The Perceptionist.....

Fifteen years ago, I was asked by my school teacher to give a 1-minute speech for the English class. Those days, it felt terrifying to be called upon in-front of the class to deliver such speech. The topic was about myself – more or less like the ice-breakers we deliver here at the Toastmasters. Being in a school and the ‘studious environment’, I worked with my mother to put together a short speech about myself just to accommodate in for the 1 minute that was allotted to me. I was called upon by the English teacher to deliver the speech in front of the class. As soon as I came on stage to recite my speech, my mind started to freeze. I felt like things were just blanking out for no fault of my own. As I started to speak about myself – in that fit of nervousness, I forgot what I had to say next. I was perplexed and confused on how to handle the situation. At that moment, when I had forgotten the rest of my speech, I stood there saying….Um…Eh very loudly not knowing what to say next. And...

A new day has arrived in the horizon! As I take a stroll on the village roads - I am taken aback by an enigmatic surprise. Well, it turns out that I now have - new neighbours. As I recall the days strolling the village roads alone in the village - reminiscing the stillness, peacefulness and cacophany of birds that could be heard in the backyard, I feel a great sense of nostalgia. I had to trade-off some of the beautiful bounties of nature that were exclusive to this vaddo to pave the way for the new-comers. I feel partly happy whilst sad as I miss some of the unique parrots with long tail beaks that I would spot at day time on a huge tree. This tree, was not just any tree - it was a cotton tree. It stood in between my house and other houses in the vicinity and provided shelter to other creatures. During the summer months, pink coloured flowers would spring out from its branches and colour the village pathway with its beautiful petals. It was a trove of the neighbourhoods ...

It's 23rd December. As I shutdown for the day in the Emirates with few cheers and a goodbye to fellow colleagues, my mind goes back to the Christmas mood that has enlightened my mind - of the last time I was in Goa. With a warm welcome and open arms, I stood there welcomed by throngs of villagers strolling from afar. They rush hurriedly exclaiming with joy, on meeting their betrothed son who has not seen them for ages since he last left the countryside. Singing the traditional carols, they come in a big procession with candles lit and Christmas caps to bring in the festive cheer and spirit of the season. Its also common for families to share some of their home-made sweets with the carol singers who go from house to house in the vaddo to keep the spirits alive in the neighbourhood. I also recall, on the 24th, Christmas Eve - this is the day one must not miss out on - the All Goa Carol Singing competition. This is but one event held on a grand scale in Parra that brings all the bands...

In the heart of the Al Yarmouk church neighbourhood, there is a man selling inflatable balloons on the side walk. With a broad smile on his face - he is a true beacon of hope, always spreading joy to all the passersby as they make their way for the weekly Sunday service. Surviving on meagre income from the sale of balloons, he often greets us as we make our way  for the service. He never fails to enquire as to our health as he greets us though we never purchase any of his balloons.  Days and months have gone by as we have kept meeting him every Sunday evening before mass. One day, as we entered the church gate - I was as usual on the lookout out for him. The spot was completely empty - a blank pavement with passersby coming to and fro from the church. At that moment, I was in a state of thoughtfulness. I wondered where this individual could be or where he may have gone. Weeks and months passed, and we could still not see him. We then decided to keep him in our prayers - hopi...

How many of you have ever been on an adventure that completely changed the your view towards life? One moment, you’re having fun, and the next, you’re questioning everything. That’s exactly what happened to me two years ago on a trip to Musandam.  It was one of those great moments – calm waters, blue skies and excitement of trying something new. One of the activities was the banana boat ride. Now, if you haven’t tried it before, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a banana-shaped boat tied to a speedboat that drags you across the water at high speed… until it flips, sending everyone crashing into the sea. I was excited. I had never done something this adventurous before. The ride started, and within minutes, we were flying across the waves.The boat sailed for a span of 15 to 20 minutes in high speed, when all of sudden – Swooooooooshhhhhh! The rope tied to the banana boat was left lose. I clung to my life jacket as if it were the only thing  keeping me alive, my fingers...

Below is an excerpt of my article on Goanisation that just got published today on OHERALDO and can also be access here at:   https://www.heraldgoa.in/edit/people-edit/goan-isation-the-path-towards-a-better-economy/417485