Tag: Goan Culture

Spotlight

Ramson Cardoso: Giving Voice to Life’s Most Special Moments

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

At just three years old, Ramson Cardoso stood in front of a crowd for the first time—unaware that this small step in Lower KG would spark a lifelong passion. It was Miss Margaret from St. Anthony High School, Monte de Guirim, who first entered his name into a Konkani singing competition. Young Ramson went home, told his mother, and together they picked an old hit song. He performed it, won first place, and unknowingly began walking the path of a performer.

The roots of performance ran deep in his maternal family, already immersed in Tiatrs and Zagors. Naturally, Ramson joined in, performing year after year and consistently winning competitions from Lower KG through to 10th standard.

But talent alone doesn’t guarantee success—especially when you come from a non-famous, non-industry background. “I’m not a nepotism kid,” Ramson says plainly. “I had no connections. But I had the support of my family.”

That support, combined with a relentless drive, became his foundation. During the COVID lockdown, he found both inspiration and a creative partner in Brendon. Together, they began writing comic duets that resonated with audiences. This phase helped Ramson sharpen his skills as a songwriter and performer—and gave him the confidence to explore more original work.

Soon, he began writing Kants for college Tiatr competitions and was regularly approached by family members to create custom songs for birthdays and special occasions. Thus began his journey into toast songs.

The Art of a Toast Song

A toast song is not just about rhyming lines—it’s about capturing someone’s essence. Ramson begins with listening—really listening—to the memories, milestones, and emotions a family shares about a loved one. Then he begins to shape the lyrics, compose the melody, and builds the entire production from scratch.

What sets him apart? He does it all. From songwriting, to shooting to editing the final video, Ramson is a one-man production house. “I’m a perfectionist,” he admits. “I like things done a certain way.” He even collaborates with clients to include personal touches like family images or references.

Some songs come together in hours, especially when he’s in “the zone.” One song, for example, was written at night, confirmed in the morning, recorded and shot by 4 PM, edited overnight, and released the next day. Most of his work features original lyrics and melodies, though occasionally he finds inspiration from trending tunes—as in the case of Mogachem Ful, which borrowed from the popular Maan Meri Jaan.

Despite tight deadlines, writer’s block, and the emotional pressure of translating people’s lives into song, Ramson finds joy in creating music that connects. “People tell me my songs made them cry or gave them goosebumps—that’s what makes it worth it.”

The Busy Season and Beyond

Between October and February, the pace is relentless. It’s the peak time for weddings, events, and tiatrs, and Ramson juggles back-to-back projects. But he thrives under pressure—it fuels his creativity.

His academic background in Theatre Arts also deepened his understanding of storytelling and performance. Today, at just 23, he feels more confident in his craft than ever before.

If his life were a Tiatr, he says, it would be called ‘The Ba***ds of Tiatr,’ and he would play himself.

He doesn’t have a favorite song. “All my songs are special in their own way,” he says. But if you had to describe Ramson Cardoso in just three words? Talented. Systematic. Perfectionist.

And perhaps, that’s all you really need to know.

EduConnect

Goan Scholars Present Groundbreaking Research on Dhaalo at International Conference in Germany

Tanisha Cardozo

In a moment of pride for Goa’s academic and cultural communities, Assistant Professors Dr. Tanvi Bambolkar and Ms. Gauravi Khaunte from the Government College, Quepem, Goa, presented their collaborative research at one of the world’s most esteemed academic forums — the 28th European Conference for South Asian Studies (ECSAS) held in Heidelberg, Germany.

Their paper, titled “Expression, Agency, Identity: Studying Dhaalo, A Gender Exclusive Folk Dance of Goa,” was part of a specially curated panel that attracted 32 abstract submissions from across the globe. Only eight papers were selected for presentation, making their inclusion a significant academic milestone. This recognition not only highlights the scholarly depth of their work but also puts the spotlight on a lesser-known Goan cultural form on a global platform.

Dhaalo is a traditional folk performance in Goa, practiced exclusively by women, often during festivals or community gatherings. Dr. Bambolkar and Ms. Khaunte’s research delves deep into the significance of this art form — examining it as a space where Goan women express themselves, negotiate collective and personal identity, and assert agency within the boundaries of tradition and community. Their analysis situates Dhaalo within the broader discourse of gender studies and performance theory, drawing connections between folklore, cultural continuity, and social structures.

Presenting at ECSAS — one of the most prestigious conferences for South Asian Studies — allowed their research to reach an international audience of leading scholars, anthropologists, and cultural historians. The conference serves as a critical platform for new research in South Asia’s diverse cultures, and their participation reflects the increasing global relevance of regional and local traditions in academic dialogue.

This achievement also demonstrates the potential of collaborative research from state-run institutions in India to contribute meaningfully to international academic forums. Their presentation is not only a personal academic success but a cultural milestone that brings Goan folk traditions — particularly those centered on women’s expression — into a global scholarly conversation.

Goan Personalities

Hon’ble CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Performs Ayudha Pooja on Vijaya Dashami

Tanisha Cardozo

On the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami, Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant performed the traditional Ayudha Pooja, a ceremony that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance across India. The ritual, symbolizing the worship of instruments and tools of one’s trade, is a celebration of dedication, gratitude, and the pursuit of righteousness.

As part of the celebrations, the Chief Minister extended his warmest greetings to the people of Goa. In his message, he wished every Goan family strength, prosperity, and joy, praying that the spirit of Dussehra inspires renewed determination and unity.

Vijaya Dashami, also known as Dussehra, marks the victory of good over evil and is one of the most important festivals in the Indian cultural calendar. Dr. Sawant emphasized the importance of preserving and celebrating such traditions that reinforce our shared values and heritage.

The ceremony was a reminder of the state’s rich cultural fabric and the role that traditions play in guiding public life and governance with a sense of purpose and devotion.

The Chief Minister’s participation in the rituals underscored his deep connection to the cultural ethos of Goa and his continued commitment to leading the state with strength and spiritual grounding.

Sports

Goan Carrom Cup 2025 Unites Goan Community in London with Sport and Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

London, 28th September 2025 — The Goan Carrom Cup 2025 brought together Goans from across the United Kingdom in a spirited celebration of sports, community, and cultural identity. Organised by the Goan Sports Club U.K. and hosted at the Social Sports Bar in Hounslow, the tournament turned into a vibrant gathering that highlighted the unity, diversity, and enduring spirit of the Goan diaspora.

Now in its fifth event within just one year of its formation, the Goan Sports Club U.K. continues to provide a much-needed platform for Goans living abroad to stay connected through sports and shared heritage. This year’s carrom tournament drew 24 participants in the singles category and 12 teams for the doubles, creating a lively and engaging environment throughout the day.

In the singles matches, Rose Rebello emerged as the champion, with Khader Xec finishing as runner-up. The doubles competition was equally intense, with John D’cunha and Elroy Carvalho taking home the title, and the pair of Rose Rebello and Myron Fernandes finishing in second place. The event not only highlighted individual skill but also the camaraderie and teamwork deeply rooted in the Goan ethos.

Prizes were presented by Mr. Malcolm Silveira, who commended the Goan Sports Club U.K. for their commitment to fostering community through events that go beyond competition — events that bring people of all faiths, generations, and regions together under the shared banner of Goan identity.

The Goan Carrom Cup 2025 was more than a tournament. It was a celebration — of who Goans are, of what they carry with them wherever they go, and of the connections that continue to thrive across borders through culture, community, and sport.

Human Interest

Sanjeev Sardesai Warns: “Forget Your Heritage, and It Will Be Wiped Out”

Tanisha Cardozo

“If one doesn’t respect their heritage and lets it slip away, then there is every possibility that a foreign culture comes in and wipes out the original culture,” said Sanjeev Sardesai, heritage promoter and cultural storyteller, during a compelling session of the Centenary Lecture Series organised by Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Panaji.

Speaking on the theme ‘Unknown Goa, Unknown Goenkar’, Sardesai underlined that heritage is not just about the physical — it includes every intangible tradition passed down over generations. From culinary styles and farming rituals to language and daily customs, he stressed that ignoring these cultural markers leaves communities vulnerable to cultural erosion.

To illustrate, Sardesai referred to a carved stone outside a cemetery in St. Inez that lies neglected despite its historic value. He lamented the lack of brochures and credible information for the millions of tourists who come to Goa but leave without a deeper understanding of its soul.

Sardesai traced Goa’s cultural mosaic with historical anecdotes, including how the Portuguese were aided by the villagers of Taleigao in 1510 after nearly perishing at sea. That single act led to a yearly harvest ritual still observed today — a living tradition that has endured five centuries.

He highlighted Goa’s unique natural heritage as well. From the flame-throated bulbul (Goa’s state bird) to the Terminalia eliptica or crocodile bark tree, Sardesai connected ecology to cultural identity. He shared that this particular tree can provide drinking water in emergencies — a little-known fact that hints at its life-sustaining powers.

Turning to monuments, Sardesai explored the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji and how it came to house the second heaviest bell in Goa. Originally from the St. Augustine’s Convent, the bell was temporarily housed at the Aguada Fort before making its way to Panaji when the lighthouse was modernized. These silent relics, he argued, have powerful stories that remain largely untold.

Sardesai concluded with a call to action: Goans must fiercely protect both their monuments and their memories. “Until and unless our roots are strong, you will not get a good tree, nor will you get good fruits,” he said. “You must understand that heritage is something which is part of our life.”