimed as Ivor guided him through the various aspects of the plan on his laptop.

“We can incorporate the modern technology of sound used in amphitheatres in this church. We even have the software to model the acoustic space and placement of sound system. If this plan is approved, I will surely co-ordinate with Ivor through the internet on a regular basis and assist him with whatever expertise I have in this field,” he said extending his fullest support.

When asked why, like Ivor, he would do all this without being asked, he said, “Quepem and Quepem Church means a lot to me. This is where we grew up and this is the least we can do for our place and our church!”

Domnic (and Ivor), may your tribe increase!

(This article first appeared on Gomantak Times dated July 29, 2009.)

Link articles to Quepem Church - by Walter Menezes
http://waltermenezes.blogspot.com/2009/07/quepem-church-part-one-by-walter.html
http://waltermenezes.blogspot.com/2009/07/quepem-church-part-two-by-walter.html

The author of this article, Walter Menezes,
can be contacted at walter_menezes@yahoo.com.

walter menezesGoeant Konkani Romi Lipi Khoimche Suvater?

2009-07-26T05:02:00.001-07:00

Goeant Konkani Romi Lipi Khoimche Suvater?

Ganv-bhoin Brenda Menezes hachi 'one-act plays in Konkani' hem pustok Goa
Konkani Academy hanchea asrea-khal porgott zala tem vachun jivak khos bhogli.
Mhojim un-unit porbhim bai Brendak, tachea hea molladik vaurak.

Ojeap dista bai Brenda-n, hem pustok Romi Lipin-n kaddinastanm Nagri Lipi-n
porgott kelem tem polloun. Ho mhuzo ek xinn koso taka, zalear ho ek amkam Romi
boroiteleank okmann koso zaun asa. Goeant aiz Romi Lipi-k mannacho dhorzo favo
korunk nam. Anim dista Goa Konkani Academy aiz Romi lipik bhed-bhav korta xi,
anim dista Academy fokot Nagrik tenko dita xi.

Hi Romi anim Nagri lipimchi dusmankai, kednam punn nopoit zait ghai? Kiteak
azun passun donui lipi-nk ek sarkho dhorzo kiteak favo zaunk nam? Unnench
mhollear aiz ponchvis vorsam odhik torui zalim, him lipink lagon Goeant
dusmankai cholta.

Mhojea bhurgea ponnar anvem zaitinch borovpam keleat, Goeant anim Bombaim
porgott zatelea soglea potramcher anim masikamcher punn soglim mat Romi lipin.
Punn aiz ponchvis vorsam odhik somplim punn azun Romi-chem kestanv azun jivem
assa tem polloun ojeap dista.

Zorui tor bai Brenda-n hench pustok Romi lipi-n porgott kelelem zalear koslem
unnem ponn aslem ghai? Nagri-n boroilem pustok Romi vachpeanchea athan
zobor-xem poddonam anim ugttea ponnim anv sangtam, anvui Nagri vachinam, karann
bhurgeaponnim thaun anv Romichi boroin anim vachun ailam. Romi-n boroilelim
pustokam aiz pordhesant vetele Goemkar mogan ghetat, vachtat anim pordhesan
vhortat. Nam zalear polle adle amche Konkani Romi boroinar zoxe porim
Romanxincho raza Reginald Fernandes, Joao Inacio de Souza, Bonaventuro Pietro
anim adi. Adle Tarvotti bhav tarvar vechea adim Reginald Fernandes-achi romanx
ghetlea bhogor tarvar vochonaslo. Aplo vell kitem torui mogan vachun sartolo
mhunn anim tenvui zalear amche Konkani Romi lipin.

Urbha mhaka bhogta polloun amchea tiatrist bhav-bhoineank, je dis-rat Romi
lipichi seva kortat ti polloun. Osoch ho Konknnicho anim Romi lipicho bhavtto
tumi unch dourunk mhuzo anvddo anim otreag zaun asat. Xabaski tumkam,
tiatrist bhav-bhoineank, Romi lipi tume azun jivi dourunk vaur kortat dekhun.

Khoim pavli amchi Konkani Romi lipi? Kiteak tika khas apleach putam-dhuvanim
pois dovorlea? Anim kednam Romi lipik favo to mhannacho zago mellot ghai?

Konknnicho Romi Borovpi,
Miguel Barreto, Kepem-USA

Date: Sun, 7 Oct 2007 02:40:02 -0700
Subject: BOOK ON HUMOROUS KONKANI PLAYS

To: goanet@lists.goanet.org

Book on humorous Konkani plays
by J P Pereira

‘Natt Yangann’ is a collection of humorous one-act plays in Konkani, written by Brenda Menezes and published by Cindy Publications, Quepem through the sponsorship of Goa Konkani Academy. The book comprises of five plays, written in a simple yet delightful language that is normally used everyday.The first play titled ‘Eka Lognak Sotra Vidhna,’ narrates the tale of an elderly spinster who refuses all proposals
and when she finally accepts one, other hurdles crop up. ‘Aai Bhandavelean
Dhanvli’ is about a mother, her naughty kids and a ‘good for nothing’
husband. Frustrated at not being able to control the misdeeds of her family,
she contemplates suicide... In ‘Hantrun Polleun Paim Soddunk Zai,’ a poor
peon, in an office, is under great tension. His sister-in-law is getting
married, his children want new clothes, and his wife wants to buy an
expensive gift and he has no money! ‘Eleisanv’ tells about corrupt
politicians and the new candidates who also will become corrupt while the
last play, ‘Aplem Thoddem Chintchem Papia’ warns a retiring employee to save
the terminal benefits or face the consequences.

Written in the Devnagiri script by a lady who was weaned in Konkani from her childhood by her parents and uncles, especially a maternal uncle who won laurels for his poetry, the five plays make for great reading. Besides the humour that is present, there is also a message in each play. The book would be a great buy for
individuals and schools, which could perform the beautiful plays for variety
entertainment programmes and annual days.

With great support and encouragement from her husband, Walter Menezes, who is also a writer, Brenda will continue writing more plays. Maybe someday, the lady will write a full-fledged Konkani drama.

All the best to Brenda, keep on writing.

http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=092951>>>>>>

Sanny de Quepem

Konkani Kovita "SOPON"

2009-07-26T03:55:00.001-07:00

S O P O N

Tujea mona deger
Goribsannichim lharam mhojim
Tujea dolleani udelim
Tujea kallza vonttir
Koixttanchim chitram mhojim
Tujea vonttar ful'lim
Eksurim gitam mhojim....

Sopnant mhojea hanslom hanv
Koddu he jinnent mhoje
Eksuro naslom hanv

Ponn fantoddechea hanxea borobor
Jedna uttlom hanv
Tedna..... tedna
Mhojea dolleant mhojich dukham
Mhoje eksure jinnent
Mhojich eksurim gitam.

Walter Menezes
Kepem
(GULAB - Otubr 1987 - Pan 35)

Quepem-based Walter Menezes has been working to promote the tiny Konkani language for a long time now. Some of his experiences.
http://fredericknoronha.wordpress.com/2008/12/24/697/

COLLECTION OF KONKANI BOOKS TITLES.....

2009-07-23T01:17:00.000-07:00

COLLECTION OF KONKANI BOOKS.....

Contact Fausto V. Da Costa at email fausto@vsnl.net

HANSAT GAYAT NACHAT (R)
- by Pratap Naik, S.J.
It contains lyrics of Konknni nursery and children’s songs in Roman script, found in Hansun Khellun Gavum-ia Vol. 1 and 2 audio cassettes and CDs. pp. 52.
Year published: 2007 Price: Rs. 20/-

Him Konkani Pustokam tumchea nodren hadpak Walter Menezes hancho sohokar asa
teach porrim TSKK (Fr. Pratap Naik, Fausto V. Da Costa, Micheal Gonsalves, Micheal Gracias, adi.)
Amchea kherit dinvas.

gaspar almeida
www.goa-world.com
Kuwait>
http://www.goa-world.com/GOA/music/live.htm

Fausto’s FUTT: Vintage Wine!

2009-07-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

Fausto’s FUTT: Vintage Wine!

Review of Fausto V. Da Costa’s award-winning Konknni play, Futt (the crack), in audio CD and book-form.

By: Walter Menezes

A week ago, I came across a collector’s item(s): the audio CD and the book in Romi script of Fausto V. Da Costa’s award-winning Konknni play, Futt (the crack).

The play immediately took me down memory lane. Some twenty-five summers ago, when one had to ‘book’ a Bajaj scooter and then wait for ages for your turn to come, the public transport was the best way to travel, especially the mini-buses, famous then as they are now, for the music that they played to make the journey comfortable. Futt, I still remember, was quite a hit those days and I must admit that I must have heard the play a number of times as I commuted to work from Kepem to Sanguem, a 15 km stretch with a long break at Curchorem, the mini-bus staying put till another one literally pushed it from behind!

The audio CD together with the book makes an excellent combination. A one-act play in the beginning, Futt was later developed into a full-fledged tiatr and staged for the first time at Patkar Hall in Mumbai in aid of Novem Goem, the Konknni daily in Romi script. Besides Mumbai, this tiatr was also staged in Goa and Pune and by the time Futt was nearing the ‘fifty-shows’ milestone, Faust-bab decided to release the audio cassette of the same. Incidentally, Futt received the ‘Man of the Year Award’ in 1983, instituted by Murli Deora, then President of BRCC(I).

Not many would know that Fausto V. Da Costa, the editor of Gulab, Goa’s popular Konknni monthly magazine in Romi script and The Goan Review, a bi-monthly Konknni-English family magazine, was once a professional tiatr ‘prompter’. Those were the days when the ‘prompter’ was much sought-after, coming as he did to the ‘rescue’ of many a singer and actor on stage. This experience, as also that of acting in a few dramas, held him in good stead. Faust-bab sure knows how to weave a story and keep the listener / reader glued to his seat.

Futt is the story of Hasten who leaves behind the wealth and riches of his father and marries Brenda, daughter of a carpenter and love of his heart. Ten years later when Hasten meets with an accident and is bed-ridden and Brenda goes to work to keep the fires burning, there is another fire which engulfs Hasten: he begins to doubt his wife!

The story takes another twist when Lovina, Hasten’s secretary, ensnares him. Marriage is on the rocks and there comes that moment when Hasten must now decide. Will he divorce his wife for Lovina or will love emerge victorious once again, through the rough and tumble of life? For answers, you will have to either listen to the CD or read the book in tiatr-form.

The dialogues have been carefully scripted. Sample this one when Hasten tells Brenda, “Mhojea papache polasint diamanti asat tachea von ek vorti diamant hea tumchea gorib ghorant asa ani dekhununch hanv sogllem soddun hanga ailam…” (There is this diamond in your humble home which is more precious than all the diamonds in my father’s palace and that is why I have left everything to come here…)

The cast of Wilson Mazarello (Hasten), Sharon Mazarello (Lovina) and others like Xavier Agapito, Bab Peter and Fausto Da Costa have put up a superb performance. But it is Deodita Da Costa as Brenda who really makes a difference. Her voice and the intensity with which she sings some of the cantos (story-related songs between acts), set to music by Babush, makes your heart skip a beat! Not to be missed is Zatam Fugar and Noxibak Roddtam.

We have not seen many tiatrists in recent times putting their scripts in book-form but with the establishment of Tiatr Akademi and a well-known tiatrist like the former speaker of Goa Assembly, Tomazinho Cardozo heading the institution, one hopes that others will soon follow Faust-bab’s footsteps.

And to Fausto V. Da Costa, all I can say is this: On(c)e more! On(c)e more!!

The book:
FUTT
Author and Publisher: Fausto V. Da Costa
Pages: 64
Price: Rs. 30/-

The Audio CD:
FUTT
Story, Dialogues, Lyrics: Fausto V. Da Costa
Music: Babush
Produced by: Dinfa Productions, Mumbai
Price: Rs. 150/-

Available at: (Book) / Goa Konknni Akademi, Panaji, Zito’s, Margao and other outlets. (CD) / Manfa Music, Margao, Goa.

Fausto V. Da Costa can be contact at fausto@vsnl.net

[This review has been published in the Gomantak Times and the writer,
Walter Menezes, can be contacted at walter_menezes@yahoo.com]

http://waltermenezes.blogspot.com/

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HTTP://TIATRACADEMY.BLOGSPOT.COM/

QUEPEM CHURCH - Part One (By Walter Menezes)

2009-07-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

QUEPEM CHURCH

By: Walter Menezes

PART ONE:

DIOCESAN COMMISSION FOR SACRED ART
VOTES FOR HERITAGE

More than 183 X 2 days after the three-instalment article, Quepem Church: 183 not out! Should it be pulled down? appeared on Gomantak Times (see issues dated 8-10 May, 2008), Rev. Fr. Mario Vaz, the Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Quepem made public on May 24, 2009, the findings of the Diocesan Commission for Sacred Art and Heritage. A delegation of the Commission headed by Rev. Fr. Nelson Sequeira had visited the church on a fact-finding mission in the middle of November 2008 and had later submitted its report to the parish priest in January 2009. Fr. Sequeira was accompanied by conservation architect Ketan Nachinolkar, engineer Sylvester Souza and architect Jose Noronha.

But first, a brief background about the church.

The Quepem Church
The Holy Cross Church of Quepem was founded in 1825 by the Cathedral Dean Rev. Jose Paulo da Costa Pereira de Almeida. A chapel in the beginning and filial to the church of Paroda, it was made a parish by provision of 5.2.1833. After repairs the church was re-opened for the worship on 6.7.1889.
Rev. Almeida or ‘Deão’, as he is respectfully known in Quepem even today was born to Faustino da Costa Pereira de Almeida and Margarida Ignacia da Encarnação Netto in the City of Braga in Portugal. He arrived in Goa in 1779 and in 1787 shifted his residence from Old Goa to Quepem and founded a hamlet. He established, at his own expense, a public market, hospital, other facilities and the Church for the benefit of the inhabitants, as inscribed on the pyramidal structure in the churchyard. The Deão died on the 10th of January 1835 and is buried in the Se Cathedral in front of the altar of Nossa Senhora da Dores.

Over a period of time, with the faithful having increased manifold, a move to construct a new church on an adjoining plot was initiated by the then parish priest Rev. Fr. Michael Rebello. The plot in question was however ‘gifted’ by Cabido, trustees of the Deão estate, exclusively for the purpose of constructing a commercial complex. Unlike other churches in Goa, Quepem church has no assets at all and the motive behind the ‘gift’ was to generate the much-needed income for the church. Fr. Rebello’s move, therefore, ran into troubled waters.

Pulse of the People

Last year, from 22nd April to 3rd May, Fr. Vaz, in a fresh attempt, visited each and every ward of the parish to know the ‘pulse’ of the parishioners. In some kind of a referendum, there were three choices before the parishioners: a) should a new church be built at a new site? b) should the old church be demolished and a new church built in its place? and c) should the old church be saved and extensions made?

In the meantime, the GT article was creating ripples in Goa. Fr. Antonio Costa told GT (May 9, 2008): It should be renovated but the original structure, especially the façade, should be kept intact. Heritage activist Percival Noronha was up on his feet. ‘If this church goes down, it will be a big blow to heritage protection in the state,’ he said in another paper (TOI, May 11, 2008).

Margao and Two Churches

Derek Almeida, GT Editor, in a touching editorial (May 28, 2008), against the backdrop of the commencement of restoration work of Telaulim church, wrote, ‘There is something endearing about the churches that dot this tiny state of ours. The elaborate altars painted in gold, the numerous candles, the cherubs, statues, arched windows and wooden roofs are a marvel. These churches have provided material to several writers and photographers and have been the subject of numerous books.’ He further says, ‘Walk into the Holy Spirit Church in Margao and then take a trip to Grace Church, also in Margao and you will begin to appreciate the huge difference between the two.’ The editorial ends up with a message: ‘…the least we can do is think clearly before we sever our architectural links with the past.’

Report of the Commission

And now, for the ‘findings’ of the Diocesan Commission for Sacred Art and Heritage:

• The Commission found the Quepem Church of immense ‘architectural value’ and gave the opinion that the same should be preserved.

The church, by the way, was built during the Rococo period, famous for ‘the conchoidal forms sometimes changing into leaves and the leaves into flames’ (José Pereira, Professor Emeritus, Fordham University, NY, while participating in a symposium on ‘Amchem Goem’ in 2004.)

• The four-tiered altar with a cupola, carved of heavy wood and finished in gold, as also the intricate flooring, should be safeguarded.

• Of the other suggestions made by the Commission, one pertains to the reconstruction of the choir-loft. Such an exercise, the Commission felt, would increase the capacity of the church to accommodate another 150 parishioners.

Relics of the ‘barefooted friar’?

• The Commission also disclosed that in one wall of the nave they found a crypt containing the relics of an important dignitary. The inscription on the wooden lid covering the crypt having worn out, identity of this dignitary has become difficult, the Commission has said in its report.

www.palaciododeao.com throws up an interesting possibility. We are informed that ‘the Deão, Jose Paulo, arrived in Goa in 1779 along with the Archbishop, Dom Frei de Santa Catarina, famously known as the barefooted friar, who died in the Palácio do Deão and whose mortal remains are in the Church of Quepem.’

Food for thought: Could the relics be those of the Archbishop, Dom Frei de Santa Catarina?

As for the result of the ‘referendum’, majority of the parishioners ‘voted’ that the old church should be saved and extensions made.

Percival Noronha and other heritage activists can heave a sigh of relief!

1. The main altar

2. The pelican above an arch in the nave

3. The intricate flooring

4. The central arch

5. The grave of Deão inside Se Cathedral, Old Goa

Pics: by Dale Menezes

END OF PART ONE

(The above article appeared on Gomantak Times, Goa on 3rd and 4th July, 2009)

http://waltermenezes.blogspot.com/2009/07/quepem-church-part-one.html

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QUEPEM CHURCH - Part Two (By Walter Menezes)

2009-07-06T04:54:00.001-07:00

QUEPEM CHURCH

By: Walter Menezes

PART TWO:

A new plan for Quepem Church:
HOW THE OLD CAN ‘C0-EXIST’ WITH THE NEW

Yesterday we read about the ‘findings’ of the Diocesan Commission for Sacred Art and Heritage (DCSAH) regarding Quepem Church, details of which were made public by the Parish Priest, Fr. Mario Vaz in the second half of May, 2009.
While heritage activists all over Goa may have heaved a sigh of relief, parishioners of the church were not upbeat although a majority of them had ‘voted’ that the old church should be saved and extensions made in an ‘exercise’ conducted by the parish priest in the last week of April 2008.
The suggestion of the Commission that the existing choir-loft be repaired to accommodate another 150 parishioners did not strike the right chord in the minds of the faithful. This writer who spoke to a cross-section of parishioners found this oft-repeated question being asked, ‘Is the choir-loft the only solution to increase the capacity of the church?’

The young architect
Parishioners of Quepem Church need not lose hope. Even before DCSAH could inspect the church in the month of November 2008, Ivor Gomes, a young architect from Quepem, was already spending hours surfing the net and leafing through churches-related journals. A Book of World Architecture showcasing the glorified structures of ancient, classical, medieval and other periods was his constant companion.
Struck by the heritage bug, Ivor is all praise for the magnificent churches of Goa that have withstood the test of time. When asked what was so ‘lasting’ about them, he summed it up in a few words, ‘Lime theory lasts longer than concrete theory!’
Working on a 1:500 scale survey plan sourced from the survey department, Ivor began designing a plan which would not only save the ‘heritage structure’ but at the same time increase the capacity of the church by about 500. After the drawings were complete, he worked tirelessly to prepare the 3D Model of the church using AUTO CAD, so that the common man could see how the church would look from all angles.
Ivor’s result is a stunning combination of how the old can co-exist with the new! In the process, the young architect has not only been able to increase the capacity of the church to meet the needs of a large gathering on a Sunday service, he has also incorporated two new bell-towers and additional façades to enhance the aesthetic look of the church.

The ‘feel of a cathedral’
Quepem Church was originally a chapel dedicated to Holy Cross and catered to the religious needs of the hamlet founded by ‘Deão’. The altar dedicated to Holy Cross still occupies a place of pride inside. The chapel was subsequently ‘converted’ into a church, but unlike most churches in Goa, the ‘transept’ was missing.
‘The survey plan gave me enough ‘space’ to plan a ‘transept’ which in no way harmed the nave of the church. This way the church will retain its heritage part while making the extension possible,’ explained Ivor. Only the copelmar (sanctuary) housing the main wooden altar dedicated to Our Lady of Piety will have to be demolished. ‘This altar will then move further by about 12 meters from the imposing ‘central arch’ into an opening in the wall of the transept,’ he added. Quepem Church, like the other churches in Goa, will then acquire the shape of a cross to symbolize the crucifix.
By introducing two bell-towers on either arm of the transept and the additional façades, the young architect has succeeded in giving the church the ‘feel of a cathedral’. ‘But they are there with a purpose. The way to the balconies on either side of the transept will be through these bell-towers. And the new façades will compliment the existing one!’ Ivor elaborated. With the stairs making access to the roof easy, these bell-towers would also make maintenance and other functions effortless.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
That is not all. He plans to convert the existing sacristy into a sacred place for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. ‘The setting is perfect. There is an old altar against a wall which has a large antique painting showing Jesus on the cross and (I think) St. John and Mother Mary on either side. This wall-painting, and others in the sacristy, will have to be restored.’ Ivor said but is quick to add, ‘Let this plan be only the starting point, some kind of a diving-board to take the plunge.’
He knows that there will be changes and modifications. The views of the parishioners and those of the DCSAH will have to be taken into account. But like so many parishioners, Ivor Gomes is of the firm opinion that the ‘process’ which began last year should come to its logical conclusion and not be indefinitely ‘shelved’.
It is now time for the Diocesan Commission for Sacred Art and Heritage to ‘rise’ to the occasion and show the world that the ‘old can co-exist with the new’!

FACT FILE:
Seating capacity after construction of transept with balconies and repairs of choir-loft (conservative figures)

Nave

200

Choir-loft

125

Transept with balconies

475

TOTAL CAPACITY
800

Pics:

1. Plan of existing church

2. Plan of extension with dimensions

3. Sitting arrangement in extension

4. The additional balconies

5. The ‘old and the new’

6. Final look, NW top

7. Final look, NE view

8. The wall painting in sacristy (Pic: by Dale Menezes)

9. Ivor Gomes, architect

(The above article appeared on Gomantak Times, Goa on 3rd and 4th July, 2009)

Kindly send your valuable suggestions to Quepem’s young architect,
Ivor Gomes. His email address is: ivor7080@yahoo.com

END OF PART TWO

http://waltermenezes.blogspot.com/2009/07/quepem-church-part-two.html
>
http://www.goa-world.com/GOA/music/live.htm

Miscelleneous Items - by Walter Menezes

2009-07-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

Under construction

ROMI SOLDIER PRABAKAR TENDULKAR TURNS 75

2009-06-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

ROMI SOLDIER TURNS 75
By: Walter Menezes

Writer. Editor. Publisher. Doyen of the Konknni Movement.

Prabhakar Tendulkar will be felicitated at a public function organized by Dalgado Konknni Akademi and Omor Prokaxon at GCCI Hall, Panaji today. Kotha-ghons, his collection of short stories in Romi Konknni will also be released.

The young Editor

Prabhakar Tendulkar was born on June 4, seventy five summers ago. By the time he turned twenty, he was already shouldering the challenging responsibility as editor of the Konknni section of A Vanguarda, a popular Portuguese-Konknni weekly.
‘During those days, the Portuguese regime had banned entry of Marathi newspapers from Mumbai. In such a situation, even Hindus took to reading and writing Konknni in the Romi script,’ Tendulkar had reminisced of those days in a foreword to a book. ‘Tea bhair Kristanv bhav Romi Konknni fattlean aslech,’ he had added, speaking of a community which was always solidly behind Konknni in the Romi script.
A Vanguarda folded up three years after the Liberation of Goa but the ten-year stint (1954-1964) as editor of the weekly was long enough for Prabhakar Tendulkar to sketch in which direction his life would flow henceforth.
Dalesh Printers, his Mapusa-based printing-press, became an important hub of the Konknni movement and it was from here that countless writers in the Romi script had their first break and their first book published!

[June 18, 1980 issue of Gõykar]

Gõykar and Konknni Kendr (Goem)
A determined Prabhakar Tendulkar launched Gõykar, a weekly in the Romi script in 1979, to fight for Goa’s twin aspirations: statehood and recognition of Konknni as Goa’s official language. Konknni Kendr (Goem), a literary organization was also established by him in the same year.
In 1980, somewhere in the month of April or May, Agnelo Pires and I were invited by Konknni Kendr to read our literary works. The two of us were then young and ‘budding writers’, expressing our hearts out through kovita and kotha. I remember it was a Sunday and we had left early in the morning from Kepem. Three bus-rides over two major rivers later, we were finally in Mapusa.
My short-story, Omega was well received. It was, in fact, my first story. After the ‘reading session’ was over, Prabhakar Tendulkar came forward and shook my hand. It was a warm and affectionate hand-shake. ‘I liked the story,’ he said. Then, with a smile on his face, he added, ‘Give me the manuscript. I will publish it on Gõykar!’
True to his word, my story was carried in one of the subsequent issues of the weekly.

[Dec 31, 1956 issue of A Vanguarda]

Prabhakar Tendulkar releasing Camilo Menezes’ Noxibant Nirmilelem, a collection of short stories in Romi Konknni on 19.07.2008. Dr. Francisco Colaço and Tereza Travasso, then Chairperson of Quepem Municipal Council are also seen.

The writer ‘within’
While egging on and encouraging young writers like me to sharpen our literary skills, the editor never forgot the ‘writer within him’. Prabhakar Tendulkar wrote many books in Konknni on many a subject, notable among them being Rangmachi, Gulab, Tin Tiatr, Sat Prosn, Oso ho Sonvsar and Jinneche Rong.
Recipient of a number of awards and recognitions from Akhil Bharoti Konknni Lekhok Som'melon, Akhil Gomantak Nabhik Samaj, Lions Club of Mapusa City, Mapusa’s Sarvojanik Ganesh Mohatsav Mandal and Konknni Bhasha Mandal, Prabhakar Tendulkar also received the prestigious Pri. Antonio Pereira Puroskar instituted by Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, Porvorim.
A year ago, when I had met Prabhakar Tendulkar at Dalesh Printers in connection with my late brother’s book of short-stories which had earlier appeared on A Vanguarda some fifty years ago when he was its editor, he was totally disgusted at the treatment meted out to Konknni in the Romi script. ‘This is not what we fought for,’ he said. Prabhakar Tendulkar was the one leading the battle of the Konknni Porjecho Avaz from Mapusa during the language agitation.

[NRI Commissioner Eduardo Faleiro re-launching Gõykar in July 2008. Also seen are Prabhakar Tendulkar, DKA President Premanand Lotlikar, then President of GKA, Pundalik Naik and Tomazinho Cardozo, editor.]

Attempts to kill Romi script
Writing in the inaugural issue (Voros I, Ank 1) after ‘gifting’ his Gõykar to Omor Prokaxon and now being edited by Tomazinho Cardozo, he minced no words when he said, ‘Konknniche apunn mhalgodde mhunntteleamni Romi lipintli Konknni marunk zaite proitn keleat ani azun kortat…’ (Those who pride themselves as being elders of the Konknni movement have made several attempts to kill Konknni in the Romi script. Even now they have not stopped these attempts…)

Prabhakar Tendulkar is equally vociferous when he speaks about the Sahitya Akademi Awards (Gõykar, Oct 2008 issue). ‘Sod’dea ji pod’dot asa ti apleach bhitor Award vanttun ghevpachi koxi dista. Elsewhere in the same article, he says: Romi lipientle Konknnint borim pustokam boroun aplem akhem jivit sarlelea Fr. Antonio Pereira sarkhilea boroupeak Sahitya Akademicho Award mellunk nam…’ (The present arrangement looks like they want to share the award amongst themselves… A writer like Fr. Antonio Pereira who spent his whole life writing quality Konknni books in the Romi script has not received the Sahitya Akademi Award…)

Calling a spade a spade has been Prabhakar Tendulkar’s hallmark. Even in the twilight years of his life, he continues to do just that!

Zolm-disachim porbim tumkam, Prabhakar-bab Tendulkar!

- Walter Menezes
Quepem, Goa>
http://www.goa-world.com/GOA/music/live.htm

Re: AWARD CONFIRMING FUNCTION AT TSKK

2009-04-29T00:03:00.000-07:00

As always, it was a pleasure to be amidst so many Goans who truly love their mother tongue Konkani.
Mr. Pandharinath Lotlikar, Ex-Director of Doordarshan had a simple suggestion to make'
"Konknnichem ruk vhodd zavpak, tacheo khandeo ros-rosit zavpak ani tem ruk foll divpak ami Konknnichi vapudd korpak zai. TSKK-cho Puroskar gevcho Sahitiya Puroskarakin vhodd dista"

[For the Konkani tree to grow big and have turgid, healthy branches and for it to beaer fruit we must use the Konani language. The Award from TSKK seems to be better than that of the Sahitiya Akademi."]

He appreciated the fact that the TSKK has a tradition of inviting a Literateur to felicitate another Literateur [instead of the normal practice of giving this honour to politicians and bureaucrats].

"Ghorchea munxean apli toknai kellea koxi dista".
The appreciation from one's own kind is of greater value to the receiver.

Fr. Almir de Souza spoke of "Kristanvponn ani Kristanv mon" and showed the difference between the two. He said that he wrote with two thoughts uppermost in his mind: 1. the Christian faith specially the words of Jesus Christ, "I have come so that you may have life; life in all its fullness." [John 10:10] and 2. the love of Amchi Bhas, Konkani.

For the rest see the report below.

Mog asundi

Miguel

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: pratap naik
Date: Apr 28, 2009 9:07 PM
Subject: Awards giving function
To: tomazinho@sify.com, michael gracias
, Miguel Braganza
, pravin sabnis ,
walter menezes , wilfred goes
, wilson mazarello
,

THOMAS STEPHENS KONKNNI KENDR
B.B.Borkar Road
Alto Porvorim, Goa- 403 521
Phone (0832) 2415857, 2415864
E-mail:tskk@sancharnet.in
Website:www.tskk.org
April 29, 2009

AWARD CONFIRMING FUNCTION AT TSKK

“TSKK chooses the right people for its awards and TSKK awards are
greater than the Sahitya Akademi awards because they are given to
deserving people and they are given by our own household institution.”
said Mr. Pandharinath Lotlikar, the ex-director of Panaji Doordarshan.
He was speaking as the Chief Guest at Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr’s
(TSKK) awards giving function. He further said “Devanagari and Roman
scripts are twin children of a mother. A real mother cannot kill one
child for the sake of another. A mother loves her both the children.
Let both scripts flourish in Goa in unity. Let the government extend
equal facilities to Roman script which are at present exclusively
available to Nagari script”. He praised TSKK for its service to
Konknni and said that TSKK instead of inviting politicians as Chief
guests has set a good example by inviting only veteran Konknni
stalwarts to felicitate its awardees. The function was held at TSKK
premises at Alto Porvorim, Goa on 28 April at 5.30 pm.

The Chief Guest confirmed the prestigious "Antonio Pereira Konknni
Puroskar" (APKP) of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) on Fr. Almir
de Sousa for his contribution to religious Konknni literature. Fr
Almir has worked with passion and zeal for the last forty years to
implement the Vatican Second Council’s vision to promote local
languages in liturgy and para-liturgical domains. Since Konknni is
the official language of the liturgy in the archdiocese of Goa, Fr.
Almir worked tirelessly to promote Konknni in Goa through his books,
articles and Konknni ministry. He is the nineteenth recipient of APKP.
The award consisted of a shawl, memento and cash Rs. 25,000/-. The
previous recipients of APKP Mr. Tomazinho Cardozo and Mr. Yusuf Sheikh
and over hundred fifty people were present for the function.

Fr. Almir has written and edited 25 Konknni books. Some of the
important books are Utor ani Jivit a Series containing of five books;
Magnneacho Turo 6 booklets, Somiachem Jevonn, Mis and 8 books of
Konknni Catechism.

Fr. Almir held many responsible positions in the Goa Archdiocese. He
has served as the prefect of Saligão Seminary, Pro-Notary in
Archbishop’s House, Secretary of Diocesan Catechetical Centre,
Secretary of Diocesan Liturgical Centre, and Director of Pastoral
Centre. He has served as a Parish Priest at St. Estevão and Verna. At
present he is the Parish priest of Ucassaim in Bardes taluka. He
started the Parish bulletins St. Estevanchi Zap and Vernechi Zap at
St. Estevão and Verna respectively. At Ucassaim he improved the parish
bulletin Zagruti. Fr. Almir still continues to promote Konknni in
liturgical and other religious services in Goa. In his speech Fr.
Almir stressed that all Goans must contribute their mite to uplift
Konknni by speaking, reading and writing. He expressed his desire that
every household should subscribe at least one Konknni periodical and
read it.

At the same function Konknni poet Walter Menezes was given TSKK’s
‘Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz Puroskar (KMFVP)’ for his poetry book
'Zoit' as the best Konknni book of 2009 year written in Roman script.
Walter Menezes is a noted Konknni writer. Besides Konknni, he writes
articles in English. The award consisted of a shawl, memento and cash
Rs. 5,000/-. Ms Shilpa Salvi and Ms Joanita D’Silva of TSKK recited
two Konknni poems of Walter Menezes from his book Zoit. While replying
to the award, Walter said that he would continue to serve Konknni in
roman script and dedicate his next book to Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz
and release it on his death anniversary, namely on 20 December.

Fr. Ave Maria Afonso, the executive editor of Konknni monthly 'Dor
Mhoineachi Rotti' for the last three years was felicitated by the
chief guest during this function. Ms Preeta Naik Parab introduced Fr.
Ave to the audience. The guest of honour and the Provincial Superior
of Goa Jesuit Province Rev. Dr. Anthony da Silva, S.J., thanked Fr.
Ave for his three years of dedicated service to Jesuits. At this
occasion Ms Concy Fernandes, a XII standard student from Vasco was
awarded Lourenço Umbelina scholarship by Mr. Walter Fernandes.

Fr. Pratap Naik, S.J. the director of TSKK welcomed the gathering. Ms
Netra Kundaikar proposed the vote of thanks. Konknni writer and last
year’s KMFVP recipient Mr. Daniel F. D’Souza compered the function in
his excellent style.

Pratap Naik, S.J.
Director

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Pictures by Miguel Braganza,
S1 Gracinda Apts, Rajvaddo, Mhapsa 403507 Goa
Ph 9822982676 miguelbraganza@yahoo.co.in

AWARDS CONFIRMING FUNCTION AT TSKK

2009-04-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

AWARDS CONFIRMING FUNCTION AT TSKK

TSKK chooses the right people for its awards and TSKK awards are greater than the Sahitya Akademi awards because, they are given to deserving people and they are given by our own household institution.” said Mr. Pandharinath Lotlikar, the
ex-director of Panaji Doordarshan. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr’s (TSKK) awards giving function.

He further said “Devanagari and Roman scripts are twin children of a mother. A real mother cannot kill one child for the sake of another. A mother loves her both kids. Let both scripts flourish in Goa in unity. Let the government extend equal facilities to Roman script which are at present exclusively available to Nagari script”.

He praised TSKK for its service to Konknni and said that TSKK instead of inviting politicians as Chief guests has set a good example by inviting only veteran Konknni stalwarts to felicitate its awardees.

The function was held at TSKK premises at Alto Porvorim, Goa on 28 April at 5.30 pm. The Chief Guest confirmed the prestigious Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar (APKP) of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) on Fr. Almir de Sousa for his contribution to religious Konknni literature. Fr Almir has worked with passion and zeal for the last forty years to implement the Vatican Second CouncilÂ’s vision to promote local languages in liturgy and para-liturgical domains.

Since Konknni is the official language of the liturgy in the archdiocese of Goa,
Fr. Almir worked tirelessly to promote Konknni in Goa through his books, articles and Konknni ministry. He is the nineteenth recipient of APKP. The award consisted of a shawl, memento and cash Rs. 25,000/-. The previous recipients of APKP Mr. Tomazinho Cardozo and Mr. Yusuf Sheikh and over hundred fifty people were present for the function.

Fr. Almir has written and edited 25 Konknni books. Some of the important books are Utor ani Jivit a Series containing of five books; Magnneacho Turo 6 booklets, Somiachem Jevonn, Mis and 8 books of Konknni Catechism.

Fr. Almir held many responsible positions in the Goa Archdiocese. He has served as the prefect of Saligao Seminary, Pro-Notary in Archbishop’s House, Secretary of Diocesan Catechetical Centre, Secretary of Diocesan Liturgical Centre, and Director of Pastoral Centre. He has served as a Parish Priest at St. EstevÃ£o and Verna. At present he is the Parish priest of Ucassaim in Bardes taluka. He started the Parish bulletins St. Estevanchi Zap and Vernechi Zap at St. Estevao and Verna respectively. At Ucassaim he improved the parish bulletin Zagruti. Fr. Almir still continues to promote Konknni in liturgical and other religious services in Goa. In his speech Fr. Almir stressed that all Goans must contribute their mite to uplift Konknni by speaking, reading and writing. He expressed his desire that every household should subscribe at least one Konknni periodical and read it.
__________________

TSKK-CHE KONKNNI PUROSKAR DIUNCHI KARIAVOLL

Puroskar diunchi kariavoll Kendrachea angnnant 28 Abril sanjechea zust 5.30 vorancher suru zali. Mukhel soire, Pandharinath Lotlikar-an Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar (APKP) Fr. Almir de Sousan dharmik sahitya mollar kel’le seve khatir taka bhettoylo. Vatikan dusre sobheche xikovnne pormannem Gõyant dharmik mollar Konknni choddant chodd vaprunk Fr. Almiran pott-tiddken vavr kela. Tannem 25 pustokam, kitlexech lekh boroun ani Konknnintlean aplo govllik vavr korun Konknnichi seva kelea.
Fr Almir APKP-cho ekunnisavo man’kari. Hea puroskarant xal, yadostik, ani 25,000 rupia aspavtat. Puroskarachea suvalleak APKP-che adle man’kari Xri Tomazinho Cardozo ani Xri Yusuf Sheikh ani sumar 150 lok hajir aslo.

He kariavolli vellar Xri Walter Menezes hachea Zoit kovita jhelea khatir 2008 vorsacho ‘Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz Puroskar (KMFVP)’ dilo. To Konknni ani Inglix bhasamni boroyta. Yadostik ani 5,000 rupia rupacho ho puroskar mukhel soirean dilo. Walter bab hea puroskaracho
tisro man’kari. Kendrachea Shilpa Salvi ani Joanita D’Silva hannim Walteracheo don kovita vachun dakhoyleo. Puroskarak zap ditana Walteran mhonnlem, apunn urlolea jivitant Romi lipientle Konknni khatir vavurtolo ani aplem fuddlem pustok Konknni martir Floriano Vazak bhettoytolo ani 20 Dezembr tachea mornnachea disa uzvaddaytolo.

( batmi )

Fottu: Mukhel Soire Pandharinath Lotlikar hanche borobor Pri. Almir de Souza ani Walter Menezes

Walter-acheo ‘Don Kovita” heo zavn asleo…

KAL RATI…

Kal rati…
Foddli hanvem kott’tti mhoji
Hanv bhikari nhoi
Naka mhaka bhik tumchi

Atam jinne-rostear
Kantte aslear
Hanv te soglle sonstolom
Konnank dukhoinastanam
Kainch uloinastanam

Atam goribsannichea khursar
Morchem aslear
Hanv jerul mortolom

Punn dimi moddchonam
Bhik magchonam

Kal rati…
Foddli hanvem kott’tti mhoji.

HANV URTOLOM,
UTOR ZAVN!

Suskarchi naddi
Mhoje jinnentli
Jen’nam bond poddtoli
Ten’nam tum aslear
Tambddo xalu naka
Moddear mhojea
Kanknnam foddum naka

Fat naka
Gravat naka
Dukhaim-i golloum naka

Xevottchi vatt cholunk
Kimti sailacho kaixanv naka
Moronn mhojem
Babddea zhaddar
Kiteak far?

Mhojea paiche
Mainche
Bhavache
Bhoinniche
Sogllea mhojea
Ghorcheanche
Ani ixtanche yadimni
Girest zal’le matient
Mhaka-i nhiddum di

Mhoineacho
Vorsacho
Ugddas naka
Kallim angvostram nhesun
Mel’leam modem
Mhaka sodinaka

Hanv jivoch astolom
Mhoje kovitentlean
Kannyentlean
Hanv uloit ravtolom

Astolo lipun hanv
Khoinchea tori
Disalleacher
Masikacher
Khillo marun
Faskent ghalun
Utor zavn
Humkolltolom hanv
Konnagele tori
Von’tticher

Mornnacho dut
Mhojea umbrear
Jen’nam ubo ravtolo
Ten’nam horddem fuloun
Hanv sangtolom:

“Hanv morchonam
Hanv urtolom
Utor zavn!”

(Zoit ani her kovita – hea pustokantlean)

__________________
At the same function Konknni poet Walter Menezes was given TSKK’s ‘Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz Puroskar (KMFVP)' for his poetry book Zoit as the best Konknni book of 2009 year written in Roman script. Walter Menezes is a noted Konknni writer. Besides Konknni, he writes articles in English. The award consisted of a shawl, memento and cash Rs. 5,000/-. Ms Shilpa Salvi and Ms Joanita D’Silva of TSKK recited two Konknni poems of Walter Menezes from his book Zoit. While replying to the award, Walter said that he would continue to serve Konknni in roman script and dedicate his next book to Konknni Martir Floriano Vaz and release it on his death day, namely on 20 December.

Fr. Ave

Maria Afonso, the executive editor of Konknni monthly Dor Mhoineachi Rotti for the last three years was felicitated by the chief guest during this function. Ms Preeta Naik Parab introduced Fr. Ave to the audience. The guest of honour and the Provincial Superior of Goa Jesuit Province Rev. Dr. Anthony da Silva, S.J. thanked Fr. Ave for his three years of dedicated service to Jesuits. At this occasion Ms Concy Fernandes, a XII standard student from Vasco was awarded Lourenco Umbelina scholarship by Mr. Walter Fernandes.

Fr. Pratap Naik, S.J. the director of TSKK welcomed the gathering. Ms Netra Kundaikar gave vote of thanks. Konknni writer and last year’s KMFVP recipient
Mr. Daniel D’Souza compered the function with his excellent style.

Posted by: "Fr Pratap Naik, SJ, TSKK" MangaloreanCatholics@gmail.com
Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:24 am (PDT)

-gaspar almeida

Gulf -Goans contributor Walter Menezes

2009-04-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Gulf -Goans e-Newsletter contributor Walter Menezes
gets ‘Konknni Martir Florian Vaz Puroskar’

Against the backdrop of TSKK Awards, the following is the small write-up about the award winner Walter Menezes as also a review of the Konkani book “ZOIT ani her KOVITA” as written by J P Pereira and published in the Navhind Times.

- Moderator.

Gulf -Goans contributor Walter Menezes
gets ‘Konknni Martir Florian Vaz Puroskar’

For the last two years TSKK gives an award ‘Konknni Martir Florian Vaz Puroskar’ for the best Konknni book of the calendar year written in Roman script.

Zoit ani her Kovita, a poetry book in Konkani by Walter Menezes from Quepem published in 2008 has been selected. Walter Menezes is a noted Konknni writer. Besides Konknni, he writes articles in English also.

TSKK will also honour the veteran Konknni writer of religious literature, Fr Almir de Sousa as the nineteenth recipient of Kendra’s prestigious “Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar (APKP)”.

Both these awards and Lourenço and Umbelina de Souza Scholarship to Ms Concy Fernandes from Vasco will be given during the public function at TSKK premises, Alto Porvorim, Goa on 28 April 2009 at 5.30 pm. Mr. Pandharinath Lotlikar, the Ex-Director of Doordarshan Kendr, Panaji will be the Chief Guest.

About Walter Menezes:
Writer, freelance journalist and cartoonist, Walter Menezes has two books in Romi Konknni to his credit: Koddu Sonvsar ani her kotha (1987), a collection of short stories and Zoit ani her kovita (2008), a collection of poems.

Koddu Sonvsar bagged the Konknni Bhasha Mandal’s Sahit’ya Puroskar in 1988.

Recipient of a ‘Junior Fellowship in Literature’ (1991-1993) awarded by the Department of Culture, Ministry of Human Resources, Govt. of India, he has conceptualised Prescription of Charity, a 4:40 minutes film documentary on Rev. Fr. Antonio Joao de Miranda, founder of Hospicio Hospital, Margao. This documentary can be viewed on www.ishare.rediff.com under ‘others’ category.

A former officer of Union Bank of India, Walter Menezes is on the editorial board of Jivit, a monthly magazine in Romi Konkani.

He also contributes cartoons / comic strips to Gomantak Times, Goa under the title, Out Of My Mind.

Book review of Zoit ani her kovita:

Message through poems
By J. P. Pereira [Navhind Times, March 07, 2008]

‘Saddyo vantt

Poixe vantt

Lokxayechea mornnachi

Vazoi ghantt!’

This is one couplet from the impressive collection of poems by Walter Menezes from Quepem, Goa and titled ‘Zoit ani her kovita’.

Walter, a regular contributor to most of the reputed newspapers and magazines published in Goa, had written these poems, which were earlier published in various periodicals. ‘ZOIT’ narrates the evils and sufferings of war, with a plea to end this evil and work towards a goal, the goal of freedom.

There is ‘Jezu, Ixtt Mhozo’ describing the love that Lord Jesus showered on us, a mother’s lament in ‘Eke Avoiche Suskar’ and a meaning of true love in ‘Don Suknneanchi Gozal’. Besides these, there are 46 others, all written in a simple but attractive language with an impressive message.

‘Je meren dusreanchem

Tujea dolleant

Dukh asa

Tujea kallzant

Tanchi bhuk asa

Je meren dusreancho

Tujea monant

Usko asa

Tuje jinnent

Tancho mog asa

Te meren

Hea sonvsarak

Ozun bhorvanso asa.’

From the first page, where the writer dedicates the book to his parents with the words, ‘Mogall pai ani maim, hem ‘zoit’ tumchem, mhojem nhoi!’, through the foreword by Tomazinho Cardozo and the fifty poems, the book is a great read. The cover designed by Dale Menezes is attractive and the writer does acknowledge the graphic by some unknown artist.

This is Walter’s second book after ‘Koddu Sonvsar’, a collection of short stories, published in 1987..

We wish Walter, his wife Brenda (remember her collection of humorous one-act plays?) and their family all the best and expect more publications from this couple.

Don’t miss reading the book.
(End of Review)

Other books published by Cindy Publications, Goa:

Koddu Sonvsar / Walter Menezes
(collection of short stories)

Natt’yangann / Brenda Menezes
(collection of humorous one-act plays)

Noxibant Nirmilelem / Camilo F Menezes
(collection of short stories)

It would be interesting to note that “ZOIT ani her KOVITA” was released through the goa-world.com network in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar during popular programmes organized by Goan organizations in these GCC countries simultaneously.

Congratulations Walter! Keep the pen flowing!

Ulysses Menezes & Goa-World.Com Team
Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter (since 1994)
www.goa-world.com

Kuwait, April 23, 2009>
http://www.goa-world.com/GOA/music/live.htm

TSKK Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar to Fr Almir D'Souza, Walter Menezes

2009-04-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

TSKK Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar to Fr Almir D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

*Panaji, Apr 21:* Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) will honor the veteran Konknni writer of religious literature Fr Almir de Sousa as the nineteenth recipient of Kendra's Prestigious Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar (APKP). Fr Almir will receive this award for the year 2009 for his valuable contribution to Konknni literature in the field of religious literature in Roman script. The award consists of a shawl, memento and cash Rs. 25,000/-.

*
Fr Almir De Souza, Walter Menezes*

Fr. Almir was born on 17.01.1934 at Saligão, Goa. He did his priestly studies at Rachol Seminary in Goa; Gregorian University, Rome; and at Lumen Vitae, Brussels. He was ordained as a priest on 18 December 1960. He has written and edited 25 Konknni books. Some of the important books are Utor ani Jivit a Series containing of five books; Magnneacho Turo 6 booklets, Somiachem Jevonn, Mis and 8 books of Konknni Catechism.

Fr. Almir held many responsible positions in the Goa Archdiocese. He has served as the prefect of Saligão Seminary, Pro-Notary in Archbishop's House, Secretary of Diocesan Catechetical Centre, Secretary of Diocesan Liturgical Centre, and Director of Pastoral Centre. He has served as a Parish Priest at St. Estevão and Verna. At present he is the Parish priest of Ucassaim in Bardes taluka. He started the Parish bulletins St. Estevanchi Zap and Vernechi Zap at St. Estevão and Verna respectively. At Ucassaim he improved the parish bulletin Zagruti. Fr. Almir has promoted Konknni in liturgical and other religious services.

For the last two years TSKK gives an award `Konknni Martir Florian Vaz Puroskar' for the best Konknni book of the calendar year written in Roman script. For the year 2008 Zoit poetry book of Walter Menezes from Quepem has been selected. Walter Menezes is a noted Konknni writer. Besides Konknni, he writes articles in English. The award consists of a shawl, memento and cash Rs. 5,000/-. Both these awards and Lourenço and Umbelina de Souza scholarship to Ms Concy Fernandes from Vasco will be given during the public function at TSKK premises, Alto Porvorim on Tuesday, 28 April 2009 at 5.30 pm by the Chief Guest, Mr. Pandharinath Lotlikar, the Ex-Director of Doordarshan Kendr, Panaji. This function is open to the public.

*Tuesday, April 21, 2009* *11:15:59 AM (IST)*

Fr. Matthew Almeida

2009-04-13T05:02:00.000-07:00

Meet Fab4, Goa’s newest band to hit the road.

2009-04-01T01:54:00.000-07:00

FAB4: Another band hits the road !

Walter Menezes catches up with members of Fab4, Goa’s new band.

They come from different backgrounds and fall in different age brackets. But what binds them together is their immense love for music. They have played for different bands and groups, some of them still around and kicking.

Not many, however, take the plunge and decide to have a band of their own.

Meet Fab4, Goa’s newest band to hit the road.

[ Pic: (Clockwise, from top) Danny, Edwin, Selwyn and Diogo]

From Songit-Sanz to Songit-Sangati

For Edwin Fernandes, the band leader, this is a dream come true. “It happened all too quickly. Dalgado Konkani Akademi (DKA) was gearing up for the Poilem Konknni (Romi Lipi) Sahitya ani Sonvskruti Sommelon in December 2008. We were practicing for a programme of Konknni songs and instrumentals, Songit-Sanz, organized by Kepemchi Konkani Kushawati in association with DKA and staged in Kepem. Danny, Diogo and me…during the practice sessions, we realized there was a certain chemistry happening between us, that we were able to gel well. Selwyn joined us later,” he tells me.

A former librarian at the US Dept. of Defense in Kuwait, Edwin was part of the US Army’s 5-piece band and has performed at US bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. Having played for Goan bands like Wild Reeds, Eagles, Ecstasy and Royal Music, he was waiting ‘in his boat’ for sometime now for the big wave to arrive.

Danny Fernandes, on the keyboards, is young and bursting with energy. Always on the dot and on his toes, he has worked for Taj Exotica and is a regular sight at parties and functions with his one-man band. He has traveled all over India with Kepemchim Kirnnam (KK), the cultural troupe. “I am always with KK but last year when Eric Ozario’s Konknni Nirantari created history and entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest non-stop singing marathon by multiple singers of Konknni choirs, unfortunately, I could not make it,” he regrets.

Diogo Rebello is the drummer-boy. A seasoned member with a past history of bands like Eagles, Hard Rocks, Sensations and Excellence, music runs naturally in his veins. His late father, Alleluia, was a reputed violinist and no ladainha in the village could ever be complete without him. Louis, his uncle, too played for Goa’s once-upon-a- time famous band, Louis & His Melodians. “I still remember the first time I performed at a local wedding reception. I was only fourteen then. Sitting on the stool behind the drum-set, my leg was hardly able to pump the pedal,” laughs the Goa Shipyard employee.

Selwyn Pereira, the bass guitarist, is the only member who is not from Kepem. Shuttling between his duties at Kenilworth Beach Resort, Utorda and Angels, the Curchorem-based choir, he started his innings on the music turf with the band, Bal Amis.

On His Majesty’s Public Service

“In January, we began practicing hard and putting our act together,” Edwin informs.
‘That was the time when we got a lucky break,” Danny chips in. Carnival Committees in Curchorem and Kepem got wind of Fab4 and the band was immediately booked to be part of King Momo’s parade at both the places.

“We played our hearts’ out! With fun-loving people lined up on both sides of the road and enjoying every bit of our music, we really made our presence felt,” the leader, who is also the lead guitarist, gushes with happiness.

Band with a Difference

“So, is Fab4 going to be another chip of the old block or are you going to be different?”

“At the moment, our aim is be one of the best bands in Goa. But we want to be remembered as a band with a difference. Playing music which is live, which has a strong vocal harmony and which will appeal to all ages. Ballroom, Salsa, Samba, we have it all. Our big set, I believe, is what is going to set us apart,” Edwin enlightens.

“And what about this thing called sequencing?”

“No sequences. No digital programming. That’s a promise. We practice every alternate day. We want to keep ourselves and our music-machines fit and well oiled,” Danny breaks in.

“So is that all?”

“No, not exactly,” Edwin is not finished. “No wedding reception, we know, can ever be complete without the Dekhni and classics like Mollbailo Dou. We would like to go beyond that. Do some original Konknni tracks. And also set to music the lyrics of some of our Konknni poets and composers.”

The Beatles and the Bond

“The Beatles were the undisputed Fab4. Is there any connect between them and the name of your band?”

“Yes, of course. We would like to be constantly inspired by the Beatles whose innovative music and cultural impact helped define the 1960s,” Danny reminds at once.

On April 15, Fab4 will ‘appear’ for their first formal performance at a wedding reception to be hosted at Eden Gardens, Kepem.

Till then, it’s going to be a hard day’s night for the boys, as they sharpen their skills!

FACT FILE
Edwin: Lead / vocals
Danny: Keyboards / vocals
Diogo: Drums
Selwyn: Bass / vocals

(This article first appeared on Gomantak Times, Goa on 31.03.2009)

Contact details of FAB4:
Email: fab4theband@ ymail.com
Band Members: Edwin: 9822673775, Danny: 9850066623, Diogo: 9823572388, Selwyn: 9422742681

About Walter Menezes:Hailing from Quepem, Cusmane, Goa, he has published several Konkani books (short stories (khota), poems (Kovita) and regularly contributes to JIVIT - Konkani monthly magazine and Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter. He also does cartooning for the Gomantak Times, though recently, and only last week his 50th cartoon was published by them.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goa World Goa Mog Goa SuRaj Super Goa (em Português) TGF Writers' Sketchpad www.colaco.net www.goa-world. com/goa/music/ - The Online Konkani Music Station Mahableshwar http://www.mahables hwar.com St. Mary's School - Mt Abu, Rajasthan India http://www.abusms. com http://www.goa- dc.com/flvvid/ ikonkani. html http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=aTduCJkQNiQEXPRESSIONS - THE FLOWER SHOP http://www.goa- world.com/ expressions/http://www.w3. org/2006/ 10/SSML/papers/ paper.pdfGOA MAG ONLINE http://www.goamag. net http://mumbaihangou t.org/radio/ http://www.renewals etc.com/renewals.htm

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TODAY IS VALENTINE'S DAY... 14/2/2009

2009-02-13T23:49:00.000-08:00

TODAY IS VALENTINE'S DAY...

Have a look at the cartoon by Walter Menezes.

This one appeared on Gomantak Times today, 14.02.2009

59 KONKANI ALBUMS AND STILL RECORDING!

2009-02-04T00:41:00.000-08:00

59 KONKANI ALBUMS AND STILL RECORDING!

Lawry Travasso, the singing sensation of Konkani, back from Kuwait after launching his latest VCD, Ekuch Zap Kor, shares snippets about his journey on the Konkani stage with Walter Menezes.

He sets the Konkani stage on fire every time he steps on it. And when he sings, he casts a magic spell on the listeners and they always cry out: once more! He is only 35 and already on top of the world. On one occasion, while performing in Navelim, he was called for a record number of eight times on the stage for his comedy song, Moddganvcho Bazaar! In 2006, at a special ceremony held during Mario Menezes’ tiatr, Tanchem Chintat, Timvuim Mon’xam, he was crowned ‘The Melody King of Goa’.

He still ‘wears’ that crown, but not on his head. The big, golden pendant in the shape of a crown adorning his chain is a constant reminder of his remarkable journey on Konkani stage. With 59 audio and video albums under his belt, he has indeed come a long way.

The early days…

“I used to take part in the school gatherings and the programmes organized by our parish. My father provided constant support. When I was in the 8th standard, we formed a music group called Co-ordinators. I was the lead vocalist. We were soon playing at local weddings and doing a good job too! However, the band did not last long. Littles was our next experiment.”

The big break…

“I was in the 10th standard. My parents were worked up because they felt that playing for a band would mess up my studies. We were performing at a wedding in Curchorem when John Claro spotted me. ‘Can you sing a kantar in my tiatr, Rostadak Vostad?’ he asked. John Claro’s tiatr had a star-studded cast. M. Boyer, Mike Mehta, Wilmix-Sharon and Sabina. Did I develop cold feet? Oh, no! I just went there on the stage and sang my heart out.”

The climb to the top…

“Suddenly I found myself in the company of professionals. It was a wonderful feeling. John Claro offered me a small role in his next tiatr, Tambddi Mati and I sang two songs as well. The applause became louder in William de Curtorim’s Ankvarponn Sonsunk Zainam. And in C D Silva’s tiatr, Ganjil I not only sang but played the main role.”

The albums, the artists…

“During the last 12 years since I first stepped on stage, I have to my credit 59 Konkani audio and video albums. That I think is a record! All the leading lights of the Konkani stage have blessed my efforts and sung in my albums. I was privileged to have Lorna, Goa’s Nightingale, in Fottovlem. Most of the albums have been produced by Manfa Music and a few by V P Sinari and Music House. I have now started my own company, Travasso Music & Plastics which handles the nitty-gritty of producing an album once the master copy is received from the recording studio.”

The lyrics and the music…

“I live in a quiet village in Kepem. The Kushavati flows gently behind my house. This place inspires me. Sometimes, music comes first. Sometimes, it is the lyrics. Best time is late in the night when everyone around you is fast asleep. I focus on the values of life. Yes, there are comedy songs too and those that comment on current affairs.”

The world is a (Konkani) stage…

“Konkani stage has taken me all over the globe, from countries in the Gulf to Germany, Canada, Portugal and UK. Every time we go abroad with a tiatr, we feel we are doing something for Konkani avoi. Goans in these countries at once feel bonded with their motherland and their mother-tongue. Once, when we were performing in Swindon, the scene outside the hall was unbelievable. I felt like I was in Agxechea bazarant!”

The formidable four…

“I have worked under Prince Jacob, Roseferns, Milagres de Chandor, Pascoal Rodrigues and other directors. I am now exclusively with Mario Menezes. He is a great director and my guru. He fine-tuned my acting capabilities. Even today he corrects me. He crafts his story in such a way that the plot always revolves around Agnes D’Silva, Rosy Alvares, Mario and me. Naginn follows a similar pattern.”

The awards, the recognitions…

“In the tiatr competitions of Kala Akademi, I received the ‘Best Singer Award’ on four occasions. I was Gulab’s ‘Best Singer’ in 2005. Brain Box Institute, Assolna felicitated me in 2006 and in 2007, I was honoured by Konkani Songit Somajik Kola Kendr from Taleigao with Dr Jack de Sequeira Awards for ‘Best Singer’ and for ‘the highest number of Konkani albums’.”

The scales of (in)justice…

“I was part of Mario Menezes’ cultural group on the second day of the Poilem Konkani (Romi Lipi) Sahitya ani Sonvskruti Sommelon. We went there to express our solidarity with the organizers. Those who read and write Konkani in Romi script have received a raw deal. We have to fight against this injustice. Why should a writer be discriminated on the basis of script?”

The Tiatr Academy…

“Chief Minister Digambar-bab Kamat has proved that he means what he says. I salute him. I feel a lot of good will happen under the leadership of Tomazinho Cardozo.”

The road ahead…

“Having written and set to music more than 600 compositions, I would like to publish my book/s of Konkani songs, complete with notes and solfams. I would also like to produce another 41 albums before I turn 50! A 100 Konkani Albums, that will be a real record.

The parting words…

Please, please buy only original CDs and VCDs. If you purchase pirated copies, we, the artistes suffer. But Konkani avoi suffers the most!”

(courtesy: Gomantak Times / 3 February 2009)
>
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Promoting written Konkani, how?

2009-01-30T23:30:00.001-08:00

Promoting written Konkani, how?

Konkani enthusiast Walter Menezes from Quepem is into poetry, writing and even sketching.
He talks of his work, and how even a couple of cross-language book reviews (of Konkani books, but written in English) had their good impact.

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=X2baYcUdZ3M&feature=channel_page

A DRAMATIC EXIT !

2009-01-04T03:30:00.000-08:00

to,
the editor.

find below my article, 'a dramatic exit', which
appeared on gomantak times dt 11/12/07, for your kind
consideration.

thanking you,
walter

A DRAMATIC EXIT !

By: Walter Menezes

Sanny de Quepem’s second album of Konknni gitam simply
titled NRI, contains a memorable track. The last song,
Flight Kuwait-Goa (Part 2), continues to echo in the
corridors of your heart, long after it is over. And
only Sanny, who had lived in Kuwait and knew what it
meant to be away from home and loved ones, could have
penned such lyrics of love and longing. Your heart
bleeds when the beloved, all alone at home, sings:

Kuwait than tum phone-ar uloita, ast bhagonam
Ghara ken’na ietolo, vincharlear sangonam
Uxem vengent dhortam, tuzo hat lagonam
Ugddas ietoch, phone-axim bostam
Phone vazonam!

In the early hours of November 10, when the cell phone
rang at Sanny’s Goa residence at Sonar Bhatt, Quepem
and his daughter, Streisan picked up the call, she
would soon realize that her world would never be the
same again. She would also realize that from now
onwards, she would require nerves of steel to comfort
her mother who was fast asleep, oblivious of the
tragedy that had befallen the family.

A few hours earlier, on the previous day, Sanny had
been at the Goa Day 2007 celebrations in Kuwait and
had sang, what would later turn out to be the last
Konknni solo of his life, before a captivating
audience. Sometime later, on his way back to his
residence, he would complain of chest pain and before
his brother, Vicky, staying with him in Kuwait, could
rush him to the hospital, Sanny had returned to the
Lord.

The news was shocking and Goanetters condoled the
untimely death of a true Goan who ‘promoted Konknni,
Konknni music and the tiatr’. A day after his death,
Goanet was full of tributes and condolence messages.

Frederick Noronha wrote, ‘I was very much taken up by
his determination to share all the Goa-related news
he came across. In these fading days of
community-spirited individuals, Sanny was a welcome
difference’.

‘He stirred our imagination by his postings’, said
Venantius Pinto.

In the good old days when possessing a motorbike was
considered a luxury, I remember seeing Sanny on his
‘Yezdi’, zipping through the narrow roads of our
village. Tall, thin, and bearded, he looked every inch
the creative and imaginative person that he really
was. Although we both hailed from Quepem, I knew him
only from a ‘distance’, until one day, just a few
months ago, ‘we met on the net’.

It was such a pleasure to open the ‘inbox’ everyday
and find, without fail, Sanny there with his
interesting posts. I never realized how greatly he had
touched the lives of Goans all over the globe until
his passing away. I suddenly felt the need to know
more about my fellow-villager who had made such a
‘difference’ in everyone’s life.

At the Mandovi Stores in Quepem, Sanny’s second album,
NRI (April, 2007) as well as his first, Saibinnicho
Tisro Segred (Nov, 2005) were not available. However,
Evangelisto D’Costa, the proprietor, was kind enough
to give me NRI from his private collection so that I
could copy and enjoy the songs. Silviano Barbosa, who
reviewed both the albums, said that they deserved to
be ‘in the top list of his collection of Konknni
albums’ and praised Sanny as ‘a great lyricist’ and
one who ‘uses beautiful Konknni idioms and proverbs
with his nigut bhas and modhur voice’.

It was this voice that enabled Sanny to set the stage
on fire. Gaspar Almeida, who penned his profile,
shares some interesting facts about the various stages
of Sanny’s life. He was Kala Academy’s ‘Best Singer
Award Winner’ for a record number of eight times and
had acted in tiatrs of Nelson (of
Nelson-Anthony-Conception fame), Caesar D’Mello and
others. For some time, he was also part of a dance
band called the Young Challengers.

Felix Pereira, a writer-director of yesteryears from
Quepem, fondly recollects the time when Sanny had
acted in Beddi in 1980, ‘In this tiatr, he played the
role of a villain and did an excellent job. But more
than that, I remember the encores that he and
Constancio D’Silva received for their duo on a child
who was abandoned at birth’.

His death, as was his life, was full of coincidences
and ‘drama’. Like the title of the last track in NRI,
his body arrived on a flight from Kuwait to Goa. He
was laid to rest on November 15, the day of his
wedding anniversary. Great singer that he was, Sanny
had sang, I’ll Be Loving You Eternally, holding his
young life-partner in his arms, during the wedding
special, twenty six years ago. And it was the same
song that was now played again, as per his wishes,
when the lid was placed on the coffin and his ‘last
journey’ began, from his house to the Holy Cross
Church in Quepem.

The church was full. Some, like me, probably
questioning the Lord why He had to ‘call’ Sanny to His
heavenly kingdom, so soon. And as if in answer, there
was Elvis Goes, another famous son of Quepem, singing,
Trust In Me, just before the Eucharistic celebration
was over.

That night, after the funeral, I sat before my
computer, words flowing like the gentle Kushawati
river and a tribute was soon ready, which I mailed to
Goanet:

Goodbye, Sanny
Goodbye

There is mail
In my mailbox
But without your posts
It looks empty
And sure we miss you
Aplenty

You did your bit
And more than that
And gave your very best
To everyone around
For to give is godly
And all that is not given
Is lost
Says an Indian proverb

The Bard of Avon once said
Life is a stage
And that is where you stood
On Goa Day
Singing your heart out
Before a captivating audience

But only the Lord knew
And none
How sudden
And ‘drama’tic
Your ‘exit’ would be

Goodbye, Sanny
Goodbye.

Photo credit: Dale Menezes
_________________________________________________

Tribute to Sanny de Quepem
Goa's Pride www.goa-world.com
Tue, 27 Nov 2007 07:34:00 -0800

Tribute to Sanny de Quepem

Cruz Sanny Vaz (well known as Sanny de Quepem amongst the tiatrists
fraternity and the tiatr lovers in Kuwait, Goa and worldwide) was called by the
Almighty God to His Heavenly Abode on 9th November 2007. With a smile on his
lips and eyes focused on God’s will, he was laid to rest at his native place in
Quepem. Attended by scores of his close friends, colleagues and manager from
Mustafa Karam Firm, tiatrists and tiatr lovers and his well-wishers with tears
in their eyes and a prayer, the requiem mass was offered by Kuwait-Goa
Tiatristanchi Sonvstha (KGTS).

Bab Sanny was one of the rarest jewels produced by the Konkani stage and
known among the tiatr lovers for his scintillating songs on social and moral
subjects. His specialty was in composing and singing songs in a unique way. His
songs served as a whip to all types of injustice in the society and for the
Goan causes. He mesmerized Goans as an actor, composer, singer, and writer.
Though in his fifties, he had the style and caliber to perform as an evergreen
singer with his youthful looks and his trademark shaved torso. His last song
will be much cherished on his theme of fostering unity among mankind. Always
eager to assist and help, the tiatrists fraternity will feel the void left in
his dealth. The death has snatched away a dear friend and an entertainer from
us.

A meeting was held at the Royale Terrace Restaurant, Salmiya on 17th November
2007 and KGTS members took this opportunity to offer prayers and poignant
tributes to this Konkani stage artiste and singer and conveyed heartfelt
condolences to his bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.

Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonsvtha (KGTS)
Kuwait

Xabas Kala Mogi !

2009-01-04T03:24:00.000-08:00

Vachpi Boroitat

Xabas Kala Mogi!

Setembrache 12ver, 2007, Ponnjechea Kala Akademint “Odruxtti Jivit” ho Joao Cardoz-baban borovn digdorxit kelolo tiatr ami pollelo. Kala Mogi, Candolim ani kherit bhaxen Tomazinho Cardoz-babak amchim porbim ani xabaski!

Ho tiatr 50 vorsam fattim Saipem, Candolim hanga dakhoilolo hem sotmanunk khub avgodd lagta. Tiatrachi kotha, tantuntlo vinod ani machieveli manddavoll
monam dipkaita. Bhattkar ani munddkarachea jivita bhonvtonnim hi kotha ghunvta, torui ek dis oso udeta….tujea kallzak samko pill ghalta!

Dusre pavtti khuimsorui ho tiatr machier haddlear, konnench pollevnk chukovcho nhoi.
‘ Odruxtti Jivit” ho tiatr pollevn ghora pavtoch, SMS korun, hanvem Tomazinho Cardoz-babak porbim dilim. Aiz portun ek pavtt Kala Mogi, Candolim he sonvsthek mhojim porbim.

Walter Menezes,
Kepem.

www.v-ixtt.com

"Noxibant Nirmilelem" Kotha Jhelo

2009-01-04T03:18:00.000-08:00

"NOXIBANT NIRMILELEM" kotha jhelo hem Romi Konknni pustok halinch uzvaddak ailam.

Yeta tea Budvar-a thavn, char bhagamni, hea pustokantli xevottchi kotha, NOVO PORZOLL GHARABEACHO, tumkam vachunk melltoli. Pon'nas vorsam fattim boroilelea kanniamchem koxem pustok zalem, hem Dale Menezes pustokachea survatek sangta:

BOROVPI BABUSH

Camilo Menezes, ho sov bhurgeam modlo Sebatiao ani Pascoela Clara ˜Cassiana" Menezes hancho poilo put. 19.07.1938 vorsa to zolmolo. Camilak tin bhoinno ani dog bhav. Tantuntlo nimnno bhav, Walter, mhozo papa. Hanv Walteracho put. Mhonntoch, Camilo mhozo titiv. Punn ghorant ani ganvant, papak dhorun, Camilo-k soglle ˜Babush" hea nanvan vollkhotale. 28.07.1998 hea disa to hea sonvsarak ontorlo.

Camilo "Babush" Menezes, ho Konknni bhaxentlean khub boroitalo mhunn amkam aiz unneant-unnim ponâ€™nas vorsam fattlean kollon ailem. Mhojea papan, halinch aplem dusrem pustok, ZOIT ani her kovita, Goa Konknni Akademiche arthik palov yevzonne khala uzvaddak haddlolem. He yevzonne khala, tannem Akademik pon'nas proteo divpacheo asleo. Ani heach kamank lagon to Goa Konknni Akademint gel'lo. Thoim taka Brazinho Soares bhettlo.

Brazinho-babak Babush mhozo papacho pai dislo, ani tannem hem khorem kai mhunn mhojea papak prosn kelo. Mhojea papan taka Babush aplo pai nhoi, punn aplo vhoddlo bhav mhunn sanglem. Tednam Brazinho-baban taka, Babush khub vorsam adim ˜A Vanguarda" satolleacher neman boroitalo mhunn sanglem. Brazinho-bab tachim borovpam neman vachtalo, hem-ui tannem sanglem.

Hi gozal papan ghara yevn amkam sangli. Tednam mhoji baravechi porikxa niktich suru zaunchi asli. Hanv Babushachim borovpam, kovita ani kannio sodun kaddunk volunteer zalom. Tache uprant hi gozal thoinch thondd poddli. Mhoji porikxa sompli ani suttio poddleo. Punn hanv Babushak visronk nam ani rokddoch dusrea disa Ponnjechea Central Library-nt gelom.

˜A Vanguarda"-che char motte, dhull boslele gronth (volumes) thoim kam' korteleamni mhaka sodun dile. He gronth 1955 tem 1958 vorsantle asle. Sokallchea adesak kainch mellunk na. Jevonn korun yetoch ani thoddim dhullan bhorlelim, holdduvim zalolim panam challun xekim tachem poilem prokaxit zalelem borovp mhaka mell'lem. Charantle-char-ui gronth challtam mhonnosor sogllo dis somplo.

Poilim-poilim mhaka tachem borovp khub thoddem mellâ€™lem. Punn zoxe â€˜A Vanguarda-che ank prokaxit zait gele, toxim tachim borovpam sohoz dolleamni bhoronk laglim. Hanvem tachea borovpache digital camera ghevn fottu kaddle. Tacho written output pollevn hanv thottaklom! Tachi ek kotha "˜Noxibant Nirmilelem" tor att bhagamni serialize zaleli! Kednam oxem zatalem ki eka panar tachi kotha astali, zalear dusrea panar tachi kovita. To kednam-kednam borovpam-i boroitalo.

Digital camera-cher fottu kaddun mhojem kam sompunk nam. He fottu computer-acher ghalun, tantuntlim utram hatan borounchim aslim. Tachem sogllem borovp hatan boroitam mhonnlear sumar ek mhoino laglo, ani don motteo diaries bhorleo.

Magir, ek kall oso ailo, ki Babusha bhitorlo borovpi xant zalo. 1958 vorsa tannem ekuch borovp kelem. Ghoddie tannem tiatr borovnk survat keleli asot. Karonn, amche Kepemche ganv-bhav je Babushak tornne pirayer savn vollkhotale, te tachea tiatranchi azun yad kaddtat. Favonam Tem Mevonam, Mhozo Oprad he tache gazlole tiatr khoim. Punn tachea tiatranchim hatborpam amkam aiz legun mellunk nant.

Apunn khub boroitalo mhunn tannem kednach amkam, kuttumbantlea vangddeank, sangunk na. Uprant papa borovnk laglo. Torui to ogich ravlo. Amchea ghorant ek vhodd Konknnicho put aslo hi konnakuch khobor nasli. Papak dhorun!

˜A Vanguarda"-cho Konknni vibhagacho sompadok aslo Prabhakar-bab Tendulkar. Hea satolleacher nodor marli zalear konnak-ui gomon yetolem, Tendulkar-babak vision ani upatt mog aslo â€“ Konknnicho!

Him sogllim borovpam adle pod'dotin boroilelim asat. Tanchi vakea-bandavoll toxea toxich dovorlea khori, punn xud'dh lekhonache nodrentlean zagear ghaleant. Punn ami mathalle (titles) toxech dovorleat. Hache fattlem karonn itlench: amkam hea borovpantlean vachpeak tea kallacho Konknnicho pormoll divnk zai. Hea kanniamni khub Purtugez utram / Purtugez loanwords asat tim ami toxinch dovorleant ani pustokachea xevottak tanchi utravoll (glossary) dil'li asa.

Babushachea pustokachem nanv ˜Noxibant Nirmilelem - Kotha Jhelo". ˜Noxibant Nirmilelem" hi tachi mukhel kotha. Pon'nas vorsam adim boroileleo kotha khoim tori xirkon asleo. Teo ami chukun (by default) Brazinho Soares-achea eka utrantlean sodun kaddleo, ani pon'nas vorsam uprant Babushacho sompadok tachea pustokachi prostavona boroita - hem oslem bhangarachem bhag, mhaka tori dista, amchea NOXIBANT-uch NIRMILELEM!

________________

Pustokachem Mol: 60/- Rupia

Pustok hanga mellta:

Moddganv: ZITO'S, Cine Lata lagim

Ponnje: BROADWAY BOOK CENTRE, St. Inez, Caculo Island -a lagim

Kepem: STAR BOOK STALL

Kuwait ani Gulf: Goa-World.Com Team

Uzvaddavpi: Walter Menezes

Cusmane, Quepem, Goa - 403 705

email: cindypublications@...

Goa's Pride - http://www.goa-world.com
Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter is presented by Ulysses Menezes,
www.goa-world.com and moderated by Gaspar Almeida (since 1994)
http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/gulf-goans

Konkani Amchi Mai Bhas Sogglea Goenkaranchi - hench amchem herans.
For all Goans, our mother-tongue Konkani, is our pride!
http://www.songs-from-goa.at/goa/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5ECJrnqPcI

Promoting written Konkani, how?

2009-01-04T03:14:00.000-08:00

Promoting written Konkani, how?

Konkani enthusiast Walter Menezes from Quepem
is into poetry, writing and even sketching.

He talks of his work, and how even a couple of cross-language book
reviews (of Konkani books, but written in English) had their good
impact.

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=X2baYcUdZ3M&feature=channel_page

Of Konkani, writing, cartooning..... and reviewing

2009-01-04T03:12:00.000-08:00

Of Konkani, writing, cartooning… and reviewing

Quepem-based Walter Menezes has been working to promote the tiny Konkani language for a long time now. Some of his experiences.

http://fredericknoronha.wordpress.com/

"Zoit ani Her Kovita" uzvaddak yeta !

2009-01-04T03:10:00.001-08:00

Walter Menezes-achem pustok, “ ZOIT ani her kovita” uzvaddak yeta

Somar, 25.02.2008, Pope John School Hall, Kepem- hanga sanjechea 6.15 horancher ho suvallo zatolo. Shri Pundalik Naik, Odheox, Goa Konknni Akademi, Mukhel Soire zalear Shri Chandrakant (Babu) Kavalekar, Kepem-che Amdar ani Chairman, Goa Industrial Development Corporation, Manache Soire astole.

Pilarche Fr. Agnel Kolegint Konknni xikoupi ani boroupi, Shri Jose Salvador Fernandes hea pustoka vixim uloitole. “Koddu Sonvsar ani her kotha”- hea Walter-achea poilea pustokak Konknni Bhasha Mandal-acho Sahit’ya Puroskar favo zala.1991-1993 hea don vorsam khatir taka Department of Culture, Ministry of Human Resources, Govt. of India-chi ‘Junior Fellowship in Literature’ mell’li.

Pon’nas kovitancho aspav korun toyar kel’lem ‘Zoit ani her kovita’ – hem Walter-achem dusrem pustok. Pustok uzvaddak ailea uprant lhan Konknni karyavoll astoli zantunt vantto ghetat: Elvis Goes, Director, Kepemchim Kirnnam; John Rodrigues, Music Teacher, Agacaim ani Pramod Mhadeshwar-an choreograph korun Vivekanand Kala Sadarikaran Manch, Keri-Sattari hannim sadar kel’lo, ‘NACH GOA NACH’.

"Zoit ani Her Kovita" released in Qatar

2009-01-04T03:07:00.000-08:00

A Konkani book, ’ZOIT’, written by Walter Menezes of Quepem, Goa, was released by Hazel Rodrigues, general secretary of the association. High energy pulsating dance beats, loads of prizes, Bollywood celebrities, beauty pageants and interactive Qatar audience were all the part and parcel of the colossal 8th May Queen Ball of Goan Welfare Association held at Diplomatic Club Doha, Qatar..

http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=134033
15/5/2008

"Zoit ani Her Kovita" released in Kuwait

2009-01-04T03:04:00.000-08:00

Konkani Book Released

Another remarkable feature of the program was the release of a Konkani book titled "Zoit ani her Kovita" (Victory and other poems) by Walter Menezes (Quepem, Goa). The book was released at the hands of Mr. Ashley Rigde-Cooke. This is the second year in succession that a Goan author/poet's publication has been released in Kuwait at the Summer Queen - the glittering dinner dance social organized by Goan Cultural Centre (GCC-Kuwait) at Crowne Plaza on Friday 25 April, 2008.

Quepem's Stars from Goa Sparkle at Kalaangann

2009-01-04T03:03:00.000-08:00

Mangalore: Quepem's Stars from Goa Sparkle at Kalaangann

MANGALORE , Jan 6,2008 : It was certainly a refreshing change for the Konkani music and art aficionados of the city, when 'Kepemchim Kirnnam', a musical and performing group from Quepem taluka of south Goa, presented a scintillating show at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar in the city evening. Quepem or Kepem has earned its own place in the art and music world. 'Kepemchim Kirnnam', headed by its director Elvis Goes, is not new to Mangalore. This group had taken part in the historic 'Manddo Fest' in 2003 in Mangalore and had won the hearts of Konkani art-lovers of the city.

Walter Menezes impressed with his flowing style of compering.

[Richie Lasrado"Gulf Goans" ]

Goa's Very Own 'Wren & Martin' - by Walter Menezes

2009-01-04T03:00:00.001-08:00

I was happy to see the following article in the GT the other day. I am
posting it here for wider reading.

The book, with an uninspiring light blue cover, is really the most
useful book I have seen to date for learning to read and write Konkani
in Roman script ....specially if you are familiar with spoken Konkani
or written English or both. The English-konkani and Konkani-English
vocabulary is also very helpful. The book is available at
TSKK-Porvorim, Varsha Book stall-Panaji [near Panaji-Betim Ferry
jetty], Broadway Book store-St. Inez [opposite Caculo Ford] and St.
Paul's Book store -18 June Road, Panaji. In Margao it is available at
Rhythm House opposite Hotel Meenaxi. The book is priced just Rs.250/-

Those who do not know to speak Konkani, may find it helpful to buy a
CD that comes along with Mr.Edward D"Lima's book "Learning Konkani"
available at Singbal Book Stall, near the Church, Panaji. The pair
costs Rs.200/-

Mog asundi.

Miguel

Gomantak Times, Wednesday, dated: 02/01/2008.

GOA'S VERY OWN ˜WREN & MARTIN"

By: Walter Menezes
Great persons, someone said, are no different from the
rest of us. They only do things differently! On
September 29, 2007, Fr. Matthew Almeida did just that.
He celebrated his birthday differently. To a ˜sizeable
section of Goan society and a ˜great number of
Indians and foreigners who wanted to learn Konknni
without having to learn a new alphabet, Fr. Matthew
gave a precious present: ROMI LIPIENT KONKNNI KORS.
For nearly two months the book remained on my bedside
table, always staring at me.. Then one day I had to
leave for Baroda and I picked up the book, dusted its
cover and said, You are going to be my companion for
the next few days!
All through the days of the journey, the book remained
my constant companion as I leafed through the pages
and found that ROMI LIPIENT was indeed a precious
present. The amount of time, energy and midnight oil
that must have been burned by Fr. Matthew and his
"textbook team" of Fr. Pratap Naik, S.J., Joanita
D'Silva, Fr. Ave Maria Afonso and Shilpa Salvi to
complete the Konknni Course can best be summed up
thus: the book is simply outstanding!
The Konknni Course is primarily meant for beginners
and uses the Bardeshi dialect which is adopted by all
the Church publications in Goa. The graded lessons are
based on grammatical structures of Konknni. The
grammar is explained in English and there are
extensive exercises for the learner. With structural
table drills, vocabulary at the end of each lesson and
50 pages of Konknni-Inglez / English-Konknni
dictionaries, the book at once reminds you of ˜Wren &
Martin, that old classic for a generation of students
and teachers alike.
In a brief write-up in the Nov-Dec'07 issue of The
Goan Review, the magazine highlights the advantage of
Roman script being ˜universally used script and any
one who wishes to learn Konknni can make use of this
book. This could well be the reason for â€˜an
enthusiastic response that the book has stirred up.
According to Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr Report
2007, the publishers received ˜pre-publication orders
coming in from all over the world.
The course uses all the letters of the Roman alphabet
except q and w and an additional symbol â called
tilde or til with a or o to give the accurate Konknni
nasal sounds, e.g. pay (foot), and teaches one the
typical patterns of sound, forms, words and sentences
found in Konknni.
Fr. Matthew informs us that â€˜the optimum age for
language learning is from birth up to eleven to twelve
years of age. But that should not discourage anyone.
Though not written as a ˜teach-yourself-tutor", the
course, with certain adaptations, ˜can be used to
learn Konknni by oneself.
Once the introductory lessons are behind you, Fr.
Matthew takes you through everything that is so
special about Goa. In Lesson 5, the children get a
taste of ˜ambeachim kapam and˜ponnsachim sattam"
when they go to Saliganv. Up the hill, they find
˜zambllam, bhennsam, churnam ani charam" and I
couldn't but remember my own childhood days when we
went in search of such berries during the summer
holidays.
˜Sobit Ghor" is another lesson that gives you an
inside view of the ancestral houses we grew up in,
complete with ˜zollvachi khomp ani dukrancho ghudd".
And with the kind of frenzied development that is
taking place all around us, we may very soon find such
houses only in history and coffee-table books.
There is a beautiful line in one of the lessons:
nisteachea nanvan mel'lim jitim zavpi ami! It means,
without fish, Goans really feel like fish out of
water. Even to read the very mention of such words
like sungttancho balchanv, sukea bangddeancho parra,
nisteachi mol ani rexiad in the book, is to leave a
tang on your tongue.
In some lessons there is sadness also. Sadness at the
way Goans are selling off their houses and properties.
At the way we celebrate our wedding receptions, where
time is always the first casualty. And sadness to find
that more and more players from Africa and Brazil are
signed by the football clubs in Goa.
Konknni uses are, ago, aga, age and the dependent
forms re, go, ga, ge. Fr. Matthew cautions us that
˜care must be taken to find out the social
acceptability of the forms to a particular group"..
Rather than run the risk of insulting some person, ˜it
is best to avoid them altogether", he suggests.
Saying numbers and fractions, too is made that much
simpler by using the old, decimal oriented practice as
in English. 23 becomes vis ani tin and 1/3 is tinantlo
ek vantto.
>From Lesson 23 onwards, if the narrator or speaker is
Hindu, Antruji dialect is used and if he is a
Catholic, Bardeshi dialect is used to prepare the
learner ˜for the real life situation in Goa.
One cannot help but notice a few slips. Xarak vortolo (page
149) should be xarant. And is dovornnem the right word
for a bus-stop?
Apart from being a basic course for learners, Fr.
Matthew Almeida's book takes the student through the
hills and houses, the customs and everything that
makes Goa truly fascinating. Like the good earth after
the first showers, the pages literally ˜smell" of the
Goan way of life as seen through the discerning eyes
of a great educationist like Fr. Matthew.
Porbim tumkam, Fr. Matthew Almeida. We eagerly look
forward to your next birthday and your next present!

Title: ROMI LIPIENT KONKNNI KORS
Author: Dr. MATTHEW ALMEIDA, S.J.
Publisher: THOMAS STEPHENS KONKNNI KENDR, PORVORIM
Pages: 252
Price: Rs.250/-

Walter Menezes,
42, The Mustard Seed,
Cusmene, Quepem,
Goa 403 705
Mobile: 9370569296

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Miguel Braganza, S1 Gracinda Apts,
Rajvaddo, Mhapsa 403507 Goa
Ph 9822982676
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

"Natt'yangan" - collection of one act plays in Konkani

2009-01-04T02:59:00.001-08:00

Konkani’s humorous plays… (review by J.P.Pereira)

By J P Pereira

‘Natt’yangan’ is a collection of humorous one-act plays in Konkani, written by Brenda Menezes and published by Cindy Publications, Quepem through the sponsorship of Goa Konknni Academy. The book comprises of five plays, written in a simple yet delightful language that is normally used everyday.

The first play titled ‘Eka Lognak Sotra Vidhna,’ narrates the tale of an elderly spinster who refuses all proposals and when she finally accepts one, other hurdles crop up. ‘Aai Bhandavelean Dhanvli,’ is about a mother, her naughty kids and a ‘good for nothing’ husband. Frustrated at not being able to control the misdeeds of her family, she contemplates suicide…

In ‘Hantrun Polleun Paim Soddunk Zai,’ a poor peon, in an office, is under tension. His sister-in-law is getting married, his children want new clothes, and his wife wants to buy an expensive gift and he has no money! ‘Eleisanv’ tells about corrupt politicians and the new candidates who also will become corrupt while the last play, ‘Aplem Thoddem Chintchem Papia,’ warns a retiring employee to save the terminal benefits or face the consequences.

Written in Devanagri script by a lady who was weaned in Konkani from her childhood by her parents and uncles, especially a maternal uncle who won laurels for his poetry, the five plays make for great reading. Besides the humor that is present, there is also a message in each play. The book would be a great buy for individuals and schools, which could perform the
beautiful plays for variety entertainment programmes and annual days.

With great support and encouragement from her husband, Walter Menezes, who is also a writer, Brenda will continue writing more plays. Maybe someday, the will write a full-fledged Konkani drama. All the best to Brenda, keep on writing.

More details of the book from Walter Menezes

Book Review of "Rendermam Ani Tachem Jivit" - By Walter Menezes

2009-01-04T02:56:00.000-08:00

Book Review of “Rendermam Ani Tachem Jivit"
Author and Publisher: Fr. Ave Maria Afonso
Pages: 64
Price: Rs.60

By: Walter Menezes

I met Fr. Ave Maria Afonso at Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, Alto Porvorim on a day when Fr. Mathew Almeida, SJ was celebrating his birthday. The book release ceremony of Fr. Almeida’s Romi Lipient Konknni Kurs was over and we were helping ourselves to a piece of cake and a cup of tea when Fr. Ave Maria presented me with a copy of his book, Rendermam’ ani Tachem Jivit.

This book was released in Margao a couple of days earlier at a function organized to celebrate the first anniversary of the Konknni magazine, Jivit, and although I was present for the same, I had to leave the function half-way through, without buying a copy of the book, whose seeds were sown when Fr. Ave Maria was pursuing his post-graduate studies at TSKK, Alto Porvorim.

I finished reading Rendermam’ on a relaxed Sunday when the nation was celebrating the triumph of good over evil and realized how little I knew about the toddy-tapper who, like the poder and the pagi, (baker and traditional fisherman) has been an essential part of every Goan household. For who can imagine a life without our daily bread, our fish-curry and a peg of feni? Or our feasts without sannas and our mouth-watering dishes like sorpotel, sausages, vindaloo, fish parro and mol without vinegar?

My father-in-law had a bar in Kepem and, on days when he was indisposed, I was the one who was summoned to help him out on such occasions. We normally catered to the aam admi who would flock to the bar in the afternoons and the evenings and help themselves to their favourite drink. I had the opportunity to interact with some of the rendermams, and in one case the wife of a rendermam’, who would come from as far as Sanguem with their kollxo (earthern pot) of feni and deliver the same to Ruzar-irmao, as my father-in-law was respectfully called. He would then measure the grau of the feni by dipping the alcohometer in the bottle, nod his head when it showed 18 degrees, and then make the payment.

A kopin of feni is what I normally had in the night just before supper was served. And on days when I was too tired after a hard day’s work, my wife would not mind at all if I had some ‘extra’ ones! What she never knew was that sometimes I would join my friend at a village bar, where dukhsiri, a strange combination of feni and medicinal roots, was a great hit at that time. Meant for those who labour and sweat it out in the fields, dukhsiri is a soothing drink and like vodka, there is not a trace of smell at all. But just to be on the safer side, once the bill was settled, my friend would remove a couple of cloves from some secret chamber of his trousers and off we would go, munching them merrily on our way home. We were happy and so were our better halves!

Fr. Ave Maria’s book is a treasure of information. The tools that the rendermam’ uses, the sign of the cross that he makes on his forehead before the risky climb to the coconut tree-top and the process of distilling feni, these and other details make the book interesting. It is a male-dominated world, but, strange as it may sound, Fr. Ave Maria reports of the only lady-render from Verna who once did the job. With a colourful ‘dose’ of photographs by Egidio Fernandes and a cover designed by Willy Goes, Rendermam’ ani Tachem Jivit is a great offering in Romi Konknni.

There is one chapter dedicated entirely to Rendrachim Gitam-Kantaram. The toddy-tapper leads a lonely life, hopping from one coconut tree to another, three times a day. Seated on one of the palm fronds high above the ground, sharp-edged kati, dudinem to collect the sap and the clay pot, damonnem, firmly in place, the poet in the rendermam’ awakens and he
sings:

Jivit chintlear
amchem,

Xirxirta ang
lokachem.

Maddar choddun
denvpachem,

Jivit amchem
Rendranchem!

Yes! Life is a hard grind for the rendermam’. And very risky too. Fr. Ave Maria informs that the All Goa Toddy-Tappers’ Association, headquarted in Margao and established in 1961,
has been in the forefront to protect the interests of the render community. A few welfare measures are in operation and a “Pension Scheme” formed by the Goa Government for
toddy-tappers above 60 years of age, awaits implementation.

The rendermam’ is a fascinating person and Fr. Ave Maria has observed him from close quarters. Even going to the extent of spending a night and a day with his family. The rendermam’ is a god-fearing man. There is rosary in his house every day and once a year, villagers gather at his residence for the ladin (litany) in honour of the patron saint. On the last
Sunday of February every year, he attends, along with his entire community, the Thanksgiving Mass at the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Like any niz Goenkar, he loves football, khell-tiatrs and tiatrs. His breakfast consists of pez with kalchi koddi and kharem nustem and his house is full of Konknni cassettes. He gambles a lot, plays the moddko and has, on many occasions, squandered his hard-earned money on such vices.

Arthur Hailey, best-selling author of such ‘subject-specific’ novels like Airport, Hotel, Wheels, Overload and Final Diagnosis, who used factual research to his advantage, once said, “I don’t think I really invented anybody. I have drawn on real life!” Perhaps Fr. Ave Maria’s next ‘stop’ should be a novel, with characters drawn from real life.

Prof. Jose Salvador Fernandes, in his foreword, shares his own experience of maddar choddpachem when he used to assist his father in ‘toddy-tapping’ whenever the manaim-render (helper) used to be absent. Both, Prof. Jose’s father and the rendermam’ where Fr. Ave Maria spent a night, felt that this is not only a tough job but one where there is no respect at all. “Ami tras-koxtt kaddtat te puro. Amchea bhurgeank tem naka”, they said, expressing in a way, the sentiments of the entire community.

Such a view may just be the reason why the population of toddy-tappers has reduced drastically from a strong force of around 22,000 in 1964 to only around 1100 in 2006. The death-knell has already sounded for many such ancient traditional occupations, Prof. Jose laments in his foreword. In the distant future, books like Rendermam’ ani Tachem Jivit will become a rich repository of information and a window to our fascinating past.

__________________
As a critic “par excellence” you have done great justice to Fr Ave Maria Alfonso and his fascinating book “Renderamam ani Tachem Jivit”. You’ve crafted an glowing overview within a lovely idyllic setting, exquisitely framed with folk lore and consuetude. While focusing on the toddy tapper your remarks are astutely enriched with also discussing cognate trades.
This added feature gives a robust, well-rounded picture of rural Goa in its pristine glory.

Although an expatriate native of the Konkan coast, it’s the first time I’ve been introduced to the indigenous word “Renderamam”. Recalling rustic Mahim, Bombay of yore, I’ve scaled quite a few coconut trees in my salad days. I knew professional palm climbers fairly well too. But we referred to them as Bandaris. We had high reverence
for them as they could scramble up tall trees in a jiffy while we struggled even with mid-sized ones. Of course our climbs were mainly juvenile pranks to purloin a couple of the fruit to share among mischievous comrades. As part of the cult of amateur tree-hugging stegophilists, we not only had a lot of fun but were part of the culture and traditions of the littoral scene in the shadow of the Ghats. I’m highly obliged for stirring my deep visceral feelings with heartwarming nostalgia of my halcyon days of naughty innocence.

I’m surprised you’ve not yet autogenously undertaken writings of your own within our Motherland’s ambit of geography and ethnography. You seem to dynamically live, breathe, sweat and adulate our native soil’s ethos and topography so endearingly. Shades of the
genre of my eminent Goan writer friends-in-correspondence, Messrs Valmiki Faleiro and
Edwin Fernandes !!! So why not document this treasure from your seminal perspective? In conclusion, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading your elegant tribute to Fr Ave Maria’s impressive work. Your generous cachet should make a big difference to its circulation and
special place in our libraries. Regards Arnold

–
mog asum di, walter

Comment by Arnold Noronha, by way of Walter Menezes and FN — September 7, 2008
Source:
http://goabooks.wordpress.com/2008/01/22/a-life-less-known-walter-menezes-reviews-renderamam-ani-tachem-jivit/
& Walter Menezes

cartoons as published in Gomantak Times (Goa) - 3

2009-01-03T03:24:00.000-08:00

Walter Menezes' cartoons as published in The Gomantak Times (Goa)

2009-01-03T03:22:00.000-08:00

2008-09-29T02:39:00.001-07:00

Out of My Mind - Cartoons (as published in The Gomantak Times)

2008-09-29T02:34:00.000-07:00

Gomantak Times has given me some space to do a comic strip. If everything goes well, the strip will appear twice a week under the title OUT OF MY MIND.
My first strip was published today on GT Weekender (14.09.2008).
Shall be grateful if you could put it on Gulf-goans.

Mog asum di,
walter menezes