Category: Goan Personalities

Renowned social media influencer Deepali Chodankar and her husband Sunny Chodankar recently marked a significant milestone in their journey together – their 6th wedding anniversary.

A Love That Continues to Grow

Deepali took to social media to share her heartfelt feelings on this special day. In a post that was both humorous and romantic, she mentioned the ups and downs of married life, jokingly referring to “100 fights” but emphasizing the “endless love” that has only grown stronger with time.

A Celebration of Commitment

The couple’s anniversary celebration is a testament to the power of love, commitment, and partnership. Through their journey, Deepali and Sunny have shown that with mutual respect, trust, and understanding, couples can overcome any challenge and build a strong, loving relationship.

Wishes Pour In

Friends, family of the couple flooded social media with congratulatory messages and warm wishes. The love and support that Deepali and Sunny have received are a reflection of the joy and positivity they spread through their relationship.

Here’s to Many More Years Together!

As Deepali and Sunny Chodankar celebrate this significant milestone, we join their loved ones in wishing them many more years of happiness, love, and adventure together. Congratulations to the lovely couple!

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Bicholim-based craftspeople, and other Goa-based and Indian artists share an international platform to showcase their craftsmanship at the Directorate of Accounts, Panaji, as part of a craft exhibition curated by Craft discipline co-curator Dr Kristine Michael for the Serendipity Arts Festival 2024.

The exhibition, titled ‘Past Forward: Remix and Collaborations in Ceramics and Glass’ at the Directorate of Accounts, Panaji, features works by renowned Goan artists like Shankar Turi of Turi Azulejos & Pottery and Zillu and Dattaram Harmalkar of Kumbhar Pottery in Bicholim, traditional bamboo and cane weaver Rukmani Pandurang Parwar from Corjuem, Goa-based ceramicist Nimmi Joshy, among others.

“Since 1999, I have been creating Azulejos in Goa. There is a lot of demand here, and also from outside the state. ‘Azul’ means both blue and smooth, and this is a 15th-century art practice” said artist Shankar Turi, who will be facilitating a ‘Hand-Painted Azulejos Tiles’ workshop as part of SAF 2024, at the Craft Workshop Room – Directorate of Accounts on December 20, at 11 AM.

This exhibition brings together contemporary and traditional artists from across India working with glass and ceramics to tell stories rooted in memory and lived experiences. Through upcycled materials and innovative techniques, these artists reimagine art and explore sustainable creativity.

“As the curator of ‘Past Forward: Remix and Collaborations in Ceramics and Glass’, what I wanted to show was Goa as a microcosm of India. That it is a mixture, it is a syncretic culture of all the different identities throughout history that have come and settled within this country, and has created that Goan identity,” said Dr Kristine Michael.

Ceramics, once considered a craft rather than fine art, has undergone a significant transformation in India, according to Kristine Michael, a New Delhi-based ceramic artist, researcher, curator and arts educator. She also said that the acceptance of ceramics as a recognised art form, including its inclusion in national exhibitions like the Lalit Kala Academy Triennale, has paved the way for ceramics to be embraced within the fine arts community.

Dr Kristine Michael’s journey into ceramics began unexpectedly.

Initially, she enrolled in one of India’s leading schools of design, the National Institute of Design, with a focus on textiles. However, upon first interacting with clay, she was captivated. “Ceramics as a medium grabbed me as soon as I touched my hands into the clay,” she recalls. This shift marked the beginning of her journey as a ceramicist, despite being the only student in her batch who chose ceramics. Over the past 25 years, the field has grown dramatically, with every art college now offering ceramics programmes, she said.

Dr Kristine also acknowledges the challenges ceramics faced in the art world. “When I first started, ceramics was considered craft, not fine art,” she says. It wasn’t until the late 80s that the Lalit Kala Academy officially accepted ceramics as an art form. Dr Kristine is optimistic about the progress the field has made, stating that galleries and international imports of ceramics equipment have radically transformed the art domain’s landscape.

The Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) has introduced a cashless payment system for its buses operating in Smart City Panaji. This initiative aims to promote a more efficient, convenient, and transparent public transportation system.

Key Features of the Cashless System:

1. RFID Cards: KTCL will provide RFID cards to commuters, which can be recharged and used to pay fares.
2. UPI Payments: Commuters can also use Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to pay their fares, ensuring a seamless and contactless transaction experience.
3. Convenience: The cashless system eliminates the need to carry cash, reducing the risk of lost or stolen money.
4. Transparency: The digital payment system ensures accurate fare collection, reducing the likelihood of disputes or errors.

Benefits for Commuters:

1. Hassle-Free Travel: Commuters can enjoy a smooth and convenient travel experience without the need to carry cash.
2. Time-Saving: The cashless system reduces waiting times at bus stops, allowing commuters to reach their destinations faster.
3. Increased Safety: By reducing the need to carry cash, commuters can minimize their risk of being targeted by thieves or pickpockets.

The introduction of the cashless payment system for KTCL buses in Smart City Panaji is a significant step towards creating a more efficient, convenient, and safe public transportation system.