Konkani For Everyone

The Following is reprinted from page 2 of the Publication “Konkani For Everyone” published for the 2008 International Goan Convention

Language is the greatest single gift and achievement of the human organism. Every language is an organ of perception, not simply a means of conveying ideas. The first mass medium, language confers order on both speaker and hearer. It provides identity. As an instrument of thought and imagination, it serves to penetrate and know both Nature and knower alike. (Excerpt from Electric Language – Understanding the Present. By Eric McLuhan)

Our homeland Goa, and our Konkani language, are integral parts of our Goan heritage. As Goans living abroad, events in Goa are beyond our control. But we have a choice; we can use or lose our language. If we relinquish Konkani, we also surrender our identity.

The purpose of this publication is to fulfill a responsibility – that of ensuring our language, and therefore our identity, survives in the various Goan communities worldwide. For a language to survive it has to be spoken. Traditionally a child would receive this knowledge from the cradle –hence the words “Mai Bas”, the mother tongue. However, as Goans moved away from their homeland, the pressures to conform and to succeed in their transplanted lands meant the sacrifice of their language. The speaking of Konkani was even reprimanded in Goan schools overseas.

Over the years many Goans born and raised abroad have come to realize that they are missing out on an important facet of their identity and culture. Goa is now a tourist paradise with hundreds of thousands flocking there every year. Konkani culture through music, song, and tiatr, has spread all over the world. This publication is intended to be a starting point for learning to speak Konkani. The words and phases are those used in everyday life, in the home, and in the streets and villages of Goa. It does not purport to be the official source of the language as used in the government, the churches, and schools in Goa. This publication on it’s own will not enable a reader to speak and understand Konkani. The language needs to be heard and spoken if it is to survive. Those who know Konkani should take the lead, use it in the home, among family and friends, and at Goan cultural events.

Goan Family Values

Aires Rodrigues wants NRGs to feel closer to home via internet content in the mother tongue
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source

There is this story of a Non Resident Goan (NRG) who came to Goa on a two week vacation from Florida after 12 years. He complained endlessly to the relatives he was staying with that Goa was noisy, dirty, smelly, disgusting and primitive and he would never visit Goa again. When he returned to the States an office colleague asked him if he had enjoyed his vacation. He beamed and told his friend of his experiences. The people were very friendly and welcoming. Everyone took an interest in him and even people outside the village showed signs of recognition when they saw him again. But particularly heart-warming was the way even distant members rallied around to welcome him. He said, “The concept of the family is alive and kicking in Goa, not like here. I just cannot wait to go back next Christmas.”

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Indian Mujahideen, who? when? where?
July 28th, 2008 - 3:31 pm ICT by Bupha Ravirot –
http://www.thaindian.com/

After the blasts in ‘IT city’, Bangalore last week and serial bombings in Ahmedabad on Saturday, India , people want to know more about Indian Mujahideen. The unheard group ‘Indian Mujahideen‘ have claimed themselves the responsibility of several civilian attacks in India. Phone calls and a 14-page manifesto e-mail sent by the Indian Mujahideen to over 20 media houses including some foreign news organizations, before Saturday’s serial bombings Ahmedabad.

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British Professionals Get Lessons In Indian Etiquette
24 Jul 2008, 0930 hrs IST,IANS
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3271440,prtpage-1.cms

LONDON: Kissing Indian women goodbye is out for young British businessmen and professionals flying out to India to explore new job opportunities. And visitors should be mindful of something that every Indian knows - their hosts are terrible at timekeeping. These pointers to how to go about your business in India are part of etiquette classes being offered by the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) - the British government's lead organisation supporting the promotion of bilateral trade, business and investment.

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'Tata Motors could drive Queen’s favourite car’
July 28th, 2008 - 8:25 pm ICT by IANs
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/tata-motors

London, July 28 (IANS) Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata has told investors he is considering making a super-luxury version of the car that is a favourite of Britain’s reigning monarch, a British daily reported Monday. Ratan Tata, whose Tata Motors bought the marque as part of its $2.3 billion purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover earlier this year, was looking to revive Daimler, the Times reported.

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Goans Migrating For Better Jobs, Salaries
22 Jul 2008, 0313 hrs IST,
Andrew Pereira,TNN
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3261762,prtpage-1.cms

Look closely at Goa's population and you'll notice that a chunk, a very productive component, is missing. Many Goans in their early 20s and 30s are, well, not in Goa. The reason: lack of service-oriented jobs and decent salaries. Sunil Chatim, 28, a co-team leader with Prana Animation Studios, Mumbai, left Parra six years ago. "I have Goan friends in Mumbai and we wish we could go back home. But, we will have to wait till retirement, unless we get similar jobs in Goa," said Chatim.

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Goa To Appoint NRIs To State Boards, Corporations
IANS Friday 25th July, 2008
http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/index.php?sid=386181

Goa is set to become the first state in India to appoint non-resident Indians (NRIs) to various boards and corporations. Putting Goan expatriates on state boards and corporations is one of our various steps to reconnect them with their roots. When this happens, Goa will be the first Indian state to accord this honour to expatriates,'' Eduardo Faleiro, former minister of state for external affairs and currently Goa's commissioner for NRI affairs, told IANS here.

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Aid To Conserve Heritage Houses
28 Jul 2008, 0553 hrs IST,
Andrew Pereira,TNN
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3292807,prtpage-1.cms

PANAJI: Heritage houses in Goa could get a new lease of life courtesy tourism. In a move that could serve two purposes, the government has announced financial assistance to owners of heritage houses in a bid to augment room capacity while also conserving heritage homes in the state.

"There are many heritage houses in the state where the owners do not have the financial means to maintain their upkeep at the standards it saw in the past," says tourism director Elvis Gomes. The government will not only offer financial aid but include a technical team comprising a senior architect, conservation specialist, structural engineer, design consultant and experts in folk art and regional art history.

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Writers Discuss Impact Of Globalization On Languages
27 Jul 2008, ,TNN
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3286238,prtpage-1.cms

PANAJI: "As an impact of globalization, language is changing very rapidly and we must think about its future," Arun Sadhu, a Marathi writer said. Speaking at the inaugural session of western and southern writers meet organised by the Sahitya Akademi, he advocated flexibility, stating that the people in remote villages are comfortable with a mixture of English and vernaculars.

"Even Indian languages are changing and borrowing from each other and people are moving towards some kind of a global language. If we were to come back a century later, we may fail to understand the language of the day," Sadhu said.

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Patrolling intensified in South Goa
MARGAO: Patrolling in South Goa sensitive areas has been intensified and also security in vital areas has been enhanced, sources in the South Goa police headquarters said on Monday. We have intensified process of vehicle checking all over South Goa and held a meeting on Monday with cinema theatre owners directing them to see that no body is allowed to enter inside with bags said South Goa superintendent of police, Mr Shekhar Prabhudessai. [NT]

PICTURE FOR TODAY
Joel

A hefty "Xevtto" fished out by an angler at the Panjim river side.

Heavy rains lash Goa
PANAJI: In a welcome relief to the recent dry spell, rainfall lashed almost the entire state on Sunday. The state received a seasonal rainfall of 1257.0 mm, with the India Meteorological Observatory (IMO) recording 65.9 mm rainfall over 24 hours - till 5.30 pm on Sunday. IMO officials said that spells of rain and thundershowers will occur across the state over the next 24 hours while certain areas will experience very heavy rainfall through the next 48 hours. [TOI]

Mario" Festival celebrated

The recent release of the voluminous book comprising famed cartoonist Mario Miranda's life-time contribution to art, was followed by an exhibition of his invaluable cartoon diary, which took off from the time he began drawing. Art lovers and others had the proud privilege of witnessing many of the pages of the treasurable book "Mario de Miranda" brought out by renowned conservation architect Gerard da Cunha, vide a grand exhibition. We were also witness to a "Mario" Festival at the old GMC complex, compered by art connoisseur/writer Vivek Menezes. The three-day illustrative event allowed art conscious citizens a delightful peek into one of Goa's most illustrious artists' life and his beguiling creativity through talks, discussions and even celebrated in drama by The Mustard Seed Company led by its able director Ms Isabel Santa Rita Vaz. [GoaNewsClips]

Traditional fishermen from Agonda resume fishing
CANACONA: Though the government ban on fishing is yet to come to an end, traditional fishermen from Agonda in Canacona taluka resumed fishing activities on Tuesday performing an age-old annual ritual at both ends of village shores. Umanath Pagui and Gopal Pagui, traditional fishermen of Khola village, informed that traditionally fishing activities are ushered in by appeasing hill god and sea god. Hundreds of coconuts are broken and cocks are sacrificed as offering to hill gods, while feni and toddy are poured into the sea to appease sea god. [Ashokkumar Desai, NT]

KONKANI MUSIC PROGRAMME IN NEW DELHI
NEW DELHI: July 28: Goenkarancho Ekvot, a society of Goans based in New Delhi organized a Konkani musical event to showcase the Konkan and Goan cultural diversity to the people of Delhi. The event titles "Rasika Visru Naka Mhaka", was organized in association with Swarashri – Goa at the India International Centre, New Delhi in the evening hours of the 27th of July. This musical event was presented by the talented artists of Swarashri – Goa and was accompanied by narration in Hindi. The event was presented to audience from diffenerent walks of life to witness the beauty of music and Konkani language. The event saw attendance of distinguished people from Goa as well as non-Goans from in and around Delhi and was followed by Goan dinner.

Mapusa Municipality to get cracking on garbage
MAPUSA: Keeping in view the High Court's directive, the Mapusa Municipality will be launching its door to door garbage collection from August 1. The work of collection of segregated soil waste in all 15 wards of Mapusa shall be taken up by the civic employees from all houses. [NT]

+ Mario Joaquim Carvalho

It is deep regret we announce the death of Mario Joaquim Carvalho, Beloved husband of the late Dolly Carvalho, father of Xavier, Marian and Tony & father-in-law to Maggie and Celcia, and grandfather to Candice & Dana, peacefully in his 96th year on August 8, 2008 in Goa.

Ex Nairobi East African Railways Condolences can be sent to xaviercarvalho@gmail.com, tonyca1@aol.com, mcarv2000@yahoo.com

+ Cleofrida D'Souza
Cleofrida (Frida) D`Souza, 87, Ex-Dr Ribeiro Goan School teacher and Ex-Nairobi South B resident, passed away peacefully on Wed Aug. 6th in the presence of her family. Frida is the beloved wife of Vincent D`Souza and the loving mother of Joyce (& Pliny) Noronha, Class of 63, and Rayner (& Peter) Abreu, Class of 65, and grandmother to Conrad, Renata, Marissa, Brennan & Ryan.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter 'Peel' Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga (Hwy. 10, N. of QEW) for a visitation on Sunday, August 10, 2008 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 5440 Durie Rd., Mississauga on Monday, August 11, 2008 at 1 o'clock and Frida will be laid to rest at the Interment Assumption Cemetery. Condolences to: joyceandpliny@hotmail.com

William Henry Lawrence

William Henry Lawrence Father-in-law to Charles Fernandes - President TEGSA. Husband of late Leonora.

Suddenly at Scarborough Grace Hospital on Saturday,  August 2nd 2008. Dear Father of Dorothy (Charles Fernandes), Estelle (Shahid Baig) and the late Leslie (Judy). Lovingly remembered by his 11 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren.

Resting at Paul O'Connor Funeral Home, 139 Lawrence Avenue East (between Warden and Pharmacy) From 6.00 P.M. - 9.00 P.M. Wednesday.

Funeral Mass on Thursday morning at 11.00 A.M. at St  Martin de Porres Church (Lawrence East of Kingston Road) Internment at Holy Cross Cemetery

My brother Staff Sergeant Tate: A tribute from Goa
By Augusto Pinto
pintogoa@gmail.com

My brother Tertuliano Antonio Pinto, or Tate as we called him then, and Tony now, was born in Nairobi, Kenya, the eldest son of Marcelo and Jasmina. Evylyn Pinto-Willis is our sister. He was married to the late Flora Mascarenhas and has a 19-year-old daughter Michelle.

Tate Pinto's Memoriam can be found here:
http://dr.ribeiro.goan.school.googlepages.com/imo011.html

Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi, First woman ever in 5000 years to be recognized as a fully enlightened master

Press Conference July 30, 2008, 1:30, Le Crystal Hotel, rue de la Montagne, Montréal, for a privileged meeting with Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi.

MONTREAL, July 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Her Holiness Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi has become the first woman ever bestowed the title of Jagatguru Bhaktimayi Meera Bai in the five thousand year history of the Vaishnav Saint Society on January 22, 2007 "Jagatguru" is the highest title that can be received, and it means Master of the Universe. "Bhaktimayi" is one who is totally in devotion.

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Immature? Not us, say men
27 Jul 2008, 0000 hrs IST,REUTERS
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3285961,prtpage-1.cms

Young, single men are fed up with being typecast as immature, insensitive and sex-obsessed, with a survey finding that the majority believe in having a soul mate, aren't scared of commitment, and say real men can cry. A poll of 70,000 men, with an average age of 28, debunked many of the standard stereotypes to show that the modern man is driven by a sense of values, loyalty and family.

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Links

TEGSA is off on a summer Holiday
We wish all members an eventful and safe summer with your family and friends
See you in September - Click for Events

Heart Attacks And Drinking Warm Water
Could be useful to know.

This is a very good article. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about Heart Attacks .

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80% Of Strokes Are Preventable
Much like heart disease, many strokes are caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure and a sedentary lifestyle. Knowing your risk factors and living healthfully are the best bets to avoid a stroke.
Click to Find out how to prevent stroke

Study Facts on Diabetes Type 2
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/category/health1
July 23rd, 2008 - 3:34 pm ICT by Amrit Rashmisrisethi

Diabetes 2
If a person is type 2 diabetic, there is a greater risk of being depressed, if been diagnosed as being clinically depressed, then the doctor should be on the lookout for diabetes. The researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that who were being treated for type 2 diabetes had a 52 percent higher risk of developing symptoms of depression.

Type-2 diabetes is defined as non-insulin dependent diabetes which is the most common form of the disease and can usually be controlled by diet, exercise and medicines. Dr. Stephen Paolucci, chairman, Division of Psychiatry, Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville, said, one of the most important things that happens when a patient is diagnosed with a mental disorder is to have a comprehensive physical exam.

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Doctors Point to Poverty as Major Cause of Illness

New report shows how poverty impacts health and what doctors can do to help address this growing health-care crisis

TORONTO, July 29 /CNW/ - A new report by a group of Ontario doctors highlights the ways in which poverty affects the health outcomes of adults and children and the role health-care professionals can play in reducing the impact of poverty on people's health. The report, "Why poverty makes us sick," authored by The Ontario Physicians Poverty Work Group, reveals that poverty substantially raises the rate of chronic illness, infant mortality and lowers life expectancy.

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