[Goanet] The Wise Fools of Moira...and Other Goan Folk Tales (Lucio Rodrigues)

[Goanet Reader]

The Wise Fools of Moira...and Other Goan Folk Tales
A Collection by Prof Lucio Rodrigues

August 2020

[This edition is released under
the Creative Commons.  Some
rights reserved.  This ebook
may be copied and shared for
non-commercial purposes, with
due acknowledgements to the
author and publisher.  For a
copy of the book WhatsApp
+91-9822122436 or email
goa1...@gmail.com mention PLS
SEND FOLK TALES]

* * *

Is there a contradiction between wisdom and folly?  An
English proverb says: "The fool doth think he is wise, but
the wise man knows himself to be a fool."

  Is the dividing line between wisdom and folly so
  thin that it is almost imperceptible?  James of
  England was described as the wisest fool in
  Christendom.  The inhabitants of an insignificant
  English village have been immortalised in folk lore
  as the wise fools of Gotham.  This is so not only
  in England but also in India.

Moira is a village in the district of Bardez in Goa.  It lies
a few miles away from Mapuça, the capital of the district,
and the river of Mapuça flows along its southern, western and
northern sides, making its soil very fertile.

The village is famous for many things, among others for its
banana plantations, which yield big, long bananas, called
munnouchinz kellim in Konkani, and each fruit is equal to a
square meal.  Each grows to the length of nearly a foot with
a diameter of about two and a half to three inches; the skin
turns from green to yellow as it matures, and then as it
ripens, the skin becomes soft and darkish brown and thin,
which is a sign that it is ready to be eaten in all its
glory.

But the bananas are not Moira’s chief claim to fame among
Goan villages. The people are as famous, if not more than
their kellim, so famous indeed that they have passed into
simile and proverb and legend.

They are among the most industrious people of Goa.  Blessed
as they are with fertile land, they have used Nature’s gift
to raise many crops -- rice, chillies, vegetables, bananas.
Every Friday will see them wending their way with their
produce on their head to the weekly fair at Mapuça.

But it is not their industriousness that signals them out for
unique honour among their Goan fellows.  It is for a legacy
that they have inherited from their forefathers -- a wisdom
that is traditional.

This wisdom has a stamp of its own which defies definition.
Perhaps you have heard of the wise men of Gotham, and of
their ingenious feats.  The wise men of Moira of old were as
ingenious.

  There is only one other village in Goa which rivals
  Moira in this characteristic and that is Benaulim
  in Salcete.  Even in Konkani it has not been
  possible to give this baffling quality an
  appropriate term.  This is how the people of Bardez
  describe the indefinite trait.  To moiddekar num
  re, he is a guy from Moira, sar-koch moiddekar,
  every inch like a guy from Moira; take matxem
  moiddechem assa, he's got a bit of it from Moira.
  That it is the thing.

Imagine a people as simple as simplicity itself, with an
innocence and faith that belonged to the ancient world,
disarming in their naïveté, winning in their irrationality,
and you will have some faint idea of the people and their
capacity for illogic.  But it is best to let their ancient
adventures speak of their ancient wisdom.

* * *

As their numbers increased from year to year, the people of
Moira found that the village church was not big enough to
contain the growing population.  They called up a meeting to
consider the problem.

"Let us have an extension," said one of the elders.

"It is better that we break down the old structure and erect
a new and bigger one," said one of the younger ones, who
believed in new things.

"To break it down and reconstruct another will be very
expensive," said a grey-haired elder.  "We have no funds for
it."

  "Why break it down at all?" said the most wizened
  of them.  He was easily the eldest Moiddekar alive.
  "When a coconut tree or a mango tree is stunted,
  what do we do?  We loosen the soil at the base, dig
  it up, and lay manure.  Everything in nature grows.
  Why not a church?" and he looked round to the
  nodding heads, and repeated, "Why not a church?"

"Yes, why shouldn't the laws of nutrition and growth apply to
the church?" chirped one of the younger men who had learnt to
read and write.

"Manure quickens growth!" the elder continued.  "Let's manure
the church," he concluded.  "A small church today will grow
big tomorrow."

"Let's manure the church," the whole gathering echoed
approval.  The solution appealed to the assembly.  It had the
irresistible logic of two plus two makes four.

So said, so done.  The four sides of the church on the
outside were vigorously dug up, and cart-loads of manure
poured in.

* * *

Some years later it was 

[Goanet] SITA VALLES story on BBC website Sep 5th

[John Nazareth]

Just found this
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54025264
John

[Goanet] Bible verse for the Day

[Devak Argham]

B.I.B.L.E - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth



Romans 13:8-10
=


8  Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves
another has fulfilled the law.


9  The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill;
you shall not steal; you shall not covet,” and whatever other commandment
there may be, are summed up in this saying, [namely] “You shall love your
neighbor as yourself.”


10  Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of
the law.

Re: [Goanet] Teachers'Day

[Gabe Menezes]

Thank you!

Gabe

On Sat, 5 Sep 2020 12:31 Pratap Naik,  wrote:

> In India 05th September is celebrated as Teachers' Day. My respectful
> homage and gratitude to all my teachers (Some of them are in this world,
> others have gone to enjoy their eternal reward) who shaped me to become
> what i am today.  In ancient India, teachers were called Gurus. Students
> were called Shisyas. Shisyas selected their guru and stayed with him in the
> Gurukul ( guru's home) for many years, till the guru was satisfied with
> their performance. The guru was their teacher, parent, doctor, friend,
> adviser, coach, model, etc. The guru was paid in kind. But in this system
> only higher caste students had access to education. With the arrival of
> Portuguese in Goa and British in other parts of our Country, education
> system was made available to everyone. Gurus were replaced by teachers,
> shisyas came to be called as students. Yet, more ir less up to 1975,
> teaching was considered as a holy vocation and not mere profession. Even in
> grant in aid schools salary of the teachers was meagre. From Second
> standard to B.Sc. I studied  in institutions run by Konknni speaking Gauda
> Saraswat Brahmins in Udupi district. In our primary school most of the
> teachers were Catholic lady teachers. Except one, others were spinsters.
> Due to this, our teachers were totally dedicated to their students. There
> was no tuition system. If we had any diffuculty, we could approach our
> teachers either in the school or at their homes. If any student is absent
> for more than two days, class teacher would visit that student's home to
> find out the reason. Those primary teachers were our second mothers. I
> studied in a Kannada medium school up to X std. Classes were from 9.30 to
> 12.45 pm and 2.00 to 4.30 pm. In High school most of our teachers were men,
> we called them masters. Each one of them was unique and competent in his
> subjects. Vitthal Shenoy, the Kannada teacher was a master story teller.
> From him i learned the art of narrating stories. Venkatesh Shenoy taught us
> to love and grow plants. Physical Education teacher Valerian Fernandes
> taught us to become disciplined students. Philip Gracias made science an
> enjoyable subject. L. Karnik, could help us to solve any maths problems.
> Srinivas Pai helped us to love Hindi. Cecilia teacher taught English. Since
> it was a foreign language for us, we learnt by heart all the answers with
> little understanding.  Later on at Bhandarkars' College at Kundapur, run by
> Manipal Education Academy, we had excellent lecturers. It was Englush
> medium. In Initial months  we struggled to comprehend what was taught. We
> had Narayan Acharya as our Maths lecturer. Really a genious but a simple
> man. He came to class without textbooks. Maths was  not only in his brain
> but  in his entire being. While doing B.Ed. at Nirmala Institute at Panaji
> we  had lovable educational  psychology teacher Rita Paes, a gem of person.
> Ramesh Sapre, Sharmila Veloso were competent and dedicated teachers. While
> doing M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D in Lunguistics, at Deccan College, Pune Ashok
> Kelkar, Ramesh Dhongde, S.R. Sharma were scholars in linguistics, excellent
> teachers and persons.  Throughout my Jesuit training any number of
> competent and dedicated teachers shaped my personality. George Soares
> Prabhu was not only a renowned scripture scholar but excellent teacher.
> Past students were coming to attend his classes on The Gospel of Matthew.
> The class room was getting full 10 minutes before the class. Since all
> benches were packed to the maximum capacity, students were sitting in the
> window sills, steps, and standing. Unfortunately, today education has
> highly commercialized. Salary of teachers is very high but proportionately
> their competence and dedication is a question mark. There are still
> exceptionally  competent teachers. I don't deny this fact. In general,
> teaching has become more of a profession to earn livelihood, and less as a
> sacred vocation for transmiting  knowledge and wisdom.  May God bless all
> our teachers. All of us  are teachers in one way or the other.  Our mothers
> are our first teachers. Happy Teachers' Day.
> Pratap Naik sj
>

[Goanet] 2020 Goa Book Cover Challenge picks up momentum (The Goan)

[Goanet Reader]

What began as a curious message captioned "Not Public Until
tomorrow" going viral on messaging app WhatsApp since has now
spiraled into a viral online challenge which is fast gaining
significant traction.

THE GOAN NETWORK | AUGUST 27, 2020, 01:35 AM IST
2020 Goa Book Cover Challenge picks up momentum

PANAJI

1) The "2020 Goa Book Cover Challenge", a twenty day
challenge that requires participants to put out the picture
of one book either from Goa, or about Goa, every day is
attracting participation from bookworms across multiple
social media platforms

2) Ideally, participants could share one cover per day, over
20 consecutive days, but those who feel they might not be
able to sustain this, rather than dropping out, are
encouraged to share a total of 20 covers in batches on one or
more days

3) Books shared could be in any language, but need to be
related to Goa, and participants are encouraged to post books
in languages other than English too.  The three best entries
will be awarded Goa book prizes, however, delivery of the
books will be within Goa only

  As is the case with many things supposed to remain
  secret, the message spread wildly and typical of
  the virtual world, reached many Goans here in the
  State and across the world as well.

The "2020 Goa Book Cover Challenge", a twenty day challenge
that requires participants to put out the picture of one book
either from Goa, or about Goa, every day is attracting
participation from bookworms across multiple social media
platforms.

Participants have been putting out their book covers on
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the campaign has garnered a
lot of interest in the books that are being featured.

  Ideally, participants could share one cover per
  day, over 20 consecutive days, but those who feel
  they might not be able to sustain this, rather than
  dropping out, are encouraged to share a total of 20
  covers in batches on one or more days.

Each post is uploaded with the hashtag #2020GBCC so that the
organisers as well as those interested in learning more about
Goa's books can keep a track of what's being shared.

Below each book cover, participants describe the book in
around 50 words, and their original views are preferred.

But what if someone wants to participate and has not read 20
books on Goa or by Goan authors?  The organisers have taken
care of that as well : "If you haven't read a book or don't
have access to it, that's not an issue.  You could write
about your feelings on getting to know about the book, why it
attracted your attention (or didn't), and why you might like
to read it," says one of the organisers.

Books shared could be in any language, but need to be related
to Goa, and participants are encouraged to post books in
languages other than English too.  The three best entries
will be awarded Goa book prizes, however, delivery of the
books will be within Goa only.  Further, everyone who
completes a minimum of ten covers will be given a
participation e-certificate.

  The idea of this is to promote awareness about the
  diversity of Goa books and create more visibility
  on the same.  All are welcome to take part, even if
  you haven't read or come across any book related to
  Goa as yet.

If you would like to join in the challenge, send your name
and location to +91-9822122436 (WhatsApp) Or visit the
Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2020gbcc

https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/2020-goa-book-cover-challenge-picks-up-momentum/58164.html

[Goanet] From Bible Quotes to Video Sermons

[Eddie]

Our resident Bible scholar, Devak Argham, seems to have exhausted his Bible 
quotes (at least for now) and has switched to video sermons.
The first sermon is on Christian Marriage by a popular South Indian preacher Fr 
Augustine Vallooran.

This priest has recorded quite a few of his sermons, all uploaded by one Kiran 
Ignatius.
Kiran’s link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6KXzYB5LOrM2k-ds4xqYNw will 
introduce you to a wealth of religious videos.

Eddie


-Original Message- 
From: Devak Argham 
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2020 12:33 PM 
To: goanet 
Subject: [Goanet] What is Marriage ? The Sacrament of Marriage. 

Why are divorces rising amongst Christian families?
https://youtu.be/6tglc4inqmY

The above  linked video sheds an understanding on 'The Sacrament of
Marriage'.
Recommend to all married couples and those intending to join in matrimony.
Do share with those you love and care.

[Goanet] Monti Fest

[Pratap Naik]

MONTI FEST
NATIVITY OF OUR LADY
Pratap Naik, S.J.
Loyola Hall
Miramar
On 08th September, Catholics and Orthodox Churches celebrate the Feast of
the Nativity of Mary. In Goa in the sixteenth century this feast was called
Monti Fest. Today Monti Fest is the most popular and important feast among
the Catholics, especially of Karnataka who migrated from Goa to Karnataka
from 16th century onwards for various reasons such as famine, epidemic,
persecution by the Marathas, inquisition, as cultivators at the request of
Bednore Kings, and availability of fertile land. These Konknnis who
migrated from Goa took this festival along with them to Karnataka. It was
fostered by priests from Goa who were serving in Coastal Karnataka. Till
1838, Coastal Karnataka was under the jurisdiction of Goa Archdiocese and
priests from Goa were appointed as parish priests. Now let us see how Monti
Fest took its origin in Goa.
On 25th November 1510, in the second attempt the commander of Portuguese
army Afonso de Albuquerque (1453-1515) conquered Tiswadi from Adilshah of
Bijapur. Soon after the conquest he ordered a chapel to built in honour of
Our Lady to thank her for his escape from Kamaran island in the Red Sea.
Thus in c.1513, Capela de Nossa Senhora do Monte (The chapel of Our Lady of
Mount) was built on the hillock at City of Goa (present day Old Goa). He
died on 16th December 1515. According to his will he was buried in that
chapel. It was probably reconstructed twice.  It had a dimension of a
church and in fact it was a parish when the city of Goa was thickly
populated. Since the church was on the mount and in Portuguese ‘Monte’
means mount, that church was called in Konknni Monti Saibinnichi Igorz (the
Church of Our Lady of the Mount). It had 3 altars. The main altar was
dedicated to O.L. of the Mount. The side altars were dedicated to St.
Anthony of Padua and to St. Anthony, the Hermit. This church still exists
in Old Goa. Due to this church, the universally celebrated Feast of the
Nativity of Our Lady on 08th September, in Goa came to be known as Monti
Saibinnichem Fest or Monti Fest.
In 1543, the Portuguese conquered Bardes and Salcete regions from Adilshah.
These two regions with Tiswadi came to be known as Velhas Conquistas (Old
Conquest). On 6th May 1542, Francis Xavier, the first Jesuit priest of the
Society of Jesus arrived in the City of Goa. He was followed by many other
Jesuits. In 1552, Fr. Gaspar Barzeus, a Jesuit priest of Dutch origin came
to Goa. He was a good preacher and clever person. Francis Xavier appointed
him as the Rector of St. Paul College at City of Goa and the
Vice-Provincial of the East Province of the Society of Jesus. Fr. Gaspar
died in Goa on 18th October 1553. When he was alive, he introduced to teach
music in St. Paul College. He made liturgy lively and asked the newly
converted children to bring flowers and to sprinkle them around the statue
of Our Mother Mary, during the novena days preceding 8th September. The
reference to this custom is found in his letters written to the General of
the Society of Jesus published in Documenta Indica vols 70-72. This custom
was borrowed from local Ganesh Chaturthi and adapted for newly introduced
Catholic religion. Let me explain how this was done.
According to the Indian calendar, after the Shravan month, Bhadrapad month
starts (corresponds to August/ September of Gregorian calendar). On the
fourth day of Bhadrapad month, Ganesh Chaturthi in Konknni Chovoth is
celebrated. It is the most important, popular, and loved festival along the
western Coast of India among Hindus. Since it is a family festival, persons
who are residing far and near come to their ancestral house to celebrate
Ganesh festival. Before the festival, houses are cleaned, painted, and
decorated. On the first day of Chovoth, the idol of Ganesh is normally
installed in the ancestral family house. The festival lasts for 1½, 3, 5,
7, 9, 11 days. It is celebrated with great splendour. During the festival,
every day fresh local fruits, flowers, and sweets are offered. Local
vegetable dishes are prepared. Anything prepared or offered to Ganesh is in
odd numbers, namely, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and so on. The Harvest Festival
(Noveachi Pon’chom’) is celebrated the next day. Newly harvested paddy corn
is brought home from fields and is worshipped. A few grains are put in the
day’s meal. The corn is artistically tied to bamboo sticks decorated with
jungle flowers. This is fitted above the main door and removed in the next
year after procuring new corn, with the belief that the house will be full
of rice throughout the year. Pure vegetarian meals are served on banana
leaves or other leaves. Sweet dishes are prepared. During the festival,
non-vegetarian dishes and liquor are strictly forbidden.
In Old conquest of Goa in 16th century, the Feast of the Nativity of our
Lady was celebrated on 8th September and it was called Monti Saibinnichem
Fest. Fr. Gaspar Barzeus adapted the existing local tradition of Hindus,

[Goanet] Schedule for Sunday 6th September 2020

[CCR TV]

CCR TV GOA
Channel of God's love✝

You can also watch CCR TV live on your smart phone via the CCR TV App
Available on Google PlayStore for Android Platform.
Click the link below.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ccr.tv4
Email ID:  ccrgoame...@gmail.com

Schedule for Sunday 6th September 2020

12:00 AM
Rosary - Glorious Mysteries

12:25 AM
Song  - Thankful

12:30 AM
Povitr Atmo - Orlando D'Souza

1:00 AM
Mass in Konkani fror Saturday

1:50 AM
Our Father - Tamil

1:55 AM
Psalms  40 - Read by Alfwold Silveira

2:00 AM
Saibinnichi Ruzai -  Orkache Mister

2:25 AM
Ximpientlim Motiam - Bhag 54 - Sonso ani Kansov - Fr Pratap Naik sj

2:36 AM
Fuddarache Dive -  Joyson Faleiro interviewed by Michael Gracias

3:04 AM
Hymns - St Mary's High School, Varca

3:09 AM
Through Mary to Jesus - Eps 7 -Fr Apollo Cardozo S.J.

3:27 AM
Marian Reflections -7 -  DCC

3:53 AM
53rd Mando Festival - St Xaviers Collegicho Naad, Mapuca - Teenagers

4:04 AM
Media Track - Eps 54

4:35 AM
Charisms - Mary Healy

5:12 AM
Song - He's got the whole world in His hands

5:18 AM
Atmik Vadd - Talk by Peregrino Fernandes

5:48 AM
Poem - Jivea Udkachi Zhor by Sandhya Fernandes

5:50 AM
I am the Resurrection and the Life - Talk by Sheela Alvares

6:18 AM
Inner Healing -  Talk by Sr Elsis Mathew MSMI

6:44 AM
Power of Mind - Talk by Sr Saral

6:57 AM
Sokalchem Magnnem

7:00 AM
Mass in Konkani Archbishop House

8:00 AM
Novena Mass - 8 Majorda

8:45 AM
Novena Mass 8 Colva

9:30 AM
Anniversary Mass Panjimites Welfare Society - Old Goa

10:30 AM
Morning Prayer

10:35 AM
St. Mother Teresa - Talk by Alfwold Silveira

11:04 AM
Ask Dr Sweezel - Preferable sitting position at desk jobs

11:10 AM
Bhurgeanlem Angonn - Bhag 8

11:12 AM
Prayer for Vocations

11:13 AM
Poem - Deva, Ekuch Dorxon  Di by Vincy Quadros

11:17 AM
Intercessions (English)

11:30 AM
Mass in English followed by Daily Flash

12:30 PM
Sat Sovnskar - Talk by Orlando D'Souza

1:02 PM
Bhokti Lharam - Bhag  22

1:08 PM
Jezuk  ani Tachea Utral mandun gheum-ia - Fr Joseph Silva

1:16 PM
DYC - The Way - Eps 4

1:33 PM
Power of Forgiveness - Talk by Colin Calmiano

2:22 PM
In Conversation with: ABP Prowse interviewed by Alfwold Silveira

2:53 PM
Our Father - Spanish

3:00 PM
Rosary - Glorious Mysteries

3:25 PM
Reflection on the Gospel - Dominicans

3:32 PM
Divine Mercy - English 4

3:53 PM
Ximpientlim Motiam - Bhag  105 Muyo  - Fr Pratap Naik sj

4:00 PM
Marian Reflections -8 -  DCC

4:25 PM
Song - With Jesus I rock - Avalon Lobo

4:30 PM
Senior Citizens Exercises - COOJ

4:56 PM
Hymn - Ie, Atmea Bapachea- Fr Seville Antao OFM(Cap)

5:00 PM
Talk  on Faith - Fr Henry Falcao - SJVRC

5:25 PM
Hymn : Boro Samaritan - Fr John Albano Fernandes

5:30 PM
Jezu - Bhakitant ani Itihasant - Talk by Adv. F.E. Noronha

5:57 PM
Hymn - Welcome Holy Spirit - Fr Seville Antao OFM(Cap)

6:00 PM
Angelus - English

6:02 PM
Our Father - Give us today our daily bread - Fr Ronnie D'Souza sj

6:18 PM
Intercessions (Konkani)

6:30 PM
Novena Mass 3 at Chinchinim Church

7:30 PM
Saibinnichi Ruzai -  Orkache Mister

7:55 PM
Couples Prayer (Konkani)

8:00 PM
Role of St Luke's Medical Guild doctors in the Covid crisis

8:35 PM
Through Mary to Jesus - Eps 8 - Fr Fermin D'Souza S.J.

8:56 PM
Magnificat (English)

9:00 PM
Adoration - St Luke's Medical Guild/DCLA

9:30 PM
Ratchem Magnem

9:46 PM
The Importance of Eucharistic Celebration - Talk by Luz Marie Engineer

10:08 PM
Music - Jezu Novem Ietolo - Fr Eusico Pereira

10:15 PM
Mass in Mrathi

11:15 PM
Falling in Love -Modesty - Hosted by Judie D'Cunha

11:42 PM
My Music Video - Bore Khobreche Dut Zaum-ia -  Cielda Pereira

11:47 PM
55rd Mando Festival - Amchem Diaz, Assolna - Dance

Donations may be made to:
Beneficiary name : CCR GOA MEDIA.
Name of Bank : ICICI Bank
Branch Name: Candolim Branch
RTGS/NEFT Code : ICIC0002624
Savings Bank Account No : 262401000183

[Goanet] Gaaz-Book/Day 18

[Armenia Fernandes]

Gaaz

By Shashikant Punaji

2020 Goa Book Cover Challenge-Day/Book 18

“Tumi bhajan-am kirtan-am keleant

Tumche vangda avartanam marit ravlom

Punn

Dev amkam paucho, to pavloch na...”

This and more comes from ‘Gaaz’, the collection of piquant Konkani poems
penned from 1985-1992 by journalist-poet Shashikant Punaji. Published in
1993, it’s probably out of print. But on my list nonetheless, for old times
sakes. @2020GBCC #2020GBCC
-- 
Best regards,

*Armenia Fernandes*

Mobile: +91 9822696807
Email:   armen...@gmail.com

[Goanet] What is Marriage ? The Sacrament of Marriage.

[Devak Argham]

Why are divorces rising amongst Christian families?


https://youtu.be/6tglc4inqmY


The above  linked video sheds an understanding on 'The Sacrament of
Marriage'.


 Recommend to all married couples and those intending to join in matrimony.
Do share with those you love and care.

[Goanet] Teachers'Day

[Pratap Naik]

In India 05th September is celebrated as Teachers' Day. My respectful
homage and gratitude to all my teachers (Some of them are in this world,
others have gone to enjoy their eternal reward) who shaped me to become
what i am today.  In ancient India, teachers were called Gurus. Students
were called Shisyas. Shisyas selected their guru and stayed with him in the
Gurukul ( guru's home) for many years, till the guru was satisfied with
their performance. The guru was their teacher, parent, doctor, friend,
adviser, coach, model, etc. The guru was paid in kind. But in this system
only higher caste students had access to education. With the arrival of
Portuguese in Goa and British in other parts of our Country, education
system was made available to everyone. Gurus were replaced by teachers,
shisyas came to be called as students. Yet, more ir less up to 1975,
teaching was considered as a holy vocation and not mere profession. Even in
grant in aid schools salary of the teachers was meagre. From Second
standard to B.Sc. I studied  in institutions run by Konknni speaking Gauda
Saraswat Brahmins in Udupi district. In our primary school most of the
teachers were Catholic lady teachers. Except one, others were spinsters.
Due to this, our teachers were totally dedicated to their students. There
was no tuition system. If we had any diffuculty, we could approach our
teachers either in the school or at their homes. If any student is absent
for more than two days, class teacher would visit that student's home to
find out the reason. Those primary teachers were our second mothers. I
studied in a Kannada medium school up to X std. Classes were from 9.30 to
12.45 pm and 2.00 to 4.30 pm. In High school most of our teachers were men,
we called them masters. Each one of them was unique and competent in his
subjects. Vitthal Shenoy, the Kannada teacher was a master story teller.
>From him i learned the art of narrating stories. Venkatesh Shenoy taught us
to love and grow plants. Physical Education teacher Valerian Fernandes
taught us to become disciplined students. Philip Gracias made science an
enjoyable subject. L. Karnik, could help us to solve any maths problems.
Srinivas Pai helped us to love Hindi. Cecilia teacher taught English. Since
it was a foreign language for us, we learnt by heart all the answers with
little understanding.  Later on at Bhandarkars' College at Kundapur, run by
Manipal Education Academy, we had excellent lecturers. It was Englush
medium. In Initial months  we struggled to comprehend what was taught. We
had Narayan Acharya as our Maths lecturer. Really a genious but a simple
man. He came to class without textbooks. Maths was  not only in his brain
but  in his entire being. While doing B.Ed. at Nirmala Institute at Panaji
we  had lovable educational  psychology teacher Rita Paes, a gem of person.
Ramesh Sapre, Sharmila Veloso were competent and dedicated teachers. While
doing M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D in Lunguistics, at Deccan College, Pune Ashok
Kelkar, Ramesh Dhongde, S.R. Sharma were scholars in linguistics, excellent
teachers and persons.  Throughout my Jesuit training any number of
competent and dedicated teachers shaped my personality. George Soares
Prabhu was not only a renowned scripture scholar but excellent teacher.
Past students were coming to attend his classes on The Gospel of Matthew.
The class room was getting full 10 minutes before the class. Since all
benches were packed to the maximum capacity, students were sitting in the
window sills, steps, and standing. Unfortunately, today education has
highly commercialized. Salary of teachers is very high but proportionately
their competence and dedication is a question mark. There are still
exceptionally  competent teachers. I don't deny this fact. In general,
teaching has become more of a profession to earn livelihood, and less as a
sacred vocation for transmiting  knowledge and wisdom.  May God bless all
our teachers. All of us  are teachers in one way or the other.  Our mothers
are our first teachers. Happy Teachers' Day.
Pratap Naik sj

[Goanet] CSE Report and Webinar -Organic and Natural Farming in India

[Vikas Khanna]

Can't see images? View in browser


 

A CSE WEBINAR & REPORT RELEASE 

ORGANIC & NATURAL FARMING IN INDIA 

TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 | 4.00-5.30 PM INDIA TIME

 

Chemical-free, natural farming is still in its nascent stages in our
country. While there are obvious advantages in mainstreaming the
practice of this kind of farming, why has India not adapted it more
wholeheartedly?

We invite you to a webinar to discuss the challenges that organic and
natural farming practitioners face in India, and the possibilities of
upscaling it. Representatives from the Central government, as well as
from states which have made some progress in this aspect, will be
among the panellists and participants.

Please note

This webinar, which is free and open to all, has a limited number of
seats. Admissions will be on a first come-first served basis. Please
do register early, and try to join the webinar five minutes before it
begins. 

To know more about this webinar

Sukanya Nair, 8816818864, sukanya.n...@cseindia.org


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


 

 

 

 

[Goanet] GOA NEWS SEPT 5, 2020

[Frankey Fernandes]

5th Sept 2020.
Goa news in Konkani – Susegad danpaar.
#COVID19 latest victim #Chief #Minister of #Goa #Pramod #Sawant and #Panch
and former #Sarpanch of #Navelim, Navelim #Baixo village #Siddesh #Bhagat
hits at the Goa BJP chief.
#Stranded in #Portugal for over two years over allegations of forged
documents  Portugal Court grants relief to # Rickey #Gonsalves to finally
be with his family.
# Staunch #Gandhian #Gurunath Kelekar new book #Kashe #Aashille Gandhiji
(How was Gandhiji)
#Shocking murder in broad day light as Madgaonkars remain mute spectators.
https://youtu.be/XJX1CBMLGyA