Dr. Brian Mendonca reads in Portuguese at the 'Sessao de Leituras Lusofonas' on the International Day of Portuguese Language at the Camoes-Centro de Lingua Portuguesa - Camoes, Casa Basilio Dias, Panjim, Goa on 5 May 2019.
The texts chosen were from Saramago, The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis, 'Goes' by Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen and my own poem 'Fugitivo.' Brian introduced himself in Portuguese. He was awarded a certificate of participation and a book by Alvaro Magalhaes O'ultimo Grimm published in Portugal in 2007.
Certificates were distributed to the students who had completed the Portuguese language courses successfully. I felt I should enroll for a course - and continue my exploration of the language I had begun at the Instituto Camoes, Nova Deli in 2001-04. The classrooms were spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. The teachers had a twinkle in their eye. After the about 20 readings which ranged from poetry, prose to historical accounts, there was a cultural programme of songs presented by the students. One of the songs was 'Encosta tua Cabecinha'. I felt urged to get up and perform 'Eu Daria Minha' on the guitar but did not have the chords and music at the time.
Asked to offer a few words by Sarah, the compere (in pix) I spoke of how the lyrical setting seemed to gather all the writers of Portugal past and present in the room, with the river Mandovi in the background.
The programme ended too soon with Portuguese wine and snacks being served on the patio. It was a pleasure meeting so many people who loved the Portuguese language, two of whom were my students.
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Pix. Bust of Camoes at the entrance to the Camoes-Centre de Lingua Portuguesa, Panaji, Goa
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