Concannim Moviedom

Producing Quality Konkani Films

By Tomazinho Cardozo

"Konkani Cinema Day" was celebrated on 24th instant because it was on this day in April 1950 the first Konkani film "Mogacho Anvddo" was released in Mapusa, thanks to the pioneering efforts of late Al Jerry Branganza. It was a saga of dedication and sacrifice because even at that time one required a lot of money to produce a film. Today, after 56 years, have we made significant achievement in this field? There is no doubt that the answer to this question is negative. The second Konkani film "Amchem Noxib" could be released only after Liberation in 1963. This was followed by "Nirmonn", "Mhoji Ghorkarn", "Sukhachem Soponn", etc. (Panorama, NT)

http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=104225

Tipografia Rangel - Historical Press

Dr Jaime Rangel of Bastora says that his greatgrandfather, Ranin Rangel, founded the only private printing press Tipografia Rangel in 1886; it functioned for 108 years and was the first to print musical notations. "Besides that, Janin Rangel wrote the first book on Konkani grammar and compiled 'Solfegio' with the permission of the archbishop patriarch of those days, which is still being used by students of music today.

(From :WE-GT)

http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=104225

OBITUARY

A tribute to Msgr Carmo da Silva

by Zito Almeida

From the Navhind Times

In the death of Rev Msgr Carmo da Silva, on April 7, Goa has lost one of the distinguished sons and our Archdiocese of Goa a note worthy priest.
He was born in Nairobi-Kenya (Africa), his parents being late Camilo da Silva and late Chagarina Pereira Silva, on July 16, 1921. As he was born on the feast day of Our Lady of Carmel, he was named as Anacleto Carmo Andre da Silva.
After return of his parents from Nairobi to Goa, he did his initial studies in Portuguese at Cansaulim. After finishing the same, he entered the Rachol Seminary for his priestly studies, where he finished philosophy and theology at the age of 23 years, in 1944.
For one year he was perfect in the Rachol Seminary. And on March 1, 1945 he was ordained priest by the late Patriarch of the East Indies, Dom Jose da Costa Nunes.
As Fr Carmo da Silva was a brilliant student, he was sent to Rome for further studies, where he did a doctorate in theology in the Gregorian University, defending his thesis on: ‘Doctrine of Justification in Cardinal Newman.’ He also did a licentiate in Sacred Scriptures.
After returning to Goa from Rome, Rev Dr Carmo da Silva was appointed professor of Rachol Seminary on October 7, 1953. And on April 16, 1955 he was made vice-rector of Rachol Seminary. On the appointment of Rev Msgr Altino de Ribeiro Santana as bishop of Sa de Bandeira (Angola), who was the first rector of Saligao Seminary, Rev Dr Carmo Da Silva was made the second rector of Saligao Seminary on January 11, 1956.
He became Monsignor (Private Chambarlain) on April 12, 1956, when he was the rector of Saligao Seminary. Thereafter, he became Domestic Prelate. Within six months as a rector of Saligao Seminary, Rev Msgr Carmo da Silva was appointed rector of Rachol Seminary on June 18, 1956, when he was 35 years of age.
Msgr Carmo da Silva, who was rector of Rachol Seminary for long 24 years, proved himself to be an able administrator and a good guide to hundreds of young priests. After the Liberation of Goa, on December 19, 1961, with the cooperation of professors and other dignitaries, he upgraded the studies and inspired the future priests with the devotion to God and love for the country. He was a fluent speaker, with words and thoughts flowing with clarity and elegance of expression.
His writings for various dailies, weeklies, magazines, in Konkani, Portuguese and English, such as ‘V Ixtt,’ ‘D M Rotti,’ ‘Gulab’ (in Konkani) ‘A Vida,’ ‘O Heraldo’ (in Portuguese) and ‘The Navhind Times,’ ‘Gomantak Times,’ ‘Renovacao’ were very much appreciated.
In recent years, he was a regular writer for ‘The Navhind Times’ and his last article, which was sent before his death, entitled: ‘Youth need to follow true happiness’ was published on ‘The Navhind Times’ dated April 10, with the following foot-note: The writer left for heavenly abode on April 7.
Msgr Carmo da Silva was the editor of ‘Boletim Eclesiastice da Arquidiocese de Goa,’ the organ of the Archdiocese of Goa. He also wrote in Portuguese on ‘Enciclo-pedia Catolica Italiana’ and ‘Boletim Eclisiastico de Macau.’ After the Liberation of Goa he was elected vice-president of Konkani Bhasha Mandal.
He was also a member of the Scientific Council of the Department of Portuguese and also extra-ordinary professor of Goa University. In June 1980, Msgr Carmo da Silva was appointed parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panaji, and dean of Panaji deanery. After several years of active service, he resigned and went home to Cansaulim.
And finally, Msgr Carmo da Silva used to say and even wrote that: “A man’s life is made of ups and downs, of failures and successes, of gain and losses, of rights and wrongs. A priest takes everything in his stride with eyes on Christ, the ultimate judge of persons and things.”
Msgr Carmo da Silva has now passed from this earthly life, through the portals of death, to a new abundant and eternal life. May his soul rest in peace.

http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=104225

Father of the Opinion Poll

An OHerald Editorial

Forty years after the famous fight for statehood and yet no recognition to the people or persons who stood by Goa and saw that it was not merged with Maharahstra. Forty years after Dr Jack Sequeira led the fight against the D B Bandokar government to retain Goan identity and yet, the politicians do not see fit to erect a statue in his name.
And forty years after he led the struggle against the pro Maharashtra protagonist, the State of Goa has not seen fit to even honour the father of the Opinion Poll. And instead what do we have today, the state government honouring fake freedom fighters. Freedom fighters who did not even know what Goa was in the Portuguese rule. Freedom fighters who by sucking up to the previous government and being anti-national by speaking against the state of Goa and have got recognition. And those who fought and endured the hardships of ensuring that the Goan identity is maintained are forgotten. It is a tragedy that the government does not see fit to honour Dr Jack Sequeira with some form of recognition. The reason may be that perhaps deep down in their hearts they would have liked the merger with Maharashtra. But what about the ordinary Goan, who today, instead of being a lackey to another state or for that matter being a mere district in another state. Has anyone asked them for their opinion as to how they would like to honour the father of the Opinion Poll. Ask them and do not be surprised if the answer is “with honour.’’ And that is what the politicians are afraid of doing. Honouring someone did much more than what they all have collectively.


Comment: Jack de Sequeira was not by a very long shot, the father of Goan nationalism. He was not the prime mover of the movement that secured Goa's separate identity. But he was the symbol of the Opinion Poll for all Goemcars who wanted the uniqueness of Goa preserved. And as such he, even if some think he does not, deserves to have a life sized statue of his erected in the capital city. More than Bandodkar does. Jack de Sequeira symbolized 'Don Panna'. Let him be remembered as the man who was the titular head of the movement that saved Goa.

http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=104225

SORPOTEL

For the hotch potch known as haggis
let the Scotsman yearn or yell
on the taste of Yorkshire pudding
let the English family dwell
and the famed tandoori chicken
that Punjabis praise like hell
but for us who hail from Goa
there's nothing like SORPOTEL

From the big wigs in Colaba
to the small fry in Cavel
from the growing tribes in Bandra
to the remnants in Parel
from the lovely girls in Glaxo
to the boys in Burma Shell
there's no Goan whose mouth won't water
when you talk of SORPOTEL!

And Oh! for Christmas dinner
don't you think it would be swell
if by some freak of fortune
or by some magic spell
we could, as they have in Goa
a bottle of the cajel
and toddy leavened sannas
to go with SORPOTEL!

http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=104225

Padr Jose Vaz biography

New biography of Blessed Joseph Vaz

NT News Desk

A new, critical biography of Blessed Joseph Vaz, entitled ‘De Goa a Ceilco: Saga de um Caminheiro Infatigavel’ (From Goa to Ceylon: Saga of a Tireless Wayfarer), authored by the well-known Goan writer, Pedro Correia Afonso (1892-1965), will be released by the Archbishop-Patriarch of Goa and Daman, Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao, on April 21 at 5 p. m., at the St John the Baptist church, Benaulim.
The book, published on the 355th birth anniversary of Blessed Joseph Vaz, examines the Goan missionary’s apostolate, against the social, religious and political background of the 17th and 18th centuries. It highlights the hardships that Joseph Vaz suffered, working as he did without state patronage, and the pioneering achievements of his missionary methods in Kanara and Ceylon.
In the special attention he gave to local cultures and the process of inculturation, Joseph Vaz’s methods were forerunners to several practices that won ecclesiastical approval after Vatican Council II, in the late twentieth century. The author, who hailed from Benaulim, was an agronomist by profession, editor of ‘A Vida,’ a Portuguese language daily published from Margco, and the first president of the Konkani Bhasha Mandal.

http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=104225

ORCHIDS OF GOA

GOA, HOME TO FEW SPECIES OF ORCHIDS
BY DANIEL D'SOUZA

Orchids form one of the largest of plant families with nearly 24,000 species and thousands of man-made hybrids. Orchids can be found in extreme temperatures from deserts to snow covered hills of the Himalayas. Orchids are on the decline in many parts of the country. The Himalayan belt itself is home to more than 750 species, thus calling it a paradise for orchids.
Goa too is a home to several species of Orchids contributing to its rich bio-diversity in the Western Ghats.
In the recent years, over exploitation of Orchids from the wild, either by humans or due to clearing of forest areas, has left us without a clue of ecological hazards. Their disappearance indicates a change in the quality of soil and air of the region. They are also threatened by grazing of life stock, construction of dams, bridges, some unnatural disasters like forest fires, etc . In India, Orchids grow wild in the forests of the Himalayas particularly in Darjeeling, Sikkim, Karnataka and Kerala.
Tissue culture is vital for the propagation of Orchids. In spite of the exploration many species are yet to be discovered. Orchids are mainly shade loving plants
As we know that due to the changes in the environment, the world is facing the deficiency in rainfall and thus shortage of water, which is the basic requirement of human race animals and plants. Countries are realising that rainfall is decreasing every year which thus affects the growth of Orchids that thrive in regular rainfall. Orchids are a protected species under the convention on International Trade in Endangered Species under schedule VI of the wildlife protection act 1972
Many Orchids have common names according to their resemblance, their distinctive patterns, shapes and features. Dancing Lady, for example, has resemblance to a ballet dancer. The other species comprise Spotted leopard Orchid, Moth orchid, Dove Orchid, Scorpion Orchid, Spider Orchid , Butterfly Orchid, Swan Orchid, Rattlesnake orchid, Veiled Nun, Flying duck, Donkey orchid (which has two ear like petals) and Cucumber Orchid (leaves with tiny bumps and is shaped like a cucumber)
CLASSIFICATION OF ORCHIDSOrchids can be divided into two groups based on their habitat
1> Terrestrial Orchids are earth dwellers, which grow on soil like any ordinary plants. Eg Cymbidium, Papniopedilum (Lady’s Slipper) Spathoglottsi.
2> Epiphytic Orchids are those that grow on trees as epiphytes. It is important to know that epiphytic orchids do not take food from the tree that they are attached to; they merely use it as a platform or support. They have arial roots, which hang down and are sometimes called Valamen Roots. Valmen roots are a spongy covering on the roots that can absorb moisture and retain it. Eg Cattleyas, Vandas, Dendrobiums, Arachnis ( Spider Orchid), Aranda and Oncidium (Dancing Doll)
Based on their growth patterns Orchids can be divided into 2 groups: Monopodial and Sympodial
Monopodial Orchids, such as vandas and phalaenopsis, have a central stem which continues to grow yearly. Flowers are produced from leaf axis.
Sympodial Orchids, such as cattleyas and dendrobiums, have a main stem, which terminates growth at the end of the season. Each new shoot will produce a bulbous stem, which will flower.
Goa is home to 19 species of Orchids of which 3 species are rare. Let us take a closer look at these beauties that can survive drought for months together and yet produce some of the most spectacular blooms on earth.
1, Acampe praemorsaEpiphytic herbs, stem stout monopodial, leaves alternate, roots thick Flowers are small yellow with Purplish Lines. Abundantly found in Goa especially on Mango Trees.Misconception associated as a parasite grouped up with loranthus commonly called as Benur. Flowers between February to May
2. Aerides crispa ( Rare)Epiphytic herbs, stem covered with old leaves, roots are long slender and woody. Leaves Purplish green often seen with coloured patches of spots.Flowers white, while sepals pale pink, flowers during May to July
3. Aerides ringensEpiphytic herbs stem thick often with old leaf base. Leaves channelled, shape linear oblong, with 2 lobes at the tip. Purplish green spots. Seed capsule oblong in shape, which is ribbed. Flowers during May to July
4. Bulbophyllum heilgherrenseEpiphytic Orchid with creeping Rhizomes Pseudobulbs conical –ovoid yellowish to greenish in colour Fleshy, which terminate in a leaf. Leaf oblong in shape. Flowers are dense yellowish. Flowers during the month of Jan and Feb.
5. Cymbidium aloifoliumEpiphytic, pseudobulbs large, leaves linear lanceolate, sometimes bilobed. Flowers have large petals yellowish with purplish in the central portion. Flowers from April to July.
6. Dendrobium barbatulumEpiphytic. Leafless when in flowering condition. Leaves alternate, flowers white with a little pink tinge. Flowers 405 cms many flowers. It flowers from the tip of the cone during Feb. to March.
7. Eria microchilosEpiphytic, flat disc like base, leaves few, oblong lanceolate, flowers yellowish white. Flowers during Jan and Feb
8. Nervilia aragoanaTuberous terrestrial herbs, leafless when in flower, petiole purple, flower single. They flower during monsoons
9. Oberonia brunonianaEpiphyte, leaves oblong flowers dense, spike brown in colour, Flowers during monsoons.
10. Pecteilis giganteaTerrestrial herb, leaves long flowers greenish white, strongly fragrant, flowers during the month of September
11. Pholidota imbricata Epiphytic herb, pseudobulbs dull brown to greyish green in colour, leaf solitary. Flowers on pendulous racemes. Flowers pinkish, arranged alternatively. Flowers during the month of July.
12. Rhynchostylis retusaEpiphytic herb, base covered with leaves, roots stout, leaves alternate channelled bilobed towards tip. Flowers are inflorescence long. Flower pale pink to whitish pink. Flowers end of May to September
13. Peristylus densus
14. Peristylus plantagineus
15. Habenaria plantaginea.
16. Liparis deflexa (Rare)
17. Liparis nerusa
18. Luisa ecangelinea
19. Malaxis makinnonii
Be it for the majestic formation of the flower, fragrance, and brilliance in colour or shape, these are some of the most beautiful flowers on the planet.
[Daniel D’Souza is a horticulturist, landscape designer and a garden consultant. Presently, he is rendering his services to the Corporation of the City of Panjim as consultant horticulturist. He is responsible for the beautification of Panjim gardens and is also popularly known as the green man of Panjim. These orchids seen form a part of his personal collection at his countryside garden at Assagao.]

Article extracted from Goacom.

http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=104225

What is Goan? An OHerald editorial.

What is Goan?

What is Goan? Churchill Alemao’s remark “that land should not be sold to outsiders and should be kept for the locals as in Kashmir’’ does make food for thought. Perhaps he has a point afterall if one sees the slowly and gradual destruction of Goan ethos and identity. And that is a very good question to ask today? What is Goan and who is a Goan? Today, if one looks around, the word Goan is a misnomer and what is remaining behind is only politicians who do not seem to be doing anything to do anything for Goa. Sadly, our politicians only talk of developing Goa and do nothing about it. And those who come to Goa, under the guise of development, only leave dirt and the garbage behind. Goa is disappearing and one aspect that is vanishing faster that ever is land, which is being sold at astronomical rates to outsider causing numerous problems to the small locals who are still residing in the state. It is not use complaining about employment because despite the promises made by successive governments nothing has been done to help reduce the unemployment levels among Goans. The net result – Goans are leaving the state and outsiders are taking over. Even the civil service is not spared with very few Goans making to the top echelons of the civil service. Organize a national event and consultants are called in from Mumbai. Even the event managers and public relations organizations asked to co-ordinate the event are from outside Goan. Agriculture too is being imported from other states and it is sad state of affairs that granaries at Curtorim are falling into disrepair because field are fallow because of constructions. So what is Goan? Yes, this question assumes importance that even the local Goan political party – the United Goan Democratic Party is floundering on many issues. Other local Goan parties like Lok Shakti and Goa Su-raj are floundering on the wayside, more apt to just raise their voice occasionally. And if at the top there is no one fighting for what is Goan, then is it surprising that there is nothing left in Goa. Because if Goans cannot fight for Goa, who will?


Comment:

A perceptive, prophetic epistle and maybe the 'avaz', the sounding of the death knell of Goemcar-ponn. Is this the beginning of the end? More like the end of the beginning of the end. Kakut Goemcara, kakut.

http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=104225

Melodious Mandos - Jimmy

Bombayin than Goyean au yeatanna
sogle chedde korit mojim fakanna
punn au konna yeakleachi porva korinna
mozo Jim-my astanna.

Jimmy, Jimmy moga
caliz ravta tuca
tunch mojea fudaracho raza

Att vostan dokear pavleau ami
thuim maca voronc aillo Jimmy
punn tea cheddeanc lagonn mojer chavollo Jimmy
pavon sor mhaddani

Jimmy, Jimmy moga
etc.

http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=104225