------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 An online tribute http://aquinobraganca.wordpress.com/ (includes many historical references, some photographs and documents)
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cycling carries a message, with a new network in Goa In this fast paced world; sometimes it becomes very important to just slow down and look around. And possibly the best way to achieve this, is by cycling, says Arti Das [arat...@rediffmail.com] of the GOMANTAK TIMES who just explored a whole new world. I must confess here, that my first love is cycling. I learnt to do this in my childhood days and always felt, that it gave me a sense of freedom. But, with the passage of time, this love took a backseat, only to be re-born when I heard about the Goa Cycle Club. Just one month-old, this club initiated by enthusiastic Joseph Rodrigues, is trying hard to make people aware, that cycling is synonymous with fitness. "I am more of an amateur cyclist but I feel it is the best way to remain fit," says Joseph, who is also a professional Karate instructor. His main aim through this club, is to make people aware, that cycling can be feasible in today's times also. "Through this club our three main aims are-to give knowledge of fitness through cycling, reduce the harmful emission, by using this eco-friendly mode of transport and also prevent the ongoing congestion on the road," explains Joseph. Taking his piece of advice and ready to be reunited with my love, I joined the first cycle trek that was conducted last Sunday on April 5. Cycling all the way The cycle trek began with nine cycling enthusiasts (including myself), from the Miramar circle. We were a mix, consisting of two students, young professionals, Anil Pereira, the owner of Champs showroom in Panjim and the Director of Institute Camoes, Dr Delfim Correia da Silva. It was a wonderful ride that initiated from Miramar and went up to the NIO circle in Dona Paula, bypassing the newly done up roads in Taliegao, steep slope and the University road. This cycling-cum-chatting experience was a great way to get closer to the surroundings, giving a sense of bonding with nature. Like Dr Delfim states, "Cycling has a lot of advantages-it keeps the body fit, opens one's mind, its good for the environment and the best thing is that you discover so many things, which you otherwise would ignore." To support this statement, he gave away an example. "When I was riding on this University road, I saw on a signboard, instructions that were written in English, Konkani, Hindi and even Portuguese, signifying a more than 40-year-old signboard." Whereas Dr Luis Dias from Panjim, who is quite committed about environment issues, believes that this concept of cycling should grow, and proper awareness should be created. Joesph believes, that this event in the future will kick-start wakefulness about cycling as a fitness regime, and also give way to thinking green. "We want to conduct at least one such event every month and also associate it with some other adventure activities like trekking," concludes Joseph. Interested people can join the 'Goa Cycle Club' on the social networking website-Facebook. It is free to join, provided you know to cycle. For cycle treks, arrangements of hiring a cycle can be made. For more details contact Joseph Rodrigues on jeorodrig...@rediffmail.com. Courtesy: Gomantak Times Contact the writer: arat...@rediffmail.com