Author Archives: Veena Patwardhan

How a sad Goan mando comforted Granny

Goan mando Surya Denvon Guelo: Sad but soothing “Baiye… Neena… to Am’recho Vellu mando mhunn go bai,” Mai said, pleading with me,  as she often did, to sing her favourite Goan mando Surya Denvon Guelo for her. That was in … Continue reading

Posted in Mando Magic | Tagged , | 10 Comments

10 Insomnia remedies from the experts

Simple tips for sound sleep Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you rue the fact that you can no longer sleep like a baby? Then it’s time to discover simple insomnia remedies from the experts and get rid of … Continue reading

Posted in Active Senior Years | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Goa Medical College: Illustrious alumni

Distinguished Alumni; Great Goans. Western medicine was practised and taught in Goa from as far back as around the end of the 16th century. But the Portuguese established the medical school – Escola Médico-Cirúrgica de Nova Goa (now called the … Continue reading

Posted in Viva Goa! | Tagged , | 8 Comments

My Goan mando video: Sontos bogta re jivako

A ‘happy’ Konkani mando Most of the Goan mandos are love songs expressing feelings of love and romance, yearning, separation, or disappointment in love. A small number are patriotic and express love for Goa, and a still smaller number just … Continue reading

Posted in Mando Magic, Videos | Tagged | Leave a comment

My Goan mando video – Istimosanv Rozachem

Istimosanv Rozachem: A popular Konkani mando This lovely Goan mando is sung by my brother Gladwyn Gomes and I. Guitar accompaniment: Gladwyn       The origins of the mando tradition can be traced back to around the mid-nineteenth century. … Continue reading

Posted in Videos | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The 1967 Goa Opinion Poll and Scotland’s Referendum

A tale of two referendums Today, the Scots will be using the power of a ballot referendum to answer the question: Should Scotland be an independent country? If more of them say “No” then Scotland will continue to be a … Continue reading

Posted in Viva Goa! | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Viva Goa Part 3: Story of the historic Goa Medical College

Goa Medical College: Where some of Asia’s first doctors studied Ever since Goa was made the permanent venue for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2004, each year in late November Bollywood bigwigs, international film personalities, and movie … Continue reading

Posted in Viva Goa! | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Goan mandos: The influence of church music

How church music led to the creation of the Goan mando “Aare, segund konn ghaltolo?” (Who’ll sing seconds?) a perturbed elderly gentleman from among the motley group of villagers assembled around the cross in front of our house in Chinchinim, … Continue reading

Posted in Mando Magic | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Earning money from freelance writing – 10

Writing for high-paying markets Finally, here it is. The tenth and last tutorial of my free online freelance writing course. This one has useful guidelines you’ll need once you’re all set to spread your wings as a freelance writer and … Continue reading

Posted in Freelance writing tutorials | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Earning money from freelance writing – 9

Seven rules for a successful freelance writing career A fundamental fact you have to accept if you want to have a successful freelance writing career is that not every great idea of yours will sweep editors off their feet. Meaning, … Continue reading

Posted in Freelance writing tutorials | Tagged , | 2 Comments