To Goanet - Volumes 3 and 4 of "Snapshots of Indo-Portuguese History" by Vasco Pinho are now available.
Volume 3 - Panjim Then...And Now Volume 4 - State and Civil Society The earlier volumes were: Volume 1 - Pangim Volume 2 - Rise and Demise of Estado da India Every Goan ought to read these books. The narrative is felicitous and unlike so many contemporary works that reflect more the author's desire to settle scores of prejudice, Vasco-bab is free of such infection. Equally important is the reproduction of vintage photographs. The work is not rigorous in the sense an academic dissertation usually is. But it was probably not meant to be since its target audience is the common reader. Still, a lot of background research and material has been marshaled. I must single out Volume 3 (Panjim Then...And Now) for special mention. The author has chosen several old photographs of Panjim and then provided a recent shot of the same locale for a ready comparison. This to my mind is a vital volume. I am relieved that someone finally did what Vasco-bab did. For the re-writing and re-invention of Goa's history will not be long in coming. The Gadgils and the Shrivastavas will soon belch tracts regaling us with fantasies of ghati contributions to Goa and Panjim. What will stand in their way is Vasco Pinho's work. I met Vasco-bab this evening and we spent a delightful hour in his office in a building near the Panjim church. He lives a few yards further up the road to Altinho. He is the type of man not uncommon in my childhood, one embodying old world manners and charm. I had him sign my copies of volumes 3 & 4 and we then settled into a conversation about the squalid state of Goan affairs. Briefly: Vasco-bab is from Candolim, his father's village. His mother was from Arpora. He traces his paternal roots to Chorão where the family was originally Nadkarni. His mother's family was originally Kenkre. He taught at St Xavier's College in Mapusa and retired in 1991. He is fluent in Portuguese and has written an introductory course for beginners. You may buy these books by emailing the author at: [email protected] They are priced from Rs 295/- to Rs 495/- per volume. Those in Panjim may purchase them at Mandovi Book Store and other outlets in the city. Regards, r
