After my graduation, he gave me an introductory letter to Lamberto Mascarenhas. Mascarenhas, in turn, gave me an introductory note to K.S.K. Menon, who had been of the Navhind Times. I took the letter to Menon and, after reading it, said he would contact me if any position arose. He gave me back the note. I read the Mascarenhas' scribbled note and was shocked. Mascarenhas had introduced me as a "chap" from "my village". It was true, we both came from Colva, but to a young man like me seeking a job it was horrifying to read a learned man like Mascarenhas call me a chap. It's also true that Mascarenhas and I belong to different strata in Goa's caste system. I couldn't believe a man of his stature could introduce me in such a demeaning way. I think I have the note somewhere in my collection of memorabilia.

See full article on: http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-October/005962.html

** Fred Noronha writes:
Canada-based Eugene Correia has worked for a wide range of national-level newspapers published in India. Besides those listed in this essay, he has also written for India Today, and a number of expat Indian publications published from overseas. What stands out is this journalist's sharp understanding of Goan issues and politics, and his memory for detail, all the more remarkable since he has been based outside Goa for virtually his entire working life.