Climate change takes toll on Goa's feni; production drops, price rise expected
Cashew feni is the country’s first indigenous liquor to obtain the Geographical Indication tag…reports Asian Lite News
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday told the state assembly that he has written to the embassies of some foreign countries with a request to popularise and import ‘Feni’ to their countries.
Feni, a drink commonly and socially consumed by the local residents of the coastal state, was notified as the state heritage drink by the Goa government in 2016.
Cashew feni is also the country’s first indigenous liquor to obtain the Geographical Indication tag, a process which was initiated by local manufacturers of the brew in 2009.
“In order to promote the Heritage Drink ‘Feni’, I have written to the embassies of some foreign countries with a request to popularise and import feni in their countries,” Sawant said, while presenting the Budget.
Sawant said that he has also requested other states to recognise ‘Goan Feni’ as ‘Country Liquor’ in their State Excise Policies, so that the levy of excise duty in their states is at par with country liquor and not IMFL.
During the Assembly’s Monsoon Session, Goa BJP legislator Deviya Rane demanded that the government allow the export of Goan cashew feni, a step which can boost cashew cultivation and bring cashew apples into use.
Rane, an MLA from Poriem constituency in North Goa, has said that it has demand from foreign countries.
“If we get permission to sell it in other states and internationally as well as it has wide scope and demand, it will help to increase the production and thus, new distilleries will come. This will ultimately help the cashew farmers,” she said.
“I went abroad recently and when people there came to know I am from Goa, they said you are so lucky, you have beaches and you have Feni… but they also lamented that they do not get it in their country. They also asked me ‘why your country doesn’t export it’,” she said.
Taking its name from an exotic Spanish word that translates into ‘conversations between friends at a salon, restaurant or bar’, it has fetched multiple awards and accolades from publications and patrons over the years…reports Asian Lite News
Goa conjures up joy when you think of it. Goa immediately brings to mind beaches. Terttulia’s newest location is India’s party capital. Its delectable cuisine has earned it many fans in Mumbai and Pune. A vast 6500 square feet of striking space, Terttulia Goa is tucked away in the center of Panjim City and can accommodate 120 guests at once. It is a 24-hour diner that combines the character of a restaurant, cafe, and bar into one unique setting.
Goa’s coolest new dining destination.(photo:IANSLIFE)
It has been designed by ‘Otherworlds’, a multidisciplinary studio that specialises in creating unique spatial and visual domains in the real world as well as virtual domain. The restaurant has been crafted with intricate attention to detail, envisioned as one extended balcao under an overgrown bamboo canopy. The entire place is woven with a dual tone texture, and is planned to grow out and round the central bar. You could browse through its liquor and literature library for a book and a beer in the afternoon, or soak in the exuberant energy of its centerpiece chandelier by the time the sun sets. Each and every part of Terttulia Goa exudes vibrant energy in the morning and a bustling vibe by night time.
The menu is a diverse and dynamic collection of options that change periodically. You could taste the crowd favourite Eggs Benedict for breakfast, gorge on a Smoked Salmon Sandwich for lunch, or enjoy dinner with the lip smacking Tiger Prawns. A wide selection of breads including whole wheat, rye, five-grain, baguettes, brioche, croissants, muffins and bagels will impress the diehard dough lovers. A world class variety of soups, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, tapas and main course are also on offer. If an exquisite spirit is what you seek, head to Terttulia’s glorious bar and pick your poison from an exclusively curated array of wines, beers, cocktails as well as sangrias and mock-tails.
Taking its name from an exotic Spanish word that translates into ‘conversations between friends at a salon, restaurant or bar’, it has fetched multiple awards and accolades from publications and patrons over the years. With the endearing tagline of ‘Eat.Drink.Love’, it believes in creating a warm and wholesome dining space where guests can not just eat delicious food and enjoy delightful drinks, but also strike happy conversations and weave picture perfect memories.
The brainchild dynamic entrepreneurs Imrun Sethi, Sunny Sara, Ritik Bhasin and Ranbir Batra, the restaurant has a warm set of employees, talented of chefs for an unforgettable experience.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience is floating through the air while your loved ones take in a breathtaking vista of Goa…writes Niharika Nigam
More than just wine glasses and shacks can be found in your Goa diary! India has more than just glittering beaches and a vibrant nightlife when it comes to partying. Have you ever wondered what else the well-known location has to offer? Have you tried looking in the nooks and crannies here? We’ll give you some more “Goa goals” to cross off your list in this article.
Additionally, when you are in the city, make sure to browse the local markets for the greatest trinkets to bring home as gifts. Other than the busiest beaches, there are a lot of unusual things to discover here:
Bungy jumping
Yes, you heard that right. Thanks to the solid efforts put in by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Bungy jumping is now in GOA. By the pioneers of Bungy in Rishikesh no less. The team brings 12 years of expertise and an enviable record of having operated over 1.5 lakh jumps in Rishikesh with safety standards at par with the best globally. The team is owned and run by Ex-Army officers to ensure your safety. Bungy jumping is that bucket list experience that you can now enjoy amidst the paradise that is goa! Set over Mayem Lake in North Goa, this is one ‘Got Guts???’ moment you do not want to miss. It is about a 45 minute drive from the very popular Baga Beach. Bungy jumping will not only spike the adrenaline in you but also leave you with a once-in-a-lifetime memory to take home. Considered as one of the most extreme adventure sports in the world, bungy jumping is an adventure to be had.
Caving
Can you picture this region includes lovely tunnels leading you through flatlands and rocky spots for a completely new experience, even if partying and shacks are commonplace here? There are numerous caves in Goa, including Cupa Sea Cave, Canacona, Kaurati’s Caves, Harvalem Caves, and many more. While some of them may require some walking, others are located closer to the beach. This unkempt area of the green metropolis is undoubtedly something you shouldn’t miss.
Welcome to the hidden part of Goa!.(photo:IANSLIFE)Best Places for Solo Travel in India.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Air ballooning
A once-in-a-lifetime experience is floating through the air while your loved ones take in a breathtaking vista of Goa. To see the pouring sea and the lush, green countryside from the summit, travel to Chandor, South Goa. And there is nothing better than kneeling in the air while taking in an incredible vista if you want to pop the question to your significant other. Underwater sea walk
Getting your little mermaid on? The Biana beach in Goa offers a calming underwater walking experience. Imagine yourself and your loved ones walking on a bed of soft sand beneath the sea while weeds are visible and fish are being fed. How magical is that? Why not incorporate the activity into your upcoming Goa trip? A boat will transport you there, where you’ll find yourself in the midst of a magical landscape filled with delights. To participate in this activity, you must be at least 12 years old, and swimming is a requirement.
In a detailed economic analysis Goan entrepreneur Nanda (Anil) S.N. Counto, Chairman and Managing Director at ALCON (Anil Counto Enterprises) elaborates the current economic scenario in Goa and recommends solutions to pull out the state from its gripping economic crisis and flourish in abundance.
Goa is on the threshold of growth. The Mopa airport that was recently inaugurated will boost tourism and cargo logistics in the state. The auctioning of Mining as per the latest advice of Supreme Court which was a long pending issue stands resolved. The Government of Goa will earn handsome fair amounts from this auction on an annual basis and export revenue on a per ton basis. Goa can arguably have the highest GDP as well as per capita income in India provided there is less political intervention and corruption.
Author Nanda (Anil) S.N. Counto, Chairman and Managing Director at ALCON (Anil Counto Enterprises)
It may be recalled that in the month of June, 2012, after the late Manohar Parrikar took over the reign of Goa after BJP party got elected and before the closure of mining in Goa and when the Shah Commission was appointed mining and hospitality business were the main two life-lines of Goa on the economic front. Since then it’s argued that the following industry verticals should be considered for a turnaround for a prosperous Goa on the economic front and outlined them in the order of preference:
1. Mining 2. Tourism and Hospitality 3. Knowledge Village 4. Agriculture 5. Horticulture & Floriculture 6 Pisciculture 7. Animal Husbandry and Poultry 8. IT and IT related ancillaries 9. Pharmaceutical Industry 10. Mormugao Port & Docks 11. Renewable Energy; and 12.Other industries.
The above industry verticals are divided into three (3) main economic segments, viz. 1. Primary economic sector 2. Secondary economic sector; and 3. Tertiary economic sector. I had felt that in the economic sector we must prioritise and lay more stress on the economic upliftment of Goa. These were predominant thoughts in the year, 2012. However, COVID – 19 and the devastating closure of the entire mining sector changed the entire economic format.
After experiencing what is happening in Goa at present, mainly due to mining closure and COVID – 19 and subsequently due to lockdown: business and industries were totally or partially hit resulting in diminished revenues to all business ventures as well as to the Government in terms of reduced taxes and revenues.
The financial year of 2020 – 2021 and 2021 – 2022 have been totally disrupted with the fall in revenue in every business thus two to three years more would be needed to settle down for all businesses.
Goa has witnessed economic crisis since the last one decade ever since the cessation of mining business which was one of the most important sectors for employment for the people as well as for the states GDP growth. In the financial year 2020 – 2021 and financial year 2021 – 2022 Goa has suffered miserably mainly because of (1) the COVID – 19 pandemic (2) The tourism sector which was playing an important factor in boosting GDP growth was in doldrums ; and (3) The mining sector was also almost closed, in a nut – shell both the industry verticals that is hospitality and mining sector were closed ; thus adversely affecting GDP as well as employment for the State of Goa.
Positive growth signs are seen and this is possible if and only if both the public and private sector act in unison and with total co-operation. The government should mainly look after the governance, and the private enterprise should act and deliver the goods responsibly. A sincere joint public-private sector participation and co-operation will help considerably.
Goa mining ores are natural resource
Today, we cannot be dependent on the mining sector anymore due to the vagaries of the international market-forces and because of the spike in export duty. The GOI ‘in principle’ has decided to give more importance to local manufacturing of iron and steel through “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. As such, Goan grade of iron-ore which is of lower grade of 58% may not be very suitable for the local steel industry since it was tailor – made and suitable for export. However, The Government of Goa (GOG) will find some means to activate the mining activities, but alas, it may not be the main dependable industry any longer to boost the GDP growth of the State. Henceforth India has to develop the technology for iron-ore up gradation to utilise Goan iron ore as well as high grade iron ore from other parts of the country for steel production and try to compete with China, who has superbly mastered the technology to upgrade low-grade iron ore.
There will be a cascading effect on account of the increase in customs duty as well as the closure or reduction in mining activities and all other related industries, particularly barge business, heavy machinery requirement for mining business, ancillary business for this heavy machinery equipment, logistics business for trucks which were thousands in number which means the truck drivers, cleaners and other ancillary industries dependent on the trucking business will be adversely affected. GOG should seriously work out strategies to overcome the above negative impact on Goa’s GDP.
In order to increase the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) or GVA (Gross Value Added), we have to concentrate on every economic sector viz. Primary, Secondary and Tertiary economy sectors which should be given due importance in the following order : Primary sector which deals with raw materials, secondary sector deals with manufacturing and the tertiary sector deals with services.
The Primary economy sector in Goa has not been explored to its full potential.
As far as Goa is concerned, the Primary economy can be categorised in the following industry verticals. 1. Agriculture 2. Horticulture 3. Floriculture 4. Pisciculture 5. Animal Husbandry and Poultry 6. Forestry; and 7. Mining Sector, mainly raw material. In Secondary economy: Pharmaceutical industry and other large and MSME Industries which are situated in the government industrial estates i.e. All kinds of manufacturing industries can be included. In the tertiary economy: tourism, Hospitality, Information Technology knowledge, knowledge village, entertainment and finance, and all types of service industry to be included.
Primary economy requires adequate attention and also tertiary economic sectors for the State’s GDP growth. The Secondary economy sector will definitely help as it is connected with all SMEs and also small and large manufacturing units. Growth and proper planning of Primary and tertiary sectors can become a game-changer for employment which will boost the economy of the State.
Primary economy sector:
1. Agriculture
Goa has vast uncultivated land, mainly because of the perception of local people that to work in the fields is below their dignity. Goans by and large do not want to do hard physical labour. Moreover most of the land owners are given to dispose – off their lands to real estate owners rather than utilise the land to cultivate.
The Goa Government should come out with special incentive schemes for these land owners, either to join together and bring at least 25 acres of land under one umbrella, by safeguarding the individual owners’ lien on the land and allow them to make some sort of consortium and convert this land for agricultural purpose to produce different agricultural products. Today with the digital advancement and IT enabled ideas and new technology many varieties of agricultural products can be grown, which enables forward integration and to improve the growth for the secondary economic sector.
Goa agriculture sector requires more incentives
A special incentivised scheme can be drafted which could encourage tenanted land as well as uncultivated land, including orchard land, and get the tenants and landowners to come together under a special scheme to allow such land to be leased to private entities, with clear and specific conditions so that the owner does not lose his / her right on land but also the tenants as well as the land owners get the benefits that their land is given for a productive cause. The Government of Goa or Private sector can definitely work out a credible scheme on the above lines.
2. Animal Husbandry & Poultry
Poultry as well as animal husbandry can be handled in such a way that a special incentive scheme is worked out by the government so that many related products can be processed. The required attention and weightage has not been given to this Primary economic sector. Collateral products and bye-products from animal husbandry especially from the cow and allied animals should be used for commercial purposes. The 50% of milk requirement in Goa is being brought from outside the state. The government says that this milk is adulterated and not good for consumption. Cow dung as well as cow urine and many other collateral by-products can boost Goa’s economy as well create more employment if proper attention is given and their use explored, professionally.
3. Forestry
Goa has significant forest area Private as well as government which are approximately 34% that is much higher compared to the forested area in the country. Yet these forests do not give any tangible benefits to the GDP and growth of Goa. A scheme has to be worked out without disturbing the delicate ecology and environment to make use of these areas for GDP as well as employment growth, and this can be done.
4. Fishing and Pisciculture
Goa has many rivers and rivulets also about more than 150 kms of sea frontage. Special schemes may be provided to explore fishing in the inland waters as well seaward side. Again through this vertical of the primary economic sector, huge employment can be provided and we may use the latest technology to explore this industry for fishing and allied products, which can be done with good results – professionally.
5. Floriculture and Horticulture
Goan land is the most ideal place for the growth of this industry viz Floriculture and Horticulture. Everyday tons of goods under this sector come to Goa from different places. The area by the side of roads can be developed for horticulture which will also beautify the roadsides and driving will be a pleasure. The hinterland can be used for horticulture -to grow different types of fruits and vegetables, which will help the secondary economic sector as a forward integration for canning and other types of industries.
6. Mining
Due to the multifarious restrictions on the extraction, sale / export of iron ore we may not be able to secure the same benefits which Goa used to get before the closure of the mining sector. We can still work in this sector as a raw materials provider for the internal consumption in India and also mining can be explored within the strict framework of Government of India mining rules and regulations.
The Government of Goa should give importance and come out with some beneficial schemes for aggregate business, manganese business as well as special high grade iron ore business. The Government of Goa as well as Goans should address this mining business differently and think of “out of the box” solutions which are implementable.
Goa Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant
A proper strategy should be adopted to use these raw materials for the upliftment of the secondary economic sector that is manufacturing as well as the growth of the tertiary economy which is the service industry.
Goa does not provide adequate raw materials which are normally required by the manufacturing industry thus these are bought from other parts of the country. Raw materials can be used by the industry for forward integration as an input to the state’s industry and finished products can be sold to other parts of the country, if the product is in excess.
Secondary economic sector
The raw materials for the Primary economic industry such as agricultural products, animal and poultry products, fisheries and pisciculture products, floriculture and horticulture products and mining products are used for growth and the forward integration industry that will satisfy the needs of Goan population and the excess products could be sold outside, which will help the employment and GDP. Over and above the manufacturing units, the Government of Goa should encourage SMEs which are at present situated in different Government industrial estates as well as in private industrial estates.
Many MSME industries are not flourishing and expanding mainly because of the non-supportive approach by the government. There are enough entrepreneurs and skilled personnel in Goa who can set up MSMEs in the state, but due to red-tape and inordinate delay in securing the requisite permissions, the products manufactured in the unit gets defunct and the unit becomes unviable, also because of many other contributory factors such as paucity of timely loans, interest burden, etc.
IPB is a good initiative but IPB should not become one more statutory approval window, although IPB is supposed to be one-window clearance for any industry to be set up in Goa.
The Government should encourage private industrial estates and also private industrial buildings having micro and small entrepreneurs who just want approximately 50 sq.mt. to 100 sq.mts. area to set up their tools or machinery that will be part of micro and small industrial units.
This private sector should be outside the purview of the panchayats which are a big stumbling block because of their vested and conflicting interests. There should be a body which gives all the approvals including a Sanad for these private industrial estates. It can even come under IDC with some good amendments and rules to the present by laws and it should be the responsibility of the IDC to collect the necessary taxes due to various authorities, including Panchayats.
The Pharmaceutical industry is one of the biggest industries in the State of Goa having all the major MNC pharmaceuticals.
Sugar factory has become a white elephant for decades. This can be converted into an economy boosting industry if proper thought is given. A proposed scheme “Sugar plant analysis, options and optimisation” that was shared during Parrikar’s regime can be revisited. The Goa Government can still ponder over this proposition; the idea was for the forward integration of the molasses available to be converted into ETHANOL. This proposal was given by me to the Goa Government in the year, 2016 / 2017.
C. Tertiary Economy
Goa has very high potential growth in the tertiary economy which is mainly service-related industry. The main industries in this tertiary economy are:
1. Tourism & Hospitality related industry:
There is a tremendous opportunity for the Goa Government to explore this vertical of the tertiary sector. Goa requires incentive schemes and booster-incentives. These should be floated by consulting talented and non-tainted professionals with a sole intention to secure a minimum of 150 million tourist footfall in Goa of which 25% is comprised of foreign tourists. Abundance of Forestry and huge water ponds artificially created because of mining can be converted into water sport entertainment lagoons and also can be explored for other related industrial activities. Forestry area also can be explored for tourism-related activities plus for agriculture-related activities because of abundant availability of water. The Government should facilitate the infrastructure through its own resources as well as through incentive Schemes to Goan entrepreneurs. This one vertical of tertiary economy sector itself is sufficient for Goa to become the highest GDP earner as well as employment generating state in India.
2. Knowledge Village Industry: The Government should provide incentive schemes to bring world class institutions to each of the following talukas – Pernem, Bardez, Bicholim, Sattari, Quepem, Sanguem and Canacona – so that other institutions of Goa along villages may be developed. Moreover, the western belt of Goa, along the coastal belt could be explored for the tourism and allied industry, while the Eastern belt of Goa, which has vast areas but less in population compared to the Western belt, can have knowledge village based industry. The Eastern side which consists of 7 Talukas namely Pernem, Bardez, Bicholim, Sattari, Quepem, Sanguem and Canacona are considered backward areas. However, most of these Talukas are blessed with minerals like iron-ore, Manganese ore, and Basalt. Because of mining, many areas in some of the Talukas of the eastern belt, have deep excavated land / deep pits, now forming a lake like water bodies which with the help of the Government can be converted into water sports activities supported by amusement parks, etc. There is probably insufficient material/soil to fill these big pits and some sort of other avenues to engage these areas for economic upliftment of the nearby villages should be explored .Fear psychosis and villagers mind set needs to be changed. Students must be welcomed. Villages and Talukas benefit in terms of economic upliftment and employment benefits.
Goa Institute of Management
3. IT and IT related industry: Basically mainly Software and the Hardware industry: Goans are intelligent, English speaking and are educated. There are approx. 2000 engineers who come out of Goa every year. There is at present brain drain of the educated intelligentsia. Incentivised schemes encouraging young entrepreneurs on setting-up “starts ups” should be enhanced. One large digital related company should be invited to Goa to set up.
Goa’s security on the digital front must be enhanced to avoid unwanted elements coming to Goa.
4. MOPA Airport:
Mopa Airport will give big boost and can be a game-changer to the GDP growth of GOG, if proper study and implementation of different projects connected with the Airport is done mainly on tourist handling facilities and cargo handling (which will be huge in numbers) facilities and also allied industrial units that may start, because of the proximity to the international airport (Mopa). The Government of Goa should encourage and grant permission to set up hotels in the north Goa beaches as well as in the backward Talukas like Pednem, Bicholim, Sattari and some eastern side of Bardez Taluka and also entertainment related facilities must be encouraged. A proper TCP planning of the Talukas near Mopa Airport must be taken up on top priority.
5. Major Ports: Mormugao Port – a salient natural port should be expanded for import and export of raw materials and goods. It has tremendous potential if GOG and GOI think seriously to expand this natural God-given port.
6. Renewable Energy: Renewable energy–to be explored with a futuristic idea with latest technology. A very good and ideal industry to be explored to the fullest extent for the industrial development of Goa. At present Goa is purchasing energy.
7. Goa being a highly literate state
Financial related services as well as Health and Social care related services also can also be encouraged.
8. Health and Social Care
Ghar-Ghar-Me-Jal can be a unique business proposition. .Goa gets yearly about 3000 cms (120 inches) of Rainfall. It is presumed that in the Ghat areas which to the east of Goa region, the rainfall is about 5000 cms (200 inches) Most of this rain water goes to the Arabian Sea. Goa has many rivers, tributaries and rivulets into which this rain water flows and ultimately goes to the sea. Because of the high tide and the unique topography of Goa, most of the rivers, up to approximately 20 kms from the coastline get the saline water into their streams. The salinity decreases from September to the month of May and then the rain starts.
Rivers have comparatively sweet water after 20 kms of length from the sea-line. There are many villages, having 50 to 100 houses, which are situated within one km of these sweet water rivers, tributaries and rivulets. There is always shortage of water in the months of April and May for tapped/sweet water at different cities in Goa.
A required height of smaller dam / Bhandaras / Barrages should be built on these rivers/tributaries to accumulate the water and then pump the water near the assigned village by constructing a lake to store this water, purify the water to make it drinkable and supply this water to the nearby houses so that the water problem faced by the villagers is solved permanently. This sort of scheme will make the government have additional water supply, having disconnected the existing water supply line from the main source of water supply from bigger dams and supply this surplus water to the cities which suffer water scarcity in the months of March, April and May every year. A full-scale holistic scheme can be worked out.
The state of Goa is burdened with a huge debt of more than 20 thousand crores. Moreover, routine instalment of compensation cess from the Central Government has also been discontinued and a recent working-paper released by the Central Agency has stated that Goa, besides Punjab and Chattisgarh will have serious financial crisis post stoppage of compensation cess under GST. Under such circumstances, it’s high time that the state government and its people take war-like and urgent steps to revive the Goan economy.
(As told to Rahul Laud, Associate Editor, Asian Lite)
Enjoy a slice of Goa at The Fisherman’s Wharf, known to be the ultimate culinary destination and not just a restaurant! We end our stay in Goa by feasting on some traditional Goan delicacies and a bit of everything your palate desires…reports Asian Lite News
In order to collaboratively promote Goa as one of the most sought-after, high potential tourist destinations in India and around the world, Airbnb and the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This cooperation aims to support community-led, economically regenerative tourism in the state and promote travel to lesser-known but distinctive areas.
Alongside the official start of “Rediscover Goa,” a week-long celebration of Goa’s rich cultural diversity outside of its beaches and vibrant nightlife, Airbnb and the Goa Tourism Department partnered to expand the state’s homestay capacity and aid Goan homestay hosts in providing high-quality travel experiences to both domestic and foreign visitors.
The announcement highlights existing and forthcoming travel attractions in Goa while demonstrating the shared commitment to fostering the growth of a sustainable tourism ecosystem in the region. The cooperation will also increase the potential for tourism to provide jobs and sustainable living possibilities for the local community by organising knowledge-sharing and training workshops for homestay Hosts.
There will be a focus on distinctive accommodations that allow more domestic and foreign visitors to experience Goa like never before and find some undiscovered jewels. Here are few of the things that should be on the list of Rediscover Goa:
Rediscover Goa- beyond sun, sea and sand.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Savour the true tastes of Goa with Edible Archives
The start of an incredible food and cultural journey begins here. Experience the true tastes of Goa through a five-course meal that will introduce you to ingredients beloved by locals but almost unknown outside the state. You will get to sample the best of seasonal Goan produce, hand-picked, and transformed by the culinary expertise of Chef Anumitra. Prepare for an enthralling experience, as she narrates the story of each ingredient and its journey to your plate, bringing Goa’s verdant jungles, gorgeous, lush mangroves, abundant oceans, and bountiful farmland to life as never before.
The goat cheese and indigeneous root vegetable platter with sweet potatoes, kantkunke, madi and suran is must try meal of the course. Goa Clay Trail and Pottery Workshop Experience
Created by Host Nimmy, the experience will have you visiting a local traditional potter for an engaging understanding of how they work with clay through handheld techniques, and a walk in the neighbourhoods of Socorro or Bicholim village.
Chef Avinash Martin’s artisanal farm-to-table experience
Made of locally sourced produce this 7-course meal is a selection of dishes that are rooted in heritage Goan recipes. As a farm to table experience, the ingredients cooked are sourced in the morning of the same day. The experience is reflective of Chef Avinash’s culinary focus comprising the best of Goan cuisine created with an experimental global palette that he imbibed training under Michelin starred chefs in France and the Napa Valley. Prepare for a once in lifetime meal with Martin’s artisanal experience as no two meals are curated in the same way.
Fado & Mando with Fadista Sonia Shirsat at Madragoa
Part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, the Fado & Mando experience will showcase the best of Indo-Portuguese Culture. Fado is the iconic music genre of Portugal sung in Portuguese and comprises one vocalist accompanied by the guitarra portuguesa (Portuguese guitar) and the viola do Fado (Fado guitar). The Mando is, similarly, the iconic musical genre of Goa, sung in Konkani whose soulful tunes are sure to energize you after a long day.
The Fisherman’s Wharf for Goan delicacies
Enjoy a slice of Goa at The Fisherman’s Wharf, known to be the ultimate culinary destination and not just a restaurant! We end our stay in Goa by feasting on some traditional Goan delicacies and a bit of everything your palate desires.
Speaking on the occasion, Anurag Thakur said that the Covid pandemic was a challenging time, yet India has put up its best show in two fields — cinema and sports…reports Asian Lite News
The 53rd edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) kicked off here on Sunday with the participation of filmmakers and cinema lovers from across the globe.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, MoS I&B L. Murugan, MoS Tourism Shripad Naik, Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Actors Ajay Devgn, Suniel Shetty, Manoj Bajpayee, Paresh Rawal and ‘RRR’ writer V. Vijayendra Prasad were felicitated on the occasion for their contributions to the film industry.
The opening ceremony was held at the Syama Prasad Mukherjee indoor stadium in Taleigao.
The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon veteran director Carlos Saura, who along with Luis Bunuel and Pedro Almodovar is considered to be one of Spain’s most renowned filmmakers. The award was received by his daughter Anna Saura Ramon, while Carlos Saura thanked the IFFI organisers virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, Anurag Thakur said that the Covid pandemic was a challenging time, yet India has put up its best show in two fields — cinema and sports.
“It has been our vision that we embrace new platforms such as OTTs and make them inclusive part of the festival,” he said.
Thakur also urged people to send suggestions to make the next IFFI even better.
“This is such a destination that no place can replace Goa (as IFFI host),” he said.
“We don’t have dearth of talent, infrastructure, shooting sites etc. Hence, we need to trust ourselves and make India the hub of filmmaking,” Thakur added.
The nine-day festival featuring 280 films from 79 countries opened with the Austrian film ‘Alma and Oskar’, directed by Dieter Berner, while Polish director Krzysztof Zanussi’s ‘Perfect Number’ will be the closing film.
France is the ‘Spotlight’ country this year and eight films will be screened under the ‘Country Focus’ package.
As many as 25 feature films and 19 non-feature films from India will be showcased in the ‘Indian Panorama’ section, while 183 films will be a part of the international section.
The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in collaboration with Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) is organising the nine-day event, which will conclude on November 28.
The second edition of ’75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’, an initiative by the Ministry of Broadcasting and Information, is another attraction this year.
With 23 ‘Masterclasses’ and ‘In Conversation’ sessions with eminent filmmakers and actors, it promises to be an exciting week ahead.
There will be a masterclass in screenwriting by V. Vijayendra Prasad, on editing by A. Sreekar Prasad while Anupam Kher will conduct a masterclass in acting.
The ‘In-conversation’ sessions will feature Asha Parekh, Prasoon Joshi, Aanand L. Rai, R. Balki and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, among others.
“Our nation should be drugs-free. For zero tolerance towards drugs, we should work as Team India,” Sawant told reporters here…reports Asian Lite News
Stating that international tourists and labourers bring drugs to the coastal state, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Wednesday that the state government is using the best practices to crack down on narcotics rackets.
After attending a virtual meeting with Amit Shah, Sawant said the Union Home Minister has taken cognisance of Goa’s detention centre and deporting process and has asked other states, which attended the meeting, to implement similar practices.
“The Anti-Narcotic Cell (ANC) is working in the best way to control drug trafficking. Migrant labourers bring drugs (like ganja, charas egtc.) in buses and trains. International tourists also bring drugs to Goa. The government is taking the necessary steps to crack down on this,” Sawant said.
“The Union Home Minister guided us during the meeting on controlling drug trafficking. Discussions took place on the best practices and views of all states were taken,” Sawant said.
“Our nation should be drugs-free. For zero tolerance towards drugs, we should work as Team India,” Sawant told reporters here.
“The Home Minister has taken cognisance of Goa’s detention centre and told the other states to create similar detention centres and deport foreigners (staying illegally) like the way Goa does,” he said.
Sawant said that last year, 161 cases (drugs related) were registered and narcotics worth more than Rs 4.5 crore were seized.
“We will not tolerate drugs in the state. We want a drug-free Goa. The ANC is spreading awareness against drugs,” Sawant added.
“Since 2019, we have deported 129 foreign nationals. Earlier, 700 Nigerians were staying illegally, now only 50 are remaining. We have deported 650 of them,” the Chief Minister said.
In 2013, the state government had started acting against foreign nationals staying illegally in Goa after over 200 African nationals had blocked NH 17 at Porvorim, 5 km from capital Panjim, for nearly an hour. They were trying to take away the body of a Nigerian who was found murdered from an ambulance.
The incident took place after the body was found in Parra, a village adjoining the beach village of Calangute, which is notorious for being Goa’s narco-tourism capital.
The Private Healthcare sector is fiercely competitive in Goa. Top hospitals eye a tiny population of approximately 1.5 MN populations in the state plus patients from neighbouring states of Karnataka and Maharashtra and Belgaum. In light of this background to adopt and accelerate innovative laser therapy for ano-rectal problems, the Shivanand Salgaocar managed SMRC ‘S VM Salagaocar 118 bedded state-of-the-art hospital has pioneered laser therapy to alleviate suffering and pain of patients in Goa, reports Rahul Laud
Keeping in line with its tradition of innovation and research since 1981, the Salgaocars who have a diverse portfolio have invested in new equipment in its hospital recognising the demand and need of high quality sophisticated healthcare.
Dr. Santosh Koppal, Laparoscopic & GI Surgeon, Laser Proctologist at SMRC’s V.M. Salgaocar Hospital, Goa, who is a skilled specialist explained to Asian Lite that the Ano–rectal conditions are haemorrhoids (or piles), fissure and Fistula in ano. According to an expert, approximately 50% of the population would have suffered from haemorrhoids in their life probably by the time they reach 50 years. About 5% of the population suffer from piles at a given point.
Dr. Santosh Koppal
Laser equipment used for proctology therapy ranges from Rs 8 lakhs to 14 lakhs depending on individual companies and their need for up-gradation in the equipment. The laser therapy is a bit expensive compared to conventional surgery because of special equipment used.
A total of 5,038 candidates were in fray from 1,464 wards. While the 186 panchayats have a total of 1,528 wards, 64 candidates have won unopposed…reports Asian Lite News
The elections for 186 panchayats in Goa recorded a turnout of 78.70 per cent, officials said on Wednesday.
The counting will be held on August 12.
Ward No 9 from Calangute village will go for fresh polls on Thursday, as authorities were forced to declare the voting void, allegedly due to some technical reasons.
Addressing a press conference, Goa State Election Commission Secretary Brijesh Manerikar said 78.70 per cent voting had been recorded, when the voting process ended at 5 p.m.
“The election process was peaceful. No untoward incident was reported. In spite of heavyA ain, voters exercised their right (to franchise),” he said.
A total of 5,038 candidates were in fray from 1,464 wards. While the 186 panchayats have a total of 1,528 wards, 64 candidates have won unopposed.
Manerikar said that about 7,96,070 voters were eligible to cast votes, out of which 6,26,496 voters exercised their franchise.
“Male voters were 2,99,707, while female voters were 3,26,788 and one of third gender. In North (Goa district) the voting percentage was 81.45, while in the South, it was 76.13 per cent,” he said.
He said that the highest voting of 89.30 per cent has been recorded in Sattari Taluka, while lowest was 68.33 percent in Salcete taluka.
The GSEC had reserved 21 seats (1.37 per cent) for Schedule Castes, 187 (12.32 per cent) for Schedule Tribes and 307 (20.1 per cent) for OBCs.
Saraswat community entrepreneurs and professionals across the globe will assemble to attend the third Annual Conclave of Global Chamber of Saraswat Entrepreneurs (GCSE) on September 17 in Panjim, Goa at the Panjim Gymkhana, reports Rahul Laud
At a one day conference In Goa, the GCSE members will rub shoulders speaking Konkani and English representing different Saraswats form Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The Saraswat Bank is the obvious choice to be the lead sponsor of the one day conclave. Indian hoteliers Vithal Kamat and Natural Ice Creams owner Raghunandan Kamat are among some top business tycoons likely to attend the Conclave, Goa based renowned President of MAIT, Nitin Kunkolinkar and ALCON’s entrepreneur Anil Couto are among those actively interested and promoting the conclave in Goa. Upendra Pai Raikar who owns Conquer Events in Goa and who is a member of GCSE will offer his professional services to ensure that the Conclave will be smooth, effective and successful.
Entrepreneurs and management professionals from different Industries based in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Kolhapur, Belgaum, Banglore, Mangalore, Nagpur, Indore etc. and members from cities like Dubai, Singapore ,London , Australia and USA are likely to participate in the one day Conclave. The registration fees are Rs. 3000 for Non-members and Rs. 2500 for Members.
Led by Founder Director Siddharth Sinkar an active team is travelling to different parts of India to encourage Saraswats to join GCSE and participate in the Conclave. Recently the team from Mumbai visited Pune and other parts in Western Maharashtra and also travelled to the state of Karnataka to meet the Pai Empire there. Board of Directors at GCSE who volunteer to strengthen Chamber’s activities include: BHUSHAN S. NEMLEKAR, PRASANNA PRABHAKAR REGE, AMIT A. PANDIT, VAIBHAV RAJEEV WARERKAR, DR. AJIT GUNJIKAR, KISHORE MASURKAR, GAUTAM DANGI, AJAY BHALCHANDRA PINGE, GIRISH TELANG, SAMIT SUBHASH SARAF, DR.RIA HRUSHIKESH VAIDYA,
According to the members of GCSE community business leaders from different parts of India and outside had joined hands to form the Global Chamber of Saraswat Entrepreneurs (section 8 company registered in India with the Ministry of Company Affairs as Non-Profit Organisation) on 12 September 2019 and restructured the nearly 30 year old defunct Saraswat Chamber of Commerce which was earlier formed by the powerful politician Suresh Prabhu. Main objective of Saraswat Chamber is to promote entrepreneurship amongst community members and create a platform for connecting all community members across the globe.
With a membership fee of Rs 4500 for three years the GCSE has mustered a support of 250 odd members despite Covid conditions in the last two years. With a vision “to build a wise, vibrant and prosperous community ecosystem for Saraswats in Business or Profession providing maximum opportunity and value” the GSCE is dedicated, “to serving Saraswat business community growth and prosperity through advocacy, enabling effective access to opportunities and resources, capacity building, economic development, connectivity and business education,” says Siddharth Sinkar, a Mumbai resident.
The Saraswat community is largely comprehended as an ethical and philanthropic community, channelling and harnessing our energies for the collective excellence of society. In business and commerce field the community has been a frontrunner in Banking and cooperatives sector. As an ethnic group Saraswats have lot of cultural and support organisations effectively running for over a century. Predominantly the community are known as seekers of knowledge and have made significant contribution in education, trade and commerce and service sector and showcased an exemplary entrepreneurial spirit fine-balancing wisdom and wealth with grace and élan.
