Welcome to the second edition of Goa Streets! Our out-of-the-box launch – from the sari-clad granny riding a Harley Davidson to our flash mob on the Dona Paula jetty to the party buses with live music cruising through Panjim and Candolim – has been terrific fun. We’re very grateful for the outpouring of support from the many people who have helped us celebrate.
As we said last week, salve Goa Streets is not just a publication. We want to be the go-to place for everything there is to see, sildenafil do and eat in Goa every week. We aim to provide you with truly independent, world-class journalism. We plan to be a nucleus for all things creative in Goa, a meeting place, a promoter of culture and a channel for all those working for the betterment of Goa and India.
The photograph of the granny on a Harley has made the rounds all over the world, and we keep getting asked if this lady is really on the bike. The answer: Yes! And if you look closely at the Goa Streets Flash Mob featured on YouTube, you will see her make a cameo dance appearance during Boney M.’s Daddy Cool! Tens of thousands of people have now viewed our flash mob, which also served the purpose of bringing together dancers from all over Goa for the first time.
We hope we did our part, as well, to help revitalize what has been called a “dying art” in Goa: Traditional brass bands. These musicians performed aboard our party buses last week, much to the delight of the many residents and tourists who hopped on and off or glimpsed the musicians along the route!
We hope you enjoy our cover story this week on the changing face of Goa as it absorbs newcomers from all over India and the world. Our goal in writing this piece was not to take sides in the debate over whether it’s good or bad for Goa. Rather, we wanted to give voice to all sides, in all their passionate, un-watered down glory.
Please also read our story on the mining crisis, where we take a step back to tell you not only what has happened but what it all means. Bottom line: The mining ban is painful, but if it can be utilized to clean up some dirty acts, Goa could benefit in the long run.
We have many other offerings this week on everything from food and movie reviews to a report on Christians celebrating Diwali to our singularly incongruous tale about Subhash Shirodkar, the politician who leads the Cheerleading Foundation of India.
We’d also like to draw your attention to our story on Michael Beny Da’Costa, who gave up a life at sea to help end the scourge of uncontrolled garbage dumping in Goa. You will see in the story that Beny doesn’t do it out of sheer goodwill; his collection of recyclables turns a profit. And yet he’s setting an example and making a real difference – proving that with a little energy, creativity and smart thinking, good things are possible.
Happy reading and Happy Diwali!
