Hi, Greetings from Goa Chitra.
Kindly publish the below attached press note on the World Tourism day celebrated by Goa Chitra last weekend. In an initiative to celebrate the World Tourism Day (September 27) with a difference and to redefine the tourism in Goa beyond the notion of sun, surf and frolic, Goa Chitra last weekend organised a 2-day course for a group of 21 visiting students from various American universities. Thank you for all the support to Goa Chitra. Warm regards, Victor Hugo Gomes Press release for kind publication Goa Chitra Celebrates World Tourism Day with Education Tourism In an initiative to celebrate the World Tourism Day (September 27) with a difference and to redefine the tourism in Goa beyond the notion of sun, surf and frolic, Goa Chitra last weekend organised a 2-day course for a group of 21 visiting students from various American universities. “I wanted them to connect with the indigenous people of Goa, understand the complexities of our culture and heritage and maybe learn a few lessons on sensitivity from the wisdom of our ancestors,” says Curator Victor Hugo Gomes. Conducted by an international organization, the students were part of study abroad programme tailor-made for the US students that seek to deliver high-quality education while simultaneously promoting the development of intercultural competence. “This education trail has been incorporated within their semester as a field trip so as to maintain authenticity of the experience,” explains Gomes. The curator further comments “The tourism in Goa has to look at new approaches and challenges that face Goa’s identity. These education trails are initiated so tourists may also be encouraged to become students and understand Goa within the larger context of India and the world. On day one, the students were taken on a visit to an 18th century Goan Indo-Portuguese house, followed by a tour of different prominent, heritage churches and an ancient temple. This followed the traditional Catholic Goan lunch at Goa Chitra and a guided tour of the organic farm and the ethnographic museum, with curator Gomes explaining the genesis of Goa Chitra, and various artifacts and their significance in the lives of Goans. The day ended with a visit to The Pilar museum. On day two, the group of US students in their early twenties, drove through the beautiful villages of Maina, Curtorim and Chandor. After a visit to a private 350-years old mansion, the group was shown select historical spots in Rivona, before proceeding to spend time with the Dhangar community in Netravali. Here, the students participated one-on-one with the indigenous people, watching in awe the intricate traditional broom-making and rope-weaving techniques using kombyo tree fibre. “In earlier days, these ropes were used to tie the animals as they were softer on the skin”, explained Gomes, while highlighting the self-sufficient lifestyle, the knowledgebase and the use of local material in construction by the Dhangar community. The group later visited a traditional areca nut-cum-coconut plantation where the owner explained the different uses of both the trees besides disseminating information on several others crops including vanilla, pineapple, coffee, cinnamon, cashew nuts, honey and others. Thereafter, the students were allowed to swim in an ancient lake and were offered traditional Goan lunch. The workshop ended with a visit to a traditional Goan 225-years old Hindu mud house. While for the course coordinators and students, this study expedition has been more than experiential, the students were genuinely surprised at the experiences. “The mix of Indian traditions with a hint of western flavour gives the Goan Indian a distinctive characteristic even when considered globally,” said a joyous participant. Goa Chitra regularly conducts these educational trails and workshops in association with various international, national and local universities and colleges. These are aimed at educating the participants on the rich and varied facets of Goan culture and heritage, and seek to create an alternative form of tourism, the Education Tourism. Those interested, please call us on 9850466165, 08322772910, 08326570877 or e-mail us at [email protected]. END
