------------------------------------------------------------------------ Remembering Aquino Braganca (b. 6 April 1924), who fought for freedom of the former Portuguese colonies in Africa. An online tribute http://aquinobraganca.wordpress.com/ (includes many historical references, some photographs and documents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Celebrating culture, the Italian way, on the Mandovi Lisa Monteiro joins the Circolo Italiano as they celebrate their second anniversary on board a cruise liner. The atmosphere was charged. It was either music or chit chattering that one could hear. Old friends reunited. Affectionate embraces and greetings were exchanged. Conversations began with, 'Ciao, come stai?' (Hi, how are you?) and ventured to English, Konkani and even Portuguese. The festa begins Time of the day: dusk. The venue: Mandovi River on board Noah's Ark. The occasion: the second anniversary of the Circolo Italiano. The people: of the vivacious sort. Onboard the ark, the second edition of the annual magazine, 'Rivista Annuale' was being released by Angela Trezza, the Director of the Italian Institute of Culture, New Delhi. Emanuela Carponi, the director of the Circolo and an Italian professor at the Goa University just finished presenting her welcome speech with many of her students in the audience. "The Circolo was born as a natural desire of the students who once completed the Italian course and wished to remain in touch with the Italian language and culture. Without having to study grammar or appear for examinations, the group still has the pleasure of meeting one another and exchanging ideas," grins Emanuela While everything appeared rather relaxed and informal that eventful Tuesday evening. Circolo Italiano functions as a registered body throughout the year with committed members, meeting up every other Friday to brush up on their Italian. And assorted ways they find to do this. "We watch Italian movies and have Italian cookery classes when we need a break from the routine," says Tanya Mascarenhas, secretary. While physically on board Noah's Ark, the members of the Circolo were taking everyone on a cultural journey to many a province in Italy from the historically rich Rome to Florence boasting of art, and Venice synonymous with gondolas. Cross country ties The Italian songs made Soprano Singer, Leopoldina Figueiredo from Margao, nostalgic. "This atmosphere of Italian togetherness brings back memories of my years spent in Rome. I enjoyed the peace and calmness too," she says, referring to the Mandovi River. Leopoldina wasn't the only one who travelled a great distance for the anniversary. A lover of the Italian language, Dr Prahalad made a trip from Bangalore, especially for the occasion. "So many people learn Italian and then forget it easily." Ave Cleto Afonso, President of the Circolo, and a former scribe, believes that his involvement in the group enriches him and his culture, as a Goan. "This is not a group for foreigners, nor are we trying to escape from our roots. It is more like a cultural bridge." And members have their own reasons for interacting with the group. The seventy plus couple, Ema and Bernardino de Sousa from Panjim, with their never-say-die attitude, take pleasure in learning something new and meeting new people. "As age grows on us, many of our contemporaries are not circulating, remaining indoors. We love to socialise and decided to do something to improve ourselves," says an affable Ema. Taking it up as a challenge, the couple signed up for the Italian course at the University in 2006 and completed the basic as well as the advanced course, passing all the exams. To be able to learn the language directly from an Italian, is fantastic, there's nothing like it, expresses Ema who also speaks Portuguese and French fluently. What did it feel like answering exams all over again? "My wife was very nervous. I on the other hand was relaxed. The best way to learn the language is to write letters to your boyfriend in Italian," humours Bernadino. Dr Mohan Sangodkar, Registrar of Goa University couldn't have been more right when he said, "Each country has t's own culture and richness and here, exchanging all these things, especially with the younger generations is very important. The earth is being threatened by terrorism and it is moments like these that are to be treasured." COURTESY: Gomantak Times, April 7, 2009 _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/ _/ Send in your feedback to the _/ writer: liz_mon...@yahoo.com _/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/