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| A section of the audience at Parikrama 0.8. |
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| Awardee Vishwapratap after his felicitation. |
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| Shri Digambar Kamat and Rajendra Talak on the dais. |
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| Queenie Viegas and Brian Mendonca. -Brian Mendonca One of the takeaways of Parikrama 0.8 this morning at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao was the presentation of local Goan vegetables to the dignitaries and the awardees. It was a novel gesture and one that prompted quips from the audience. Yet, if one thinks about it, it is so apt. Flowers shrivel. At least bhaji can ensure you do not go hungry. The dynamic played out in front of me. One of the awardees - a gent coiffured in his kurta - stepped down the stage and took his seat on the sofa in front. He leaned behind - somewhat unsure - gestured to a lady, and hastily gave the vegetables to her. She accepted it, a little sheepishly, and took her seat near an elderly gent. The lady was perhaps his wife, and the elderly gent may have been his father. The lady seemed very happy as she nursed the vegetables on her lap. (Top pic) In this way the whole family benefitted. A close-up of the vegetables could be seen as Vishwapratap Pawar took his seat after his felicitation. He was awarded the 8th Dr. Madhavi Sardesai Puraskar. He carried the gift proudly in one hand, his citation in the other. Both seemed equally important. The tambdi bhaji could be seen as well as sprouts, and roots on a bed of palm fronds. It was tastefully arranged and led one to imagine what dish could be prepared. The vegetables established our rootedness to our soil and the land. It was a gesture which was at the same time both simple and profound. As Queenie Mendonca put it, 'One must have the humility to give as well as to receive the vegetables.' The name Parikrama recalled the Indo-fusion rock band from Delhi. Featured above is their song 'Don't Cut Me down' (2024). Back in Goa, Parikrama, supported by the Government of Goa, 'continues its tradition of recognizing grassroots changemakers and cultural torchbearers who inspire young minds and contribute meaningfully to Goa's intellectual and cultural ecosystem' says a press note. College teams get together and showcase personalities who have contributed to Goa's cultural life. It is a moment of basking in our love for Goa and our shared heritage. ----------------------------------- Pix by Brian Mendonca. Taken on 7/2/26. |
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