Pampered pooches

Maylyn and Carlos Gonzalves do not spare much expense when it comes to their four adorable pet Pugs (a breed of dog). Bappa and Ie have been a part of the family for four years, whilst Koila and Kajol are the new additions, just five months old.

This husband-wife duo are wholly committed to taking the best care of their loyal friends and in doing so, go out of their way to provide a home that is as good as it gets.

“We give them everything. If my husband and I do not spoil them rotten, then their carer or my other family members treat them like royalty,” says Maylyn.

“The dogs follow our daily routine. They wake up with us in the morning and take an afternoon siesta when I do. Despite them having their own cane cots, the rascals always manage to slip into our bed.

Apart from their weekly bath, they are sponged twice a day. We even condition their fur.

In fact, we have engaged a boy to look after them. In addition to washing, cleaning and feeding the dogs, he also changes their bed linen, daily,” discloses the doting owner.

Lap of luxury

As one can see, these dogs truly live in the lap of luxury. They are even provided with air conditioning during the scorching summer whilst simply traveling or just lazing about the house.

Although the selection of pet luxury products is endless, Goa, au contraire, lacks variety when it comes to pet food, toys and apparel.

“Besides ‘Puppy Love’ (a pet store) in Mapusa, there is no choice here. Mumbai, on the other hand has everything,” says Gonzalves.

She continues, “Whenever a family member visits Mumbai, it is imperative for them to stop at a store dealing in luxury pet products and bring back doggy treats with them to Goa.

I pamper my pets with trendy outfits and visit children’s stores to pick out clothes for them. Bappa is dressed in T-shirts and shorts, whilst Ie wears halters and panties.”

As regards to their diet and general health, “they are fed on Royal Canine, a top quality dog chow. Apart from this, they receive their daily dose of vitamins and have monthly check-ups at Dr. Marilyn’s.”

To top the icing off on the cake, these lucky Pugs have their birthdays celebrated every year. Presents and a cake with their names plastered across it, make its way into the party.

When asked about entering their canines into shows, Maylyn replies, “I took them for a dog show in Panjim once, but the weather was unbearably hot for them.

Although I receive a large amount of invitations, I turn them down. I am quite content with my pets and do not need to show them off.”

 

From scribbling on walls to excellence

Nicky Thomas, a down-to-earth contemporary Indian artist, based in Goa, speaks his mind about his art, inspiration and marketing.

Nicky Thomas, an eminent artist in Goa’s art circle, has been residing here for nearly a decade. Originally from Kerala, he spent several years in different parts of Northern India.

He reveals, “During my stay in Delhi, I would often holiday in Goa. However, it was never a happy feeling going back to a town I didn’t like. Around 1999, my wife and I decided to trade it in for Goa.”

He says that towards the end of his stay in Delhi, his art exhibited the turmoil and restlessness brewing within. Delhi was just not the spot for him.

At present, he resides in Saligao and is involved in graphics and print making (monoprints, woodcut), in addition to painting.

His artistic creations have been exhibited at numerous shows in Delhi, as well as at the Fontainhas Art exhibition and Art house in Goa.

Art talk

Nicky elaborates on his art technique, “Goa is a great place to derive visual inspiration. For me, art is about people. My work is very down to earth and I am opposed to this whole gallery culture.

I do not commercialise my art. People come to me and ask if they can display it or if I could design posters or hand paint T-shirts for them.

A sample of Indian Popular Art; Source: Wikipedia

I do Indian Popular Art (Pop Art), emphasising the banal elements of our culture. Pop art targets a broad audience, marking the return to sharp paintwork and representational art.

Stencilling, one of the earliest known techniques, allows me to create a limited amount of pictures and enables me to experiment with colour.

People are definitely able to pick-up on the ideas portrayed in my paintings. They are able to appreciate the funny side of it. I play with typography, as I like ‘type’ to be a part of art. I also like to incorporate humour in my work.

My paintings are not very big in size, so people can hang them up on their staircases or in the kitchen,” informs this artist on the rise.

Fine Art Training

Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU), Baroda, Department of Fine Arts is known the world over as the cradle for art expression in India. Being a part of this vibrant community exposed Nicky to a diverse creative interaction.

Later, he completed his Masters at the prestigious National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad.

He says, “In my opinion, attending a fine art school is important to a large extent. It gives you a foundation to do art and to stand on your feet.”

He continues, “Many a time, an artist can face a block for various reasons. For me, this is resolved when I see something I like. I could be passing by a ‘chai’ (tea) or juice shop and notice that their sides have drawings on them. It is this ‘naiveness’ that brings the humour out of it.”

Nicky’s earlier projects were environment-related. “Greenpeace; Down to Earth and India Magazine are some places that I have worked at. I have also done logos for organisations like People for Animals and The Organic Farming Association of India.

Apart from these, I have designed book covers for Birds of Goa; Backyard Birds of South India; The Book of Trees; Bhopal, The Inside Story and Where There Is No Psychiatrist.”

According to Nicky, making art is the easy part, as it is something that he enjoys doing. Handling the marketing side of his work is the most challenging, he says.

A bright future

“I want to be doing a lot more than what I am presently doing. Once my studio cum gallery opens at Palolem – Goa, I am looking forward to incorporating various types of art in my work.”

Thomas reveals that his wife is tremendously supportive of his art career, although the rest of his family was against it. For them, a career in fine art was unheard of. He has no regrets though. Art is his passion and will continue to be so.

Some of his all time favourite artist’s are the legendary Andy Warhol; Roy Lichtenstein, a prominent American Pop artist and the exceptionally talented F.N. Souza.

“Art should be fun and appealing to everybody, whether rich or poor. It should not be made only for the intellectual or the elite of society. It is essential to keep doing what you like,” is his message to aspiring artists.

Black and white: the complexities of mixed-race families

This is a feature that I wrote for my student magazine, nurture. The pictures are snapshots of my page layouts.

Mixed-race article layout in my student magazine – nurture

Mixed-race relationships are lending a hand in contributing to Britian’s increasingly racially integrated culture.

Though times are changing, this does not make it easier on multiracial children.

As an interracial couple in Britain, maybe you were never at the receiving end of angry looks and offensive comments… or unfortunately, maybe you were.

What does the future hold for mixed-race couples who already have children or plan to start a family? Do you, as parents, ever wonder if their lives might be tougher because they are of mixed heritage?

What explanation do you give your kids when they begin to question “why is mummy white and daddy brown?” No one said it would be easy.

A 2009 study commissioned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) reveals that one in 10 children in the UK belongs to a mixed-race family.

The study predicts that if current trends continue, some ethnic minorities may disappear entirely as people from mixed-race backgrounds become increasingly common.

Although these findings are hugely positive and call for a moment of celebration, there is still much to be fought for.

Serious issues
The old, polarising debate about black and white is changing, and the next generation will not see race in the same way the older generation once did.

Britain’s diverse culture is becoming all the more fascinating and inter-connected. But being complacent continues to remain a distant merit, as other challenges continue to loom on the horizon.

People in the public eye like Barack Obama or Lewis Hamilton may have changed society’s views on interracial children, but are there more serious effects on these kids than what is actually shown?

Retired child psychologist Alison Brown says, “Prior to tying-the-knot, it is crucial that the interracial couple agrees on some sort of plan for how they will raise any potential children.

This will aid in avoiding any future unpleasantness or break-ups, thus sparing the child from any unnecessary stress, and many a time, even trauma.”

Religion, it is said, is the mother of all evil and this can ring true for children of  mixed-race marriages.

As many couples do not follow the same religion as their partner, some decision has to be made when deciding on one for their child.

Kelly , who is three months pregnant, Caucasian and recently separated from her Afro-Caribbean boyfriend of four years, is not so sure what the future holds for her unborn baby.

“Religion and interfering parents were major factors that lead to our break-up,”   she says.

“To begin with, both our families were against our relationship. What is of major concern to them, is that my ex-partner and I come from different religious backgrounds.

Michael comes from Jamaica and is Muslim, while I was brought up a staunch Catholic in Britain. My parents hit the roof when they learnt that I was pregnant.                                                                                                                                                   

Mixed-race article layout in my student magazine - nurture

They made it clear that our child had to be raised Catholic, otherwise they would break all contact with me.

This news didn’t go down very well with Mike and his parents. In the end, it just got too much to handle and we decided to end our relationship.”

Michael, Kelly’s ex-partner, elaborates on their mutual decision to split-up. “I don’t think our baby should be brought up with any set religion.

What is most important is that our child is spiritually aware, and does not have any prejudice against anyone.

Although Kelly and I have thoroughly discussed this issue, she doesn’t agree, and neither do our parents. It’s just a no-win situation.”

As in the above case, it is evident that faith can be a major source of friction in interracial families.

Another serious issue parents also have to remain vigilant against is discrimination on the basis of colour.

As Alison Brown says, “Racists need to categorise everyone and clearly, a biracial child does not fit neatly into any of these so-called ‘categories’.

This in turn, leads racist individuals to become resentful and to develop strong feelings of hatred towards these children and even their parents, for no fault of their own.”

People in Harmony, a national organisation that aims to support mixed-race families, offers very clear advice when it comes to dealing with racism.

They say, “Don’t let people get away with it. Challenging prejudice – which is so often born of ignorance – can make people think twice about their views.”

The organisation recommends parents to show their children how to deal with such racist remarks: “Of course, in some situations it is best to say nothing and it is the parents duty to judge when that is.”

Another issue a biracial child may encounter is that of an identity crisis. The      main reason for this is that the child embodies two racial groups that are defined very differently.

When the child is old enough to understand its identity, the parents need to step in and educate him or her. This is not always easy for the parents who usually come from two diverse ethnic backgrounds.

However, it is absolutely essential that a biracial child has a clear and positive sense of identity.                        

“The biggest issue biracial children face is the identity crisis,” state Vladimir Piskacek and Marlene Golub, the authors of Children of Interracial Marriages: Expectations and Realities.

The book reveals, “An individual’s sense of self is derived from the identity of one’s father and mother. So if the parents are unified in their perception of their child, then he or she is more likely to have an integrated sense of self.”

In order to resolve this race-related identity crisis, child therapist Andy Jackson of St Nicholas Church in Tooting believes that it is best if parents have an open discussion with each other on how they want to raise their kids, and expose them to their mother or father’s culture, or a healthy balance of both.

Jackson continues, “It is the parents’ job to make their child come to terms with their identity. Although this is by no means an easy task, it will benefit the child in the long run, giving him or her a clear sense of who they actually are.”

Sometimes, the relationship between parents and children can be strained, but grandparents and grandchildren usually get along.

Many times, because of this strong bond, an interracial family will draw closer together. However, old-fashioned views of associating with “people of colour” can cloud a grandparent’s thought process. They may keep their distance for fear of being labelled for associating with a biracial family.

This sudden distance and resentment would confuse any biracial child, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression on how he or she is viewed by society.

But it is not all doom and gloom for parenting interracial children. There are certain advantages to being born into a multiracial family.

 

For instance, a child has the power not just to comprehend, but identify with multiple racial perspectives. In other words, a biracial kid will be able to relate to people in more than one racial group, thus broadening his or her cultural experience.

Additionally, some parents discover things about their own identity, as they bring up their own mixed-race children, which in turn benefit them both.

As far as educational advantages are concerned, a biracial child can apply for scholarships and other academic facilities that are limited to “children of colour”.

These benefits have been established to achieve educational goals for the whole population and attempts to reduce the damages caused by racism.

Some biracial couples have all the luck in the world when it comes to their kids. Stan, a British-Asian, and Mary D’Souza, a Caucasian from Ireland have been married for eight years and have three children, aged eight, seven and five.

“I think our kids get the best of both worlds, to be honest,” says Stan.

“Even though we live in England and they are accustomed to this way of life, we make it a point to visit India every year, so they experience that part of their culture, too.

Even at home, we cook curries and chapatis on some days and prepare fish and chips, or something very British for the rest of the week. I think we have a nice mix of things,” adds Stan.

Stan’s wife Mary says, “Because we live in a multi-cultural society, thankfully it’s not unusual at all to see interracial children at school or in our neighbourhood.
Our children aren’t treated any different just because they are Anglo-Indians. In fact, their school celebrates their diversity.”

She smiles, gesturing to their son Kieran. “Last month, my youngest son had to dress up in traditional Indian clothes for a school play. It was just fantastic. He thoroughly enjoyed it, and because of our frequent trips to India, he’s seen Indian clothing for himself, and was happy to wear it. Even though he’s just five years old, he understands that he’s both Indian and Irish.”

She adds, “As my husband and I are very close to our families, the kids spend equal amounts of time with both the Irish and Indian sides.
On top of all of this, both of us are Catholic, so that made the question of what religion our kids would follow much easier.”

 

Support
Alison Brown believes that talking to others within the mixed-race community is extremely useful, and can even be therapeutic.

There are a number of organisations in the UK that aim to help families tackle unacceptable comments and behaviour, whether from members of the public, children’s peers or even their own relatives.

Intermix.org.uk is a website where mixed-race people or families can exchange thoughts and feelings about their experiences – whether good or bad good – and find out more about the interracial experience.
Sharron Hall, editor of Intermix says, “It’s important to teach your child to be proud of both sides of their heritage.

Although there may sometimes be racial tension between races, there are also many good things that come from people of different races getting together and your family is one of them.”

Nothing but an Inspiration….

Inspirations features a classic goan speciality - Pork sorpotel on its menu; Source: Wikipedia

From top educational institutions to nightclubs, Porvorim has it all, including, one of North Goa’s finest eateries – Inspirations.

Mario, a born artist and an architect by profession; Fredrick, an accountant and Gloria, a quality control technician in a chemical firm…. how are they all linked, one may wonder?

Well, they are all part of the D’Souza family and co-owners of Inspirations. Theirs is a blend of diverse talents and forms Inspiration’s unique base.

Strategically located in the heart of Porvorim at the Nova Cidade Complex in Goa, India, Inspirations offers a sumptuous assortment of cakes, snacks and meals, catering to every taste and budget.

Formerly owned by another party, Inspirations came into their possession in 2000. It was a dream come true for team Inspiration and they jumped at the prospect.

“Under the previous ownership, Inspirations had built quite a name for itself. Their cakes were one of the best. However, when we took over, we were confident that we would make it an even greater success, although none of us had any formal training.

We did carry on with a few of their cakes and snacks, but of course, today we have put in our own ideas. Pies, ‘samosas’, spring rolls, sandwiches, pizzas and a range of burgers are some of our prominent items.

Mini-meals are a favourite at lunchtime and include Goan specialties like ‘sorpotel’ and ‘chicken xacuti’.”

She continues, “Some customers just love our brownies, whilst others fancy our chocolate or walnut cakes. As far as beverages are concerned, cold coffee and lime soda are quite popular.

We get a number of regulars, including students from the five colleges around the area. Apart from them, Indian as well as international tourists drop in for a bite.”

Harmonious relationship

Running a family business has the potential to put strain on both, the family relationship and the business. On the plus side however, it can be a truly rewarding experience, as is the case with the smooth running of Inspirations.

In addition to a competent team of 15 hardworking, honest local women, Gloria, her husband and brother are involved in their individual departments.

“Mario is the all-rounder and is in charge of purchasing ingredients, production, as well as supervision. He even designed the dining bay of the shop.

Freddy (the more business minded of the three) runs the counter and is in charge of sales, while I am more involved in production, apart from supervising the staff,” reveals Gloria.

Family participation in a business can in fact strengthen it, as the members are incredibly loyal and dedicated to the enterprise.

“For instance, when we began, my mum, who is especially talented at preparing snacks and baking cakes, was a part of the savouries section.

During Christmas, the family chips in with painting the windows and on ordinary workdays, they lend a hand around the shop.”

In spite of their booming success, the D’Souza’s have no momentary desire to expand.

“Many customers urge us to open other branches around Goa. However, we feel that it is essential to devote our full attention to just a single project.

For those aspiring to enter and succeed in this cut-throat business, Gloria feels that it is essential to keep some indispensable factors in mind.

“We believe in starting small with what you can do best. Furthermore, do not entirely depend on the staff for everything. Personal attention is crucial, as is hard work and determination. At the end of the day, a good quality product should be the result.”

Bridging the gap: Namah’s musical journey

A choir in action; Source: Wikipedia

Namah, the Sanskrit word for greeting and openness, is what this 35-member a cappella choir (singing sans instruments) is all about.

Age is not an issue and contributes to the group’s individuality.

“Music is music only when you share it with others, which serves as the aim of the choir. It teaches one to be selfless,” says Christo Fernandes, its proud conductor.

He not only has several outstanding violin recitals to his credit, both in India as well as internationally, but serves as an important link in the Namah chain.

A modest Christo, has nothing but praise for the 35-member choir and expresses his appreciation towards Kala Academy – Goa, where he has completed three years of teaching the violin.

A dynamic ensemble of Goa’s local talent, Namah comprises of people from diverse walks of life, wholly dedicated to a common goal. They are committed to the greater cause of propagating and creating musical awareness amongst the general public.

What is remarkable about this choral group is the fact that most of its members have little or no formal musical training.

Despite this, they have received high acclaim in a short period amid Goa’s music circle. Concert for the King; Concert for Love; performances at the Archbishop’s Palace, as well as the Governor’s Palace are a few shows where in the group’s talent has been showcased.

Namah unveiled

On December 9, 2007, Namah was invited by The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy, Mumbai, to be part of their twenty-fourth annual concert. Apart from being the groups first out of state performance, it was Goa’s first ever representation at The Festival of Festive Music.

Ecstatic about the show, the choir worked tirelessly. Months of rehearsals, in addition to choosing songs and picking out the perfect outfit made for a gruelling experience.

Their persistence and hard work eventually paid off, as at the end of the performance, the compere’s remark “That was a great entry for Goan’s in Mumbai” hit home.

Alice, a member of the group, recollects a practice session the choir had near the Gateway of India. She deems it to be the highlight of the entire trip.

“As we were singing, some passers-by actually gathered around and, before we knew it, began taking photographs of us, and at the end of the song, they applauded.

I like to think that there was something in our music that drew a large section of the public, even in a busy metropolitan city like Mumbai,” quips the exuberant lady with unmistakable pride in her voice.

Forming the choir

About a year and a half ago, a handful of people approached Christo Fernandes through Kala Academy, with the proposal of starting a choir.

Greatly pleased to be part of this musical venture, he accepted the offer to be involved in contributing to a social cause of this calibre and of course, the rest is history.

“The past two years have truly been a learning experience for everyone,” reveals Christo. “There is a bonding within the group. We have developed a tolerance for one another.

As far as singing is concerned, each member has to accordingly adjust to the four-part harmony, Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass (SATB).”

Onilda, one of Namah’s younger members says, “Sir Christo is extremely patient and considering that most of us are unable to read music, the entire burden to teach weighs heavily on him.

As we sing in four different voices, he has to teach each one separately. It takes a lot to do that, not to mention a great deal of time.”

She continues, “A prominent feature of the group is the absence of age disparities. Although our youngest is 17 and our oldest is 67, we share an amiable relationship with one another. At the end of the day, Sir knows how to get the work done.”

Hot stuff

Remember to always protect yourself form the sun; Source: Wikipedia

Looking forward to a day at the park with your kids or how about basking in your backyard or a weekend getaway, with that oh, so lovely sun beating down on you?Did you know though, that even the slightest exposure to the sun could target fair skin, far worse than people with a slightly darker complexion?

Seek some shade if outdoor activities are unavoidable. If you can’t avoid being in the sun however, then don’t forget to slap on that sunscreen, preferably with a S.P.F. (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher, before you venture outdoors.

Although the act of applying sunblock may seem like a bore, believe me, prevention is far better than cure.

Besides sunscreen, a fashionable large-brimmed hat or baseball cap should do the trick or what about a fancy parasol? And don’t forget those ever-important shades. Your eyes need protection too.

If you forgot your sun protection and ended up burnt or if you slathered it on unevenly and you have a streak of red across some part of your body (how embarrassing!!) you’re paying for it now with reddened skin. Ouch. Although you may not acknowledge it, your skin certainly does!

Remedies

Sunburn, at times, can cause mild pain and redness, affecting only the outer layer of skin. The thick sap of the aloe vera plant or a soak in a cooling tea bath are excellent home remedies to a soothing effect. 

You may not think much of a mild one, but what if you have developed oozy blisters? Still think nothing of it? This type of sunburn is usually more painful and takes longer to heal. In severe cases like this, it’s time to bring in the professionals.

Sunburn is something a great deal of people experience fairly regularly during the summer season. Just because it is commonplace, does not mean that this condition does not require special attention proper care.

Don’t ignore the telltale signs of the sun’s damaging effect on your precious skin. In reality, anyone who spends too much of unprotected time in the sun is a candidate for first or second-degree burns, children included.

So, don’t forget to slather on that sunscreen on all parts of your skin exposed to the sun.