Dear Annette, As one of the regular contributors to Saligao-net I salute you for the spirit and dedication you have shown for the well being of the village and its inhabitants at home and abroad.
Alas I am from the Class of 1948 at Mater Dei Institution but those were halycon days despite the deprivation caused by the demands of the war which was fought for the benefit of distant lands. Now those of us who live in different climates always remember the iconic Gothic Church, the Statue of Mae de Deus and rejoice in being called "kolles" once a year on the First Sunday in May. In fact we use images of foxes and vixens to decorate the hall, together with cutouts of sugarcane. For the record I am quoting from a book entitled, "Echoes-Ths spirit of Saligao and Goa" by Joseph St. Anne. He writes how Sugarcane brought prosperity to Saligao and how the association of foxes came about. Joseph writes: Prosperity came to Saligao with the cultivation of the Sugarcane. It was pioneered by Molebhatt and then the cultivation spread to Muddavadi, Cotula and Nigvaddo. Sugarcane was very profitable: the juice was used to make vinegar, jaggry (Depichen godd), sugar, treacle, (mel) and the famus "Belios" The quality of the sugar from Saligao was so good that it was exported to Portugal where it helped develop some rich brands of wine. It was also especially sent to the King of Portugal who paid for it in gold bullion (xeraphines) as Portugal had little of value to export . It was the successful sugarcane plantations that caused neighbouring villagers to nickname Saligaokars "uxhelantle colle" Now the locals took this in good spirit and interpreted it in many ways for their own self edification. According to Joseph Saligaokars were astute like foxes (colle) and like foxes, they always advertised their presence. I remember my father saying: Remember we are Saligaocars who have a mind which is astute as foxes in our dealings and and a tongue which is as sweet as the sugarcane.He also added : Always remember to Keep your Head cool and your Feet warm to keep out of trouble. Incidentally, our family became properous in those day by making "Belios" and selling them all over Goa, across in Mumbai and beyond the Ghats. Saligaocars also exported Salt to the people beyond the Ghatts. Today in our home we have a large Belio board of those times to remind us of our past. Here's a little bit of nostalgia but certainly not trivia. So let not disparaging remarks about Saligaocars send you into a delirium unless it fits then one deserves to wear it.!!!!1 Warm regards Albert
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