An Inspirational Pandemic

As I was updating my blog I realized that I had run out of topics to write on. I was faced with what is commonly known as writer’s block. I had decided that I would end my blog with either the 9th or 10th post, but then the pandemic happened, and along with it came a string of bad choices, and just like that ideas started popping into my head. While the pandemic continues to be a vital threat to humanity, it also is the source of inspiration for many. 

 

From the companies behind several vaccinations to the people that have gone out of their way to distribute food during the times of the pandemic, ‘COVID’ has brought many inspirations. As the BJP government hopes to capitalise on the pandemic by the destructive ‘Double Tracking’ and vaccination promises for polls in various states, I hope to use the pandemic to inspire, and bring some issues into the light. During the pandemic the world witnessed the Presidential elections in the U.S which resulted in good news for the entire world. While on the surface many issues were explored, unofficially it offers numerous lessons for people globally. Elections in many parts of the world are similar yet quite different at the same time.

 

 The names of the parties and candidates are obviously different but if people dig deeper they can decipher the issues. While Donald Trump appealed to a section of the American society, the Prime Minster of India Mr. Narendra Modi replicates this ideology. Some may be confused, which is understandable. It’s very vital to analyse these as ‘Double Tracking’ is not the only destructive idea BJP has come up with in modern times. A shocking pattern is starting to emerge across India which are opposed by many voices. Mixing politics and sales pitches, BJP has slowly but persistently used a tactic which has always worked in India. 

 

As early as 2017 BJP tried a beef ban unsuccessfully as several people united to hold beef fests. As 2020 began another controversy was created owing to BJP’s efforts. The ‘Citizenship Amendment Act’ was proposed which saw protestors lining up. Even as a disastrous virus threatens to take lives, the BJP government put on a big show of speeches portraying itself a saviour. This is done by Modi’s trips to the various firms producing vaccines in India. While this is a good deed Modi’s speech on the constitution day was utter crap which has the potential to fool gullible voters. When India is no stranger to attacks on the press, it’s surprising Modi has the audacity of blaming others like Pakistan for terrorism. Modi’s English should be highly debatable as even Google can reveal that terrorism doesn’t necessarily involve guns. Indians will never ponder such questions, as ‘Yogi Adityanath’ was one of the ‘star campaigners’ in the Bihar polls, and I’m pretty sure Indians are familiar with the horrific Hathras case. In states like Goa where BJP’s MLAs have joined the fight against ‘Double Tracking’ BJP is threatening its own MLAs. Should a bigger terrorist appear in the 21st century to knock some sense into the people?

 

The Bittersweet Pandemic

Though ‘Covid-19’ brought the entire world to a halt, monetary activities are gradually resuming due to various compulsions. While ‘Covid-19’ has brought the disastrous news of a huge number of deaths globally, it has also taught us new skills and introduced us to platforms like ‘Zoom’ and ‘Google Meet’ which would not have grown in popularity if not for Covid-19. 

 

News like the robotic dolphin which has the potential to replace zoo animals comes as a pleasant surprise when the world is undergoing a crisis, proving that the pandemic is bittersweet, rather than merely being bad news. In a pandemic one would assume governments globally are concerned about its citizens, but the people have painfully realized that Covid-19 has given governments a new excuse for bad choices.

 

Though the Goa government has ‘publicly displayed’ masks and precautions during the pandemic and has repeatedly assured citizens that it will listen to their woes, they also continue the rampant destruction of Goa’s environment, which has resulted in an education rap on ‘Mollem’ by a local rapper called ‘Waking Grunt’, and other tactics where the rapper teamed up with an activist to highlight the pathetic conditions of the roads in Goa.

 

 Technological innovations have contributed to the creation of campaigns like Save Mollem. It’s not just states like Goa that suffers from poor governance, but the way the controversial farm bills were cleared highlights the mess Indians have created for themselves. Apart from this human rights received a blow in India when ‘Amnesty International’ was shut down in India.

 

 The government of India has found a natural punching bag in the opposition, namely the Congress. Owing to people like ‘Dhruv Rathee’ and several others, Indians are becoming aware of major issues affecting them. Goa too does not lag behind its counterparts owing to channels like ‘InGoa 24x7’ who have repeatedly portrayed their fearlessness while covering stories like the attack of a journalist in Goa. A local newspaper ‘Herald’ too does a brilliant job of keeping Goans updated. 

 

During such time when Goa has a shady government it takes tremendous effort to remain positive. Having lived in Dubai for 30 years and witnessing a society free of corruption where a person is rewarded for their hard work, at the age of 62 she has initiated a number of Facebook pages like ‘Cynthia Solutions’, ‘Global Goan Women’ among others which have a huge following. ‘Cynthia Solutions’ began as a good Samaritan in 2007 providing jobs from diverse parts of the world without accepting financial rewards..

 

 Cynthia Fernandes has proven that age is merely a number, and strives to assist uplift people with help from her family. Beginning in 2015 'Doopthi' a generous gesture of quilting was born which would evolve into a means of livelihood for 7 down trodden women. From quilts to cloth bags this venture has been dishing out some creative products. 

 

A bag by 'Doopthi'

 

As Cynthia doesn’t like to be idle, she began Mandala Art as an innovative hobby in August 2020 from which she finds inner peace. Possessing a book filled with such creative designs, she plans to distribute it for free once the book is completed, and designs are framed. 

 

A beautiful design by Cynthia

I hope my readers will take a cue from this and reach out to others and help in any way that they can, instead of waiting for political parties to do the same. In states like Goa people have been successful in using emotions as an excuse but helping the voiceless in the process for a hidden agenda. If we bypass the political parties and reach out to others we can grow wiser eventually as well as counter the blunders of governments to some extent.

A Creative Pandemic

The impact that a few months has had on the lives of people globally is evident in the masks that people wear, and other changes that were implemented by authorities worldwide. People who were used to working in offices, and indulging in other chores were taken by surprise as a virus wreaked havoc on the world globally causing lockdowns, and several other changes which is rapidly becoming the new normal.

 

As ‘Covid-19’ brought about dark days on people, and slowly began to dictate decisions, two sets of choices surround individuals. They can either take a trip down memory lane and sulk about how things will never be the same, or be proactive during these times. Technology can either be used to inspire or to destroy. 

 

A few people in Goa used the internet to their advantage, and started a wonderful initiative on Instagram called ‘unheardstoriesofgoa’ which told the stories of budding talents across Goa. This page drew inspiration from Instagram pages like ‘humansofbombay’, ‘humansofnewyork’ and others. The creators of this initiative were so passionate about the idea that they compiled the names of subjects whom they could interview. Though they embarked on a creative journey on Instagram, they are humble enough to trust God during the challenges that they encounter. 

 

The logo of 'unheardstoriesofgoa'

Goa is filled with brave individuals who use technology to thrive, one such brave warrior is Swati P. Shenai Salgaonkar who continues to inspire many with her skills as a crocheter, despite being a hearing impaired person who had to discontinue her education after 12th Std.  Being trained under the talented teachers of Sanjay School since 2006

 

Swati's business card

She also found a helping hand in the form of her aunt. She further refined her skill through extensive training with her friend who was an expert in designing crochets, along with Youtube tutorials. Gradually as she worked on her designs and posted it on her Facebook wall, an interested party volunteered to help her out. From a mere hobby to a source of livelihood, Swati’s Facebook page ‘Swati’s Artworld’ enables her to share designs which never cease to impress people.

A  glimpse of Swati's crochets

Triumph Over Difficulty

In a day and age where people have the ability to use their knowledge to create advanced and sophisticated machinery to improve the lives of people, it is surprising to hear about the rights of innocents being trampled. Suppressed voices have often taken the world by storm, and created popular movements like ‘Me  Too’, and ‘The Black Lives Matter’.

Despite the surge of emotions displayed, the shameful cycle where a powerful few abuse their power carries on. Ironically the tragic circumstance of ‘Covid-19’ provides an opportunity for a global reset. From the struggles that have led to the creation of the ‘Americans with Disabilities Act’ in 1990, to the non-payment issue of salaries which special educators had to face in the state of Goa in 2020, there have been numerous challenges which the disabled have had to face, but throughout these dark times, there have been people lighting up their path, by making sure their voices are heard. Playing a vital role in empowering the differently abled, Disability Rights Association of Goa has travelled the extra mile to ensure that the disabled have a bright future. 

The logo of Disability Rights Association of Goa

Though Cerebral Palsy restricted her to study at home during a major moment of her academic future, only permitting her to visit the examination hall during her exams, Dielle Da Silva fought against those odds and secured an impressive 84% in her Class X Board Exams. Being a major contributor to ease her mobility, Disability Rights Association of Goa sponsored a wheelchair to assist her in daily activities. Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim helped Dielle to a great extent by admitting her in a regular school, allowing Dielle’s mother to stay with her during recess, and made several adjustments. Though Dielle attended classes regularly till class V, being wheelchair-bound made it difficult for her to carry her education forward. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan programme enabled a teacher to visit Dielle at her residence, to help Dielle excel in her studies. The teacher helped Dielle learn through videos, and utilized diverse teaching aids which she grasped quickly. As her knowledge grew due to diverse visual aids, she developed a liking towards Adobe Photoshop.  She proceeded to teach herself skills regarding Photoshop.

Dielle Da Silva

 
As much as Dielle’s story is an inspiration, there are plenty of disabled people whose stories wouldn’t have been heard if not for platforms like Disability Rights Association of Goa. Helping ease the challenges that the disabled face along with playing a major role in the creation of an inclusive society, Avelino de Sa, the president of Disability Rights Association of Goa didn’t let Cerebral Palsy deter him from improving the lives of the disabled in society.  The challenges which he faced only drove him to uplift the lift of people with various kinds of disabilities.  The tremendous efforts DRAG has made for empowering the lives of the disabled over the years have made them the recipients of a number of awards, and numerous achievements. 

 

Avelino de Sa

 

There are similar organisations like DRAG who have travelled the extra mile to help amplify the quality of lives children live. SETHU is an organization which was born out of a need to help a child achieve their potential. They drastically improve the lives of children with development delays, teenagers struggling with issues like depression; they also collaborate with teachers to come up with a syllabus which is friendly to such children.  Their efforts have earned them various awards since their inception in 2005. Catering to over 1200 children per year, SETHU has been a huge help in assisting the parents of these children. Their telehealth services have ensured that these children have received adequate care during these troubling times of COVID-19. There are organizations that go out of their way to assist the disabled, but it’s high time we as a society recognize their potential and work towards an inclusive society. An inclusive society not only helps the disabled, but also reminds people what it means to be human. Let us strive for a better tomorrow, by working on our ‘compassion’.

Pace of Change

Many changes like the Cretaceous period were responsible for forming the familiar planet known to people globally as earth. Changes are evident throughout human history, and it shapes the course of the future. The latest change to impact people is the lockdown, imposed due to the increasing coronavirus cases. While the increasing rate of infections and deaths are terrible, almost every news channel is a constant reminder of the gloom called ‘COVID-19’ which surrounds people. Though the ripple effects of the increasing infections are horrible, and people are terrified about what may happen, it is hope that will push people forward beyond this crisis. Hope can begin at home by strengthening the immunity system of people, and following guidelines which the government has requested people to follow. When people stick to the safety measures which protect them, they will come out stronger of this current crisis.  This crisis can emerge as a teacher for people globally.

States like Goa which already faced issues before the crisis, can implement steps to preserve its beauty, and culture going forward. Preserving the language of Goa is a huge part of this. A man of many talents, Mr. Michael Jude Gracias is responsible for preserving Konkani in diverse ways. Going beyond ‘tiatr’ or ‘Konkani dramas’ he found numerous ways to serve Konkani. Being an editor and a publisher of a monthly magazine in Konkani titled ‘Jivit’ for fifteen years, before discovering the anchor within him, Michael Gracias went on to anchor a program called ‘Chitrangi’ on  ‘Doordarshan’ for thirty years along with doing a wonderful job on a Catholic T.V channel called ‘CCRTV’. Putting his brilliant thoughts on paper, he brought about six Konkani, and 1 English book, apart from being a publisher of other writers.  As of 2020, Mr. Michael Gracias embraced the digital age by starting a Youtube channel called  “Kala Niketan Goa” which utilizes a creative blend of promoting Konkani, youngsters, and God’s love.

Mr. Michael Jude Gracias

Saving the beautiful language of Goa cannot be accomplished alone. Many brave individuals like Mr. Dadadiraj M. Shirodkar have been striving to balance their jobs, along with contributing to Konkani. Initially starting out as a freelancer in video editing, before joining ‘CCRTV’ in 2017, he started a channel in 2015 called ‘Dadadiraj Films’ in which he brings out innovative short films and documentaries, on social issues. Extending a mere language, Konkani played a vital role in the historic ‘Opinion Poll’ the details of which are available on various websites including Wikipedia, which enables people to get an idea of what it is. Placing an emphasis on the ‘Opinion Poll’ shouldn’t be about dividing people, rather it should remind people of the passion that led to the formation of Goa, and replicating that passion, especially in times when the lockdown is failing to prevent the destruction of Goa, which was indicated when farmers were arrested for protesting against their lands being grabbed, and the ongoing issue of double tracking which is not favoured by the locals. 

Mr. Dadadiraj M. Shirodkar

Budding Talent

A country’s strength is its population. It is especially true in the case of India which has twenty-nine states filled with talents. Though a state which doesn’t realize the potential that already exists within it, and continues to migrate to other states, and countries. Goa is a beauty on the map of India, which possesses abundant talent in the form of its citizens. Nirbhay Bhav located in Porvorim possesses impressive accomplishments, which includes its founder Mr. Sudesh Salgaonkar representing Goa in all India competitions for six years. His innovative steps have helped many talented individuals like Ms. Arunika and Arambhi Sangelkar represent Goa in 2020.

Mr. Sudesh Salgaonkar receiving an award from Mrs. Madhuri Dixit

                ,                                                     
                                            

 Ms. Arambhi Sangelkar

Ms. Arunika Sangelkar

In the digital era, where the internet has many uses, Mr. Clarence D’Souza who used the internet to his advantage to create a YouTube Channel called ‘EntertainmentGyaan’ which initially began with information on celebrities, upcoming movies, web series before evolving to include songs, poems, shayaris and even their own webseries titled ‘Lessons Corona taught us’.

Mr. Clarence D'Souza

The YouTube channel started by Mr. Clarence D'Souza

Channelizing the diverse frustrations of life, and turning it into something beautiful is an art, and a creative way to vent out your frustrations. Ms  Sabrina Da Costa from Varca, in South Goa, initially used painting as a method of coping through a tough time, as painting was always a form of therapy, and self-expression for her.  Little did she realize how people can use grief as a means to create something beautiful. As she began putting up her paintings on Instagram, interested customers began asking her if she was selling them. This just proves that people have diverse talents, and the potential to accomplish great things, only if they realize them. By doing it we not only help ourselves by being unique, we also help our loved ones, and our states, for we are its citizens.

                 

 Ms. Sabrina Da Costa and her mastepiece

Goan potential

A beautiful dot on the map of India, and a perfect place to relax, Goa means different things to many people.  For some it’s their home, yet for others, a tourist destination, and for some others it’s their workplace. Goa is already popularized as one of the tourist hotspots in India, but rarely have people emphasized on the ‘workplace’ aspect in Goa. Instead of flocking to places like Bombay, staying back in Goa for Goans has its own advantages. As educational institutes like the ‘Industrial Institute of Goa’ offer chances to be electricians, plumbers, carpenters, air conditioner mechanic and various others, these could provide Goans with a source of income, as houses often require maintenance. With an ample amount of colleges offering educational courses like ‘Mass Communication’ offered by St. Xavier’s College among others, there exist educational potential which Goans can tap into. Though provided a late start, the workforce in Goa has remarkable potential. Edelviz, Webware.io and Expogroup, are just few of the options Goans have in a budding work environment. Started in 2010, Edelviz is a German based group which deals in visualising the interiors, as well as exteriors of buildings. If a building wants to stand out from the rest, in terms of its architectural design, all they have to do is reach out to Edelviz, in Patto, Panjim, and let them take care of the rest.  Offering a spectacular view in Ribandar, Goa Webware.io provides a fantastic opportunity for innovative website designs, for its client in the U.S and Canada since 2012. Managing trade fairs of diverse industries in the Middle East and Africa among others, Expogroup located in Porvorim, has been managing fairs and exhibitions since 1996. These are few of the vast companies who have invested in both the North and South districts of Goa. A Catholic TV channel which has expanded its services to promote new talents of Goa, and educate people, along with helping promote God’s message is a remarkable feat. There are plenty of platforms in Goa, which could help Goans in diverse ways. Indeed is a great online portal that can help Goans to discover the numerous job opportunities in Goa. It’s ridiculous to have the notion that Goans are lazy when companies are realizing Goa’s potential. With more companies coming in, it’s time for Goans to prove their worth, equipping themselves with education. Goans have witnessed false promises by politicians, which become the forefront during elections. If Goans are truly interested in helping themselves, they need to procure a decent education and a job in Goa, instead of falling prey to deceiving liars, whose works are put on public display, for you to be the judge.

Rising Goans

What is news? Any mass communication student and any journalist would probably provide people with a textbook answer when questioned about it, but journalists today in major news outlets are redefining the definition of ‘news’ in many states, prioritizing some stories over others. Celebrity divorces, pregnancies, relationship statuses constitute news in the 21^st century, from local to global, most media channels fail to cover the news which is relevant to many.  

Recently a new story which shot Goa to fame, was that Ms. Arunika Sangelkar was selected from the 8-10 years category to represent Goa at the ‘National Dance Sports Championships 2020’ at West Bengal on 4^th and 5^th January 2020. Apart from her, her sister Arambhi Sangelkar, too was, one of the many people, putting a smile, on Goa and Goan faces. Arunika and Arambhi, pupils of K.B Hegdewar school, in Bambolim, cleared the auditions for representing Goa locally, before dancing their way onto the national stage.

Ms. Arunika and Arambhi Sangelkar

Organised by the “Dance Sports Council of India” the “National Dance Sports Championship 2019-20” hosted various dance forms like ‘Freestyle, Hip-Hop and others’ in various age groups ranging from 6 to above 19 years. Representing ‘Goa’ at the national level was no small task, as it comprised of two components, out of which the first round of auditions weas held in ‘Ravindra Bhavan’ at Margao, Goa where 19 states participated.  

Championship poster

                                                                  

The sisters, emerged victorious, in which Arunika won the silver medal, and her sister Arambhi won the gold medal, which resulted in them being qualified for the second component of the National stage which was to be held at West Bengal, which pitted winners, who won a medal against each other.

Medals won by the sisters

Arunika earned a silver medal, in the ‘freestyle’ category, despite being just 8 years old. Her sister too earned a silver medal, in the hip-hop category. Both sisters face a tremendous challenge, to balance their education, with practices, for the international qualifiers to be held on 19 June, 2020 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Ms. Arunika Sangelkar

                           Ms. Arambhi Sangelkar

The qualifiers for the competition, held in Goa were covered, by a sole local TV channel called ‘Prime Media’ which should raise questions about News outlets in the 21’st century and their priorities. This incident proves the hidden talents of people, who just need supportive people.

Postive Counters

In the 21st century we are constantly surrounded by a sea of negativity. It’s readily available in the newspapers, where negativity dominates headlines. Negativity can be so overwhelming and so toxic, that people often overlook few positive stories that arise in the midst of this negativity. From global to local, negativity has its stains everywhere

All it takes is a spark to counter the negativities of the 21^st century. This contagious spark ignites, with brave individuals like Mr. Avelino D’Sa, Ms. Tania Fernandes and Mr. Vishant Nagvekar  who continue to give society a glimpse of their potential   They are just few of the vast list of people, who have achieved great heights, are special in so many ways and continue to touch millions of hearts throughout their life

Cerebral Palsy which could be a setback to millions, didn’t deter Avelino from taking his fights up a notch, and despite all odds being an investment banker having his office called Star Investments along with being the president of ‘Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG)’. Avelino and ‘DRAG’ are paving the way for a brighter future for the disabled in Goa and since its inception in 2003, have won accomplishments, creating ripples in people minds

Having either an injured arm or leg would be considered catastrophic by most people, it must be even more difficult to comprehend the absence of all 4 limbs which is exactly what Tetra Amelia Syndrome, despite this what’s extremely rare to find is people who cheerfully accept this. A person with a cheerful attitude who is a bubble of joy and responsible for making millions smile is Tania.

Brave people fighting polio, in their lower limb with 75% disability is an extraordinary achievement and yet Vishant has been bravely battling his condition and contributing tremendously to fellow disabled people by continuing to be part of DRAG for more than 11 years. He also worked in remarkable places like Directorate of Social Welfare, Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation, Directorate of Panchayat and he’s currently working for the tourism department.

Though we live in a society surrounded by darkness, let us draw inspiration from brave individuals like these and contribute to making our society better in any way we can