Navatara stands up against bandh despite threats TEAM HERALD [email protected] PANJIM: Navatara, a name popular with foodies in Panjim, Mapusa and Porvorim, lived up to its admirable reputation once again of keeping its restaurants open despite bandh call on Monday. The pure vegetarian restaurant which has received accolades for its quality food and hygiene, was the only outlet that stood up against the bandh, implicitly terming it as illegal. With complete police protection, service at all three restaurants went on smoothly. With no other place open for the famished, Navatara dished out its fare solace to tourists, Panjimites and those working. Navatara owner, Carlos Tavora, who runs this food chain for last 25 years, feels that is one of the ridiculous ways of raising your voice. As per the apex court, bandh is illegal and is unacceptable, he said adding that, ?time has come when more and more people need to stand up against such anti-social elements?. In last 25 years there has been not a single occasion, when Navatara has downed its shutters. It?s been now almost 16 years, since the food chain is operational at Mapusa and soon will be completing its first anniversary in Porvorim. I am a business man and my aim is to serve people. I am not a politician, Tavora said adding that since the restaurant was opened at Panjim, 25 years ago, he has not supported any bandh irrespective of who and why is it called. I live in a democracy, where nobody can force me to close down or stop serving. Everyone here has freedom and so do I, he added. When asked to throw light any troubles he may have faced during the agitations, in past, Tavora said that there are instances wherein his restaurants at Panjim and Mapusa were stoned. Once a mob had also threatened my staff, he said. Regarding the Monday bandh call, Tavora informed that on Saturday last, a group of 30 had marched into his Porvorim restaurant warning to close down on June 6. But he was not one to be given-in. All Goans salute you and you make us proud!!!
