Ghozali - Feb 2008

MELGOANS

VOLUME 4,

ISSUE 2

FEBRUARY 2008

News of Goan relevance for Goans in Melbourne www.melgoans.com

Our Mission “To provide Goans and their friends an enjoyable and a relaxing time without the need for formal membership. In doing so, we will showcase our cultural activities and also learn to integrate with the multicultural society of Melbourne”.

From the editor’s desk…

Mogal Goencarano, 2008 seems to be a very special year for Goans in Goa and elsewhere. We suddenly hear about the Guinness Record set up in Konkani, then comes news of the NR get-together in Panjim, and so many more little things, that makes our hearts so glad and proud. More news on those threads further in this issue. Oh yes, we are proud to be Goans, in our own special or different way! Here in Melbourne, things are hotting up for the upcoming May Queen Ball 2008. Oscar and his team keep on surprising me with the boundless energy they have, and for the ways they think about doing something for our fellow Goans, even though he knows that this only means exposing himself to the usual brickbats and whinges. After the management of the hall at Moorabbin brought in new rules governing the use of the hall, they did not give up. Instead, they went across looking for another good venue that would allow them to use their own caterers so that we can once again enjoy our beloved xacuti and sorpotel. So this time around, the dance is going to be at the prestigious St. Kilda Town Hall, at St. Kilda, in the city! Going up the rung, I wonder what is going to be the next surprise for us all. This year Lent has come in unusually early, and I have just returned home from the Ash Wednesday service in our Parish. A lovely service to remind us that this is the beginning of the path to a bright new future—a future made great by a great sacrifice by someone who loves us just too much. Life is too short my friends, and we must make the most of the little time we have. We must leave a legacy of love, a legacy that will be remembered, long after we are gone. Well, some of us are doing just that, in their own way I suppose, while for the rest of us, we still do have a long way to go. May this be a time for a beginning, a new beginning, specially a beginning among our relationships with each other at home and of course, among our fellow Goans who are here around us. My olive branch is extended, and I am sure there will be a lot more like mine, held high. With the slump in the markets, things have gone haywire all over the place. Many of our fellow Goans are going to put off purchasing their new dream home. It is indeed frightful to think about the additional burden on our wallets, each quarter of a percent does at the end of each month! Let us hope and pray that better days will come soon and tide us over So much for small talk from me. Have a good time all of you dear readers. Don’t forget to mark off the 17th of May which is when we will all meet once again, this time at St. Kilda Town Hall, for the May Queen Ball, 2008. Pass the word around, and don't forget to also invite your Aussie friends: we must show off our culture to all here in Melbourne, and this is the best opportunity on hand. Let love prevail, mog assundi!!!

Salus Correia

From the rambling ‘Reddo’…! Last month, my friend Salus put up a picture showing a Reddo on my page, and it surprised me when I received my copy of Ghozali!! There were complaints that the picture was too dark and overbearing so much so you found it difficult to read my column. Well, I was promised that this time the picture would be lighter in the background, so you can still see the two ‘reddes’, and know what I am all about. Have you guys heard about the so called ‘extreme cold wave’ that hit Goa last month? Well, they say they had the coldest January the oldies can remember. The mercury recorded a low of 14 degrees Celsius! That must have felt very cold indeed, in good old Goa! I remember, in my time we used to feel ‘cold’ when the temperature was hovering around 20 degrees, after the Christmas midnight mass. Our girlfriends would all clamour for our suits, and all the charming young lads did not mind suffering the shivers, all in exchange for a sweet smile!!! We would spend the night out, walking through the whole village, having a good time in good company. Later on came the craze of the dances on that night, and then we would all charge off to Panjim for the Christmas night dance after the midnight service. The last time I went to Goa a couple of years ago, I noticed still another change. Nowadays, the dances begin early in the evening, and it is all over soon after midnight! All in the name of some stupid Madya Pradesh sound law which also happens to apply to Goa! Some politics that is indeed. Sad, very sad. Talking of dances, the clock has begun to tick for the 2008 May Queen Ball scheduled to kick off on the 17th of May. This time too Melgoans have managed to get a very good band, and of course, we cannot forget their efforts to serve us mouth watering xacuti among other items on their long menu! I just cannot fathom how those guys led by Oscar can actually manage to organise functions at such a grand scale as they always do, just for a paltry sum of less than 40 dollars! Well done guys, that is a great effort!. I wonder how Melgoans can manage to save something for a rainy day with such low rates of entry, which includes their sumptuous buffet among other things and surprises. With schools re-opening recently, the kids are no longer at home for most of the day. It was nice having them around for a change! I almost got used to them pampering me when I was home! That really felt good, and I am sure many of you would share that sentiment with me! Time does fly very quickly, and it will be sad when it will be time to leave the roost as they grow up. I for one, want to make the most of my time with them. As usual, before I run out of space, let me wish you all the very best. Recad sogleank!

Bostião Xavier

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From our Konkani corner Good News for Konkani

Bhori Khobor Konkani-k

ANA: Tom, you seem to be very happy today.

Tom, tum boro khoxal distai aiz.

TOM: That's true. I have heard some good news.

Tem khorem. Anvem thôddi bôri khobor aikolea.

ANA: What is the good news? Tell me.

Kitem ti bôri khobor? Mhaka sang.

TOM: Konkani language is going up.

Konkani bhas vhôir veta.

ANA: How, may I ask?

Kôxi, mhojean vicharietta?

TOM: Now we have a radio for Konkani.

Atam amkam radio asa Konkani-k

ANA: You mean a special radio?

Tum mhunntai, ek ispicial radiô?

TOM: Yes. It is called Radio Goa.net

Oi. Taka mhunnta Radiô Goa.net

ANA: An on-line radio for Konkani only?

Ek on-line radiô fokot Konkani-k?

TOM: Yes. It is the work of Benedict Lobo.

Oi. To êk vavr Benedict Lobo-cho

ANA: At what times is it on?

Khôimchea horar to chalu asta?

TOM: It is on for 24 hours. It is dedicated to Konkani songs. (music)

To chalu asta 24 horank. To bhêtôila Konkani gitank (muzg).

ANN: That's very good. We'll get to hear Konkani songs.

Tem chôdd borem. Amkam Konkani gitam aikunk mêlltêlim.

TOM: That could help to learn Konkani.

Tem adar diit Konkani xikonk.

ANN: Any help is good help. Is it free?

Kosloi adar boro adar. To funkôt?

TOM: Yes. Open http://www.radiogoa.net

Oi. Ukôdd http://www.radiogoa.net

ANN: I must tell my son. He loves Konkani songs.

Anvem mhojea put-ak sangunk zai. Taka avoddta Konkani gitam.

TOM: There is some more good news.

Anik thôddi bôri khobor asa.

ANN: Let's hear it soon.

Vêigim aikoia.

TOM: Konkani is now in Guiness World Records.

Konkani podlea Guiness World Records-ant

ANN: And how did it happen?

Ani tem koxem ghoddlem?

TOM: They won a contest singing non-stop

Tim jiklim êk contest gaion thambonastanam

Konkani songs for 40 hours.

Konkani gitam 40 horam.

ANN: And who performed this feat?

Ani konnem hem ojeap kelem?

TOM: Mangalore's Mandd Sobhan did it.

Munglor-chea Mandd Sobhan-an tem kelem.

It was directed by Eric Ozario It took 600

Eric Ozario-chea direction-a khall. Taka lagle

Konkani songs and 1500 singers.

600 Konkani gitam ani 1500 gavppi.

ANN: What a clever idea for Konkani's sake.

Kitli uxear ikmot Konkani-k lagonn.

TOM: Yes, the Mangaloreans love Konkani more

Oi, Munglôr-karank vhôddik avoddta Konkani

than we Goans do, and they're united. ANN: Now that Konkani is in Guiness Book of World Records let's say hurrah!

Goemkaram poros, ani te ekvottan asta. Atam Konkani Guiness Book of World Records-ant pôddli, ami hurrah! mhunnoia.

Our sincere thanks to the ‘evergreen’ Basilio Magno who has been our faithful and diligent sub-editor looking after “KONKANI KONSO” Please send your feedback to: [email protected]

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Samba dancers enthrall Carnival revellers Courtesy Navhind Times Panaji, Feb 2 Dazzling colours, vibrant crowds and attractive tableaux carrying revelers dancing to the tune of zingy music formed part of the parade held in the city this evening kicking off the statewide three-day Carnival under the reign of King Momo. The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat along with the Tourism Minister, Mr Francisco (Mickey) Pacheco and the city mayor, Mr Tony Rodrigues travelled in a specially decorated vehicle to new Patto bridge to flag off the parade. The parade, which was delayed by more than an hour, was led by the tableau carrying King Momo with his queen and dancing belles. The Technicolor procession began after King Momo read a decree proclaiming his rule for next three days, appealing to the public to eat, drink and make merry during the festival period. The next two floats sponsored by the Consulate of Brazil in Mumbai, which formed the highlight of the parade, had replica of a magnificent ship which signified the arrival of Portuguese discoverers and the mystical sea Goddess, ‘Yemanja’, a highly venerated cult figure which represented the bountiful generosity of the sea, the only means of survival for the fishing community from Brazil. These floats were followed by a bevy of Brazilian dancers with attractive headgears consisting of blue-white feathers performing Samba. The parade also included a large number of tableaux based on the themes like Goa as well as environmental and social concerns. A float participating in the parade displayed the traditional art of pottery as followed in Goa, complete with live demonstrations by some senior village potters and followed by a replica of bullock cart carrying the pottery products. Another tableau which was based on the theme of Goan fishing village, combined people as well as cardboard cutout figures reminding the large crowds which thronged the streets about the bygone days when coastal villages of Goa were buzzing with fishing activities. Yet another float presented a typical toddy-tappers’ village. The ‘Keep Goa Safe’ float decorated with a bright rainbow had giant replicas of butterflies, with a large-sized ant posing as King Momo. Some more floats carried giant sized creatures like chameleon, frogs and even mermaids. Some tableaux also took up the cause for saving dolphins and girl foetus. The parade which included 81 floats in four categories -- traditional, junk cars, sponsored and clowns -- were interspersed with participants enacting various characters like pirates, brides and grooms, clowns, jesters and so on, brass band, Kunbi dancers, etc. Among the dignitaries who watched the parade were the Consul General of Portugal in Goa, Dr Paulo Neves Pocinho, the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh and the St Andre MLA, Mr Francis Silveira and Goan singer, Remo Fernandes.

It was a moment of pride and honour for every Konkani loving person to see on 27th January 2008 at 10 p.m. , Mandd Sobhann, a cultural organization from Mangalore under the leadership of Shri. Eric Ozario and other choral groups singing harmoniously and continuously for 40 hours in the unique programme “Konkani Nirantari’ and breaking the existing world record of 36 hours created by ‘Comunidade Evangelica Luterna Sao Paulo, Brazil on July 3rd and 4th in 2004. For the first time, in the history of Konkani language, Konkani - its song and music - found a deserving place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Hats off to Shri. Eric Ozario, his team of dedicated artistes and the cultural organization, Mandd Sobhann. I was a witness to this great event. I was pleasantly surprised to see a flawless presentation with foolproof coordination that adhered to all the rules and regulations set by the Committee of the Guinness Book of World Records. The Guinness Book of World Records, an annual publication since 1955, lists records for a wide variety of sports, stunts and other natural phenomena. Each record must be verified by the investigator before it can be included. The very existence of Guinness Book generates a great number of attempts to establish records of feats that few people would otherwise attempt. Some of the important norms of making an effort to enter the Guinness Book of World Records through choral singing are:• Each singing group should have not less than 30 singers and no singer can participate in more than one group. • No song can be repeated. • The time gap between the end of one song and the beginning of the other song cannot exceed 30 seconds. • No song should be of duration of less than three and half minutes. • Singers of age less than 14 years cannot participate in this programme while those between the ages of 14 to 18 years have to get written permission from their parents. • Prelude of the song must be as brief as possible and no interlude is allowed during the rendition of the song. • Humming in the course of singing the song is banned. • No solo or duet singing is permitted while different voices – alto, tenor, etc. - are encouraged to make the song pleasant and harmonious. • The whole programme should be recorded and must be conducted in the presence of the Adjudicator deputed by the Committee of the Guinness Book of World Records. ‘Konkani Nirantari’ which was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese on 26th January 2008, sharp at 5.45 a. m., got to its flying start at 6.00 a.m. sharp with ‘SRA Sisters’ – a troupe consisting solely of nuns, making an impressive presentation of melodious singing. In fact the existing record of 36 hours was broken on 27th January, the next day at 6.00 p.m. when the jam-packed Kala Angann Theatre gave a standing ovation to Mandd Sobhann for achieving a unique feat at the international level. This mega event saw 43 singing troupes perform, out which 37 were from Mangalore Diocese itself. Two troupes from Goa , two from Bombay and one from Bangalore and Mysore each also participated in the event. The total number of singers who participated in the event was 1711 who rendered 645 different songs in Konkani. Each troupe presented about 14 to 15 songs within a period of approximately 60 minutes. The next song started within a time gap of 5 to 10 seconds. The change over from one group to another was meticulously planned and that too took place within 5 to 10 seconds. On the whole, the singing was impressive and wellcoordinated with different voices blending harmoniously together. The Adjudicator, Mr. Keith Pullin, who was deputed by the Committee of the Guinness Book of World Records, observed everything that was happening with his eagle like eyes. When I contacted him after about 23 hours of singing and asked for his comment on the performance he remarked, “ The show is excellent. The organizers have taken care of the smallest of the small things to ensure foolproof organizational professionalism. If the same trend continues till the end, I shall be handing over to them the prestigious certificate from the Committee of the Guinness Book of World Records.” And the marathon 40 hours singing by multiple singers ended at 10 p.m. on 27th January without any flaws. A new record was established. The flag of Konkani rose to the highest level due to the untiring efforts of our fellow brothers in Mangalore. A feat of such a magnitude was possible only because of the love the Mangaloreans have towards their mother tongue, Konkani. It was possible because of the unity among the Konkani-loving people in Mangalore. They strengthened their unity by maintaining the script of their choice, Kannada, for their mother tongue, Konkani. In unity, they resisted and defeated all the moves of vested interests to impose Devnagori script for Konkani on them. They are happy and are prospering day by day because they have chosen the script of their liking for their mother tongue. And this is the root cause of the success they have achieved in promoting Konkani in a big way. We Goans, who live in Goa – the Konkani Heartland or “Konknnichem Mull Pitth” - have to learn a lesson or two from our fellow Konkani protagonists in Mangalore.

Forest dept directed to repair damaged Ana Fonte garden BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 7 — A visibly agitated Chief Minister on Thursday directed the Forest department to immediately get the damaged caused to Ana Fonte garden rectified and repaired. The Chief Minister was inside the garden this morning to inaugurate a newly-built toilet, when he noticed to his utter shock, a couple of lamps and an iron mesh damaged. Kamat immediately inquired with the officials, who attributed the damage to the recently body building contest held inside the garden. The programme had evoked huge response from the people, especially the fans of noted Bollywood stars Sanjay Dutt and Sunil Shetty. The Chief Minister later asked the deputy Conservator of Forests, M K Bidi to get the damage rectified from the programme organisers. When contacted, M K Biddi told Herald that he has asked the organisers to replace the damaged lamps. “The organisers have agreed to bear the cost of the damage”, he said. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister broke the sacred coconut to mark the commencement of the work on road widening from Malbhat to the Aquem side of the Margao Railway station. Kamat also inaugurated two Sulabh toilets at Chinchal and Khareband.

COMMENT:

We just wonder whether the ‘FOREST DEPT.’ have now taken charge of Margao!!!

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GOAN RECIPES By Joyce

Sorpotel Ingredients 1 kg pork 1 lb. pork liver and heart 1/4 bottle vinegar (approx. 300 ml) a small amount of tamarind and salt to taste Grind the following in vinegar: 30 dry red chilies 1 teaspoon cumin seed 1 inch piece turmeric 4 cloves Slice the following: 1 full pod garlic 2 inch piece of ginger 3 onions 4 green chillies Method Wash and boil the pork, liver and heart in full piece. Cool and cut into small cubes, then fry in frying pan (without using any oil) till nice and brown.

Using a little fat from the fried pork, fry the ginger, garlic and onions, until the onions change colour. Add the masala (the mixed spices), fry well then add the fried pieces of meat. The tamarind paste should be added to the meat together with a little vinegar (if necessary). Add two teaspoons of salt or more if desired. Cook on a slow fire till meat is tender. Finally add green chillies. Cook for another ten minutes and remove from the fire. Sorpotel tastes good on the next day, and even better after three days or more.

Eric Ozario and Mandd Sobann have shown what can be done if there is dedication and love for the language, Konkani. The singing world will forever know that there is a musical language called Konkani! The Konkani people from Mumbai to Kerala and Mangalore to Bangalore showed their UNITY IN ADVERSITY..... singing 645 different songs when they have to struggle to get even a single petition accepted in a state that calls Konkani its Official language, but uses it not. Konkani, like the Carnival, is taken away from the people and sold to commercial interests. It is a spectator event instead of being a participatory one and the bootleg is given greater prominence that the authentic. One can see it on display from 02 to 05 February, 2008. Just watch out to see how much of Konkan and Goan tradition is displayed in the "traditional" floats. Commercial is after all commercial ;-) Goa is the only political entity which has Konkani as its Official Language ...but is unable to think BIG. The Goa Government has less Government Primary Schools in Konkani [72] that Karnataka [91] or the Goa Archdiocesan Board of Education [126]. The Saraswat lobby that introduced the script [and the controversy] into the Official Language in Goa manages only five primary schools in Konkani in Goa and none in Karnataka, where it is expressly given the option to use Devanagri officially! Digu Kaka will be happy to give Rs.15 lakhs to the All India Konkani Parishad that is being held in Kerala this year just as Pratapsingh Rane gve it Rs.12 lakhs last time in Goa. Lip service to Konkani and pocket service to their coterie, led by their Think Tanks [and sumps], is what they are most likely to do. Konkani will survive ...not because of them, but in spite of them! It was nice to see the President of the KBM and the Convenor of the RLAF participating in the KONKANI NIRANTARI ...totally ignored by the Goa Government. Mandd Sobann had given Prime Time slots for both the troupes from Goa and privileged seating arrangements for the delegates from Goa in the audience. Mog asundi. Miguel Braganza S1 Gracinda Apts, Rajvaddo, Mhapsa 403507 Goa Ph 9822982676 [email protected]

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Printed and Published by Oscar Lobo for Melgoans Pty Ltd., who are not responsible for the opinion or views of the contributors. This monthly read is distributed free of charge. Contributions for publication are most welcome, and will be included in the next issue subject to clearance by the editorial board. Editor: Salus Correia Email: [email protected]

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