Tag: Literature

Events in Goa

MOG Sunday: Goa Writers Redefine Desire Beyond Beaches

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji: Moving beyond the familiar imagery that often defines Goa in the public imagination, a recent MOG Sunday session at the Museum of Goa brought together writers to explore how desire shapes contemporary life in the state. The discussion centred on Appetite: New Writing from Goa, an anthology of essays, short stories and poems that attempts to present a more layered and intimate portrait of Goa.

Edited by Shivranjana Rathore and Tino de Sa and published by Penguin Random House India, the anthology brings together voices connected to Goa, each interpreting the idea of “appetite” in deeply personal and varied ways. While the theme might initially evoke food, the conversation quickly expanded into broader territories of longing — for love, land, belonging, power and identity.

Opening the discussion, the editors reflected on how appetite is not merely about hunger, but about the deeper emotional and social currents that shape people’s lives. Rathore explained that the theme emerged organically within the group, yet strongly reflects the current moment in Goa. She spoke about a widespread “hunger for Goa” that exists both within and outside the state, influencing how it is experienced, imagined and sometimes contested.

Importantly, the editors clarified that the anthology does not attempt to define Goan identity in a fixed way. Instead, by focusing on intimate narratives and lived experiences, it resists the tendency to package Goa into a singular, consumable image. This approach shifts attention away from the familiar tropes of beaches, food and tourism, offering readers a more nuanced and human perspective.

Rathore also highlighted how the collection captures different layers of time, with contributors moving between past, present and imagined futures. This sense of temporality allows the anthology to reflect Goa’s ongoing transformations — from migration and changing livelihoods to evolving aspirations — without prescribing a singular narrative.

The discussion also touched on the broader role of literature in today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming media landscape. Describing the present as a “hyper-propaganda era,” Rathore suggested that writing offers a way to slow down and engage more thoughtfully with reality. By documenting lived experiences, literature creates space for reflection rather than reaction.

Co-editor Tino de Sa added another dimension to the conversation by describing appetite as cyclical and ever-evolving. Using metaphors from his own work, he suggested that desires enter and exit people’s lives, only to return in new forms, shaped by time and circumstance.

For readers in Goa, the anthology hopes to offer a sense of recognition, reflecting everyday realities such as community expectations, work in the tourism economy and shifting ideas of belonging. For those outside the state, it challenges simplified perceptions and invites a deeper engagement with Goa as a lived, complex space.

As the conversation at the Museum of Goa demonstrated, there is far more to the state than its postcard image. Through stories rooted in personal experience and collective memory, Appetite: New Writing from Goa opens up a richer, more layered understanding of a place that continues to evolve beyond its stereotypes.

Events in Goa

Goa Book Festival 2026 Draws 1.25 Lakh Visitors, Sets a New Chapter for Literary Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The first edition of the Goa Book Festival 2026 concluded on Sunday, 8 February, at the DB Bandodkar Grounds, Panaji, marking a significant milestone in Goa’s cultural and literary landscape. Held from 4 to 8 February under the theme “An Ocean of Books”, the festival attracted an impressive footfall of over 1.25 lakh visitors over five days, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for books, reading, and meaningful dialogue across age groups.

Readers, writers, publishers, educators, students, and families came together for a packed programme that blended literature with cinema, history, spirituality, language, music, and art. One of the highlights of the final day was the session “The Many Lives of Sachin Pilgaonkar”, where the veteran actor-director reflected on language, cinema, and the role reading played in shaping his creative journey. Sharing anecdotes from his early years, he spoke about learning spoken Urdu under the guidance of Meena Kumari, refining Marathi with support from his wife and Ashok Saraf, and memorable moments from films like Sholay and Brahmachari. He concluded the session with a soulful rendition of “Kaun Disha Mein Leke Chala”, leaving the audience visibly moved.

Spiritual leader and author Acharya Prashant, in his session “Understanding the Self in Everyday Life”, addressed the deep dissatisfaction many experience in modern life. He spoke candidly about how people often chase validation and material markers rather than true inner satisfaction, encouraging introspection and honesty as pathways to lasting fulfilment.

The Author’s Corner remained a vibrant space for ideas and dialogue throughout the day. Events included the prize distribution ceremony for the photography competition themed “Goa: Festival & Culture”, a book release by noted Konkani writer Vithal Gavde (Parvadkar), and a panel discussion on the development of the Konkani language featuring eminent speakers from literary and academic circles. Conversations on education, ancient wisdom, and multilingual poetry further enriched the programme.

The Children’s Corner emerged as a major attraction, with nearly 500 students participating in interactive storytelling, folk dance and music performances, creative design sessions, and introductions to digital reading platforms like the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. Sessions celebrating Goa’s revived Kaavi Art drew enthusiastic participation from both children and parents, blending learning with hands-on creativity.

Evenings at the festival resonated with music and performance, culminating on the final day with an enthralling set by Kerala-based indie band Shanka Tribe, whose fusion of tribal rhythms and contemporary sounds created an immersive experience for audiences.

Across five days, the festival hosted conversations with prominent journalists, historians, filmmakers, legal experts, philosophers, authors, actors, and even an astronaut, ensuring wide-ranging engagement across disciplines. The book fair, featuring over 250 stalls from more than 100 publishers, remained abuzz throughout, with visitors exploring books in English, Konkani, Marathi, and several other Indian languages.

With strong participation, vibrant discussions, and a warm response from readers of all ages, the Goa Book Festival 2026 has laid the foundation for a lasting literary tradition in the state—one where books, ideas, and communities continue to meet and grow together.

Events in Goa

Phirse Kitaab: GIO Goa’s Statewide Reading Movement Culminates in a Vibrant Literature Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO), a socio-educational organisation of young women committed to the moral and intellectual reconstruction of society, successfully concluded its statewide reading and literacy campaign ‘Phirse Kitaab’ with a vibrant Literature Festival in Goa. Rooted in GIO’s vision of nurturing informed, thoughtful and socially responsible individuals, the initiative reaffirmed the enduring relevance of books in an increasingly digital world.

Conducted from 7th to 27th December 2025, Phirse Kitaab unfolded as a twenty-day reading movement that reached children, youth, parents and educators across the state. Through school sessions, parenting interactions and educator dialogues, the campaign encouraged reading beyond academic requirements and highlighted its role as a lifelong habit essential for intellectual growth and social awareness. Read-aloud sessions, reading retreats, meet-the-author interactions, library visits and informal corner meets allowed participants to engage with books in reflective and community-driven spaces, reinforcing the idea that reading flourishes when it becomes part of everyday life.

The culmination of the campaign was marked by the Phirse Kitaab Literature Festival held on 27th December 2025, which brought together readers, writers, educators and families in a shared celebration of literature and dialogue. The festival featured discussions on creating student-centric libraries, with insights shared by Elijah D’Souza of Booktique Goa, and a thought-provoking panel on literature as a tool for social change. Moderated by Shoib Shaikh, the panel explored how literature shapes social consciousness, preserves collective memory and encourages critical engagement, with active participation from the audience.

Storytelling and creative sessions highlighted the emotional and imaginative power of stories across age groups, while art-based literacy activities enabled participants to express ideas through collaborative drawing and book design. Children, students and families engaged in interactive sessions that demonstrated the cognitive, emotional and developmental benefits of reading, while parents and educators explored research-backed strategies to build strong reading habits at home.

The festival also celebrated linguistic and literary diversity through an open poetry recital featuring works in English, Hindi, Marathi and Konkani, bringing together emerging voices and established poets. A lively literacy activity corner featuring poetry boards, blackout poetry, silent reading zones and thematic displays tracing the origins of books across cultures drew significant interest and participation.

The concluding programme marked a significant milestone with the launch of books by six emerging Goan authors, who shared reflections on their creative journeys and read excerpts from their works. Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Damodar Mauzo urged writers to write with sincerity, promote local languages and practice discernment in reading, while GIO Goa’s leadership reiterated that Phirse Kitaab is not a one-time event but the beginning of a sustained reading movement across the state.

Through Phirse Kitaab, GIO Goa reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening a culture of reading, reflection and dialogue. By engaging communities across generations, the campaign demonstrated that books remain powerful tools for personal growth, social awareness and meaningful change, laying the foundation for a more thoughtful and literate society.

Events in Goa

Contemporary Goan Writing Explores Identity, Land, and Inclusion at MOG Sundays

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Contemporary Goan writing and art are navigating pressing questions of belonging, land, language, and social inclusion amid a period of rapid change, according to writers and poets at a recent MOG Sunday discussion at the Museum of Goa (MOG). The session focused on The Brave New World of Goan Writing & Art 2025, an anthology that brings together fiction, essays, and art criticism spanning Konkani and Portuguese works in translation, queer narratives, and reflections by artists, curators, researchers, and heritage practitioners.

The discussion featured contributors Heta Pandit, Janeita Singh, Annie Sengupta, and Glenis Mendonca, in conversation with moderator Aaron Monteiro. Conversations explored the cultural significance of Goan homes, the role of informal community spaces, and notions of public responsibility, while also delving into the complex identities of contemporary Goan artists who navigate multiple cultural worlds. The anthology highlights the value of retaining untranslatable words, documenting environmental and social transformations, and bringing historically marginalised narratives around caste, gender, and queer communities into the spotlight.

Speakers emphasised that translation, documentation, and critical engagement are crucial for sustaining Goa’s rich and diverse cultural voices during a time of rapid transformation. The discussion reflected a vision of Goan identity that embraces complexity, hybridity, and inclusivity, positioning literature and art as vital tools for understanding and shaping the state’s evolving cultural landscape.

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Udant Honors Six Goan Icons on International Men’s Day, Celebrates the Spirit of Positive Masculinity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Udant marked International Men’s Day with an inspiring celebration that brought together distinguished achievers, dignitaries, artists, and well-wishers in an evening dedicated to honoring the evolving narrative of masculinity. The event emphasized that true strength lies not in dominance but in empathy, kindness, and the courage to remain authentic. The program commenced with the traditional Lighting of the Lamp by Chief Guest Mrs. Smita Patil, Chairperson of CII IWN, the Guest of Honor Capt. Rajesh Yadav—recently crowned Mr. India 2025 in the Senior Category—alongside former awardees and the Udant organizing team. Their collective presence gave the evening a solemn yet uplifting beginning. Children from the Udant Centre set an emotional tone for the evening with a heartfelt welcome song, followed by a warm musical interlude by young guitarist Master Mathias, whose performance received enthusiastic applause.

The atmosphere grew more celebratory as Udant felicitated six remarkable Goan icons whose dedication and achievements have significantly shaped Goa’s cultural and social identity. Mr. Vinayak Khedekar was honored for his lifelong work as an eminent writer and folklorist, preserving the essence of Goan tradition through his insightful research and literary brilliance. Mr. Damodar Mauzo, an acclaimed author known for his fearless storytelling, was recognized for his monumental contribution to literature and his ability to portray the soul of Goa with striking authenticity. Mr. Siddhant Mulgaonkar Patil received the award for Inspirational Spirit, a testament to his resilience and commitment to transforming personal struggle into purposeful expression through writing and thought leadership.

Filmmaker and digital creator Mr. Mario Pimenta was celebrated for his innovative storytelling and ability to reach and inspire audiences across borders through social media. Dr. Pravin Gaonkar was recognized for his pivotal role as an Indian Classical Musician and educator, committed to nurturing young talents and preserving rich musical traditions. Acclaimed fashion visionary Mr. Praveen Saldanha, known as Monty Sally, was honored for his creative excellence in transforming narratives into distinctive couture, making a notable mark in the world of fashion.

The evening also witnessed the presence of former awardees, including renowned musician and composer Mr. Roque Lazarus and ace fashion photographer Mr. Prasad Pankar, whose attendance reaffirmed the lasting bond between Udant and the individuals it has honored over the years. Their presence added depth and continuity to the event’s spirit of mentorship and community. As the evening drew to a close, Mrs. Rahila Khan delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, awardees, performers, and guests who contributed to making the occasion truly memorable. The program concluded with a soulful performance by Scully Patricia Fernandes, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of joy, reflection, and appreciation.

Guests ended the evening with refreshments generously sponsored by Taj Cidade de Goa and Taj Vivanta Panjim, along with tea and vadas prepared by the chefs of Ddhyana – the wellness centre. The celebration not only honored outstanding individuals but also reaffirmed Udant’s commitment to fostering positive masculinity and recognizing those who uplift society with creativity, compassion, and courage.