MELGOANS
VOLUME 3
ISSUE 9
SEPTEMBER 2007
News of Goan relevance for Goans in Melbourne www.melgoans.com
bâÜ `|áá|ÉÇ “To provide Goans and their friends an enjoyable and a relaxing time without the need for formal membership. In doing this, we will showcase our cultural activities and also learn and integrate with the multicultural society of Melbourne”.
From the editor’s desk… Mogal Goencarano, Another grand success—one more feather in the Melgoan’s cap!!! Last month about five hundred guests graced World Goa Day 2007 at the Kingston City Hall Moorabbin. It was a night of nights and a sight to see so many young and old Goans along with their Aussie friends come together once again just to enjoy themselves and have a great time. And going by their history, the only thing at this function [all the other Melgoans’ functions too!] that was not quite ‘Goan’ was the fact that the function did begin on time!!! Sharp on the dot of seven that evening, the band “After Dark” struck their first chords while the MC, Roger declared the night open. Starting on time has been the hallmark of functions hosted by Melgoans, and this one was no exception.
Right from the word ‘go’ everything went off like clockwork. The guests were enthralled by the superb décor, explosive sound and mouth watering delicacies that were put up on the buffet tables. There wasn’t a moment in time that was wasted that night. An action packed program that was strictly adhered to had the night rolling off smoothly. It was a sight to see the couples jostle in step as they went around in the now traditional Goan ‘Marcha’. Even the Aussies present, joined in and enjoyed themselves to the max as they frolicked with the zagai zagai thereafter.
The jewel in the crown that night was the traditional Goan Kunbhi dance that was presented by none other than Mrs Lidia Martins who trained the group of Goan youngsters who took a lot of pains to ensure that they did not miss their steps. The group got a standing ovation and had to be recalled for a bow. There was a tear in many an eye that night as nostalgia just took over emotions. Imagine a genuine Goan presentation like that, thousands of miles away from our beloved Goa. The Aussie guests too were very impressed with that grand performance.
This time, in an effort to present the integration of the Goan society with the mainstream Australian way of life, there was an Aussie group of youngsters present ‘Razzle Dazzle’, a dance performance on stage. Well done Oscar and your team. You guys really did well once again. Keep up the good work. You have GOA in your hearts and have proved it time and again.
Salus Correia
From the rambling ‘Reddo’…! Teatro, Teatro! Aiz ratri, khodegant teatro! Oh the good old days when an Ambassador car fitted with a couple of horns on the roof would make its way slowly though our village, making that announcement. I still recall the kids running after the car till each of them managed to get one of the advertisement pamphlets that they would drop on to the road as they made their way through the village. Those were the days my friends, days we will never get again.
Today we have another sort of ‘teatro’ making its way in Goa. Oh yes, I am sure you have guessed it by now! I am referring to the political drama that is unfolding each day in Goa. From bench hopping to party frolicking, they are now in the stage of nominating their daughters and sons for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Churchill Alemao wants his daughter to take his vacated South Goa Parliamentary seat, and a little bird to me that Victoria has plans to have her beloved son Rudolf to take her place in the August Assembly. I suppose Goans are gullible enough to believe that they have to vote for these dynasties of crooks because there are not enough honest people who will stand up for themselves and take control of the State. What a shame indeed. I think it is about time Goa realises where it is headed, and someone does something about it. Enough is enough.
A couple of weeks ago I had a good time at what they called the ‘Goa Dance’. It was World Goa Day time in Melbourne, and it was nice to see so many Goan people get together again, forgetting about their allegiance to associations or clubs. Once again we were one big Goan family, which was just great. I also met a quaint old lady who wanted me to work towards an ‘Independent Goa’. I just told her that while I was a Goan deep in my heart, being an Australian, did not allow me to join her bandwagon. She was disappointed indeed. I just wonder… Do I look like one of those freedom fighters??? Please send me one of those TAMRA PATRAS, ha, ha! Till then, mog asundi... Recad sogleank! …
Bostião Xavier
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From our Konkani corner A TELEPHONE CALL
GOZAL TELEFON-AR
MAR: Hello?
= Hallô?
FLO: Hello? Is that you Maria?
= Hallô? Tem tum Maria?
MAR: Yes, it is me. Who is on the phone?
= Oi, anv tem. Fôn-ar konn asa?
FLO: Here's Antonio. Good morning, how are you?
= Anga, Antonio. Dêu boro dis dium. Tum koxem
MAR: I an well, thank you.. And how are you and family?
= Anv borem asa. Ani tum ani tuji famil koxim asa?
FLO. Not too bad, thank you. Only last night I've returned
= Vait nam. Fokot kal rati anv London-ak than porot ailam, ani
from London, and I am very tired.
bhôu thoklam.
MAR: And did you have a good holiday?
= Tôr tuvem bôri feriad kêli?
FLO: Yes, but the weather wasn't good.
= Oi, punn temp boro naslo.
MAR: Did you do much shopping?
= Tuvem zaitem 'shopping' keleim?
FLO: Not much. Everything is so expensive. But I bought
= Zôbôr nhôi. Sogllem borench marog. Punn anvem
a gift for you which, unfortunately, has got broken
tuka êk sagvadd ghêtlêli ji, kotta, bôunden-tuch ti
during the trip.
futton ghêli.
MAR: It doesn't matter. You're very kind. Thank you all all the same.
asai?
= Kaim porvau nam. Tum bhôu mogall. Kiteim zaunk, tuka dinvastam.
FLO: Where are you going to spend your holidays?
= Tum khuim vôitai tujeô feriaddi sarunk?
MAR: I am thinking of going to Madrid.
= Anv chintam Madrid vôicheak.
FLO: Do you then speak Spanish?
= Tôr tum Spanish ulôitai?
MAR: Not very well, but I make myself understood.
= Zôbôr bôri nhôi, punn maka lôk somzota.
FLO: Madrid is a big city and beautiful but it is very warm in summer. You must take suitable clothes with you.
= Madrid vortota êk vhôdd cidad ani sobit, punn gim-an zobor gorom; tea pormonnem tuvem rôp vorcho
MAR: Undoubtedly, I was thinking of it.
= Dubavavinnem, anv tem chintalem.
FLO: Maria, have you any news of your sister Rosaria?
= Maria, tuka kai khobor asa tujê Ruzai bôinichi?
MAR: But I don't have a sister!
= Punn maka bhôin nam!
FLO: Aren't you Maria de Rosa Fidalgo?
= Tum nhôi Maria de Rosa Fidalgo?
MAR: No. My name is Maria da Conceiçao Lopes.
= Nam. Mhojem nanv Maria da Conceicao Lopes.
FLO: Oh, I'm very sorry. I have dialled the wrong number.
= Oh, anv zobor sintid. Anvem fals numbr marlo.
GOAN CREDO
GOEMKARPONN
I am first a Goan,
Anv poilo ek Goemkar,
And that I'll forever be;
Ani toso astolom sasnank:
And never, ever forget,
Ani kernanch visorchonam,
My mother-tongue is Konkani.
Mhôji maim-bhas Konkani.
BASILIO MAGNO
[email protected]
This page has been sponsored. Our thanks to the advertisers.
Say a mighty Thank You to their sponsors at the World Goa Day 2007 function: 1. Gavin & Margaret of: Highett. 2. Cinnamon Club, Cheltenham. 3. Delhi Bazaar, Ringwood. Major Prizes given away on the night were all sponsored by:
Melgoans Pty Ltd
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GOAN RECIPES thanks to Joyce
FOFOS (Fish Rolls) ½
Kg. any fleshy fish (e.g. 4 small pomfrets)
3
potatoes (boiled and minced)
1
level teaspoon turmeric powder
1
teaspoon chilli powder
½
teaspoon pepper powder
1
sour lime (juice)
2
tablespoons fish stock
1
egg (beaten well) Fine bread crumbs Oil for frying
Clean, wash and boil the fish in a little water and salt. Save the water. Remove bones if any and mash together with the minced potatoes, turmeric, chilli and pepper pow-ders. Add lime juice and stock. Salt may be added if necessary. Form little oval rolls, dip into beaten egg, coat with bread crumbs and deep fry to a golden brown. Serve hot.
Fofos of dry Bombay Duck (Bombils) can also be made by the above method. Please note that the dry fish should be kept in water before removing centre bones, fins, etc. Again, the fish should be soaked in water for about an hour before mixing with other ingredients.
This page has been sponsored. Our thanks to the advertisers.
Melbourne’s Famous Spice Shops Established 1984
TRUSPICE The Name That You Can Trust
You Name It, We Got It”
“
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Lentils & Beans,
•
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Spices,
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Pickles & Pastes,
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Flour, Lotus Elephant 100% Natural Atta,
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Condiments, Religious Items,
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Health & Beauty,
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Home wares,
•
Savory Snacks and many more items.
We are proud to introduce Swad Products into our range. A quality branded product, satisfaction guaranteed. A network well-established whose reach is fast extending across Australia, serving the people of the Indian subcontinent residing in Australia, providing a variety of authentic products. We have made it our business to market quality food products imported from overseas, at the lowest possible prices to supply these goods at affordable prices to our customers. Visit us at:
Truspice Clayton 145 Carinish Road, Clayton, 3168
Truspice Mitcham
Truspice Glenroy
20-22 Station Street
155 Wheatsheaf Road,
Mitcham, 3132
Glenroy, 3046
GOA, GOA, GOA (AMCHEM GOA)
A typical Goan House. Note how the lady in the front of the house prepares to fold her sari before she begins work for the day.
Shopping at Calangute beach. By the way, where have all the Goans gone??? Proof of Goa’s invasion!!!
This page has been sponsored. Our thanks to the advertisers. This page has been sponsored. Our thanks to the advertisers.
This page has been sponsored. Our thanks to the advertisers.
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 to any Goan and their friends. Contributions for publication are most welcome, and will be included in the next issue subject to clearance by the editorial board. Editor: Salus Correia
www.melgoans.com