Goan Views

Se Cathedral

2011-12-30T21:10:00.000-08:00

The Se Cathedral in old goa is the largest church in India dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. It is the oldest and most celebrated religious buildings in Goa and also one of the largest churches in Asia.

The Se Cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of the Portugues under Alphonso de Albuquerque over a Muslim army, leading to the capture of the city of Goa in 1510. Since the day of the victory happened to be on the feast of Saint Catherine, the cathedral was dedicated to her.

It was commissioned by Governor George Cabral to be enlarged in 1552 on the remains of an earlier structure. The actual construction began in 1562 under the reign of King Don Sebastiao. The Cathedral was finally completed in 1619 and was consecrated in 1640.

It originally had two towers, but one collapsed in 1776 and was never rebuilt.

Se Cathedral also houses a baptismal font made in 1532 which was used by Saint Francis Xavier the patron saint of Goa, in order to baptize several Goan converts.

St. Augustine Tower

2011-12-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

One of the most spectacular of all monuments in Goa, is this highly visible landmark, a 46m-high tower served as a belfry and formed part of the facade of a magnificent Church. The construction of the building began more than 400 years ago and was finished between the years 1597 to 1602. The name of the designer of this magnificent piece of construction is not known, but he is thought to have been Italian.

When it was completed in the 16th century, the grand Nossa Senhora da Graca Church was recognized as one of the three great Augustinian churches in the Iberian world, the other two being the Basilica of the Escorial in Spain, St. Vincente de Fora in Lisbon.

On entering the church, the visitor would have a glimpse of the grand retable of the high altar, with its large gilt tabernacle sheltered within an arch, through a screen of arched piers. Vestiges of most of these piers were visible until recently; they supported a spacious choir which could have accommodated a large number of Augustinian monks.

The nave of the Church now lies open to the sky, under whose broken arches locals sometimes gather and talk. Covering the vast nave was a barrel vault, whose enormous weight unfortunately hastened its collapse.The church fell into neglect and the vault collapsed in 1842. The church's demise began with the collapse of this vault. The body of the church was soon destroyed, but the facade remained intact.

The tower's huge bell was moved in 1871 to the Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panjim, where it remains and can be seen and heard today. In 1931, the facade and half the tower fell down, followed by more sections in 1938 leaving only half the tower that is seen and visited by thousands of tourists today.This remnant, the renowned St. Augustine's tower is all that remains of what was once one of the largest buildings in Goa -- The Augustinian Monastery.

Was this supposed to be a joke?

2011-07-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

It is common practice here in Goa to splash local newspapers with advertisment on the occassion of a birthday of a public figure. I am sure it is not because the advertiser is not able to wish the birthday boy in person. Just that it is seen as a sign of goodwill to be seen as spending money to publicly wish the person.

However, what go me to post this story is the ad I noticed in today's edition of O Heraldo. An obituary in fact. I refer to this ad only as an example.

Why is it that the name of the deceased itself is in small fonts while that of the advertiser is even more prominent. Moreover, Joaquim Alemao even has his qualifications mentioned.

Just a few guesses:

The deceased himself is trivial and not the main reason for the ad itself
This is a good opportunity to promote Joaquim and Yuri in the eyes of the Goan public
People need to know that Yuri Alemao is a social worker (how?)

Tick one

The medium of instruction issue

2011-06-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

Have we just let the politicians distract us from the more important things and taken us for a ride? I am referring to the MOI issue that seems to have taken everyone's attention lately.

Not for a minute do I want to trivialize the importance of the subject itself. However, the way the topic has manifested itself and the direction it has taken are something we need to closely introspect.

Coming back to the topic itself, I am a big supporter of the MOI being in the local language until middle school with English as a subject. One of the key element of local identify is our language which is unfortunately losing out. The number of Goans who use Konkani as a language of communication is dwindling at a rapid pace. What recourse do we have before we lose our language itself?

I am aware of the argument that English is an extremely important language and very important in the workplace. But should this argument impact the current risk we face of losing our identity? I believe the current generation is exposed to English in many forms and hence masters the language through many other means.

Are we forsaking our identify and future by promoting English as a MOI?

Tehelka Tapes India Pak match fixing conversations

2011-03-31T23:10:00.000-07:00

The derogatory ad

2011-02-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

Refer to my earlier post.

Someone managed to send me a link to the ad posted on Flickr.

Read the ad. It's nauseating.

Click on the picture to enlarge.

Picture courtesy joegoaukextra2

Dr. Hubert Gomes

2011-02-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

"Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote."

William E. Simon

I bowed my head in shame as I read the the recent advertisement in O Heraldo (5th February 2011) put up by some supporters of Churchill Alemao. Unfortunately I am not able to download the ad itself hence I am providing a link here.

I am angry. I am ashamed.

But then, it's time we looked inwards. Are we partly responsible for the result? In the words of William E Simon, it is our good Goans who continue to vote such incompetent representatives to the assembly. As the next assembly elections draw near, its time to come out in large numbers and vote judiciously. Vote for candidates who have a vision and commitment for Goa. A candidate who can influence and develop policies that strengthen Goa and the niz goenkar.

Today, as I read the tirade against Dr. Hubert Gomes in O Herald, I am even more determined to vote. And vote for people like Dr. Hubert Gomes who I believe has accomplished so much in his career and can genuinely contribute to the betterment of Goa.

Please pass on this message to your friends and relatives.

The time has come.

Goan Houses 4

2010-11-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

The World Cup fever in Goa

2010-06-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

The World Cup has reached mid way after a series of upsets that saw a few of the European giants bite the dust. The football fever seems to be reaching a crescendo in Goa as everyone is looking forward to Portugal's next match against Spain.

Did you say Portugal?

So what is it that excites Goans about Portuguese football? After having been 'colonized' by the Portuguese for over 400 years, what is it that draws Goans to cheer for the Portuguese so passionately?

It puzzles me to see the Portuguese colors don the imagination of Goans so strongly. Is it a reflection of the Goan's love in general for the Portuguese? Is it something only restricted to the Portuguese speaking elite? Is it because the players' names sound a lot more familiar than Drogbas and Rooneys? Or is it plain hangover?

Spotted this car painted in the Portuguese colors during one of my trips to the south to attend an old friends funeral.

The Nadia Torrado Case - Suicide or cold blooded murder

2010-06-11T05:07:00.001-07:00

Lot of the dust seems to have settled down and the initial shock effect may have drained down. It's time to put the sketchy evidence and look at possible final closures.

What has really stunned many people is the calm and composure of the mother, Sonia. Right through the events since Nadia was admitted to Apollo hospital in Margao, there is something about Sonia that would have startled the best criminal investigation brains.

The initial statements and newspaper coverage seemed to suggest that Nadia may have poisoned herself by mistake. Having met Nadia couple of times and having a fair understanding of this young lady it seems very strange that such an event could have happened. Nadia was an extremely intelligent young lady who would have identified the substance the moment it was placed on a toothbrush. I have used Godrej shaving cream a couple of times on my toothbrush. And yes it seriously does not taste like my Colgate.

First of all, why a tube of Ratol be in the place of a normal tube of toothpaste seems to fox me. Even though Nadia's house in Loutulim could have faced big challenges from rats, its very suspicious that the entire tube was placed near a wash basin where the toothpaste may have been normally placed. Let us for a moment assume that the tube may have been left behind by mistake after someone have placed enough of its contents around the house to taken care of the infestation. Why would she have used such a lot of the contents on her tooth brush?

Many by now will understand that no such error took place and that this perhaps is a sure case of suicide. Sure case? As sure as the contradictory statements coming out from the family and close friends?

If one were to trace back the events in Nadia's life over the last 3 years, even the dumbest of brains will suspect murder. Nadia had now become an important liability. As MP's relationship with Nadia continued to go down, another very interesting love relationship was taking shape right next door. A relationship that will have eventually posed serious threat to Nadia's life. As much a serious threat as Nadia will have posed if she was still around. Nadia had to be eliminated at all costs. Her being alive will have posed even bigger risk to the new love story. She may have threatened to spill the beans.

It is said that a mother's love knows no bounds. The mother's new love knew no bounds and finally proved stronger. Nadia had to go.

As the events of the next few days unfold, it will be much clearer that Nadia may have been murdered. Murdered in cold blood by the 2 people closest to her.

This of course is only my little Sherlock Holmes type interpretation. Let us hope the legal system is able to throw light on the truth. Soon.

Goa's Ferry Boats

2010-06-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

The famous 'ferry boats' are a common means of crossing Goa's several rivers and rivulets. Look out and try the pleasure of a ferry boat ride for the complete Goa experience

Goa Chitra

2010-03-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Founded by Victor Hugo Gomes, Goa Chitra is a unique collection and presentation of old traditional Goan farming equipment and old tools, restored to their original state. Being a Goan, I have myself wondered and lamented the way we have losing out on our traditions with the onslaught of modern technology.

Hats off to Victor and Aldina for painstakingly putting together this fantastic opportunity for all Goans and the rest of the world to share in and view most of the traditional tools and equipment which will probably cease to exist in Goa in a few years.

For detail of Goa Chitra, please click here.

Pictures courtesy www.goachitra.com

Goa Carnival 2010

2010-02-18T19:52:00.000-08:00

This year's carnival rocked!!! Not only were the floats better organised, but the quality of floats was much better than previous years. More importantly it is once again turning into a people's carnival with more and more people coming out in their colorful best and taking part in the celebrations.

Curtorim Church

2010-01-27T04:24:00.000-08:00

Curtorim Church

2010-01-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

Azad Maidan

2010-01-18T09:31:00.000-08:00

2010-01-16T00:03:00.000-08:00

Fontainhas Chapel

2010-01-15T01:50:00.000-08:00

Chapel in Fontainhas, Panjim

2010-01-06T01:42:00.000-08:00

Fontainhas, Panaji

Goan houses 2

2010-01-03T04:38:00.000-08:00

Fontainhas, Panaji

Houses of Goa No. 1

2009-12-31T23:01:00.000-08:00

This is the begining of a series of pictures of houses across Goa.

Dropping tourist numbers

2009-05-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

Accordingly to recent statistics, tourist inflow at Dabolim airport has in fact dropped by a whopping 15% over 2007-08. The total number of foreign tourists coming in via chartered flights also dropped by a similar margin.

This brings into picture an often debated issue. What impact does this have on the overall Goan economy? On the negative side, a lot of the related industries like hotels, retail and services will be hugely impacted given that a majority of the Goan population is linked in some way or the other in tourism related busines.

However, on the positive side, this is also pushing the Goan youth to innovate and come up with newer business ideas including investments in other areas. Goa has a well educated and talented workforce. We possess skills across a spectrum of areas.

Has Goa's over dependence on tourism effected the Goan's entrepreunal spirit or the other way round?

Goa Wine and Women

2009-02-19T20:04:00.000-08:00

It's that of the year again. Carnival is round the corner and many of the Goans are already at their drawing boards.

Carnival used to be a clean festival of fun. However, in the recent years a lot of expectations have been built around the celebrations. Due to the reputations of its namesake, the carnival of Rio, people have created expectations of dance, fun, music AND lots of women, wine and sex from the festival of carnival.

I am not surprised when my friends seem to have images in their minds of 3 days of extreme libido. They can clearly imagine a riot of color and naked and intoxicated women crawling all over begging for sex. They can clearly imagine scenes of free sexual encounters in every nook and corner of Goa. They can clearly imagine scenes of loud music, dance and a general sense of extreme nirvana in the days of the carnival.

What happened to the good old Intruz? And have we Goans only added to the expectations of today?

The most beautiful pictures of Goa!!!

2008-07-18T01:26:00.000-07:00

Finally I see the REAL GOA on the internet. I am sick and tired of seeing scantily clad white women sunbathing in Calangute or some drunk Indian making a mess of himself in Panjim.

Finally I can sit back and feel proud of what the world see of Goa. I just chanced upon this blog where Jose Lourenco posts some really refreshing images of the real Goa. The real Goans, the real picture.

Look for the blogroll of the right and click on PhotoGoa

Keep it up Jose. Cheers. And may Goa bless you for the good work.

Sex on a Goan beach?

2008-07-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

So....would you care for some sex?

At least that is how casual and easy it is to set up an evening and 'top up your night with sugar and spice and all things nice'. Or so it would seem. http://www.expatriates.com/cls/3138146.html

I was told that more and more 'Goan' girls are resorting to 'personal service' as a way to make some quick money. So I went about searching the internet for some leads. Sure enough, I noted a few of the mobile numbers and voila!!! I was now talking to a several sweet 'Goan Ladies' who were willing to 'escort' me for a small fee (preferably in UK pounds))

It is now apparent that 'Goan Ladies' are deeply involved in the trade. And if you still need to reconfirm, log into google and in a few clicks you will have a night to remember.

As the Goan population, how do we plan to tackle this situation? Have you done anything so far? Or do you have any suggestions on how this can be tackled? Is it only a issue for the enforecement people?

Need help? Click here

Sustainable development of Goan villages

2008-07-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

26th January 2008 may probably be a date that is probably not relevant to most readers. However, down the years the day may well be regarded as the turning point in the way villages in Goan are administered.

On this day, the villagers of Benaulim came together and decided that no mega projects would be allowed in the village. Several villages and their respective gram sabhas have followed suit.

Over the years, the irresponsible 'developments' in the villages have put a severe strain on the resources and the social structures of the villages. While huge buildings have sprouted in so many villages, the support infrastructure and resoruces have not kept pace. This has also led to a sharp increase in the mix of cultures in villages that till now had experienced a truly 'Goan' way of life.

However, is this really the best route? The lack of development and hence lack of opportunities in the first place is what has led to the huge migration of original Goans out of the villages in search of better work opportunities. Can the growth of Goan villages be artificially supressed only to cling on to our traditional ways of life?

Does the Goan church promote casteism?

2008-07-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

This may not be the best topic to start off with. But I am certainly disturbed by the story I heard just the other day.

I happened to visit an old friend of mine for dinner. When he told me that a certain young man was being dissuaded by the village priest from joining priesthood, it may have just missed my attention. Until he mentioned to me about an organised attempt to keep out young lads from a certain community.

Casteism has always been the bane of indian society. While entire villages may have been converted to Christianity by the missionaries, the missionaris did little to change the caste system. Thus the hindu brahmins became the Christian 'Bamonns'. Now the news around is that a certain community among the priests is demanding that priesthood be limited to that community. It may appear shocking. But could this be true?

So what does Goa mean to you?

2008-06-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

So you are a Goan? So who are you? And what does Goa really mean to you? A place where you were born? Just another beautiful beach? The place that exports the famous Goan pork sausages?

I get intrigued by some of the comments I hear from some of the Goans out here (or so they claim). That's what motivated me to start this blog. A place for all Niz Goenkars to meet up, discuss everything Goan and generally experience a state of mind called Goa. Welcome.

So what does Goa really mean to you? Let me have your comments.

In case you are not familiar with posting comments here, please email your comments at goanviews@gmail.com clearly mentioning your name and location

Goa will always be the place I belong. Even though I now live so far away, I know I will return. Even though we live here, everything in our house is as Goan as it gets. I know I will return. Goa then is my destiny.

Recieved via email: Mrs. Violet Dias, Toronto 30th June 2008