Tag: book-reviews

Books & Literature

Parra’s First-Ever Book Chronicles the Soul of a Quintessential Goan Village

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Parra, the quaint and age-old village located just outside Mapusa in North Goa, will soon see its story preserved in print with the release of Parra: The Quintessential Goan Village, the first book dedicated entirely to the village. Authored by Cosme Lobo, a former English and Mathematics teacher and a well-known local resident, the book is an attempt to record the memories, traditions and cultural identity of Parra at a time when the countryside is rapidly changing.

Through its winding lanes, age-old fields and lived experiences, the book takes readers on a nostalgic journey into the heart of Parra. Lobo revisits the village’s heritage, traditional lifestyles and landmarks that shaped its identity over generations. He presents a concise history and geography of Parra, Verla and Canca, the three original aldeias collectively known in the past by the acronym ‘PVC’.

Highlighting the spirit of religious harmony, the author writes about the earliest place of worship known as the ‘Deusan’, where people of different faiths continue to gather in reverence of the lord of all creation. He also documents a small dome-shaped chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross, believed to have once been devoted to Brahmadevi Khelbika Laxmi Mata. Despite changes in religious affiliation over time, the site remains a shared space of prayer for both Hindus and Christians.

The book walks readers through Parra’s temples, chapels and the St Anne’s Church, which continue to be central to village life. It pays tribute to the hardworking farmers for whom Parra has long been synonymous with its famous watermelons, while also recalling the toddy-tappers of the past, noted musicians, sports personalities, freedom fighters and community leaders who shaped the village’s destiny.

In more recent times, Parra has gained widespread recognition for its iconic Madanni road lined with coconut palms, now a popular spot for photography. At the end of this road stands the church, often compared to Rome’s Sistine Chapel for its painted ceiling and fresco-lined corridors. The village is also home to one of Goa’s earliest English medium schools, Sacred Heart School, founded in 1912, along with institutions such as the Comunidade, which played a vital role in cooperative farming, planned water bodies and flood prevention through carefully constructed bunds and lanes.

Lobo also documents Parra’s religious institutions, including temples dedicated to Lord Bodgeshwar, Sateri Verlekarin Devi, Shree Nagnath Mahadev Prasanna, Shree Vishwati Vishweshwar Shivshankar and Shree Varad Siddhivinayak Mandir, the latter being well known for its Sarvajanik Ganesh Festival. Cultural traditions such as the singing of Moteti during Lent, Saint John’s festivities marked by well-jumping and gumot playing, and weddings once held under mollam pandals are vividly recalled.

The book also shines a light on present-day trendsetters from Parra, including coconut shell artists, a reviver of the mollam craft, a Hollywood actor and a young woman aircraft pilot. It acknowledges the village’s sporting legacy, noting athletes and players who excelled in football, hockey and athletics, alongside the contributions of freedom fighters and political leaders.

Parra: The Quintessential Goan Village will be released on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, during the Festival of Stars at the Parra Tinto. The foreword is written by Parra parish priest Fr Pedro da Gama, who appreciates Lobo’s dedication to documenting the village’s legacy. The book is published by Goa,1556, marking an important milestone in preserving Parra’s cultural memory for future generations.

Human Interest

Goa Police Officers Honoured with ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ for Exemplary Service

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Police has reason to celebrate as two of its distinguished officers — DySP Vishwesh Karpe and Police Inspector Laxi Amonkar — have been conferred with the ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’, a national award recognizing exceptional performance and professional excellence in policing.

DySP Vishwesh Karpe has been honoured in the field of Investigation for his outstanding leadership and meticulous supervision in solving a sensational murder case involving a minor boy under the jurisdiction of Calangute Police Station. The case, which had gripped public attention, demanded precise coordination, evidence handling, and strategic investigation. Under Karpe’s direction, the team ensured that justice was swiftly and decisively served. His approach to investigative work — marked by thoroughness, empathy, and commitment to truth — exemplifies the highest standards of policing.

Police Inspector Laxi Amonkar was recognised in the field of Intelligence for his significant role in one of Goa’s most impactful narcotics operations. His timely and actionable intelligence led to a successful NDPS raid, resulting in the seizure of narcotic substances valued at ₹43 crores. The operation not only disrupted a major drug network but also reinforced the Goa Police’s continued efforts to combat the drug menace with precision and resolve. PI Amonkar’s contribution reflects the vital importance of intelligence-led policing and inter-departmental coordination in addressing organised crime.

The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak is one of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ distinguished recognitions for police personnel across India. It acknowledges officers who demonstrate exceptional efficiency, commitment, and professionalism in their respective fields — from investigation and intelligence to law and order, community service, and technological innovation.

For Goa Police, this recognition marks a proud moment of institutional excellence. Both officers embody the ethos of the force — integrity, diligence, and service before self. Their achievements highlight the tireless work that goes on behind the scenes in maintaining law and order, ensuring justice, and safeguarding the community.

The honour also serves as an inspiration to young officers across India, reaffirming that dedication and ethical conduct are the cornerstones of effective policing. Whether it’s cracking complex criminal cases or disrupting high-value narcotics operations, officers like DySP Vishwesh Karpe and PI Laxi Amonkar remind us that excellence in law enforcement begins with a deep sense of duty and purpose.

As Goa celebrates this national recognition, it stands as a testament to the professionalism and unwavering commitment of its police force — men and women who serve not just with authority, but with integrity and heart.

rip

Baek Se-hee, Author of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, Dies at 35

Tanisha Cardozo

Baek Se-hee, the South Korean author of the internationally acclaimed memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, has died at the age of 35. Known for her candid exploration of mental health and her ability to articulate the quiet inner conflicts that many face, Baek leaves behind a legacy of honesty, empathy, and cultural impact.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DP8SkZ6AeTw/

Her 2018 book, which was originally published in Korean, quickly became a cultural touchstone. Composed of a series of real conversations with her psychiatrist, the book offered readers a rare and unfiltered look into the daily struggles of living with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). In doing so, Baek challenged social stigmas and gave language to thoughts and feelings that often remain unspoken.

The memoir struck a powerful chord with readers not just in South Korea, but globally. Following its English translation in 2022, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki became a bestseller in over 25 countries, selling more than a million copies worldwide. Its title—juxtaposing despair with a craving for a beloved Korean street food—embodied the paradoxes of life with mental illness: the desire to give up, yet also the impulse to hold on for the small joys.

The circumstances surrounding Baek’s death remain unclear. However, in a statement released by the Korean Organ Donation Agency, it was revealed that Baek had donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys—saving five lives in the process. Her final act reflects the deep compassion that marked both her life and work. A message from her sister included in the statement said Baek “wanted to share her heart with others through her work, and to inspire hope.”

In a world where silence around mental health is often the norm, Baek Se-hee wrote with courage and clarity. Her words made readers feel less alone. Her story became a mirror for many, especially young people navigating similar emotional terrains. Her book was not only a success in sales, but a rare example of how literature can serve as both a confessional and a collective healing space.

As tributes pour in from readers, authors, and mental health advocates, Baek’s work continues to resonate. Her passing is a significant loss to global literature and the mental health community, but her impact will live on in the hearts of readers she moved and lives she saved.