Konkani in Nike Ad!

Have you seen the new Nike "cricket" ad on Indian television?

The audio track for the ad has a Konkani song. Konkani? Yes, Konkani! (Konkani is the pre-dominant language of Goa; it's also spoken in other parts of the Konkan region).



The original Konkani song Bebdo (drunkard) was written and composed by the inimitable Goan music maestro Chris Perry and rendered by Goa's nightingale Lorna.

Though I couldn't figure out why the ad makers have used the Konkani song (the original lyrics are modified), I have no complaints. One rarely gets to hear Konkani on national television! Of course, the pulsating rhythm of the song does make heads turn towards the ad.

Oh My Love!

Indeed, It's a mystique smile
Everyday as I walk the mile
Alongside your cottage on the scenic isle.

Looking at your glowing self, time just flies
Striking fire from my captivated eyes
As my mouth emits faint yet sweet sighs.

You always appear gorgeous in the red,
But, I know not whether you are glad or sad;
Nonetheless, you have made me mad.

They say that your father is a potter,
So, someday I'll come to your house to ask for water
And rob your parents of a charming daughter.

Then, the world can only watch us carve
A beautiful image of our Love.

(written during my college days many years ago)

101 (Cyber) Goans Honours List

Earlier this year, Frederick Noronha, an independent journalist based in Goa, compiled and released a list of 101 "cybergoans" to acknowledge the contributions by people of Goan origin, regardless of where they are located, and in what field they work. The list is largely based on information emerging in cyberspace.

Undoubtedly, I believe it's a great effort by FN (as he's known in cyberspace). The list throws up quite a lot of interesting tidbits about the successes of Goans around the world.

Of course, FN himself admits that the list is a subjective view, and certainly not the last word on the subject. "But we do need to start recognising the contribution of people from this small region... where ever they are located, and in whichever field," adds FN.

Click to view the complete 101 cybergoans honours list.

The Gazelle from Chandor

Quiz question.

In 1962, who was the supreme sprinter in the whole of the Commonwealth?

No kidding, it was someone with roots in Chandor (Goa): Seraphino Antao.

In 1962, at the Commonwealth Games in Perth, Seraphino (running for Kenya) won the 100 yards and 220 yards golden double. It's reported that Seraphino still remains the only Kenyan to have ever won gold in the short sprints at any world level.

Fondly known as "Gazelle" in his youth, we can perhaps call Seraphino the fastest Goan in the world!

Seraphino was born in Chandor; he grew up in and ran for Kenya; he currently resides in the UK.

The Goan Voice UK has a link that includes articles about Seraphino in the media.

For a detailed list of Seraphino's athletic feathers in the cap, see the Sporty Goans blog.

The Hutch dog is from Goa!

A silly-face pug follows a boy in the playground, the room, the road, up the stairs, over a bridge, back into the room and the tag line reads: ‘Wherever you go our network follows.’

Simple, effective. And quite spontaneous.

If you haven't guessed it as yet, that's the Hutch television ad for mobile services.

But why am I so interested in the ad? It's just that the dog in the ad is from Goa!

The creative team at OgilvyOne wanted a cute mutt and they found ‘Chika’ with a couple in Goa. The boy in the Hutch ad is the son of a filmmaker. The duo got along so famously that the film was shot spot on! No retakes.

Read the story about four-footed models in The Financial Express.

Goan Stories from Around the World

The Goan Voice UK is one of the best sources for "Goan" news stories emerging from around the world. Eddie Fernandes, who runs the service, has the uncanny ability to unearth stories about Goa and Goans appearing in the vast expanse of cyberspace.

While many of the news articles may not interest Goans outside the UK, a lot of the other news stories highlight different facets of Goa and the achievements and successes of Goans around the world.

Keep up the good work Eddie!

(Cyber) Networking Chandor

We now have a Chandor Cyberforum. Chandor, of course, is my native Goan village known for its scenic beauty. The cybergroup is intended to be a mailing list, discussion forum, and newsgroup for current and past residents and lovers of Chandor from around the world.

The group is still new; so nothing much is happening there right now. If you are interested in the Goan village, do join the group and help make it vibrant.