Tag: book launch

Books & Literature

Launch of John Aguiar’s Konkani Poetry Collection “Thembe” on February 28 in Panaji

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

PANAJI, GOA – Writer, poet and lyricist John Aguiar is set to release his latest collection of Konkani poems, titled Thembe (Drops), further strengthening his contribution to contemporary Konkani literature.
The book release ceremony will be held on February 28, 2026, at 3.30 pm at Shenai Goembab Sabhaghar, Goa Konkani Akademi (BSNL Building), 5th floor, Patto, Panaji. The book will be released at the hands of Dr Purnanand Chari, Chairman of the Konkani Akademi. Smt Aparna Garudi will speak on the book, while Shri Ramesh Ghadi, Vice Chairman of the Konkani Akademi, will attend as Guest of Honour. Poet Prakash Naik will be a special guest at the event.
The function is organised by Ugtem Molob. Shri Vivek Pissurlekar, President of Ugtem Molob, has appealed to writers, poets and literature enthusiasts to attend the function in large numbers.
John Aguiar is widely recognised for his versatility, writing across Romi and Devanagari Konkani, English and Marathi. His works are known for their deep engagement with Goan culture, social realities and the subtleties of everyday life.


A retired officer from the Government of Goa’s Department of Information and Publicity, Aguiar brings a journalist’s clarity and precision to his creative writing. Beyond literature, he is also a well-known lyricist, with several of his songs regularly aired on All India Radio.
His published works span multiple genres. His poetry collections include Paulam, Gulmohar, Sanz and Olyo Yadi, which won the 2017 Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s Rock Barretto Literary Award. His essay collections include Offside (English) and Mandovichea Dege Voilean (Roman Konkani), while his dramatic works include Sonvgam, a collection of one-act plays in Roman Konkani.
One of the early milestones in his career was the publication of the booklet Jinn in 1982–83, which was released by noted writer, poet and lyricist Advocate Uday Bhembre, then President of the Konkani Bhasha Mandal, at Chowgule College during Aguiar’s student days.

Events in Goa

Four Friends, One Table: A New Book Chronicles Delhi’s Culinary Legacy

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A Table for Four: Delhi’s Dining Legacy was launched on December 14, 2025, at Club de Palma, Bambolim, Goa, during an intimate dinner gathering that brought together voices from India’s culinary and cultural circles. The evening opened with the unveiling of the book by noted author and food critic Vir Sanghvi, followed by reflections from Sunil Kant Munjal, Ajay Shriram, and Nitan Kapoor. A thoughtfully curated dinner hosted by Club de Palma concluded the evening, echoing the warmth, reflection, and shared experience that defines the book.

The anthology traces 16 years of Delhi’s dining evolution through the perspective of four friends connected by the Doon School Old Boys’ Society — Sunil Kant Munjal, Ajay Shriram, Nitan Kapoor, and the late Deepak Nirula. What began as a simple ritual of regular lunches gradually transformed into an extraordinary documentation of the city’s restaurants, culinary trends, and changing tastes. The book captures not just what was eaten, but how food became a medium for conversation, continuity, and connection.

Blending restaurant reviews with personal anecdotes, culinary history, and food-centric observations, the narrative celebrates both Delhi’s dynamic food landscape and the enduring camaraderie behind the table. The book is dedicated to Deepak Nirula, a visionary who played a pioneering role in shaping India’s fast-food and restaurant culture through landmark innovations during the 1980s and 1990s. His passing in 2022 marked the loss of a towering figure in India’s culinary journey, and the book stands as a tribute to his passion and influence.

Featuring 27 restaurant reviews across European, Indian, Asian, fusion, multi-cuisine, and Latin American food, the anthology also includes select recipes, conversations, essays, and reflections from leading chefs, restaurateurs, industry experts, and food writers. Their voices enrich the personal narrative, creating a layered and engaging portrait of a city constantly reinventing how it eats.

Interspersed throughout are food factoids and cultural insights, touching on subjects such as Daulat ki Chaat, Mughal-era qahwa khanas, the culinary impact of Partition, Kwality’s ice cream legacy, the innovations behind Nirula’s, the rise of butter chicken, the growth of Bikanervala, and Delhi’s club culture. Together, these stories form a living archive of Delhi’s dining legacy — told not as a formal history, but as a shared journey of taste, memory, and friendship.

Books & Literature

Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Launches “Gova Annasanskruti” by Vinayak Khedekar

Tanisha Cardozo

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant released “Gova Annasanskruti”, a book authored by Padma Shri awardee Shri Vinayak Khedekar, at the Mantralaya, Porvorim. The publication, released under the Department of Information & Publicity, delves into the richness of Goa’s culinary heritage, tracing traditional food practices and recipes that have been passed down through generations.

The event witnessed the presence of notable personalities including Information Officer DIP Shri Kiran Munankar and social worker and writer Smt. Shubhada Sawaikar. Through “Gova Annasanskruti”, readers can explore the cultural nuances of Goan cuisine, from local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to the stories behind popular dishes.

The book serves not only as a culinary guide but also as a cultural record, emphasizing the importance of preserving and celebrating Goa’s gastronomic traditions. Attendees lauded the effort, highlighting its potential to inspire both locals and tourists to appreciate the depth of Goan food culture.

By showcasing Goa’s vibrant culinary practices, the book reinforces the state’s identity as a hub of heritage, flavor, and tradition, ensuring that the legacy of its cuisine continues to be celebrated for generations to come.

Books & Literature

Art & Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar Releases “Perni Zagor” Book by Dr. Pandurang Phaldesai

Tanisha Cardozo

Art and Culture Minister Shri Ramesh Tawadkar released “Perni Zagor”, a book written by Dr. Pandurang Phaldesai, at a function organized by the Department of Art and Culture in Panaji. The event celebrated Goa’s vibrant cultural traditions and the continuing efforts to preserve its folk heritage through academic and creative works.

On the occasion, Minister Tawadkar felicitated Dr. Pandurang Phaldesai in recognition of his extensive contributions to the study and promotion of Goan culture. Dr. Phaldesai, a well-known cultural scholar and author, has worked for decades to document and promote various forms of Goan folk performance and traditions, with “Perni Zagor” being his latest contribution.

The event was attended by Director of Art and Culture Shri Vivek Naik and Deputy Director Shri Milind Mate, along with cultural enthusiasts and members of the artistic community. The book release underlined the Department’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing Goa’s artistic and cultural identity.

Through works like “Perni Zagor”, Dr. Phaldesai continues to bring attention to Goa’s traditional art forms, helping to ensure that future generations appreciate and preserve the region’s unique cultural heritage.

Human Interest

JCI Pilgao Elite Launches First Aarti Sangrah Booklet on Independence Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Pilgao, Goa – Celebrating both national pride and cultural preservation, JCI Pilgao Elite marked a significant milestone on Independence Day 2025 with the launch of its first Aarti Sangrah booklet. This spiritual compilation is a tribute to Goan religious traditions and was released amidst a gathering of esteemed dignitaries and community leaders.

The event was held in Pilgao in the gracious presence of:

  • JC Jayesh Valavalkar, President, JCI Pilgao Elite
  • Asmita Gauns, 1st Lady of JCI Zone 11
  • JC Sharmila Valavalkar, Sarpanch of Pilgao
  • Pravin Parab, Secretary of VP Piligao
  • Sanjay Nanda Falkar, Writer-Director
  • Ashvesh Gimonkar
  • Deepak Prabhu Gaonkar, President of Shantadurga Temple
  • JC Swati Naik Shirodkar, Secretary of JCI Pilgao Elite

A special highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the Aarti Sangrah booklet to Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, recognizing the community’s efforts in preserving spiritual literature and passing traditions to the next generation.

The initiative not only commemorated India’s 78th Independence Day but also highlighted the importance of cultural identity, spiritual continuity, and local leadership.

“The Aarti Sangrah is more than just a book — it’s a celebration of devotion and cultural pride,” said JC Jayesh Valavalkar.

This project marks a promising beginning for JCI Pilgao Elite’s cultural initiatives, reinforcing the organization’s mission to build better communities through service, leadership, and tradition.