DUMPING ON ELECTORATE THE "KALCHE POIRCHE POTTE" CANDIDATES.

 Bill Clinton of USA along with his vice Presidential candidate was contesting the election against the then President George Bush Sr. who was fresh from the victory in the Gulf war for the liberation of Kuwait. Clinton was the first Scholar President of US and less knowledgeable in the intricacies of the modern war while Bush was an Air Force Pilot besides expert in the foreign affairs. While campaigning for his re-election, Bush by ignoring certain decorum stooped so low that he even forgot the civilized manners and discipline normally associated in American electioneering and started using indecent words against his opponent. During one particular election speech he said referring to his Dog: “My Dog Milley got better knowledge of foreign affairs than both these bloody Bhozos”.

Though Clinton and his colleague were inexperienced but it was not right on the part of Bush to humiliate them thus though what he said was right because American administration cannot be entrusted into the hands of raw people. Why American only, even our Goan political administration we cannot entrust into the hands of raw kids in the Legislatures, some of whom on the strength of the surnames and care-of of their dead fathers are demanding election tickets for them while others are pushed forward by their coterie to get better benefits for them.                                       

Without experiencing their  grassroots level service for their parties and for the benefit of the society, how can we judge the potential of these raw candidates? Some of these “Kalche Porche Potte” who don’t know the real “abc” of State political administration they will not do anything good for the society. For such immature kids people must be careful because power in their hands they will surely misuse it to any extent. People must avoid giving power into their hands otherwise they will or at least most of them acting like “Lapitt” commit the acts of “Narvenkakrism” because their expertise in this field is the best.

I cannot understand what these kids and widows think of themselves the moment their fathers die and wives of those late husbands? They should not think we are a Monarchy or Sheikhdom, we have our separate system where every candidate must indicate his ability before going to the voters for the voters to get convinced that their candidates are capable to shoulder their responsibilities once they are elected. Winability thru public sympathy because of the dead fathers and husbands should not be the criteria otherwise our Legislature will be filled with these stupid unfit Legislators. In this way, will we build our nation and Goa?

A.Veronica Fernandes.    

DEATH OF WELL-KNOWN TIATRIST EDMUNDO EMILIO FERNANDES.

The first Tiatro in Kuwait was held in Ahmadi, Kuwait, somewhere in early fifties thru the tremendous efforts of my “ghanv bhau” Antonio Marie Fernandes, popularly known as “Lapitt Anton” who created a history in Kuwait in the late fifties by hoisting the Portuguese Flag in KOC Compound to mark the Portuguese National Day of Portugal, this incident has created a big noise then especially in the diplomatic circle in Kuwait.  So much so, the big man of Portugal, Dr. Antonio Oliveira Salazar – the dictator of Portugal – was even alerted thru British Embassy in Kuwait that sent this message to British Foreign Office and from here this message went to Portugal.  Since there was no Portuguese mission in Kuwait, Britain was looking after the interest of Portugal in Kuwait. In such matters Antonio Marie Fernandes was a genius, he was working then in Ahmadi Kuwait Oil sector for the prestigious company Kuwait Oil Company.

Edmundo Emilio Fernandes was his brother also working in Kuwait but Edmundo was the well-known Tiatrist in Kuwait during that time, he was a very good “partist” doing any type of role but he was at his best in doing the role of a “Bhattkar”, Police Officer and such other roles.  He was very good “clownist” also composing and singing his own Solos on different topics. It was partly he and some of his other friends and colleagues namely the late Tony Call from Candolim, Felix Monteiro from Bastora, the late Clemente from Anjuna, the late John Dias from Candolim etc. were responsible to lay the strong base for the Tiatro in Kuwait.  Because of that base, Tiatro in Kuwait is not only surviving but flourishing.  Edmundo  had the distinction of participating in that first ever Tiatro in Kuwait held at KOC premises. When in 1975 first time Alfred Rose and Rita Rose came to Kuwait to stage their 2 Tiatros, Edmundo also participated in those Tiatros and brought name and fame for him.

When he did so much from Kuwait, why in Goa by any institution promoting this art has not done anything to him to appreciate his contribution in the development and promotion of Tiatros?  I am a bit perturbed and disturbed that none of the Associations funded and not funded by the government are doing anything to them in  appreciation to the  yeomen services they render for the cause of Goa in diverse fields.  I have seen in the past how some of the stalwarts of many of our Goan organizations based in Goa are least bothered to know what our brothers and sisters in foreign countries inspite of facing innumerable hurdles are helping our Goa, Goan causes and Goan Associations. At moment, many of our prominent Goans leading their Goan Associations are of the opinion that expatriate Goans are duty bound to help Goa and Goan causes. 

It is my wish here to tell all our Goa based leaders holding the reins of prominent Goan Associations in Goa that by ignoring the contribution of expatriate Goans they are robbing the expatriate Goans, just because they are out of Goa that does not mean their contribution should be seen as not important.   How about the money these same expatriate Goans send to Goa for different activities?  Why this money amounting to lakhs and lakhs of rupees accepted with open arms?  In the past Kuwait Goans alone sent about 5 lakhs of rupees for the cause Novem Goem Daily.  For Cancer Hospital at Dona Paula about 20 lakhs  besides so many lakhs for other Konkani activities, for the Churches, their schools and convents.  Was it small job especially from Kuwait where you are round the clock under the scanner?  When you people want our money you approach us like slaves but when our turn comes to expect some appreciation you drive us away like slaves.  I think time is come now for every Goan Association recognized by the government or not to evaluate the contribution of expatriate Goan on par with that of those Goa based Goans. In this direction, the efforts of the Tiatrists based in  the foreign countries should be appreciated first by decorating them with the citations and other awards along with those based in Goa.     

A.Veronica Fernandes.

80TH BIRTHDAY OF JOAO DE DEUS CARDOZO.

To mark his 80^th birthday, 23rd of this month,  Joao de Deus Cardozo, the elder and the only brother of renown Goan personality, a multi talented man Tomazinho Cardozo, organized a get together of his relatives, friends, colleagues and well wishers.  Since I received his invitation card thru the crawling Postal System, I could not attend it.  But after receiving his invitation card 4 days late, I wished him though belatedly, all the best and again I am wishing him now thru this forum all the best.  “Wishing you a very happy 80^th Birthday, Cardoso.  May God bless you with good health”.

First of all we must thank the Almighty God for giving an opportunity for our friend to celebrate his 80^th birthday while for so many of other friends and colleagues and relatives God has not given this opportunity, not only to celebrate their 80^th birthday but not even 80 months;  why 80 months, in fact not even 80 days. Thank God for showing benevolence to my friend. To mark this great and auspicious day  Joao de Deus released a book written beautifully by his younger brother Tomazinho Cardozo – Ex Sarpanch of Candolim and Ex Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly. It was originally written by Tomazinho in Konkani and translated excellently into English by Irene Cardozo – wife of Tomazinho. Both the versions are in one book only.  Both the versions are beautifully scripted indicating the mastery over both the languages.

Also released an Audio CD of his songs. He was an ace Tiatrist once but now only occasionally he participates due to ill health.

In this book Tomazinho Cardozo detailed the calamities his brother and their whole family faced from the time Joao attained the age of 10 whence their father died. It reminded me of the somewhat miserable life young Fantine faces in that  great epic “Les Miserables” by French writer Victor Hugo. What a pitiable and hard life Joao faces to be the bread winner for him, for his brother and mother from the age of 10 when miserable circumstances forced him to act like a man of 20 years !! These and other details very beautifully indicated by Tomazinho Cardozo in this book where you also see the rise of Joao as a successful businessman as he is now.

I feel more and more people coming from financially weaker segment should read this book and learn how to come up in life.

My interaction with both of them was very early though with Tomazinho earlier because the age difference between two of us is only 2, he was senior.  We were colleagues on soccer field and in other activities too in our village. I always found both the brothers calm and cool, never using bad words, both were disciplined and God fearing. He was longest serving Sarpanch of our village but never I heard anybody saying he was involved in doing corruption to make money.  

The Audio CD “DEVAK ARGAM” consists of 12 songs such as solos, duets, trios and quartets, all are Joao’s compositions but rendered by Joao himself, his children, his brother, his sister-in-law and others. All songs are well composed and well rendered but the title song is most beautiful which should be if possible introduced into the Church as was done in the past. Musical score was provided by Mukesh Ghatwal.

A.Veronica Fernandes.

PROTEST MEET HELD IN SINQUERIM AGAINST HILL/TREES CUTTING.

In Candolim at Sinquerim, today at 11.30 AM a special meeting was called by the people from Calangute Constituency to protest over the Hill Cutting at Sinquerim and also a big number of Trees to pave the way for the owner to construct different type of structures without getting any license from any of the government machineries as disclosed by the organisers of this meet.  The response for this meet was heavy as seen from the attendance of the people mainly from Candolim, Sinquerim, Calangute and elsewhere from the constituency.  It was a strong show of solidarity with the people of Sinquerim by all those supporters of this move who came voluntarily to indicate their disgust over the tricky way by the owner of to convert the whole area into a total concrete jungle and that too without any license from any of the government authorities.

Seen above a large number of attendees.

It is surprising how that owner gathered such a powerful courage to go thus far without any license, it is unthinkable.  Speaking to this writer, one constituent who suffered from his Sarpanch in particular and Pachayat in general inspite of having all the necessary approvals from the respective authorities to construct his own house because he refused to give the bribe in the form of money and sex to his local Sarpanch, said it is not possible for the owner to move ahead in this manner without performing illicit acts.

                                         A.Veronica Fernandes seen addressing the Meet.

Seen above one section of the people

Speaker after speaker from the galaxy of them chosen carefully after analyzing their knowledge over this subject, spoke louder and louder to warn not only the owner but also those responsible to give their silent nod for the owner possibly in return for the heavy bribe, as described by one of the speakers.  

                                                     

Seen above addressing the meet is Prem Divkar

Sachin the local acitivist from Candolim compeered the Meet. Damian another activist from Candolim in his speech exposed the local authority of closing its eyes for such a gigantic project and he further questioned how they can say that they are not aware of this illegalitiy going on just below their nose when the locals even when they build a small settlement in the form of “Khomptti” touching their houses are stopped.  One of the speakers even questioned “where is the Panch member of Sinquerim gone?  Is he gone blind that he is unable to see such colossal blunder in his kingdom?  

                            Sudeep Dalvi a firebrand speaker seen addressing the meet

Prakash from Pilerne Forum who is a firebrand speaker in his normal way spoke so forcefully and demanded justice in Sinquerim.  He questioned at one particular point the role of local MLA.  Incidentally, one of the speakers asked, where are our elected representatives gone now, why they boycotted this meet?  As representatives of the local people they should have been present for this meet to show their solidarity with the people of Sinquerim and others who congregated there at Sinquerim.

Another firebrand speaker and activist of all Goa stature asked the local people not to surrender in this fight and gave some clues how to move ahead to get the final victory.

Among others the Ex MLA  of Calangute Agnelo Fernandes and the prominent Leader of Calangute Joseph Sequeira were present for this meet and the latter even spoke a few words before winding the proceedings.

A>Veronica Fernandes.

NEW TIATRO "SUPERSTAR" BY JR. REAGAN..

On Thursday, 21^st of this month, at Kala Academy A/c Hall, starting 8.10 PM, I saw the new Tiatro “SUPERSTAR” written and directed by Jr. Reagan.  Though it was not a full house audience yet it was well attended by the near capacity audience who were a bit annoyed to face the unexpected delay for about half an hour.  Good the young and very enthusiastic director who is become now the darling of the Tiatro goers, before the start of the Tiatro by explaining the reason of the delay profusely apologized to the audience for starting the Tiatro rather late.  It was a gentlemanly apology which was well accepted by the audience.

The Tiatro started well and ended well too.  Though every artiste played his/her role well yet the superb role played by Viswas Gawas as a vices infected son in the beginning and later on turning into a good refined boy and the role of the mother played by the veteran and seasoned artiste Chitra were excellent.  In fact both these artistes gave pure satisfaction to the audience by their memorable  roles.  Justin also played a good role of a father while the role played as his daughter by the attractive and charming Crostyn deserves compliments. I will be committing a mistake of being biased if I don’t indicate the wonderful role played very appropriately by the youngster Benzer as a corrupt destructive man. When he in the beginning while entering the house where he stays enters as a slave but later on with his cunning ideas he becomes the master of that house trying to gain the possession not only of the business of the owner of the house but also the owner of his daughter   At this young age showing so much of maturity and confidence and with his handsome looks his future on Konkani Stage will be bright.  

The story revolved around two families where the son of one family where the bread winner dies and his wife had to look after the son by giving him what he requires to develop.  But gradually, this son whose role was well enacted by Vishwas Gawas turned into a rebel by getting addicted to vices, even to the drugs along with his equally rebel friends on whom he counts too much but finally not only his same friends desert him in a sign of pure unfaithfulness but his fiancée too leaves him because he was addicted to the drugs.  In between there occurs lot of upheavals between him and his mother whose role was well played by Chitra, the maltreatment she suffered from him even raising his hand on her and finally pushing her out of the house.  This and all other miseries and many other incidents can be easily seen when you see this Tiatro ‘SUPERSTAR” who is none other than JESUS CHRIST as depicted in this Tiatro by the writer and director Jr. Reagan.

The comedy part was nicely handled by Marcos, Sally and others without vulgarity and as a responsible man director deserves compliments for staging this Tiatro without any vulgarity. It is not the vulgar comedians but the vulgar directors who are more responsible for this spread of “POZODDPONN” in our Tiatros and for whom the Pai Tiatrist – Shri Joao Agostinho Fernandes – calls  as “ROSTAD”.  I borrowed this word from Pai Tiatrist and I don’t call all Tiatrists as same.     

The Side Show was good but there it lacked the required punch to keep the audience on their toes. In the absence of political songs, the Side Show looked without much punch. There was no uproar in the hall as normally associated when the well known political singers enter the stage.  One thing one must bear in mind, without political songs be they against politicians or Bhattkars, or Church leaders or other arrogants in our society, there is no satisfaction for the audience.  The core of our Tiatros revolved around politics – politics of our politicians, politics of our Landlords – their maltreatment of Mundkars and those devide our community on the basis of Caste system.  Minus these subjects our Tiatro will collapse.  This is my firm belief based on my analysis.

Yet the comedy song “Pedho” rendered by Benevangelisto stole the show, the duet by Reagan with Wilma also was vey good, so too the solo rendered by lovely looking Stassy Mesquita.  Theb trio rendered by Stassy - Peviola and Jelsika was impressive.

 The Stage setting was well done so too the beautiful scenes.

Musical score was good but it was a bit louder making the words from the stage not properly audible to some in the audience.

Congratulations to Jr. Reagan and his entire troupe for staging this Tiatro which must be seen by more and more people.

A.Veronica Fernandes.

DEATH OF THE POLITICIANS.

That Parricar died ultimately was the decision of God who alone knows the mystery surrounding his life.  That nobody should talk ill of the dead is the Roman proverb and this point has to be adhered very carefully.  However, this  proverb may be right and if it is really right then we must indicate it in our daily conversation to alert our colleagues, friends and others too.  However, besides the above mentioned proverb there is one more proverb which goes like this: “Kunkodd melem ani funkod gelem” as if there is nothing great in this death or this death means nothing.

People say he was the able administrator but what are the extra ordinary administrative actions he took so as to provide job opportunities to our jobless youth in Goa?  Why only one particular community members are given more opportunities for jobs in Goa?  Is it to frustrate the youth of another  community so that they opt for Portuguese Passports and leave Goa which is a big loss not only for their community but also for Goa? 

If he was able administrator then why his colleagues were involved in taking bribes in lakhs of rupees for giving the government jobs to our unemployed youth?  Why for every service provided by the government one has to pay the bribe for those officers who are approving those services?  Why this parallel economy is kept functioning?  Is it to indicate that he was an able administrator?

Was he really a secular man? If yes, then what credentials and qualities he indicates to accept the “yes”? Was his intention to cancel the Good Friday holiday and also the holiday for the Feast of Goencho Saib  in right direction?

Can any right thinking person forgive him for cheating Congress when Congress had majority to form the government, and instead forming his government?  Is it not an act of robbery and will you call such robbers as able administrators?

By taking treatment of a VIP in USA he spent crores of rupees.  From where? Is it not from the government kitty? That means that money belonged to us. Who will reimburse us now? Just because he is CM that means he is a super citizen? Where is our equality gone when we see so much of inequality among us in getting medical treatment? If he was able administrator then he would have resigned from his post when he was detected with incurable Cancer and would not allow the mess in the administration in Goa.

He is the first class liar because when he was in opposition and even later when he assured the people of Goa that he will throw out the then existing Casinos but instead Casinos are still rotting in Mandovi River and on top of it the number of Casinos has increased in the Mandovi River. Who said he is able administrator? He is called a master of U Turn because he is untruthfull  and not a man of one word. 

Can we genuine Goans accept him as our role model for our children? What lesson our children will gather from their actions?  Can you call a person going to Ayodya to demolish the Muslim Masjid a secular?  

I think people of Goa especially the genuine Goans must never trust any tales spread by BJP who in a cunning manner grabbed power not to do anything good for Goa and Goans but if possible to create a rift between Hindus and Chritians. They cannot see anything good in Christian community but now Christian community is as strong in Goa as  it was earlier.  They are like unshakeable  rocks in Goa and Parricar and of his like will come and go as if they are tourists. 

My caaution to them that they should stop not only doing harm to Christians but they must not even think ill of Christians because Christians are not cunning and crooks with the exception of few Lembdde who are hiding under the “Gagro” of BJP and who merged with BJP to prevent Parricar from bringing up all the cases against their mischief and robberies. According to ”Xemaincheo Kannio”, those who try to harm Goan Christians they will suffer miserable deaths and get liquidated from our midst like Worms near the fire.  This is nothing, more and more calamities will fall and everyone playing mischief against the weaker section of the society will face the terrible deaths after undergoing the worst pangs of sickness.  These calamities will fall on them not too late but very early.

A.Veronica Fernandes.     

EVEN IN DEFEAT GOA PLAYED WELL TODAY IN THE FINAL.

Though Goa lost in the final of ISL 2019 tournament with the slender margin of 1-0,  with the hot favourite Benguluru  yet I will rightly say that Goa still the best team, played this final with lot of disadvantages namely, Goa lost in the middle of the game their extremely good player and captain of the team Mandar who would do something  more either to give the lead to Goa or to bring about the change.  The final was the grueling game which also was the marathon one lasting the regular time of 90 minutes plus extra time of 30 minutes.  Good that the result was declared in the first half of extra time otherwise it would go into penalty kicks, 5 for each team and even then if it failed to produce the required result, it would end with the sudden death penalties.

The winning goal scored by their Rahul Behke in such a magnificent stunning header like a bullet that the Goa custodian under Goa’s bar had no option but to see the ball hitting the net inspite of his marvelous attempt in which he succeeded palming away the ball yet it was not a strong palming away.  Otherwise, Goa’s goalkeeper protected his citadel very well. And moreover, he could not be blamed for this goal because the deefenders and other midfielders should have protected their area by “erecting the great wall of China” in front of their goalmouth knowing very well that they are playing with certain deficiencies.

That Goa would not win today’s final I came to know when Mandar went out limping with tremendous pain and agony with the injury of muscle pull.  If it really is the muscle pull then Mandar should stop playing for at least one month without doing any exercise and also without doing any medicine.  I was the victim of such a muscle pull during my those good old days as the top sportsman of Goa not only as the high grade footballer playing for Sesa Goa besides captain of soccer team of St. Joseph’s High School – Arpora,  captain of St. Xavier’s College – Mapusa and also the captain of the then mighty team of Candolim.  Additionally, I was the best athlete – runner of Goa winning indivual championship and also the fastest runner of Goa. My sporting carreer was booming with the offers from top business houses and top clubs from all over India.  Sesa Goa even had a plan to send me to Germany for further professional training in running but all my future dreams collapsed like a pack of cards because I never found the curative effort for my injury. The few doctors I consulted in Goa had no knowledge of this type of injury and like butchers they started administering me all sorts of injections and other medicines including  massages. 

Mr. Mandar, when you consult any doctor in Goa for curing your muscle pull, be careful, take second opinion, in Goa there are very few doctors and few hospitals that will give you proper treatment otherwise the rest are ‘ROSTAD” especially some of those who are running the posh private hospitals where even when the patient is dead they don’t tell this but keep the body like this only for a few more days with some medical application to make more money.  If possible, go to the beach and keep the area of your leg where you got the muscle pull in water and do this treatment for few days.  This I am telling you because I had personal experience in this type of injury.

Coming back to the final, Goa’s right outer Jackichand played extremely well but with the exit of Mandar his wings got clipped. However, the youngster of Goa Saviour Gama of 21 years of age who was brought  in the second half played very good proving that his future is going to be the best.  The Goa team impressed me very much today, they had strong confidence of their passing, ball control and distributing the ball to their colleagues even if they found a small opening and with ease they will push the ball to their colleagues. The second half was dominated by Goa but in the first half Bengaluru maintained the upper hand. The African defender of Goa, M. Fall, was a strong defender who is very good not only in both the legs but still better in the aerial duels where he would out beat by out jumping any of his opponent.  This defender was well shielded by another defender of Goa, Rodrigues.

The ugly scenes seen on the field was the result of the poor refereeing which lacked wielding of the full control of the game.

It was great to see such a huge number of spectators attending this final, these spectators came from Goa and Bangalore and from Bombay too but they were silenced by the lone header that hit the net of Goa.

In the coming season, we must tell the owner of SP Goa to select more best players from Goa only and to start Foot-ball Academies in all the districts of Goa so that these Academies will feed the Goa’s need of top class players.  The non-Goan by doing the Casino business in the Goan River of Mandovi is making lot of money on the name and strength of Goa and hence he is duty bound to do something for the development of Goan soccer.  The high standard of soccer played in Goa was because of its strong base put in the beginning itself by the Portuguese invaders of Goa but it is a pity that the Indian invaders of Goa are doing nothing for the improvement of the standard of Goan soccer.  Our Goans mainly the youth who are supporting so vociferously the SP Goa team from the Stadium and also from elsewhere must try to bring  pressure on the owner of the Goa team that the Owners must either agree to do something for SP Goa or SP Goa must be denied our support. Otherwise the SP Goa’s owner will laugh at us for acting like slaves of the SP Goa.  We should not allow the management of SP to fool us as our corrupt politicians are doing. The Casino owner of Sp Goa being a "bhailo" non Goan will never show much interest in the improvement of SP Goa team becaue he is come to Goa to make money.  Hence, it is imperative for us especially those who are shouting from the stadium to get a pound of flesh from them.

Well  done Goa for dishing out very good soccer in the final and congratulations to Bengaluru for winning this year’s edition.

A.Veronica Fernandes.

WHERE ARE OUR MOTETS GONE?

Gone are  those great days when many of our elders working abroad used to return home in Goa during the Lent season only to listen to the great songs “Motets” which were very popular in Goa and mandatory to sing in our Churches during the Lent period.  Though it was popular in Goa but not everywhere in Roman Catholicsm. 

Motets are the very sorrowful songs of the sufferings of Jesus Christ and they were scripted and sung in Latin, however, in mid sixties they were translated in Konkani in Goa.  The original Motets scripted in Latin with the very sorrowful tune were very pleasing to the ears, I noticed earlier some of the passionate listeners and admirers of Motets by just listening to the tune only and not understanding the meaning of same because they were in Latin, they used to cry and actually tears were rolling down their cheeks. It is sung in voices with the accompaniment of the musical instruments such as Double bass, Violin, Clarinet and Trumpet. Its genuine beauty was lost when its originality was mutilated in the translation process.

Motets are the great heritage and asset of the Goan Catholicism but unfortunately it seems it is dying now which should be prevented by all means by the Church authorities in Goa. During my younger days where I did my first schooling in the Parochial school in our village, our Church Mistiri by virtue of being a Mistiri he had vast knowledge of “Solfas” written on 5 lines and the Motets are recorded in this form of Solfas.  Our current local boys and girls who are acting like Church Mistiris by playing Organ and Guitar in the Church are having totally zero knowledge of Solfas and thus they are unable to promote neither Motets nor other rich  devotional songs which used to reverberate  all the four walls of our Churches.

Once during my vacation in Goa, I wrote one article on Motets and its copy I gave to one lady who was acting like a Church Mistiri in our Church.  When she read the name “MOTET”, she immediately asked me “ Who is this Motet?”  Unfortunately our Church music and devotional songs are gone into the hands of these Motes only.  In such a situation how we can develop?  When Altu-Faltu person takes the charge of our devotional songs in the Church, there becomes mockery of these great songs.

Much of our diamond wealth in the form of devotional songs including Motets remained hidden in the Church armory in the absence of properly qualified person in the form of Mistiri.  In our Churches there is no qualified Solfist Mistiri who must be hired or employed like earlier days by paying them salaries.  The fund for their salaries can be easily acquired as it is done now for so many other causes. The quality of the gold is known only to the Goldsmith and hence the quality, beauty and greatness of Motets are known only to the qualified Solfist Mistiri and not to any Altu – Faltu Pe. Vigar and because it is so, most of the Pe. Vigars have left the Motets  dying a slow death.

In mid sixties, J.P. Souzalin the renowned Tiatrist from Bombay came to Goa with his Tiatro “Saibinnicheo Sat Dukhi” during the Lent season.  The then great musician from Siolim Maestro Joaozinho D’souza who was also the Band Leader of his Band “Johnson and his jolly boys” which was the best in Goa then, he came to see this Tiatro of Souzalin twice and when I asked him the reason, he said even after listening to the Music of one Motet in one of the scenes, he was not satisfied.

During Portuguese time in Goa, Emmisora de Goa recorded best of Motets including from our Church Choir  in 1958 where I was one of the participants and one of the most sorrowful Motets we recorded was "Filius Filius est Jerusalem”. There should be an enquiry at All India Radio Panjim, to find out where is this wealth of Goa Church gone because most of the people who occupied the top post there after the exit of Portuguese from Goa were ignorant of Motets and other such materials and as such there is every possibility for them to destroy the same.   

A.Veronica Fernandes.

LAWRY TRAVASSO'S NEW TIATRO "POVITR FULAM"

On 9^th of this month, in Candolim at St. Thresa’s  High School compound, I saw the new Tiatro “POVITR FULAM” written and directed by the prominent Stage artiste and Melody King , Lawry Travasso. The Tiatro was attended by a very good number of attendees who came from all over Candolim and also from the ambient areas.  It was staged  in aid of  “Our Lady of Desterro Chapel” located at Saipem, Candolim.

The Tiatro was scheduled  to begin at 8.00 pm as indicated in the Ticket while elsewhere it was announced at 7.30 PM but it started finally at 8.20 pm.  The organisers must  first give one timing which should be proper one and then they must try to adhere to the given timing otherwise it becomes headache for the attendees to remain seated for long thereby wasting their precious time.

The name of Lawry Travasso is not only a simple name but it is a real name and fame and in Tiatro fraternity it is a ripple creating name.  He is not only an ordinary Stage artiste but he is also a great songster, composer of songs of diverse topics and above all a good script writer.  His entry on the Stage is always applauded by the audience who always expect something good from his solos, duets, duos, trios and quarters.  And that he is an ace writer & director one can easily make out from this Tiatro “Povitr Fulam” which was witnessed with rapt attention by the audience because of its beautiful story based on our Nuns who are doing great sacrificial job for the cause of humanity in general and old people in particular in the name of God. It comprised lot of sayings and proverbs which were very interesting since many of them I heard first time. 

The role of one of the Nuns played very appropriately by Rosy Alvares was excellent.  Antonette de Maina also played her role of another Nun well. Lawry Travasso played very beautifully the character role of an elderly man superbly. Others also played their roles well.

The comedy part was too noisy and was not too well.

In the Side Show songs, the best song among all was the political solo on Indo-Pak conflict rendered very beautifully by Francis de Tuem, it was very factual and nicely worded.

Well done Bab Lawry Travasso  and his troupe.

A.Veronica Fernandes.   

THE LATE DAYANAND BANDODCAR RUINED GOA.

The late Dayananda Bandocar

Personally I have nothing against him but as a political leader he deserves nothing but curses from the genuine Goans for destroying Goa and using his power to degrade Christians in Goa that does not belong to his ancestry. Reading elsewhere I came to know that today is his birthday.  I think if he was not born only it would have been nice. What good did he do for our golden Goa soon after the invasion of Goa by the vastly militarily powerful India?  When Goa was under the Portuguese rule, he enjoyed all the benefits for himself of developing into a successful businessman in Mining.  Just because he was a Hindu, Portuguese rule in Goa never debarred him from gaining previlleges in doing business.  Because of this previllege he should have been grateful to Portuguese rule but on the contrary he had dislike for them.  It is these Bandodkars, Salgaocars, Chowgules, Shantilals, Dempos, Caculos, Naiks and many such Hindus grabbed the business opportunities  from Portuguese Pakles, some of them even by doing illicit acts. 

Christians never acquired those fatty and lucrative previlleges from the Portuguese rule in Goa.  And on top of it, some of the bloody rascals  are saying on the top of their voices that Goan Christians enjoyed better facilities from the Portuguese rule in Goa further adding that that they were very good chamchas of Portuguese.  If they were so then the Christians in Goa would have captured all the business facilities for them only but it never happened that way.  The Commerce and Industy mainly the major one, mining was into the hands of Hindus. The Non-Brahmin Christians comprising major part of Christians in their community in Goa, especially those coming from “Koixtty”  Christian community such as “Xetkar, Zotkar, Nistekar, Paddekar, Mottorcar, Dukonkar, Posorkar, Sorekar etc. never received any benefit from the Portuguese, they came up in life mainly by going abroad in Africa – both Portuguese and British, Gulf, Bombay, Karachi, Tarvar and elsewhere.  These Goans made lot of sacrifices by working in far places by keeping their families in Goa.  They suffered so much of physical and mental trauma. Their self-sacrifices made them develop themselves and their families. And for their development nobody in Goa should take credit. 

  

Portuguez had to leave from Goa because my beloved Goa is not the fathers’ property of Portuguez “serkar”.  If I had to be a little bigger then, I would deffinetely involve myself in the freedom movement of my own but would never associate with the prevailing one then consisting some of the rogues, criminals, communalists and crooks.  Even if I had to suffer torturing and imprisonment from the Portuguese “serkar” I would accept it but never I would accept nor demand like a shameless pimp any favour from the government of Goa nor Central government, for taking active part in the Goa's liberation movement. I would declare openly and loudly that my sacrifices are so great, so great that they cannot be remunerated with the financial pension nor compensated with the awards and certificates which means nothing other than a piece of paper.  In this way I would keep the value of my sacrifices for the cause of my beloved Goa uncompensated and unremunerated, above all.

The name of Dayananda Bandodcar was not new to me as I already heard his name during the Portuguese rule in Goa as one of our locals Rahul, the son – in – law of Candolim, rented his Hino Truck with the Driver Pequenino by name from our village only.  Monthly once Bandodcar was paying Rahul his Truck charges as per the trips.  But every month when Pequenino was going to collect the money for the service provided by the Truck of Rahul, Bandodcar was delaying thereby putting Rahul into inconvenience.  Then from Rahul and Pequenino I came to know that Bandodcar was a “kettist”. Knowing Rahul was not rich man yet Bandodcar was harassing him to pay his money and yet this  man later on became lover of poor people.

His involvement suddenly in politics on behalf of Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party was such a rude shock for us especially for genuine Goans in general and for Goan Christians in particular that he like drugged man by Maharastra started working against us and our interest.  He projected himself as the patron of Bahuzan Samaz the poor in Goa and these people he found only among Hindus, among Christians he never found Bahuzan Samaz people.  Thus he created a wedge between Christians and Hindus in Goa, both the dominant communities. He and his Party started treating Christians as rejected people. No doubt Christians started feeling the discriminatory attitude of MGP but surely he gave a sense of identity to the Hindu Bahuzan Samaz. The high profile administration of Goa started going into the hands of these hoi-polloi new administrators thereby “Bozekar” became top persons in Goa.

At the fag end of his rule he became so powerful like a dictator that he and his Partymen could do anything.  If it was not for his sudden death, Christians would not have a place in Goa to live peacefully with dignity.  As it was, many Christians already started accepting the fact that they are non-entities in Goa.

In his death his Chamchas suffered and they got lost in Goa dawning peaceful, dignified and respectable life for Christians for whom he and his party treated as second class Citizens while his community members as full fledged Indians. In his death the greatest enemy of Goa and Goans gone into extinction.  Because of him his party came to power and did all nonsense in Goa.  It was our misfortune that he got the power to rule Goa after the exit of Portuguez otherwise the Opposition in power would rule Goa with perfection to the satisfaction of all because they were all true Goans with high caliber.

The "Mundkar Kaido" he introduced was not for the love of Mundkars but more for the hatred he had for the Christians Bhattkars many among whom deserve more punishment.  This was the only good measure he took during his "Rajvoddki".        

A.Veronica Fernandes.

NEW TIATRO "HIXOB DEVACHO" BY OLGA VAZ.

The well renowned Tiatrist and the first political singer of the Konkani Stage, Olga Vaz staged her new Tiatro ‘’HIXOB  DEVACHO” yesterday at Kala Acadamy Hall, Panjim, exactly at 7.33 pm thereby adhering to the given timing for which the director deserved the compliments. 

The Tiatro was attended almost by  the capacity crowd among whom I spoke to some after finishing the Tiatro and they told me that they were highly satisfied by watching this Tiatro. 

Though her absence went unnoticed yet inspite of the phgotograph shown in the programme confirming her participation, the popular artiste Antonette de Maina was found missing in this Tiatro yesterday. It would have been appropriate for the director to inform the audience that “she due to some unavoidable circumstances will not be participating in todays show etc.”

Once, it was about 40 years back at Mapusa, M. Dod de Verna was staging one of his Tiatros for which Jacinto Vaz failed to come.  In the Narvenkar’s “Mattou” which was full with the capacity attendees, the director of the Tiatro the highly respectable and reputed  Mr. Dod de Verna came to the Stage in the beginning itself and explained to the attendees the situation visa-vis  Jacinto Vaz and the hall packed audience was happy with this announcement. 

For yesterday’s Tiatro  there must have been so many in the audience like me who being the admirers of Antonette de Maina, came to see that Tiatro mainly because of her participation  but they in the end they were all disappointed.  

The story of this Tiatro was good and every artiste performed his role well but Anil Pednekar and Cajy de Kakoda both played  the roles of the broters well,  Roma and Sonia played their roles well as well. Yet I say the role played by the young Sonia of a fickle character girl who loves flirting with the boys was superb.  Among all the artistes the role played by the seasoned artiste Clara of the arrogant and destructive mother, was superb.  Such roles of the arrogant mother/mother-in-law used to play by the late Mary Vaz.

The comedy part was well handled by the ace comedian Prince Jacob, John D’Silva and Humbert but the enormous amount of credit must go to Prince Jacob who played the superb role of the mentally upset man, it was a great character role where Prince Jacob yet again indicates that he can play any role with perfection.  Last month elsewhere I saw his another character role of the Priest where again he excelled excellently appropriate.

The story of the play revolves around two brothers Anil Pednekar and Cajy de Kakoda, their mother Clara, one daughter-in-law Sonia  and the other daughter-in-law Roma. In the end after undergoing all the punitive measures for their ill deeds. all come to their senses and in the words of Anil Pednekar comes the statement saying this is the ‘HIXOB DEVACHO”.

In the Side Show songs, the director of the script writer of this Tiatro Olga Vaz played her “captain’s inning” extremely well by rendering her political songs well as per the aptitudes of the audience and this was proved from the applauding and the encores she received for her solo on BJP/Parrikar, her duet Robbot with Benny de Aldona, her trio with Anil Pednekar & Ron;  Roma’s solo with her majestic personality on harassment of the females in Uttar Pradesh was meaningful; Ron’s solo with his powerful voice was well rendered but it was rendered by standing at one particular place only; the duet of Roma with Cajetan de Kakoda on the importance of “Saibinn Mae” was very interesting; Benny de Aldona’s solo dressed as Hindu on political theme which was a very witty political “Zupatti”, very hard hitting below the belt of now ailing Parricar and Tony de Ribandar’s solo on the late Fr. Victor Rodrigues was woth  admiring.        

DO NOT ELECT THE INEXPERIENCED & IMMATURED CANDIDATES.

I am writing these few lines without any malice towards any one particular person but only as a matter of principle for the smooth functioning of our political system. There is a fad among Indians all over the country that, if father or mother dies as MLA or MP, there is clamouring to give that vacant seat  to his/her son/ daughter without realizing this kid  is fit for nothing, leave aside for that vacant post.  Just because he/she is the son/daughter of the said deceased that does not actually qualify him/her to move on to his dead parents seat. India is not a monarchy for the son/daughter automatically to occupy the throne of his/her late father.

Similarly, this method is applied to the wife of her dead husband also and  thus wife is brought in place of husband when her contribution for the society is nothing just like that of the son or daughter of their dead parents.   

I think  this type of practice we at least in Goa must stop. Some of the sons and daughters of dead parents aspiring for the  seats of  their fathers are known to have expertise in doing disgraceful acts. Besides this they know nothing and hence the question arises, “are such kids  worthy of our support  and votes?”.

A.Veronica Fernandes.

PRESS RELEASE FROM CANDOLIM SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION.

PRESS RELEASE:

From Candolim Senior Citizens Association,  Candolim.

On Sunday, 3^rd of this month, Candolim Senior Citizens Association in its monthly meeting held in Candolim, besides deliberating  on some of the important issues affecting the locals, passed a resolution requesting the Goa Government to cancel the mandatory requirement of the 15 years Residence Certificate for genuine Goans for any official work or for any Welfare  oriented scheme even for the students while applying for the admission into the schools.

Inspite of having all the required details in all the identity Cards such Pencard, Election Card and other Cards, besides having the required details in the Birth Certificate, government is unnecessarily making the things more complicated for the common citizens, especially for the Senior citizens thereby also increasing the paperwork and wasting of precious time.

It should be well understood that on behalf of our association, earlier we  already requested the Social Welfare Department, Government of Goa, with copies to the Chief Minister of Goa as well as Social Welfare Minister.  However, to our regret there is till now no favourable response from the supposed to be responsible persons.  It is easy to talk of Goa – Goenkar – Goykarponn.  There cannot exist Goykarponn when those persons who should implement the Goykarpon are not doing their jobs of Goykarpon.

A.Veronica Fernandes,

President.

CANDOLIM SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION, CANDOLIM.

Candolim, Bardez, Goa.

Tel:7507394349.    

NEW KONKANI ALBUM "PORMOLL" BY ANNIE QUADROS.

Just today I listened to the 2^nd  Album of the well-known Konkani Stage personality, Pearl Annie Quadros.  

This Album consists of 13 songs which are well composed and rendered beautifully by Annie 3 solos, one Trio and one Duet; Saby de Divar one solo; Bushka one solo and one Duet with Rosario de Benaulim; Jr. Reagan one solo and one Duet with Peviolla;  Rosario de Benaulim one solo and one Duet with Bushka; one duo by Wilma and Paviolla;  Benny de Aldona one solo and one Duet with Annie.

From the above songs, though all are well scripted by the lyricists yet the below mentioned are worth admiring:

Title song “Pormoll”, another solo “Sukh” and the Duet “Tin Dokhe”  rendered with Benny de Aldona.

“Poilem Miss” a solo by Jr. Reagan.

“Catholic Iskolam” a solo by Saby de Divar.

“Guirestkai” a solo by Rosario de Benaulim

“Aumddo” a Duet by William and Peviolla

Musical score for this Album was beautifully provided by Canon D’Souza  & his troupe.

It is recorded at: Canon Music Recording Studio, Goa Velha.

I congratulate Pearl Annie Quadros for releasing her 2 Album and that too so beautifully. Being a female she must have taken so much of pain and facing so many obstacles to prepare this excellent Album. Ultimately, her victory is great.

This Album is worth listening and hence I suggest that no lover of Konkani songs should miss this Album.

  

A.Veronica Fernandes.